Columbia · Richland County, SC
Live music in Columbia
Scout analyzed 92 Columbia places and surfaced the ones that actually fit live music.
Places analyzed
92
Matches
24
Typical spend
$50
Typical visit
1.5 hr
Scout-verified spots

Five Points
The SKINHOUSE
The SKINHOUSE is a spa best for a solo pampering session or a relaxed girls' outing. Expect to spend 1-3 hours and around $75-$250 per person for services.

Midtown - Downtown
Three Notch'd Brewery & Craft Kitchen - Columbia
This brewpub is suitable for a casual meal or drinks, either as a standalone outing or paired with nearby activities. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and $20-50 per person on food and drinks.

Cottontown/Belleview
Indah Coffee
Indah Coffee is a good spot for a relaxed morning coffee or an afternoon pick-me-up. Expect to spend 45-90 minutes and $5-15 per person for a drink and a pastry.

Food & Drink
Piecewise Coffee Co. - Cayce
A stop for coffee and a light bite. Budget $5-15 per person for a quick 30-minute visit. This can be a standalone stop or an energizing start to a longer outing.

Midtown - Downtown
smallSUGAR
smallSUGAR is a good spot for a casual breakfast or lunch, especially on a weekend. Expect to spend 1-2 hours and around $15-30 per person.

Food & Drink
Black Rooster
Black Rooster is an Italian restaurant suitable for an evening meal, offering a comfortable dining experience that could be part of a date night or family outing. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and about $35-75 per person for food and drinks.

Cottontown/Belleview
The War Mouth
The War Mouth is a good spot for a casual dinner out, perhaps after an afternoon activity or before seeing a show. Expect to spend $20-40 per person for an hour and a half meal.

Midtown - Downtown
Bourbon
Bourbon is good for an evening out or a weekend brunch, offering Cajun/Creole food and a whiskey menu. Expect to spend $35-75 per person and a visit length of 1.5 hours.

Midtown - Downtown
Cola's Restaurant
Cola's is suitable for an upscale dinner outing, perhaps after a show or for a special occasion. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person.

Food & Drink
Terra
Terra is a good choice for a dinner outing, especially for a date or celebration, offering Southern-leaning dishes and skyline views. Plan for about 1.5 hours and $40-80 per person for food and a drink.

Midtown - Downtown
Blue Marlin
Blue Marlin is a good choice for a sit-down Southern seafood dinner, suitable for a date or a family meal. Expect to spend 90 minutes and $40-75 per person for food and drinks. Reservations are recommended.

Midtown - Downtown
Cool Beans Coffee Co
Cool Beans is good for a casual coffee break or a light meal, suitable for working, studying, or meeting friends. Expect to spend $5-$15 per person for coffee and a sandwich, making it a budget-friendly option.

Outdoors
West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater
This park is suitable for a free, relaxed outdoor activity, like a morning stroll or afternoon walk with family. It can be paired with a picnic or visiting nearby restaurants in West Columbia. Expect to spend 1-2 hours here.

Shandon
Backstreets Grill
This is a good spot for a casual meal with elevated American fare, especially if you enjoy outdoor seating. Expect to spend 1-1.5 hours and around $20-40 per person for an entree and drink.

Elmwood Park
Curiosity Coffee Bar
This is a good spot for a casual coffee, light meal, or a glass of wine, often suitable as a stop during a longer Main Street outing. Expect to spend $5-$20 per person for an hour-long visit.

Five Points
Drip Coffee
This coffee shop is good for a casual solo stop or a relaxed meeting, potentially pairing with a walk through the Saluda Ave area. Expect to spend $5-15 per person for a visit lasting around 30 minutes.

Five Points
Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe
Mr. Friendly's is a solid dinner spot for seasonal Southern cuisine, suitable for an evening meal. Plan for a 90-minute visit and a spend of $35-$75 per person. Reservations are advised.

Midtown - Downtown
Motor Supply Company Bistro
This upscale bistro is ideal for a focused dinner outing or a celebratory meal. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours and $50-100 per person on a meal with drinks.

Midtown - Downtown
Market On Main
Market On Main is a versatile spot for a casual meal or drinks with friends, perfect for combining with a stroll downtown. Expect to spend 1.5-2 hours and about $25-$50 per person for food and drinks.

Five Points
Saluda's Restaurant
Saluda's is an upscale restaurant suitable for special dinners or dates, offering Southern classics in a white-linen setting. Expect a meal to last about 1.5 hours and cost $50-$100 per person.

Midtown - Downtown
Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar
Tupelo Honey is a good spot for a sit-down meal featuring Southern comfort food, suitable for lunch or dinner, perhaps paired with a drink. Expect to spend $25-50 per person for an hour and a half visit.

Midtown - Downtown
Smoked
Smoked is a good choice for an upscale evening meal featuring seafood, steaks, and cocktails. Expect to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here, with costs typically ranging from $50 to $120 per person.

Midtown - Downtown
California Dreaming
California Dreaming is a relaxed American restaurant good for a casual meal with family or friends. Expect a moderate spend of $25-$50 per person for a typical 90-minute visit.

Midtown - Downtown
The Hollow
The Hollow is suitable for an evening meal out, particularly for dates or special occasions. Expect to spend 1.5 hours and around $50-100 per person for food and drinks.
Under $35
Cheap dates and low-spend afternoons.
Worth the splurge
When the night needs to land.
Outdoors
Patio, trail, or open-air.
What Scout found
- 60 of the 92 analyzed Columbia places fit live music.
- 20% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
- 35% have easy parking.
- Dominant moods: Relaxed, Social, Playful, Upscale, Quiet, Adventurous.
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