Graduation is a big accomplishment and is certainly a reason to celebrate! Whether you are graduating from high school in Columbia, SC or graduating from the University of South Carolina, it is a great opportunity to head out for a delicious dinner or lunch with friends and family. Columbia, SC is unique in the way that if offers people an unbelievable selection of restaurants to choose from. Whether you are looking for a fine dining restaurant to celebrate graduation, or just a nice place to grab a quick dinner before heading home, there are plenty of restaurants in Columbia for graduation.
In this article we will break down some of the best restaurants to eat at after graduation in Columbia, SC. Choosing where to eat can be an extremely difficult task on your own, but now you need to find a place to eat that satisfies the entire group. We hope this article makes the decision of where to eat after graduation in Columbia just a little easier.
Best Restaurants to Eat at After Graduation in Columbia, SC
Okay so either you have just finished walking the stage or someone you care about has just completed graduation. Where should you go to eat? If we had a penny for every time that question had been asked, we’d be writing this on the porch at our mansion on Lake Murray.
You have a number of great dining opportunities to choose from. Whether you are looking for a fancy restaurant in downtown Columbia or a casual restaurant to refuel after graduation, you will find what you are looking for. Here are some of our picks for the best places to eat after graduation in Columbia.
Halls Chophouse
If you have spent any length of time in Columbia, SC you probably saw this one coming. Known simply as Halls by the locals, Halls Chophouse is arguably the most popular fine dining experience in Columbia, SC. Many people choose Halls Chophouse to celebrate their biggest accomplishments or the biggest events in their lives. This makes Halls a great restaurant to celebrate a graduation in Columbia, SC.
Those who want to celebrate a graduation at Halls Chophouse should plan on making a reservation well in advance. Especially to celebrate a University of South Carolina graduation. Be sure to try to make a reservation at least a month or two in advance to ensure you will have a table for your group.
Halls Chophouse Website / 1221 Main St #150, Columbia, SC 29201
Smoked
Some people have described Smoked as the new Halls. This American restaurant on main street in downtown Columbia, SC offers a diverse menu ranging from Filet Mignon to chargrilled oysters. Smoked also has an in house brewery that creates some unique drink options. The atmosphere at Smoked is classy but by no means formal which makes it a great restaurant for celebrating a graduation in Columbia.
Much like Halls, it is a good idea to make a reservation well in advanced if you want to secure a table for the weekend of a University of South Carolina graduation. There will be a number of families enjoying a great dinner after graduation at Smoked.
Smoked Website / 1643 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin is another great choice for those looking for a restaurant to eat at after graduation in Columbia, SC. This delicious restaurant in the Vista offers a great selection of classic southern seafood dishes in a historic setting. A little fun fact about Blue Marlin is that is is located in a retired train station. If you are looking for a good seafood restaurant for graduation in Columbia, Blue Marlin is probably your best bet. There is a little something for everyone even those who don’t enjoy seafood. Be sure to ask for the famous Blue Marlin bread and butter if your server doesn’t bring it out to you.
Be sure to make yourself a reservation if you are planning on eating at Blue Marlin after graduation in Columbia. This restaurant can get extremely busy after graduation.
Blue Marlin Website / 1200 Lincoln St, Columbia, SC 29201
Saludas
If you are looking for nice restaurants in Five Points for dinner after graduation Saluda’s Restaurants is an excellent choice. Saluda’s Restaurant is located above Starbucks in Five Points and overlooks the Five Points fountain. For now I think it is safe to say that Saluda’s is the nicest restaurant in Five Points and offers a great selection of meals. If you decide to eat at Saluda’s Restaurant after graduation in Columbia, and you aren’t opposed to eating outside, we highly recommend requesting seating on the porch. The porch offers great views and a great environment to celebrate graduation.
If you want to be sure that you secure a table on the patio, you can make a reservation specifically for outdoor seating at Saluda’s Restaurant.
Saluda’s Restaurant Website / 751 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205
Choosing where to eat after graduation in Columbia, SC
Deciding where to eat after a graduation in Columbia, SC can be difficult. Whether you are looking for where to eat after a high school graduation in Columbia at Colonial Life Arena, or a University of South Carolina graduation, you have a number of great options to choose from to celebrate.
You can’t go wrong with any of the options listed above as they each offer a little bit of something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a great steak, or seafood, these are great restaurants to eat at after graduation and offer an awesome atmosphere to celebrate your loved one’s great accomplishment.
Comment below to share your favorite places to eat after a graduation in Columbia, SC.
