Black Rooster
A vibrant "Frenchish" spot offering Italian-inspired cuisine with stunning rooftop city and river views. Known for attentive service and a lively atmo...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Black Rooster
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant "Frenchish" spot offering Italian-inspired cuisine with stunning rooftop city and river views. Known for attentive service and a lively atmosphere.
"The burger & fries combo might be the absolute BEST I’ve ever had! Service was incredible!"
Embrace the Rooftop
Visit during warmer weather to fully enjoy the stunning city views from the rooftop patio.
Signature Dish Recommendation
Don't miss the mushroom and parmesan risotto or the seafood pasta for a truly flavorful experience.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Italian
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rooftop Views
Enjoy breathtaking city and river views from the vibrant rooftop patio, especially during sunset.
Burger and Fries
Experience what's called the 'absolute BEST burger/fry combination' with delicious cheese and caramelized onions.
Italian-Inspired Delights
Savor expertly prepared Italian dishes like the chicken parmesan and rigatoni with a rich cream sauce.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Embrace the Rooftop
Visit during warmer weather to fully enjoy the stunning city views from the rooftop patio.
Signature Dish Recommendation
Don't miss the mushroom and parmesan risotto or the seafood pasta for a truly flavorful experience.
Make Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as Black Rooster is popular with locals and visitors.
Explore the Drink Menu
The drink menu is interesting and offers excellent pairings for any of their delicious dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Embrace the Rooftop
Visit during warmer weather to fully enjoy the stunning city views from the rooftop patio.
Signature Dish Recommendation
Don't miss the mushroom and parmesan risotto or the seafood pasta for a truly flavorful experience.
Make Reservations
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, as Black Rooster is popular with locals and visitors.
Explore the Drink Menu
The drink menu is interesting and offers excellent pairings for any of their delicious dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Diners rave about Black Rooster's exceptional service, with staff like Ashley and Grace frequently highlighted for their attentiveness and friendly demeanor. The Italian-inspired menu earns high marks for dishes like the burger, fries, and rigatoni, though some reviews mention slight overcooking on pasta. While the rooftop views are a major draw, the downstairs dining area can feel cramped, and a few patrons miss the previous French-inspired menu.
"Ventured across the river and
Found Free parking near by.
I went to the roof top
To check out the views and service was super friendly. She gave me some great recommendations and provided great service.
I started with the Hugo on the rocks and enjoyed the pear flavor although I prefer real glass over plastic.
The beet salad was the highlight of my meal. I enjoyed it throughly and it was so simple. The dressing doesn’t overpower the dish, instead I felt like it accentuated the flavors. The pistachios added a hint of sweetness snd a delightful crunch.
I also had the whipped feta and I couldn’t decide if I enjoyed the bread or the cheese more.
Delightful experience."
Nik Kei
"I recently dined solo here, and the service was easily the highlight of the experience. My server had a great attitude, was attentive, and made sure I was well taken care of.
The space itself felt a bit cramped, the downstairs dining area could definitely benefit from a more open and refined layout. I initially ordered the Caesar salad, but the lettuce was wilted, likely from sitting under a heat source or soaking too long in dressing. Fortunately, the server was quick to remake it without hesitation, which I really appreciated.
For drinks, the Hugo Spritz was refreshing and well-balanced. The Chrysalis cocktail, however, had an unpleasant chemical taste, almost like tire rubber, definitely a miss.
I also tried the bolognese, which was pretty good. The noodles were slightly overcooked, but overall the flavor profile was very nice.
Overall, the service was excellent and genuinely improved the experience, the food and atmosphere didn’t quite meet my expectations but I’ll try anything at least three times."
Arrington Level
"If you were looking at the menu, reviews and/or pictures and wondering if they have good food.. the answer is YES. The burger & fries ….. Please, do yourself a favor. GET IT! I do believe that this may be the absolute BEST burger/fry combination I’ve ever had! And honestly (I’m not a burger girl!) The cheese, the caramelized onions.. worth every calorie. The service was incredible! Grace was so sweet & attentive my entire visit. She played with babies, stood and listened while I talked her head off. The drinks were perfectly made. Don’t even get me started on THE PLAYLIST. I individually downloaded every single song. Then, to top it all off, the chocolate, strawberry dessert with mascarpone was absolute perfection! This is now my favorite place in Columbia. I would give it 10 stars if I could."
Angel Lett
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For the best experience, visit during warmer weather to enjoy the rooftop patio, and consider making reservations, especially for weekend evenings.
Yes, the menu features well-edited shareable plates and main courses that cater to vegetarians.
While not explicitly stated, the atmosphere suggests smart casual attire. Diners have praised the good atmosphere and cozy interior.
Yes, Black Rooster has an elevator to access its popular rooftop bar, making it wheelchair accessible.
Black Rooster describes itself as "Frenchish" but currently serves Italian-inspired cuisine, with past mentions of French and Asian influences.
Yes, it's recommended to make reservations in advance, as Black Rooster is a popular spot.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Guide To Wheelchair Accessible Things To Do in Columbia SC
Both Hendrix on Main Street and Black Rooster in West Columbia have elevators to access two of the most popular rooftop experiences. In Lexington, Second Wave Coffee and Books not only offers accessible outdoor and indoor spaces, you will find staff of all abilities working there as the coffee shop offers the opportunity for full community life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Rooftop Bars in Columbia SC You Must Visit!
If you’re looking for a festive bar with the best views of the city, head straight to Black Rooster. The roof offers a view of the river, to the west for the sunset, as well as to the north for the cityscape,”. If you need a bite, Black Rooster is self-proclaimed “frenchish,” and you can find delicious traditional French cuisine such as quiche, croque monsieur, tuna tartare, and garlicky mussels.
A Charming Weekend Travel Guide for Columbia, South Carolina
Black Rooster proudly proclaims they are “Frenchish” but their approach to food is definitively wonderful. This hip spot in West Columbia offers a well-edited menu of shareable plates and main courses that will feed vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores all on one table. A half-dozen oysters is the perfect way to start the meal—indulgent, but won’t leave you too full for your main course.
What new restaurants opened in Columbia, Lexington in 2019?
Local celebrity chef and restaurateur Kristian Niemi opened his “Frenchish” restaurant in the fast-growing river district of West Columbia in the newly built Brookland apartment development. Besides dishes such as filet mignon au poivre and dijon pork schnitzel, you’ll also be treated to river and skyline views from the rooftop dining area. 201 Meeting St., West Columbia
Best Patio & Outdoor Dining Spots Around Columbia
Black Rooster serves up a good atmosphere, as well as good food, day or night. While it’s great to sit indoors and enjoy the cozy, intimate space, it’s even better to head upstairs and enjoy their rooftop which boosts views of downtown Columbia from the Gervais Street bridge. Their drink menu is always interesting and pairs well with any dish.
Pet Friendly Columbia, SC | Weekend Trip Ideas & Activities
Starting at Black Rooster, a Italian-inspired restaurant, for a happy hour with a view. After a drink and charcuterie board from the rooftop bar, walk to Terra for your main course. With so many delicious options, you might have a hard time choosing your meal, but one thing is a no brainer, order the “Lamb Mac” as your appetizer.
7 new restaurants in Columbia to try in 2019
🍽Black Rooster | 1000 Alexander Rd., West Columbia | opening late March/early April 2019 | Black Rooster – the first restaurant (ft. a rooftop + stellar river/skyline views) that will open at West Columbia’s Brookland development – is a self-proclaimed French-ish bistro by Bourbon’s Kristian Niemi.
23+ Romantic Date Night Restaurants: Columbia, SC
Black Rooster is a French-inspired restaurant that sits right near the foot of the Gervais Street bridge. Here you will find delicious cuisines from escargots to a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich and everything in between. One other great thing to note about Black Rooster is the amazing rooftop bar!
10 Best Restaurants To Eat in Columbia, South Carolina
The wait was long even with reservations but the Asian/French-inspired menu made it worth the wait. We had the “Frenchish” Okonomniyaki, the Bun Thit Nuoung (a Vietnamese dish I grew up on!), and an amazing salmon entree. Black Rooster201 Meeting St, West Columbia, SC 29169blackroostersc.com
20 Best Restaurants in Columbia, SC for 2025 (Top Eats!)
201 Meeting StWest Columbia, SC 29169(803) 724-2853 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Black Rooster stands as a restaurant inspired by French cuisine. It boasts rooftop seating that provides an overlooking view of the Congaree River in West Columbia.
Three Fun Rooftop Bars in Columbia (and Drinks You Must Try!)
If you need a bite, Black Rooster is self-proclaimed “frenchish,” and you can find delicious traditional French cuisine such as quiche, croque monsieur, tuna tartare, and garlicky mussels. I’ll take all four, thank you very much.
Slides, Rides and Southern Fried at the South Carolina State Fair
For lunch, head across the Gervais Street Bridge to West Columbia where you can savor French-inspired cuisine from the rooftop bar at Black Rooster while overlooking the West Columbia Riverwalk Park and Amphitheater.
5 Best Rooftop Bars in Columbia, SC
And when the sun dips below the horizon, fire pits keep things cozy, making Black Rooster the perfect spot for a sunset serenade to the city lights.
Top 6 Rooftop Bars In Columbia, South Carolina
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. Aperol Mondays P2 @blackroostersc $4 Aperol Spritz ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!
List: Columbia restaurants do to-go, outdoor/indoor dining as COVID-19 restrictions ease | COVID-19
Black Rooster and Bourbon Chef Kristian Niemi's two restaurants are slated for a tentative June 15 opening, the owner posted in a Facebook video.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit