The quirky and characterful Motor Supply Company Bistro is the epitome of Columbia’s slow food, farm-to-table movement. Since 1989, when it opened in a renovated 1800s engine supply building, Motor Supply Co. has been at the heart of the historic Congaree Vista scene. It serves the most innovative and eclectic food using the freshest of ingredients and, in keeping with this spirit, the menu changes twice a day.

The daily-changing menu at this stalwart of the Columbia dining scene highlights the best of what local farmers and purveyors have to offer, worked into eclectic dishes that span European to Asian influences. The artsy interior (a former engine parts building, on the National Register of Historic Places) and thoughtful service make it a standout.

Schadel’s business partner, Tracie Broom, provided a list of places “for getting romantic with your honey or getting bro-mantic with your bestie.” She included the bar at Motor Supply Company; Cayce Riverwalk; a booth at Rosso Trattoria Italia; the patio at Terra; the bar at Cellar on Greene; the State House grounds; the bar at Baan Sawan; a movie at the Nickelodeon Theatre and walking on Main Street after; mussels at the bar at 116 State; browsing at the Old Mill Antique Mall; and eating at the sushi bar at Inakaya Japanese Restaurant before singing karaoke love songs in a private room at Tsubaki Restaurant Lounge. The most intriguing places on her list, though, were the old state hospital grounds (“creepy, but in a beautiful, nostalgic way”) and Elmwood Cemetery (“again creepy, but in an awesome way”).

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.

Yelp: 4 stars, 140 reviews One of the first restaurants to help revamp the Vista district, Motor Supply has been building a great reputation and has become part of the backbone of this neighborhood since they opened their doors in 1989. The menu includes a great mix of American, French, Italian, and Asian cuisine and changes almost daily, so you know they’re not kidding when they say they’re fresh. You’ll usually be able to find a great grilled steak or house-brined pork chops, neither of which you should miss out on.

The restaurants in the area are Thirsty Fellow, Longhorn Steakhouse, Five Guys Burgers, Monterrey Mexican, Liberty Tap Room, Blue Marlin, Mojito's, Motor Supply, Wild Hare, Ruth's Chris, The Mamas and the Tapas, the Flying Saucer, Nonnah's, Salsaritas, Restorante Devino, Jason's, Jillian's, Wet Willie's, Le Peep, Jimmy John's, Taco Shushi, Saki Tumi, M Vista, some wings restaurants, M Grille, Cola's, IHOP (if the new store is open by then - should be), Tsunami, World of Beer, Palmetto Pig (bar-b-q), etc.

Farm to table has become a culinary trend like no other in these last few years; however, Motor Supply Company takes that seriously all week long, and even during Sunday brunch. The menu is always chef-driven and inspired by whatever is in season that will provide a made-from-scratch, made-to-order, fresh-food experience for patrons. Menus are changing, but items might include low country crab cakes, Adluh grits, house-smoked meat, salads using local greens, and house-made Mexican pastries.

Using as many locally-sourced ingredients as possible has become all the rage in recent years, but it’s more than just a fad for Motor Supply. As a true bistro, this Vista institution changes its menu daily, enabling an infinite variety of gourmet dishes based on what’s in season, what’s available and what will capture diners’ imaginations — all while satiating the appetites of an increasingly food-aware public. Look for some inventive ingredients in the hand-crafted cocktails, too.

In the heart of the Vista, this contemporary space updates their menus daily to create a unique, eclectic dining experience. The cozy ambiance, locally-sourced, shareable selection, and knowledgeable staff makes this the perfect spot when parents come to visit. What to order: Because of their ever-changing menu, we can’t recommend a specific dish, but we can tell you that anything you order will be locally sourced, high quality, and in season.

If you are hoping to just get some classic American style cuisine served up with plenty of stiff cocktails, then Motor Supply Company Bistro is going to be the spot in The Vista that is right for you. They are driven by a farm-to-table menu that has made them into one of the area's best restaurants. They first opened their doors in 1989 and in that time they have been varying and changing up their menu almost daily.

Bistro is a brunch spot that honors local ingredients and Southern hospitality, a Columbia institution celebrated for its farm-to-fork ethos. This historic establishment, housed in a former motor supply store, presents a dynamic brunch menu that mirrors the season’s abundance. Treat yourself to house-made pimento cheese boards brimming with creamy goodness, a quintessential Southern delicacy.

If you do feel like blowing a wad on great food, hit up Motor Supply, Terra, Warmouth, Tallulah, Bourbon, Baan Sawan or my favorite sushi place in town, Camon. The only decent options you have for seafood are Blue Marlin on the high end, and on the complete other end Palmetto Seafood Company on Gervais. It is the best place to buy fresh seafood, but also has a takeout for hot dishes.

What it's known for: A must-eat in Columbia's Congaree Vista, Motor Supply Co. Bistro is named for the beautifully restored building's original function - supplying motor parts to South Carolina and surrounding states. Guests will appreciate the farm-to-table menu that changes daily for an upscale dining experience that showcases Chef Wesley Fulmer's seasonally inspired dishes.

Widely acclaimed Motor Supply Co Bistro is a locally owned and operated restaurant started in 1989. Named after the 1800’s engine supply building that it took over, Motor Supply Co uses locally sourced ingredients and changes their menu daily. Reviewers on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google love the upscale decor, dynamic menu, commitment to culinary art, and “hidden gem” style.

Bistro has been serving contemporary American, Asian, French, and Italian cuisine since 1989. The diverse menu varies daily, based on the availability of fresh ingredients from local farms or made in-house. You'll find an award-winning comprehensive wine list at this establishment in the historic Congaree Vista that's a favorite for a date night or special occasion.

Dining at the Motor Supply Company Bistro is like going on a blind date. Featuring farm-fresh ingredients and seasonal meals, the menus change daily – you never really know what you might find when you arrive. Owner Eddie Wales and Executive Chef Wesley Fulmer like running a restaurant devoted to local ingredients and creating a special “farm-to-fork” experience.

Motor Supply Company: One of the Vista’s first restaurants, Motor Supply Company has been serving farm-to-table cuisine since 1989. Their menu boasts seasonal southern fare made with locally sourced ingredients where possible. They are open for lunch and dinner (and be sure to check them out for brunch on Saturdays and Sundays!)

During its three-decade run in the Vista, Motor Supply has become known for a few key things. Among them are its excellent food and the local sourcing it utilizes to make it. A daily shifting menu often touts the local farms it worked with, providing a a handy reminder of the culinary wonders local goods can lead to.

Beyond live music, you’ll also find quiet wine bars and coffeehouses — don’t miss Lula Drake Wine Parlour or Nonnah’s – trendy cocktail lounges like Motor Supply and Bourbon; Nickelodeon/15665/), the city’s an arthouse theater, as well as a host of lively nightclubs and outdoor cafes throughout the city.

Located at 920 Gervais St., Motor Supply Company Bistro is an a farm-to-table restaurant in the heart of Columbia. Motor Supply Company is open for lunch and dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. Menu items include things such as: Roasted Veal Chop, Duck Confit, salads, soups, and sandwiches.

920 Gervais StColumbia, SC 29201(803) 256-6687 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Since 1989, the Motor Supply Company Bistro has been serving made-from-scratch food in Congaree Vista. It serves a diverse set of food items originating from local and foreign cuisines.

Motor Supply Company Bistro offers a sustainable farm-to-table dining experience with house-butchered meats, locally sourced produce, and South Carolina seafood. Reservations are recommended. Motor Supply Company Bistro 920 Gervais StreetColumbia, SC, 29201803.256.6687

Motor Supply serves some of the best brunch around and a Columbia SC classic for over 30 years. The chef keeps diners guessing with a new menu every meal. Support local agriculture and experience a farm fresh brunch in a renovated 1800s engine supply building.

We need to find out what is on the menu as it is constantly changing. You can expect something special and unique to your Motor Supply Company Bistro trip. This is a relaxed open kitchen restaurant with a laid-back feel that is ideal for your vacation.

- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (1,057 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, International- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 920 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201-3128- Read more on Tripadvisor

Motor Supply is known for incorporating all things hyper local + fresh into their farm-to-table menu. The menu changes daily, so you’re in for a unique treat each time you visit. However, if oysters are on the menu in any form, snag ‘em while you can.

An early pioneer of dining in the Vista, Motor Supply's eclectic menu reflects a classic bistro mentality and changes every day and every night. Upbeat, cosmopolitan atmosphere and excellent food. Especially popular for Sunday brunch.

Motor Supply has long been nominated as one of the best restaurants in Columbia. This uniquely crafted menu is sure to enlighten you palette. Even if you’ve been once, the chef is constantly curating new recipes for the menu.

Motor Supply Company Bistro is a standout with its seasonal menu using local ingredients. It’s known for creative dishes that please everyone. The Oyster Bar is another favorite, loved for its fresh seafood and relaxed feel.

Bistro has been a Columbia favorite since it opened in 1989. The menu changes daily and features seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. From the crispy duck confit to the pan-seared sea bass, the dishes at Motor Supply Co.

Bistro: This farm-to-table favorite is known for its ever-changing menu and creative dishes. Whether you visit for brunch or dinner, Motor Supply promises a memorable dining experience in the heart of the Vista.

This is a go-to spot for date night and special occasions for us. The menu is seasonal and I have never had a bad meal there. I love the ambience of their outdoor patio and the service is always fantastic.

If you know us, then you know that Motor Supply is one of our favs. So of course it's going to be the top of our list. Remember the menu changes daily, so you’ll always find something new and different.

At Motor Supply Company Bistro, diners never know what they are going to get when they walk through the door. Seriously, they have a menu that changes every single day. But don’t let that scare you.

Chef Wesley Fulmer and Eddie Wales renovated a historic engine supply store near the Congaree River to create one of Columbia’s most beloved restaurants, Motor Supply Co.

For restaurants, I'd add Blue Marlin and Motor City Supply -- both located in the Vista area of downtown Columbia (near USC, the statehouse, and the State Museum).

Discover the exquisite flavors of American and European cuisine at Motor Supply Company Bistro in Columbia, SC – a true culinary treasure.

For a more upscale dining experience, head to Motor Supply Co. Bistro, which offers Lettuce Wraps filled with local pork and vegetables.

Motor Supply Co. | 920 Gervais St. | The renovated patio with garage door-style windows give the patio an open, outdoor feel.