Coffee
Perfect place to stop in between class for some coffee. The shop is decorated with art by USC students and Columbia locals. Head upstairs if you’re interested in a specialty coffee. If you’re hungry, check out their food menu. I highly recommend the black bean wrap.
Distance from campus: 0.1 miles
Best frozen coffee in Columbia. Located right in the heart of campus, Carolina Café is a great option to start your day or as an afternoon pick-me-up. And if that wasn’t enough, they also deliver.
If you are looking for more intricately crafted coffee, head down to Drip. They handcraft each of their coffees and offer their customers a unique palate experience. Its relaxed atmosphere makes it a prime location to get some work done while you sip.
Immaculate Consumption has been a staple in the community for nearly 20 years. They serve coffee and small bites in a clean and relaxing setting. Great place to meet up for group projects.
Food
My all-time favorite place for catching a game or just going out to dinner with friends. They serve burgers, wraps and bar food. I’m a big fan of the nachos or anything with buffalo sauce. #MeetMeAtTheNut
One of many dog-friendly brunch locations in the Five Points area. You can sit inside or outside right in the heart of downtown. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but make sure you check out the shop inside. You’ll never know what you might stumble upon.
This is the newest addition to Five Points, which opened in May. It is part of an expanding Charleston chain and offers mouthwatering southern food. If you like barbecue, you have to give Home Team the old college try.
Enjoy delicious hibachi style food for a fraction of the price. They do not cook in front of you, but the food tastes just as good. And don’t forget to ask for an extra white sauce.
Address: 601 Main Street
Distance from campus: 0.6 miles
For a healthier option, stop by the Corner Blend. They have Instagram-worthy acai and smoothie bowls, and are one of the few places to get bubble tea in Columbia.
Sometimes you just need a calzone to warm your soul. The restaurant’s founder brought his NY-style dough recipe down South so you can enjoy some cheesy goodness at just a short walk. But if you don’t feel like walking, they also deliver!
This tavern-style restaurant sits right across the street from Colonial Life Arena, home of Gamecock basketball. It’s the perfect place to bring your parents for dinner or to celebrate a birthday with friends.
Quick Bites
Russell House is the main dining hall on campus, which was renovated just last year. It is stacked with many well-known food options, like Einstein’s Bros. Bagels and Panera Bread, and some unique options like Sushi with Gusto and Oath, which serves pizza. There will be something for everyone to enjoy.
If you’re a northerner and haven’t been to Chick-fil-A, do yourself a favor and go. The food is out of this world and the service is unmatched.
If you’re new to Cook Out, order a Cook Out tray and treat yourself to one of their 40+ milkshakes. Unlike most places in the city, they are open late-night.
This smoothie joint is more than just smoothies. They have wraps, sandwiches and flatbreads. Perfect post-gym or post-tour snack.
With fresh quality ingredients, you’ll feel energized and ready to take on the “famously hot” Columbia. Grab a pita or try fork-style (salad).
One of the best meals you can have on a warm afternoon is a fresh sub sandwich. After a short walk to Jersey Mike’s, you can do just that!
Shopping
Anytime you’re in Five Points it is always a good idea to pop into this thrift store and see what you can find. There are a ton of great pieces and they even have a vintage section.
If you’re looking for trendy a boutique, you’ve come to the right place. Vestique has something for every occasion. Don’t forget to check their sale section upstairs.
Self-proclaimed as one of the largest record shops in the southeast, Papa Jazz has built a reputation for having the coolest and rarest records around. It is an interesting place to browse, even if you aren’t looking for anything in particular.
This buy, sell and trade sneaker haven was founded by two USC students. They guarantee the authenticity of their shoes and to have the best price around.
Oops! originally started as a way for factories to get rid of irregular or misprinted name brand clothing items. From a big night out on the town to a casual night in, Oops! has something for everyone at any budget.
Every Saturday in the heart of Columbia, students stroll down to Soda City Market for good food, great coffee and the cutest dogs. It’s one of the best reasons to wake up before noon on a weekend.
Miss Cocky is a gameday and fashion boutique that has everything you need for Gamecock gameday, dinner with friends and even galas. No matter the occasion, you’ll be stylish in any room you walk into.
Attractions:
A great way to explore Columbia’s history is to stroll around the grounds of the State House. You’ll see many monuments and beautiful foliage, and if you look close enough, you can search for the six bronze stars around the capital building that mark where cannonballs hit during the Civil War.
The newest addition to the University of South Carolina is the only North American partner site to the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. The center brings the story of Anne Frank to life through photos, videos and original artifacts.