Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Columbia Airport, SC

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Famous for their delicious bbq and infamous for their controversial flying of the Confederate...

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Famous for their delicious bbq and infamous for their controversial flying of the Confederate flag, Maurice's is a Columbia landmark and South Carolina legend. This is the original "Piggy Park" restaurant with its neon sign. Maurice Bessinger's secret recipe for his special mustard-based sauce is what has kept people coming back time and again to this simple, old school barbeque joint. A must-see and a must-eat!

Hours: Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Café Strudel is a trusted destination for breakfast and dessert, no matter what time it is....

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Café Strudel is a trusted destination for breakfast and dessert, no matter what time it is. Their Hangover Hashbrowns (smothered with onions, peppers, cheese and two eggs) are simply fantastic, and they're available all day. More traditional lunch options include soups, salads, well-stuffed sandwiches and burgers. But if you just want a little something sweet or a steaming cup of coffee, you'll be quite happy with your choices here. Sunday brunch is most wonderful, too.

Hours: Mon-Wed 8:30am-3:30pm; Thu-Sat 8:30am-10:30pm; Sun 10am-2:30pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Upscale and stylish, with exposed brick and a warm color palette, Terra has developed a following...

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Upscale and stylish, with exposed brick and a warm color palette, Terra has developed a following among local foodies who appreciate the cooking and the setting. Chef Mike Davis takes a seasonal approach to New Southern cooking, creating notable dishes such as roasted South Carolina quail stuffed with apple and foie gras, crawfish orecchiette, shrimp remoulade, seared scallops with succotash, BBQ lamb-stuffed mac and cheese gratin, plus a handful of gorgeous and unusual little wood-fired pizzas. Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence.

Hours: Tue-Sat 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Known as a special occasion hotspot, Al's Upstairs does everything right, from its tuxedo-clad...

CAYCE / WEST COLUMBIA. Known as a special occasion hotspot, Al's Upstairs does everything right, from its tuxedo-clad servers to its fantastic skyline view to its classic (mostly) Italian cuisine. Begin with a Caesar salad, crab-stuffed mushrooms or fried green tomatoes topped with gorgonzola and red pepper coulis. Follow with chicken parmigiana, veal saltimbocca or mustard-crusted rack of lamb. The second-floor restaurant is extremely popular for romantic occasions (think Valentine's Day, prom night), so plan accordingly!

Hours: Mon-Sat 5pm-Close

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

THE VISTA. Casual, fun and affordable, Carolina Wings is a locally owned SC chain with nine popular restaurants around...

THE VISTA. Casual, fun and affordable, Carolina Wings is a locally owned SC chain with nine popular restaurants around the state. It's a great place to bring the family ­ TVs and video games occupy the youngsters so the grown-ups can sit back and relax. Wings come in over 20 flavors, from teriyaki to garlic parmesan to "blistering." If you need more than just wings, there's plenty to choose from: ribs, steaks, fried chicken or catfish, burgers and sandwiches.

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

THE VISTA. The signature Ruth's Chris sizzle is in full evidence at this respected chain's Columbia outpost. Notable for...

THE VISTA. The signature Ruth's Chris sizzle is in full evidence at this respected chain's Columbia outpost. Notable for prime steaks, upscale decor, elegant but relaxed ambience, first-rate service, and an impressive wine list, the restaurant is ideal for business dinners and special occasions. You truly can't go wrong with anything on the menu, from shrimp cocktail and crab-stuffed mushrooms to broiled rib-eyes or chocolate sin cake. An exceptional meal from start to finish.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7am-10:30am, 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 7am-10:30am, 11am-11pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

THE VISTA. Columbia's best for seafood, Blue Marlin serves fresh Lowcountry favorites in a refined but comfortable...

THE VISTA. Columbia's best for seafood, Blue Marlin serves fresh Lowcountry favorites in a refined but comfortable atmosphere. Shrimp and grits, crab cakes, fried green tomatoes, she crab soup, Tilapia Charleston (pan-seared tilapia with shrimp and crab cream sauce) are standouts, but New Orleans style dishes are winners, too. Salmon Pontchartrain, with blackened shrimp and scallops in a creamy mornay sauce, is particularly satisfying. Steaks and fried seafood platters round out the menu. Save room for Key Lime pie or peach-praline cobbler!

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-10pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 5pm-11pm; Sat 11:30am-11pm; Sun 11:30am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

THE VISTA. Motor Supply was the first restaurant to open in the revamped Vista district ­ a couple of decades in...

THE VISTA. Motor Supply was the first restaurant to open in the revamped Vista district ­ a couple of decades in the business has only strengthened its reputation as a great place for a casually upscale meal. Menus change twice daily but usually include a grilled steak or two plus dishes such as house-brined pork chops, Dijon-fried eggplant over spinach and artichoke hearts, steamed mussels, and sautéed shrimp with ham and grits. Their wine list has garnered a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, and their Sunday brunch is among the best in town.

Hours: Tue-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11:30am-2:30pm, 5:30am-10:30pm; Sun 10:30am-2:30pm, 5:30am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

THE VISTA. A relaxing indoor patio has made this place a favorite with the lunch crowd, as has a menu full of tasty...

THE VISTA. A relaxing indoor patio has made this place a favorite with the lunch crowd, as has a menu full of tasty gourmet sandwiches, salads and daily specials. Choose a wrap ­ such as the "Sinbad" with hummus, feta, black olives, tomatoes, cucumbers and romaine in a tomato tortilla ­ or a sandwich "smashed" on the grill (three cheese with tomato is fab). If traditional is more your style, the piled high "Dagwood" is a triple-decker delight, and the BLT with guacamole is a great twist on an old favorite.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-2pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

THE VISTA. This unique café offers appetizers, a light dinner menu, a full dessert menu, a large variety of coffees...

THE VISTA. This unique café offers appetizers, a light dinner menu, a full dessert menu, a large variety of coffees and libations, and artwork by various local artists. Whether you're having dinner, a gooey dessert or a postprandial drink, Nonnah's is tops. Sophisticated, but comfortable.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm; Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-12:30am; Sat 6pm-12:30am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club