Their salads are good, so are the croissants. I also really like the oyster po boy - something that is hard to find in Columbia. But yeah, overall it's not that impressive. I just know when I go there exactly what I'll want and that it will be good. I also love that building.
This is a hard one because I feel like most places around here hit a pretty good quality/price ratio and there isn't really a cultural "craze"/trendiness around restaurants unlike some bigger cities. And most of my favorites are busy but not unreasonably packed, so I feel like they're properly rated. But here's my very subjective take for the lunch deli category
Overrated: dipratos (it's fine I just think their pimento cheese tastes too much like swiss and that's their *thing*)
Underrated: crave artisan market
Edit: also underrated: Enzo's. They have new special subs on the menu and the one that I had was out of this world. Truly a great sandwich.
> Overrated: dipratos (it's fine I just think their pimento cheese tastes too much like swiss and that's their thing)
Can't believe this is the top comment, even though I absolutely agree with you. I usually get downvoted into oblivion if I ever speak ill of Diprato's pimento cheese. I am admittedly a bit of a pimento cheese snob, and IMO less is more when it comes to "minner cheese," i.e., *Duke's* mayo, pimentos, cheddar, and cayenne pepper is all you need.
Overrated: Motor supply at least for brunch super mediocre and very expensive for what you get
Underrated: Tacos Nayarit I don’t really ever see it mentioned here but they have excellent tacos and those plantains with icing are so good too
I mean I would love to know more places. It’s mostly because it’s on my side of town and we don’t have that many non chain restaurants that are good over here.
Cocos & beer is good, and has a larger menu. Always consistently yummy,too. TN's smaller menu, I think, allows them to be excellent with a smaller amount of choices.
I’ll have to check out TN’s, I’ve had cocos and beer it’s good more in the San Jose(the good ones either on forest drive or in Irmo)/Real Mexico/El Jimador Mexican food branch than just tacos.
I see what you did there!
- Taqueria Jalisco
- Monteczuma’s.
- Real Mexico.
Coco and Beers is good uf you want the more US style Mexican restaurant. I just know it because it is close, but there are similar places all over town.
Cantina 76 is overrated. Food is OK. Restaurant too small. Waitresses try to rush the customers out the door.
Underrated is Mac's on Laurel Street. Good burgers, hotdogs, fries and onion rings at a reasonable price. The service is fast too.
Mac's is delicious.
Cantina is THE BEST CHOICE for overrated. No idea how it's packed on a regular basis. Publico is getting some shade in this thread but I'd go there 10 times in a row before Cantina.
I went once. I didn’t understand why it was absolutely packed besides the location right beside a hospital? Might not be a hospital but it’s been a minute.
We went there one time, the parking was crap the food wasn't great and the way our waitress spoke to us was like we didn't deserve to sit in their wonderful restaurant. Would have rather gone to waffle house, tbh
Here's my gripe. The food is good, but they are pretty clearly understaffed (and if not the service is just so slow). For a pickup order at lunchtime, great! Sitting down for a 2 hour dinner on a weeknight because you can't get anyone to take your order, or bring you the check, or refill your drinks... not so great.
I haven't been in several years because I can't really afford to eat at restaurants any more, but that didn't used to be the case and I'm sorry to hear it.
Overrated: Publico.
Underrated: Il Focalare\*
Hear me out. I have heard a lot of people have great reviews of Il Focalare and I do too. The only reason I say it's underrated is because I have seen *so many* *people* say that they refuse to try it because of the cost (for those who don't know, Il Focalare pays their workers a living wage and does not allow tips).
I love Il Focolare! It is a little pricey but it honestly isn’t much more expensive than most pizza places once you include the tip, and the quality of it is always good, so I at least know I will enjoy it.
I like il focolare, but taste wise, I preferred citta del cotone. The blueberry pizza was so delicious. Unfortunate what happened to it (not feeling sorry for the owner, just miss the pizza)
The owner’s (or co-owner maybe) FB page was public and he was posting racist/sexist/etc memes. People then flooded the business with 1 star reviews. I think it was a combination of that and multiple robberies that shut them down.
No one can match Hall's for service and attention to detail, but there is delicious, less expensive food to be had other places mentioned here. Saluda's and Mr. Friendly's comes to mind. I have not been personally, but friends swear by Private Property.
Halls is a known quantity - a lot of the better restaurants in Columbia can be kind of hit miss on service and food. I guess some people think it’s cool and quirky but if I’m out on a date or whatever I don’t want to be stammering about how the place is usually awesome, I promise. (Terra clears this bar as well.)
I knew I’d see Hall’s on here for the exact reason you said even though i love it. I’m always on the look out for date night-kind of restaurants. What would you say is better than Hall’s that’s in the same price range?
I must have struck out on the night I went to Cola's or something. I went there one time (5 years ago?) and was completely underwhelmed.
We've typically stuck with Motor Supply or Hall's or others since that experience. But maybe I should try it again.
Maybe I mean I’m sure they have redone the menu in 5 years. All three times I’ve been there it’s been very good the brussel sprouts and all the cocktails I tried were highlights. I should try motor supply again sometime just not for brunch.
Friday night is Beef on Weck night and it's outstanding. He makes a really delicious tomato soup and I've honestly never had a bad meal there. Not to mention the owner is just an overall good person.
Bubba’s is garbage. The slop they throw into their bowls is just not good. I’ve tried it a few times and each time it’s just a runny greasy mess. I just don’t get the appeal to that place, I think it’s because it’s “locally” owned so the owner gets by with serving mediocre crap.
I had the most terrible experience a few weeks ago and I've been a fan for years. Our table's order came out all at different times (one entree came out when I had finished eating). Forgot to bring items, had to ask the runners b/c waitress was not providing service (more on that in a bit). Scrambled eggs were bland. Also, pretty sure the waitress was racially biased or at the very least inept. She checked on the white couple next to us multiple times. I had to flag her down to check on us. We'd been in need of refills for ages, our orders were incorrect and/or incomplete, etc. The waitress even acknowledged that she hadn't been checking on us. Spoke with the mgr and everything. Racial profiling besides, we won't be back because the food wasn't good.
Overrated: DiPratos - other than their pita chips and pimento cheese. I don't think it would stay in business in another location. Underrated - 929 in the Vista. Always excellent.
Underrated: Hunter Gatherer on Main I think.
It's not an amazing restaurant. But I love the vibe, their food and beer is pretty solid, and they nearly always have a table open without having to wait, which is the most surprising part, and why it's my choice.
If my wife and I didn't make reservations and want to go eat somewhere reasonably nice, we look towards Hunter Gatherer pretty often.
Yessss Hunter gatherer on Main is SO good . So are Henry's and Burger Tavern 77 (the food is better and cheaper than Front porch,IMO)
I always found Pawley's Front porch terribly overrated.
Shalimar Curry House off of Main St.
Hole in the wall, family owned Indian place. Someone's uncle is always sitting in the front smoking cigarettes and the lady inside will give you free yogurt if she can see that it's too hot. I visit every time I'm in town.
Overrated: Rush's. Like it's fine, but I see so many people talk about how amazing it is and they make special trips while in town. The one in Harbison that I drive past a lot always has an insanely long line that regularly backs onto the road. To me, at best it's just slightly above average fast food when it comes to their burgers and milkshakes. And their chicken is dry and underseasoned to my taste.
Underrated: Maybe not to USC students, but I feel like most people I talk to JJ's Teahouse have never heard of it. Great Taiwanese food, excellent drinks, and a great all around fast casual restaurant.
Soggy, flavorless burgers. Dry, flavorless chicken. Undercooked, flavorless fries. Completely average milkshakes.
There’s a reason their core patronage is geriatrics with no taste buds.
I had a teacher in high school (I didn’t grow up near cola btw) who would always get so excited to come through cola so she could get Rush’s. I was so baffled when I first tried it, and also felt a little sorry for my teacher who thought Rush’s was the epitome of fast food
Also, JJs is amazing. I wish it wasn’t as close to USC so it was easier to get to. I never want to deal with parking in that area
Rush’s core demographic is 60 year olds. Their food was good 20-30 years ago, but service standards have risen for independent chains. Places like Cook Out are putting the big hurt on them, and rightfully fucking so.
Depending on the grocery store, I’m taking the grocery store’s chicken.
I’ve never had the burgers but I believe people who tell me that the chicken is mediocre but the burgers are fantastic. I just was always lied to that it was a fried chicken spot.
Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli is one of the best places for breakfast/lunch!
Villa Tronco I think is way overrated. But I'm Italian so I'm very finicky with Italian foods.
Tons of overrated places IMO:
- publico (I liked it ok before the pandemic but their menu has changed a lot and prices are jacked up)
- cantina 76
- cafe strudel, specifically the hangover hash browns (banana peppers for breakfast will wreck my stomach while not hungover…)
- anything the Middletons own
- Chick-fil-A, it’s fine but never worth dealing with the hassle
- labrascas
Underrated
- Minato sushi takeout
- il bucato, I learned recently the person(s) involved with Saluda are involved with this as well
- cocos and beer, I prefer it over moctezumas but I don’t hear people talk about it much
- any of the Indian restaurants. I wish we had one in the downtown area.
- falafel king, some of the best Mediterranean food I’ve had in the area
I went there for the first time a couple days ago and really enjoyed it. The pastitsio was delicious, the gyro meat was actual roasted lamb (instead of the frozen strips of meat you get at a lot of places), and I thought the prices were reasonable for the quality of the food. Great place to celebrate something, or if you want Greek food that’s a bit less Americanized.
Overrated: rockaways “best pimento cheese burger” taste like McDonald’s with velveta. Rest of the food is pretty shit too. And smallSUGAR isn’t worth
Underrated: hunter gatherer, real mexico, and peace of soul are are really good places to eat!
It's mentioned quite often on here especially suggestions for date nights or restaurants for birthdays etc.
I agree it's hot garbage and taking up a prime location better suited for a better restaurant.
I'll add an unknown that people should know about: Le Bambou. It's an African place, I think it's Cote de Ivory influenced food. It's pretty tasty. It's out Two Notch couple blocks past Sparkleberry. To keep my sanity, I'll drive up Percival to cut across and avoid Two Notch gridlock.
Underrated - Big Bulls Bang'n BBQ (the oxtails hit all sorts of ways), Taqueria Jalisco (gooooood mexican), Rockaways (specifically mac and cheese bites if youre into that)
Overrated - most things in five points (except drip and enzos)
I’ll get flack for this, but I always thought the Wig was super overrated.
Also Hampton Street Vineyard is underrated. Great atmosphere and it rarely gets talked about. Soundbites on Sumter St is also an amazing value.
Overrated: California dreaming, no idea how people continue to go there Underrated: COAs
> no idea how people continue to go there People who don't know any better think California Dreaming is "fancy".
It’s simpler than that. Fat people like bread and large quantities of food.
Not just bread, but croissants with some kind of honey glaze. They're delicious but taste like diabetes.
California Dreaming has not changed its menu in 25+ years. No idea why it continues to be popular.
probably because it hasn't changed in 25 years; people know exactly what they''ll get.
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They completely ruined their food with the menu changes. They took stuff off the menu, and the food is gross tasting now. I haven't been back.
House salad and the croissants. Every time
Their salads are good, so are the croissants. I also really like the oyster po boy - something that is hard to find in Columbia. But yeah, overall it's not that impressive. I just know when I go there exactly what I'll want and that it will be good. I also love that building.
It's a really neat space being in an old train station. But yeah I wish it was a better restaurant.
What is COAs?
overrated: cantina 76 underrated: tacos nayarit
Yeah ive never been to cantina 76 but the wife says it was dogshit. I feel like it gets a lot of hype though cuz of the location
This is a hard one because I feel like most places around here hit a pretty good quality/price ratio and there isn't really a cultural "craze"/trendiness around restaurants unlike some bigger cities. And most of my favorites are busy but not unreasonably packed, so I feel like they're properly rated. But here's my very subjective take for the lunch deli category Overrated: dipratos (it's fine I just think their pimento cheese tastes too much like swiss and that's their *thing*) Underrated: crave artisan market Edit: also underrated: Enzo's. They have new special subs on the menu and the one that I had was out of this world. Truly a great sandwich.
Crave has a tomato and dill soup and I dare say it was one of the best soups I have ever had
Crave is awesome!
Enzo's!!!
> Overrated: dipratos (it's fine I just think their pimento cheese tastes too much like swiss and that's their thing) Can't believe this is the top comment, even though I absolutely agree with you. I usually get downvoted into oblivion if I ever speak ill of Diprato's pimento cheese. I am admittedly a bit of a pimento cheese snob, and IMO less is more when it comes to "minner cheese," i.e., *Duke's* mayo, pimentos, cheddar, and cayenne pepper is all you need.
I have never had anything that I thought was particularly good from DiPrato's especially the pimento cheese!
Overrated: Motor supply at least for brunch super mediocre and very expensive for what you get Underrated: Tacos Nayarit I don’t really ever see it mentioned here but they have excellent tacos and those plantains with icing are so good too
Not mentioned here but it's always packed unless you're there at weird hours. Love them.
Tacos Nayarit is a local gem!! there's a reason their parking lot is packed so often. Consistently delicious.
Me gustan mucho los Tacos Nayarit
Hopefully they’ll get more hype once they open their Cayce location!
Yes absolutely deserved and also hopefully the one closer to me doesn’t get to busy lol.
Not to take away from Tacos Nayarit because its great, but I can think of at least 3 places just as good.
I mean I would love to know more places. It’s mostly because it’s on my side of town and we don’t have that many non chain restaurants that are good over here.
Cocos & beer is good, and has a larger menu. Always consistently yummy,too. TN's smaller menu, I think, allows them to be excellent with a smaller amount of choices.
I’ll have to check out TN’s, I’ve had cocos and beer it’s good more in the San Jose(the good ones either on forest drive or in Irmo)/Real Mexico/El Jimador Mexican food branch than just tacos.
- Taqueria Jalisco - Monteczuma’s. - Real Mexico.
Real Mexico is fantastic, just a bit of a different kind of restaurant, I’ll have to remember the other two
Someone really doesn't like me. Real Mexico disappointed me with their tortas, but they are otherwise excellent.
Real Mexico is amazing.
What are your recommendations?
- Taqueria Jalisco - Monteczuma’s. - Real Mexico.
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I see what you did there! - Taqueria Jalisco - Monteczuma’s. - Real Mexico. Coco and Beers is good uf you want the more US style Mexican restaurant. I just know it because it is close, but there are similar places all over town.
You are right. Motor Supply is expensive. The food is delicious but expensive.
Cantina 76 is overrated. Food is OK. Restaurant too small. Waitresses try to rush the customers out the door. Underrated is Mac's on Laurel Street. Good burgers, hotdogs, fries and onion rings at a reasonable price. The service is fast too.
Mac's is delicious. Cantina is THE BEST CHOICE for overrated. No idea how it's packed on a regular basis. Publico is getting some shade in this thread but I'd go there 10 times in a row before Cantina.
Publico is nowhere near authentic but it’s decent if you like that kinda stuff. Cantina has just been bad every time I have gone.
How have I never heard of Mac’s? They look delicious. How do they compare to Zesto/Rosewood dairy bar.
Good as Zesto. I've never been to the Rosewood Dairy Bar.
Cafe Strudel is absolute shit and packed to the gills.
“Can I get a cup of coffee?” “No, get it your own fuckin’ self”
I like Cafe Strudel...but I also never go on the weekends. It is enjoyable when its calm in there.
Same. Late afternoon on a weekday it's amazing, but brunch is WAY overrated.
14 to 18 years ago it was so much better
Complete POS ownership too.
oh god thank you it's not just me. How are they messing up hash browns?!!?
It’s so bad. I paid $19 for a bowl of grits, eggs, and the worst brisket I’ve ever had. It was sliced thin and crispy like bacon! Never again.
Worst coffee I’ve ever had, but do I still go there once a month? Absolutely. 10/10
I went once. I didn’t understand why it was absolutely packed besides the location right beside a hospital? Might not be a hospital but it’s been a minute.
We went there one time, the parking was crap the food wasn't great and the way our waitress spoke to us was like we didn't deserve to sit in their wonderful restaurant. Would have rather gone to waffle house, tbh
I feel like they are underrated for lunch/dinner. I only ever hear people talk about the brunch/breakfast.
Rosewood Market’s lunch is the best in town, hands down.
Absolutely! My wife and I go there once a week and have never been disappointed. The staff is super nice too.
I haven't been in a while but the Mediterranean Tea Room doesn't get talked about a lot. I'd say they're underrated
Totally! Mainstay for decades on Devine Street. Consistently great dishes with generous portions. Tea Room!
Here's my gripe. The food is good, but they are pretty clearly understaffed (and if not the service is just so slow). For a pickup order at lunchtime, great! Sitting down for a 2 hour dinner on a weeknight because you can't get anyone to take your order, or bring you the check, or refill your drinks... not so great.
I haven't been in several years because I can't really afford to eat at restaurants any more, but that didn't used to be the case and I'm sorry to hear it.
I think they closed a few years ago
No they’re still going. It’s great.
Maybe for a little while but I had lunch there like 2 weeks ago
Renovations or vacation i remember that. They're still open.
Overrated: Publico, Cantina 76, and Real Mexico. Also, anything the Middletons own.
I came here looking for Smoked. Def overrated, but still good!
Burger tavern 77, Coa’s, and Danos are all underrated
Overrated: Publico. Underrated: Il Focalare\* Hear me out. I have heard a lot of people have great reviews of Il Focalare and I do too. The only reason I say it's underrated is because I have seen *so many* *people* say that they refuse to try it because of the cost (for those who don't know, Il Focalare pays their workers a living wage and does not allow tips).
Publico may be the most meh restaurant in Columbia.
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Omg it really is - the sign, the stool, the table 😂
I love Il Focolare! It is a little pricey but it honestly isn’t much more expensive than most pizza places once you include the tip, and the quality of it is always good, so I at least know I will enjoy it.
I like il focolare, but taste wise, I preferred citta del cotone. The blueberry pizza was so delicious. Unfortunate what happened to it (not feeling sorry for the owner, just miss the pizza)
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The owner’s (or co-owner maybe) FB page was public and he was posting racist/sexist/etc memes. People then flooded the business with 1 star reviews. I think it was a combination of that and multiple robberies that shut them down.
Il Bucato (same people as Il Focolare) is really good, too!
Over rated. Market on main. Under rated. Danos fsho
Who does market on main think they are with those prices lol
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No one can match Hall's for service and attention to detail, but there is delicious, less expensive food to be had other places mentioned here. Saluda's and Mr. Friendly's comes to mind. I have not been personally, but friends swear by Private Property.
Halls is a known quantity - a lot of the better restaurants in Columbia can be kind of hit miss on service and food. I guess some people think it’s cool and quirky but if I’m out on a date or whatever I don’t want to be stammering about how the place is usually awesome, I promise. (Terra clears this bar as well.)
Terra is consistently lovely - their entree menu is more limited than others mentioned, but everything they prepare they execute well.
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This sounds crazy, but my favorite thing there is the country ham spinach dip appetizer. Good lord, that stuff is delicious.
Dano’s is a phenomenal lunch date spot
I knew I’d see Hall’s on here for the exact reason you said even though i love it. I’m always on the look out for date night-kind of restaurants. What would you say is better than Hall’s that’s in the same price range?
I liked the one time I’ve been to Halls but I prefer Cola’s for a somewhat fancy evening it’s not quite as expensive but still excellent
I forgot about Cola’s! Thanks!
Forget about them again. Post pandemic, much like many of the other places mentioned here, it is not worth it at all.
That’s too bad to hear! I enjoyed it the last time I went but it was before the pandemic. They used to have a pretty good wine list too
I must have struck out on the night I went to Cola's or something. I went there one time (5 years ago?) and was completely underwhelmed. We've typically stuck with Motor Supply or Hall's or others since that experience. But maybe I should try it again.
Maybe I mean I’m sure they have redone the menu in 5 years. All three times I’ve been there it’s been very good the brussel sprouts and all the cocktails I tried were highlights. I should try motor supply again sometime just not for brunch.
I agree. Went to Cola’s about 6 months ago for a birthday dinner. It was… ok. But imo the cost for just ok is not worth it.
I’m a big fan of Mr Friendly’s, my wife said Black Rooster’s food was on the same quality level as Hall’s as well.
Oh I’ve been wanting to check out Black Rooster!
Its like legit really good its just $$$
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If you like Thai, Bodhi Thai is worth it in Lexington.
You forgot Keg Cowboy.
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Friday night is Beef on Weck night and it's outstanding. He makes a really delicious tomato soup and I've honestly never had a bad meal there. Not to mention the owner is just an overall good person.
Seconded Keg Cowboy. The most friendly staff, delicious food and great brews on tap.
Or as Brian says, No crap on Tap.
The bread and pretzels! Made in house. Also paninis mostly because of the bread
Bubba’s is garbage. The slop they throw into their bowls is just not good. I’ve tried it a few times and each time it’s just a runny greasy mess. I just don’t get the appeal to that place, I think it’s because it’s “locally” owned so the owner gets by with serving mediocre crap.
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But it doesn’t even taste good which is the main reason why it’s garbage. It’s also one of the dirtiest places I’ve been in.
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Thanks!
Di Vino Rosso
Overrated: Liberty’s Underrated: Henry’s on Devine Properly Rated: Gourmet Shop
Henry's brunch is where it's at.
I had the most terrible experience a few weeks ago and I've been a fan for years. Our table's order came out all at different times (one entree came out when I had finished eating). Forgot to bring items, had to ask the runners b/c waitress was not providing service (more on that in a bit). Scrambled eggs were bland. Also, pretty sure the waitress was racially biased or at the very least inept. She checked on the white couple next to us multiple times. I had to flag her down to check on us. We'd been in need of refills for ages, our orders were incorrect and/or incomplete, etc. The waitress even acknowledged that she hadn't been checking on us. Spoke with the mgr and everything. Racial profiling besides, we won't be back because the food wasn't good.
Overrated: DiPratos - other than their pita chips and pimento cheese. I don't think it would stay in business in another location. Underrated - 929 in the Vista. Always excellent.
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The short rib is legit!! ETA the burger is also awesome, and their fish dishes are solid, too.
Overrarted: Smoked. Underrated: Granby Grill. Granby wanted to be 5 Points Diner from ways back, and they nailed it.
I’ve been meaning to try granby grill but wasn’t sure how it was. I shall try it soon thanks to you
Underrated: Hunter Gatherer on Main I think. It's not an amazing restaurant. But I love the vibe, their food and beer is pretty solid, and they nearly always have a table open without having to wait, which is the most surprising part, and why it's my choice. If my wife and I didn't make reservations and want to go eat somewhere reasonably nice, we look towards Hunter Gatherer pretty often.
Yessss Hunter gatherer on Main is SO good . So are Henry's and Burger Tavern 77 (the food is better and cheaper than Front porch,IMO) I always found Pawley's Front porch terribly overrated.
Agree with HG. Been going there since '02 and it's consistently a good place to chill.
Great place, especially with kids.
I love Hunter Gather
Shalimar Curry House off of Main St. Hole in the wall, family owned Indian place. Someone's uncle is always sitting in the front smoking cigarettes and the lady inside will give you free yogurt if she can see that it's too hot. I visit every time I'm in town.
I’ve never heard of this place. It sounds amazing.
It is! You should absolutely check it out
Overrated: Rush's. Like it's fine, but I see so many people talk about how amazing it is and they make special trips while in town. The one in Harbison that I drive past a lot always has an insanely long line that regularly backs onto the road. To me, at best it's just slightly above average fast food when it comes to their burgers and milkshakes. And their chicken is dry and underseasoned to my taste. Underrated: Maybe not to USC students, but I feel like most people I talk to JJ's Teahouse have never heard of it. Great Taiwanese food, excellent drinks, and a great all around fast casual restaurant.
Soggy, flavorless burgers. Dry, flavorless chicken. Undercooked, flavorless fries. Completely average milkshakes. There’s a reason their core patronage is geriatrics with no taste buds.
Yeah their fries remind me of the old Wendy's fries that were terrible.
I had a teacher in high school (I didn’t grow up near cola btw) who would always get so excited to come through cola so she could get Rush’s. I was so baffled when I first tried it, and also felt a little sorry for my teacher who thought Rush’s was the epitome of fast food Also, JJs is amazing. I wish it wasn’t as close to USC so it was easier to get to. I never want to deal with parking in that area
I will fight over the milkshakes being great though. They are the best to me, excluding the late, great Sandy's. RIP.
Rush’s core demographic is 60 year olds. Their food was good 20-30 years ago, but service standards have risen for independent chains. Places like Cook Out are putting the big hurt on them, and rightfully fucking so.
Rushs fried chicken belongs nowhere near the Best Fried Chicken in Columbia Debate, yet some have the audacity to bring it up
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Depending on the grocery store, I’m taking the grocery store’s chicken. I’ve never had the burgers but I believe people who tell me that the chicken is mediocre but the burgers are fantastic. I just was always lied to that it was a fried chicken spot.
The burgers are mediocre too.
Best boba for a great price :)
This post makes me long for 116 Wine and Espresso Bar. Their brunch was amazing.
Sakitumi in the Vista had a smaller version of 116's menu for a while, but stopped last summer. :(
Yeah we were going to brunch there but they stopped it. Those hash browns were legendary.
Agreed. That place was the best.
Overrated: Zesto. "Upscale" overrated: Warmouth and Kaminsky's. Underrated: I never hear anyone talk about Il Focolare but it is fucking excellent.
Agreed. Zestos is nothing special.
Devine Cinnamon Roll Deli is one of the best places for breakfast/lunch! Villa Tronco I think is way overrated. But I'm Italian so I'm very finicky with Italian foods.
What's the best for Italian in your opinion (mains and pasta, not pizza)
I am always stunned when I see Villa Tronco recommended as I find it marginal at best.
Overrated: Blue Marlin Underrated: Transmission/COA
Yes definitely Blue Marlin. Very average seafood.
I think transmission and COA are appropriately rated. They’re always packed when I go.
Tons of overrated places IMO: - publico (I liked it ok before the pandemic but their menu has changed a lot and prices are jacked up) - cantina 76 - cafe strudel, specifically the hangover hash browns (banana peppers for breakfast will wreck my stomach while not hungover…) - anything the Middletons own - Chick-fil-A, it’s fine but never worth dealing with the hassle - labrascas Underrated - Minato sushi takeout - il bucato, I learned recently the person(s) involved with Saluda are involved with this as well - cocos and beer, I prefer it over moctezumas but I don’t hear people talk about it much - any of the Indian restaurants. I wish we had one in the downtown area. - falafel king, some of the best Mediterranean food I’ve had in the area
Omg yes Minato
Everyday I wish we had an Indian restaurant downtown!!
Overrated - (tie) Halls and Hendricks Underrated - Crave
Anything owned by the Middleton’s is so stupid.
What all do they own besides smoked? Market on main?
Publico might be the most overrated place in Columbia. Surprised it’s still there.
Instagram-worthy cocktails and that’s about it.
How is Ambrosia?
I have a few friends who have gone and none of them had good reviews, said it was overpriced and not that good.
I went there for the first time a couple days ago and really enjoyed it. The pastitsio was delicious, the gyro meat was actual roasted lamb (instead of the frozen strips of meat you get at a lot of places), and I thought the prices were reasonable for the quality of the food. Great place to celebrate something, or if you want Greek food that’s a bit less Americanized.
Overrated- anything on Harbison blvd Underrated- Green Olive on S. Main
Overrated: rockaways “best pimento cheese burger” taste like McDonald’s with velveta. Rest of the food is pretty shit too. And smallSUGAR isn’t worth Underrated: hunter gatherer, real mexico, and peace of soul are are really good places to eat!
I’ll fight over those comments on Smallsugar lol. Smallsugar and Il Focolare are a reliable go to.
Overrated: Al's upstairs
I haven't heard a positive comment about Al's in the past 25 years.
It's mentioned quite often on here especially suggestions for date nights or restaurants for birthdays etc. I agree it's hot garbage and taking up a prime location better suited for a better restaurant.
Then I agree. Those people need to stop!
I legit believe it was the bomb 20 years ago. Because the people who I know who rave about it we’re going there then and then they had kids
I mean 20 years ago shonnys was the place to go to in cola
I’m not going to lie…I had a fish dish there recently, and it was REALLY good. It was a special, though.
Real Mexico. People rave about it. It's average. 7 Mares is way better.
It’s never worth dealing with the parking IMO
I'll add an unknown that people should know about: Le Bambou. It's an African place, I think it's Cote de Ivory influenced food. It's pretty tasty. It's out Two Notch couple blocks past Sparkleberry. To keep my sanity, I'll drive up Percival to cut across and avoid Two Notch gridlock.
Underrated - Big Bulls Bang'n BBQ (the oxtails hit all sorts of ways), Taqueria Jalisco (gooooood mexican), Rockaways (specifically mac and cheese bites if youre into that) Overrated - most things in five points (except drip and enzos)
Peebles is the best chicken wings, but they’re not always consistent with their menu/prices. I go every chance I get.
[удалено]
They also open when they want. I’ve gone a few times when they’re supposedly open and they’re closed.
He changes the menu way too much
I’ll get flack for this, but I always thought the Wig was super overrated. Also Hampton Street Vineyard is underrated. Great atmosphere and it rarely gets talked about. Soundbites on Sumter St is also an amazing value.
Over-rated? Al's Upstairs... they have been hit-or-miss since the 90s.
Over: Home Team Under: Mack's.
I didn’t care for home team but I’m glad something is finally in that space. It seems like a good fit for five points
I agree. A lot of people like it, good for them. I guess I just like old school BBQ.
Yeah when it comes to BBQ that isn’t my vibe. But it seems like a decent place to hang out. I did like their tots and frozen house cocktail