Bourbon
An industrial-chic whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole eatery in a historic building, boasting SC's largest whiskey collection and flavorful New Orleans-insp...
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Must-see attractions
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Bourbon
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An industrial-chic whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole eatery in a historic building, boasting SC's largest whiskey collection and flavorful New Orleans-inspired dishes.
"This place is a must-try when you're in the city, offering an upscale saloon feel with dope cocktails and amazing food."
Strategic Parking
Park at the bank lot behind the building for free to avoid valet or limited street parking.
Comfortable Seating
Request an actual seat instead of bar stools, especially if you prefer back support.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Cajun-Creole
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Extensive Bourbon & Whiskey Collection
Over 600 bourbons and whiskeys, South Carolina's most extensive collection. A whiskey lover's paradise.
Authentic Cajun-Creole Cuisine
Experience unique flavors with high-quality ingredients, especially noted for shrimp and grits.
Lively Bar Lounge Ambiance
Industrial haunt with exposed brick and gaslight-inspired chandeliers, offering a vibrant yet intimate setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Strategic Parking
Park at the bank lot behind the building for free to avoid valet or limited street parking.
Comfortable Seating
Request an actual seat instead of bar stools, especially if you prefer back support.
Dress for the Occasion
Bring an extra layer as the restaurant can be chilly, especially near the entrance.
Crafted Cocktails
Explore unique cocktails from knowledgeable bartenders to complement your Cajun bites.
Tips
from all over the internet
Strategic Parking
Park at the bank lot behind the building for free to avoid valet or limited street parking.
Comfortable Seating
Request an actual seat instead of bar stools, especially if you prefer back support.
Dress for the Occasion
Bring an extra layer as the restaurant can be chilly, especially near the entrance.
Crafted Cocktails
Explore unique cocktails from knowledgeable bartenders to complement your Cajun bites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bourbon offers a unique dining experience with its extensive whiskey collection and flavorful Cajun-Creole cuisine. While many praise the high-quality food made with fresh ingredients and the lively bar atmosphere, some diners have noted issues with service consistency and the restaurant's temperature.
"Great Bourbon/Whiskey Bar in the city with a very diverse menu. The food was upscale New Orleans/Southern inspired. The team in the kitchen are at the top of their game. Bar staff backs it up with super dope cocktails. A must try when you’re in the city."
Raymond Culbert
"Nice New Orelans style lounge restaurant.
It's situated right downtown historic Colombia and within walking distance of the SC State Capitol building (see photo).
Usually busy on the weekends and waits can be as long as hours and half.
There is very limited street parking and although the establishment advertises free parking we were unable to access this and had to pay $5 per hour valet.
We started out in the bar lounge next door which is really part of Bourbon but just separated by building access. It was quite lively and friendly waiter on hand to take our appetizer and drinks orders. You can't order and eat food from the restaurant here BTW.
Appetizers tensed to take some time to arrive as our waiter was working both the bar lounge and the resto-lounge.
They have over 600 different types of Bourbons and Whiskey so you are not limited on choice at all. Bar person does a really good job crafting cocktails as well which they have a nice selection or you can also craft your own.
We had the crab dip appetizer and hummus with peanut and both were a delight. I didn't like the toasted saltine crackers though ..they could do better substituting that with sourdough garlic bread which we asked extra but came after we finished the appetizer and the plates had been cleared.
On to the restaurant next door after a few drinks at the bar ..we went straight to the menu and ordered the variety of meals (see photos). Everything was good but portions tended to be small but adequate. After all this is not buffet!🙂
It was a bit chilly in the restaurant this period so they could consider space heaters during cold nights.
So...if ever in the Colombia SC area, do take a visit to Bourbon!!"
a A
"Great restaurant and bar! Got dinner at the restaurant section and then went to the lounge for drinks. Gumbo was the best I've had outside of New Orleans, and my friends really enjoyed their burgers as well. Server was very kind and the hickory made the inside smell wonderful."
Tyler W.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
For free parking, use the bank parking lot located behind the building. Valet and limited street parking are also options.
No, Bourbon does not accept reservations, so it's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends.
Bourbon serves unique Cajun-Creole cuisine, with popular dishes like shrimp and grits, gumbo, and burgers.
Bourbon boasts South Carolina's most extensive whiskey collection, over 600 bottles, alongside a menu of authentic Cajun-Creole dishes.
Some diners find the restaurant can be chilly, especially near the entrance. Bringing an extra layer is recommended.
Highlights include the shrimp and grits, crab dip, gumbo, and their highly-rated burgers.
Yes, you can order appetizers at the bar lounge, but you cannot order full restaurant meals there.
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Columbia, SC Bar Scene: 10 Must-Try Spots in 2024
Venturing from the streets of Columbia into Bourbon is akin to traversing a portal to a past era. Situated in the historic Brennen Building, this whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole eatery exudes upscale saloon ambiance with its exposed brick walls, repurposed wood, and gaslight-inspired chandeliers. However, Bourbon’s appeal extends beyond aesthetics – it boasts South Carolina’s most extensive whiskey collection, encompassing everything from Kentucky bourbons to Irish whiskeys and Japanese scotches.
Columbia SC's best bars and clubs for 2024
Main Street mainstay Bourbon has long been known for cooking up Cajun-Creole specialties and boasting a whiskey collection of over 500 bottles, but they also have an extensive craft cocktail program. The restaurant’s list of over 15 cocktail offerings include the “Open Sesame” with sesame-washed rye, the “Hibiscus Frose Slushy” and Bourbon’s single-barrel “Old Fashioned” with your choice of bourbon. Honorable Mention: The Dragon Room, The War Mouth
The Best Things to Do in Columbia, South Carolina in 2024
For whiskey lovers, drinking and dining at Bourbon is reason enough to plan a trip to Columbia. The Main Street restaurant has a wall-to-wall collection of curated bourbons, and the knowledgeable bartenders are happy to talk about their favorite pours and help you find the perfect pairing for your meal. Bourbon’s menu centers on Cajun and Creole cuisine, and the shrimp etouffee, topped with South Carolina shrimp and pancetta, is a showstopper.
Southern Food Columbia SC | Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits
For a bit of a spice, make your way to Bourbon where crafted cocktails and Cajun bites fill your table. If it’s a more casual outing you seek, try Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles, self-proclaimed the “hands down best soul food in town.” You’ll be hard-pressed to disagree once you take a bite of their melt-in-your-mouth red velvet waffle. Speaking of soul food, we’d be remiss to not mention A Peace of Soul Vegan Kitchen.
The 20 Best Things To Do In Columbia, South Carolina
Spread out over 36 blocks, the area features several restaurants—including Bourbon and Market on Main—and places to shop. Depending on the timing of your visit, you may get to experience some of the neighborhood’s exciting events. “I always look forward to First Thursdays on Main, where there is always a new mix of artwork to look at and buy, food to try, and music to listen to,” says Black.
11 Salads You Have To Eat This Summer In #RealColumbiaSC
Placed on the menu alongside indulgent items like the lamb burger (our personal favorite) and the duck confit gumbo, Bourbon's bounty salad is the perfect fresh addition to your Cajun-inspired meal. Filled with fresh and seasonal produce - all sourced from South Carolina - you can feel good about your healthy and all-local salad. Ingredients rotate seasonally, so prepare to be surprised!
The 7 Best Burgers In Columbia, South Carolina
A simply wonderful Bourbon-centric whiskey bar with 400 whiskies and a Cajun-Creole restaurant with one of the best burgers in the state. Come for the drinks, enjoy an incredible burger and then stay for more drinks with friends. An all-round top class experience; although there are some other great items on the menu, trust us and stick with the juicy burger.
Lift Your Spirits: Five Bars That Set the Bar in Columbia
Bourbon meets Bourbon Street at this whiskey bar with a New Orleans-inspired menu. Tucked inside the circa 1869 Brennen Building, Bourbon is where the capital crowd goes for neat sips or classic cocktails created from an extensive list of whiskeys and bourbons. Intimate surroundings invite conversation and relaxation—perfect for unwinding after work.
23+ Romantic Date Night Restaurants: Columbia, SC
This modern-style restaurant is centrally located on Main Street in downtown Columbia. The menu features a variety of different meat styles, an extensive bourbon, whiskey, and cocktail selection, and cajun-creole cuisines – making it THE perfect spot for a special date night!. Bourbon does not accept reservations so it is best to get there early.
Where to stay in Columbia (Lexington, Liberty: hotels, safe area, restaurants) - South Carolina (SC) -Columbia - Lexington - Irmo
And north of the capitol you'd have the Oak Table, Bourbon if it's open by then, Cantina '76, Moe's Kitchen (daytime), the Marriott's new restaurant (Midlands is the name, I think.)m The Whig, Cowboy Brazilian Steakhouse, Hampton Vineyard, Villa Tronco, etc. You should google downtown Columbia SC restaurants, bethann1240.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Columbia, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (338 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1214 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-3213- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: People from these metros are looking to buy homes in Columbia
Where to Eat in Columbia, SC
If you’re on Main St on a week night or the weekend, you’re likely to see a huge crowd around Bourbon and for good reason!. This modern restaurant brings a unique scene to downtown with its craft cocktails and urban vibe. Don’t fear the community table either, you’ll probably meet someone new and have a great time.
Discovering the Best Places to Eat in Columbia, SC
Bourbon is a whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant located in the heart of the Vista. The menu features classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo and jambalaya, as well as Southern favorites like fried chicken and shrimp and grits. With over 200 bourbons to choose from, Bourbon is the perfect spot for whiskey lovers.
The Hottest Brunch Spots Columbia SC
Surrounded by Bourbon’s brick walls and huge windows overlooking a recently refurbished Main Street and Capitol building, patrons can wet their whistles from a selection of whiskey that runs the length of the restaurant. However, it is the Cajun-Creole food that will whet one’s appetite.
Best Brunch Spots in Cola? : ColumbiYEAH
My normal hangouts when I'm back in town are limited to The Whig, Speakeasy and Bar None, maybe hitting up The Kraken or Bourbon. What great new places have you been to in that vein?. I want to show off the best of Columbia so I can eventually convince SO to move back with me :) Thanks!
20 Best Restaurants in Columbia, SC for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1214 Main StColumbia, SC 29201(803) 403-1404 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Bourbon is one of the best restaurants downtown, established in 2014, in the iconic Brennen Building. It helped popularize the Cajun and Creole cuisines in the Columbia area.
Columbia date ideas help
Bourbon on the other side of Main Street near court house is another reasonable option (craft cocktails on one side and great food options on the other side). Lula drakes is another option for wine if that’s more of her style. These options maybe costlier fyi.
Columbia, SC Restaurants to Try (in 2024)
Bourbon is a truly awesome place to try if you are a whiskey lover. It boasts the largest whiskey menu in the entire state. They have over 400 different types of Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, rye, and other varieties of exotic whiskeys to try.
10 Popular Restaurants in Columbia SC Dining Scene
Indulge in the flavors of the South at Bourbon, a lively restaurant and whiskey bar in Columbia SC’s Vista district. From classic Southern dishes to innovative cocktails, Bourbon offers a taste of the region’s rich culinary heritage.
5 Amazing Family Restaurants in Columbia, SC
If you are trying to find something more casual, Bourbon is for you. It features Southern comfort food and a wide selection of bourbons and whiskeys. If the weather is perfect, dine outside on the patio.
Nightlife in Columbia, SC
This whiskey bar specializes in bourbon, whiskey, craft cocktails and the flavors of the Louisiana Bayou. Bourbon has the largest whiskey selection in the state of South Carolina.
Fine dining restaurants in Columbia SC are slowly reopening
Restaurateur Kristien Niemi, owner of the new Black Rooster in West Columbia and Bourbon on Main Street, is targeting June 15 as an opening date for indoor dining.
Area Restaurants
Bourbon is a whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant located just steps from the South Carolina state capitol building in the historic Brennen Building (1869).
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit