Hickory Tavern

The Hickory Tavern is located in the Vista of Columbia, SC.

It was a cold, dreary January day when we visited so no one was sitting outside. Outdoor seating is available upstairs and downstairs.

This sports bar has many televisions on inside.

A little bit of everything was being shown.

It has a great casual atmosphere.

Most importantly the food was delicious.

Jim enjoyed his usual go to, the Rueben, a sandwich of corned beef, sauerkraut, swiss, 1000 Island on rye bread.

I had my usual go to which is the veggie burger, a three grain patty of brown rice, quinoa and bulgur along with roasted corn, black beans and roasted red peppers.

The french fries here were thicker than I usually prefer, however they were perfect. Soft on the inside and crispy on the outside.

We would give the place an overall 4/5 stars since while the food was very good, it was not the best we have tasted in the area for our typical go to choices.

This Palmetto Espresso Porter from the Palmetto Brewing Co. of Charleston was amazing!

If you go, located at:
907 Senate Street
Columbia, SC

Opens at 11am daily. Closes at midnight Sunday thru Wednesday and closes at 2am Thursday thru Saturday. 

My guess is this a party spot at night for the university students! It is also in walking distance to the convention center and arena. A great spot of stop in before or after an event.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Old Chicago

Old Chicago is located in the Vista of Columbia, SC.

Since it is a taproom as well as a pizzeria, we stopped in to sample a flight of brews. We tried:

Nice and Bright Gose (Palmetto Brewing Company, South Carolina)
Mama's Little Yella Pilsner (Oskars Blues Brewery, Colorado)
Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout (Terrapin Beer Co., Georgia)
Watermelon Dragonfuit Burst (Wicked Weed Brewing, North Carolina). Yes this is a sparkling one!

My favorite was the milk stout. I am really developing a taste for those chocolately, coffee like brews.

The pilsner was not for us but we did really enjoy all the others.

I also ordered a Gluten Sensitive pizza with mushrooms and spinach. I tend to order gluten free when available since my tummy has trouble breaking down white breads. This was actually the best gluten free pizza I have had in a restaurant. Impressive and delicious!

Considering how crowded the restaurant was, it must see a lot of regulars. It is a great place to grab some beer and pizza, a perfect combo.

If you go, located at:
802 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC 29201

Sunday to Thursday 11am - 1am
Friday to Saturday 11am - 2am

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

Twisted Spur Brewing

We enjoyed a flight at Twisted Spur Brewing in the Vista of Columbia, SC.

How fun is the serving platter in the shape of South Carolina?

We went with Coco Hefe (my favorite), Great White Buffalo (Jim's favorite), Sexi Mexi and Lemon Pill.

The beer is brewed on site behind the bar.

The food was excellent. Jim enjoyed the Cocky Cajun Chicken Salad which was blackened chicken breast, romaine, garlic croutons, and asiago, tossed in house-made Caesar dressing.

I enjoyed the Black Bean Melt which was a house made black bean patty with melted cheddar cheese, mixed greens, shaved red onion, tomato, and citrus sour cream on jalapeño bread. Perfect hand cut fries were on the side.

We certainly appreciated the food and beer here as well as the reasonable prices.

If you go, located at 705 Gervais Street in Columbia, SC. Current hours are:

Monday-Thursday 4 pm-11pm

Friday 11am-12am

Saturday 10am-12am

Sunday 10am-11pm

Brunch Served 10am - 2pm Saturday and Sunday

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val

City Art

City Art in Columbia, SC is a cool place to visit as an artist or a lover of the arts.

An enjoyable place to shop for the perfect art piece for your home.

City Art is more than just an art gallery. The gorgeous old building also houses an art supply shop, custom framing and art classes.

The inviting layout is a joy to explore.

With a wide variety of art, there is something for everyone.

The old building itself is charming and even rented out as a wedding venue.

How fabulous is the decorated old elevator shaft?

I did have favorites.

This is Storm Clouds Clearing by Claire Farrell.

The style of Bruce Nellsmith has me desiring to jump into his paintings. This one is Market Day in Colliouere.

The artwork that spoke to me most were the pieces by Wanda Steppe since still lifes always capture my attention at museums.

Paired with a magical vibe, I find these pieces very enchanting and thought provoking.

David's Gift by Wanda Steppe

Taproot by Wanda Steppe

If you go:
City Art
1224 Lincoln Street
Columbia, SC 2901

Mon - Thur 10am - 6pm
Fri 10am - 5pm
Sat 11am - 3pm


I hope you enjoyed this walk through City Art.


Thank you for stopping by!  ~Val

929 Kitchen and Bar

929 Kitchen and Bar is located in the Vista of Columbia, SC. 

This restaurant captures the essence of spicy Korean cuisine in an upscale, yet laid back environment.

 

The menu features more traditional Korean dishes as well as fusion fun, like tacos.

 

I enjoyed a vegetarian bibimpap with fried tofu, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, mung bean sprouts, radish and lettuce topped with a fried egg.  

Adding the spicy Gochujang sauce, it was tantalizing to my taste buds! The hot stone bowl includes yummy crunchy rice on the bottom.

Jim enjoyed the Korean Philly. This was spicy pork with bell peppers and onions on a toasty white bread. The amazing side is crispy truffle parmesan fries.

If you go, located at:
929 Gervais Street
Columbia, SC
Open daily. For hours, click here.

Thank you for stopping by! ~Val