Best Shopping Malls, Outlet and Places in Columbia Area

"Every Saturday we head to Main Street to pick out a pile of killer breakfast food, (top picks: The Belgian Waffle Truck, Mimi’s Delectables, Buttered Noodle Bakery, and From Scratch Bakery), great coffee (Drip, obvi), and sit down to relax at a patio table while listening to the street performers, enjoying the people-watching, and letting our little man run and play while the streets are closed. It’s always lovely, and the best way to spend a lazy Saturday morning in Columbia."

"If you and your date are adventurous eaters, head to Soda City for great food, live music, and built-in talking points. Soda City welcomes indigenes and visitors throughout the whole year and offers a lot of entertainment activities. Meanwhile, it is a nice possibility to spend time with the person walking around and visiting different tourist traps."

"Generally regarded as Columbia's nicest mall, Columbiana Centre has four major department stores – Dillard's, Belk, JCPenney, and Sears – and more than 100 additional retailers, including Ann Taylor Loft, Body Shop, New York & Company, bebe, Williams-Sonoma, Yankee Candle Company, J. Jill, Banana Republic, The Limited, Gymboree, Coldwater Creek, Coach, Build-A-Bear-Workshop and Aeropostale. The food court features an antique carousel and free WiFi. Read more about Columbiana Centre →"

"Northwest Columbia residents are served by this large shopping mall anchored by four department stores. The mall is located at the Harbison exit 102 off I-26."

"This unusual piece of artwork stands today as the world’s largest fire hydrant. Made of 675,000lb (306,175kg) of steel, it is over 40ft (12m) tall and is recognized for its artistic value all over the world. It was designed by South Carolina artist Blue Sky, whose other public artworks include the Levitating Dumpster and the Portable Parking Space mural."

"Busted Plug Plaza is one of the most fun and unusual tourist attractions in Columbia. Imposing and made of steel and concrete, the colossal sculpture depicts what is effectively the world’s largest fire hydrant. It weighs a shocking 675,000 pounds and is more than 40 feet in height."

"A sprawling, 300-acre shopping complex, Village at Sandhill is a work in progress with shopping, dining, residential and office space. Divided into three main sections (Marketplace, Forum and Town Center), the attractive complex has department stores and national retailers like World Market, Home Depot and Old Navy, plus a 16-screen cinema and a huge indoor sports facility. Food and beverage options run the gamut from coffee shops and delis to full-service casual and upscale restaurants."

"The Village is the perfect mix of living, shopping, dining, and entertainment!. With its charming streetscapes, town center and distinctive architecture, you’ll find over 300 acres of dining and shopping galore!. Anchor stores include Academy Sports and Outdoors, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Belk, JC Penney and Books a Million."

"Anchored by Dillard's, Macy's and Sears, Columbia Place is a large two-level mall with numerous national retailers. Among the 120 stores you'll find are Underground Station, Old Navy, Bath & Body Works, Foot Locker, American Eagle Outfitters, Steve & Barry's, Charlotte Russe, Express, The Limited, Victoria's Secret and Gamestop, plus several additional stores in satellite strips around the mall. There's also a food court and an eight-screen cinema."

"Many styles and periods are featured, from about 25 of Columbia's top dealers of antiques and collectibles. Read more about Columbia Antique Mall →"

"All roads lead to Dutch Square, South Carolina’s first    and   favorite mall. Centrally located at I-26, I-20 and I-126, this mall features Burlington Coat Factory, department stores, over 40 specialty stores and a 14-screen movie theater. Services available at Customer Service include Gift Certificates starting at $10, good at all stores, Gift Wrapping, Stroller & Wheelchair Rentals, and more."

"Richland Mall features Belk, Barnes & Noble Booksellers, TGI Friday's and Regal Cinemas. Richland Mall is centrally located right in the heart of Columbia, at the corner of Forest Drive and Beltline Boulevard."

"Columbia’s original shopping center located at Forest Drive & Trenholm Road. Fresh Market and Publix grocery stores, Stein Mart, Books-A-Million, specialty shops and dining."

"We liked the cicis in our home town until covid shut it down. We figured we would try this one on our way home from vacation. We honestly wish we stopped..."

"Over priced for the bar to be half full, then because we saw some friends and said we would sit with them they decided to charge us an automatic 18% tip...."

"Mr. Friendly’s calls itself “a new Southern café,” so naturally it serves New Southern Cuisine. What that really means is you of course find chicken and grits and fried green tomatoes on the menu, but the chef also offers his delightful daily special; you will adore his take on Southern Cuisine with dishes like Sesame Seared Yellowfin Tuna with salsa made of granny smith apples and ginger, glazed with yuzu-sweet chile, and served with wasabi-spiced mashed potatoes and sautéed veggies. The best time to visit this popular restaurant in Historic Five Points is Monday, when they serve their award-winning Moonpies, which are heavenly concoctions made of praline wafers baked and layered with mousse, made of white chocolate, and sprinkled with chocolate and raspberry sauce."

"In the early 80’s you may remember Mr. Friendly’s as a sandwich shop, but in 1995 it was revamped into the awesome restaurant it is today. Lunch or dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, you can enjoy new Southern cuisine with fresh ingredients and simple preparations. There is always fresh seafood featured to be enjoyed in the casual (but fancy) dining room (as well as meat, poultry, etc. features)."

"Mr. Friendly’s is one of the best spots in town to enjoy a more “grown-up scene”. It’s a popular spot to enjoy a private dinner along with your date. This restaurant does a fine job of creating a high-end environment for romantics and small formal gatherings."

"From Coconut Cream Pie to Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake to Snickerdoodle Cake, you’ll be sorry if you don’t check it out for yourself. With a rotating selection of desserts, the only disappointing thing is that you won’t have room to try them all. We promise you’ll already be planning your next visit before you’ve even left."

"If you’re out in The Vista for dinner, swing by Kaminsky’s for a delicious dessert or drinks. They have a full bar and alcohol infused dessert drinks, but my favorite is the milkshakes or Sundays. They are perfect for splitting and enjoying one another’s company."

"Sweet Cake House promises its customers quality, attention to detail, and friendly personalized service. They specialize in cakes and pies but they are also currently featuring a wide selection of French, Greek and Italian desserts made fresh daily."