Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Columbia at Harbison, SC

IRMO / ST ANDREWS. A small, family-owned fast food chain with roots back to the 1940s, Rush's is where you go when you...

IRMO / ST ANDREWS. A small, family-owned fast food chain with roots back to the 1940s, Rush's is where you go when you want a quick, inexpensive meal that doesn't involve a clown, a crown or dancing cows. Options are basic but good: burgers, chili dogs, BBQ sandwiches, fried chicken, fries, cole slaw, and soft-serve ice cream for dessert.

Hours: Daily 10am-Midnight

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

LEXINGTON. Here's the drill. You order up a plate of slow-smoked pulled pork, and then eat it naked, or choose one of...

LEXINGTON. Here's the drill. You order up a plate of slow-smoked pulled pork, and then eat it naked, or choose one of three sauces: Western-style has a sweet tang, Gold has a bite-y mustard base, and Ultimate has a spicy, vinegar-y kick. Alternatively, you could opt for beef brisket, ribs, chicken or catfish (or a plate of all of the above). Sure, there are sides (cole slaw, squash casserole, mac and cheese, collards, fried okra, and the like), but with all this beautiful barbecued meat, do you really need sides?

Hours: Tue-Thu 10:30am-9pm; Fri-Sat 10:30am-10pm; Sun 11am-3pm

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

LEXINGTON. Uno, while quintessentially American in theme and cuisine, deserves particular recognition for its fabulous...

LEXINGTON. Uno, while quintessentially American in theme and cuisine, deserves particular recognition for its fabulous pizza. Throw caution to the wind and order one of the fantastic deep dish pies. These babies are huge and calorie-laden, but oh-so-good. The simple Chicago Classic with sausage, and the Spinoccoli with spinach and broccoli, are tried and true favorites. Steaks, sandwiches, salads and pastas round out the menu.

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

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

DOWNTOWN. The traditional Southern meat 'n three meal has been a standby for decades, and this family-owned,...

DOWNTOWN. The traditional Southern meat 'n three meal has been a standby for decades, and this family-owned, Columbia-area chain does it very well. Select one of about ten meats (beef stew, fried chicken or catfish, ham, and so forth), and then choose three sides, from collards and blackeyed peas to fried okra and squash casserole. Daily specials might be meatloaf, liver and onions or pot roast. And no meat 'n three would be complete without a classic Southern dessert like banana pudding or peach cobbler.

Hours: Daily 6am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card

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

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

DOWNTOWN. For some 20 years, Hennessy's has been the de facto fine dining establishment in town. Although the elegant...

DOWNTOWN. For some 20 years, Hennessy's has been the de facto fine dining establishment in town. Although the elegant setting is ideal for special occasions, it's popular for business dinners and "just because" meals as well. The expertly prepared American Continental cuisine includes a few Southern-style options ­ you might start with oysters Rockefeller, escargot en croute or she crab soup, and move on to prosciutto and goat cheese-stuffed veal chops, grouper Hennessy (crusted with almonds and herbs), shrimp Creole or seared scallops with pumpkin risotto.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30am-2:30pm, 6am-9:30pm; Fri 11:30am-2:30pm, 6am-10pm; Sat 6am-10pm

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

DOWNTOWN. Reputedly the best chicken sandwich in town (or on Earth, depending who you ask). Fast, cheap and good.

DOWNTOWN. Reputedly the best chicken sandwich in town (or on Earth, depending who you ask). Fast, cheap and good.

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5:30pm; Sat-Sun 8:30am-5:30pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only