The Grand on Main
A grand destination blending a boutique bowling alley, live music, and a diverse menu for an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
The Grand on Main
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand destination blending a boutique bowling alley, live music, and a diverse menu for an unforgettable dining and entertainment experience.
"This place is a full-on experience with exquisite flavors and phenomenal service in the perfect atmosphere."
Book Ahead for Bowling
Make reservations well in advance, especially for bowling lanes, as they can be booked up.
Valet Parking Available
If downtown parking is challenging, consider the convenient valet parking option.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
American
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(803) 766-0151
Address
1621 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Boutique Bowling & Entertainment
Experience a unique blend of dining, live music, and boutique bowling, offering a vibrant atmosphere for all.
Consistently Delicious Food
From shrimp and grits to steak, every dish is praised for its flavor and excellent preparation.
Vibrant Live Music Scene
Enjoy live music that adds to the lively vibe and makes for a memorable evening out.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead for Bowling
Make reservations well in advance, especially for bowling lanes, as they can be booked up.
Valet Parking Available
If downtown parking is challenging, consider the convenient valet parking option.
Expect Peak Hour Waits
During busy lunch or dinner rushes, be prepared for potential wait times, though service is generally prompt.
Shareable Group Drinks
Try unique group cocktails like 'The s--- that killed John Wick' for a memorable experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead for Bowling
Make reservations well in advance, especially for bowling lanes, as they can be booked up.
Valet Parking Available
If downtown parking is challenging, consider the convenient valet parking option.
Expect Peak Hour Waits
During busy lunch or dinner rushes, be prepared for potential wait times, though service is generally prompt.
Shareable Group Drinks
Try unique group cocktails like 'The s--- that killed John Wick' for a memorable experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Grand on Main is lauded for its consistently good food, exceptional service, and vibrant atmosphere that includes live music and bowling. Diners highlight dishes like shrimp and grits and steak as particularly delicious. While the overall experience is highly positive, some guests note that certain bowling lanes may be out of order during peak times, and parking can be a challenge downtown.
"This was a cool spot. Think cozy lounge meets old school bowling alley. It's best to reserve well in advance before the day you want to go. When we went, 3 or 4 of the 7 lanes were out of order, and the rest were already booked up, so we were out of luck. We still stayed and ended up having a delicious meal, so it was worth the trip there. The shrimp and grits was yum yum yummy!"
Tonya
"The Grand on Main Street isn't just a place to grab a bite or a drink; it's a consistently great experience. What truly sets it apart is that the food is always good. Seriously, every dish I've tried has been delicious and well-prepared.
But beyond the satisfying meals, the staff at The Grand are exceptional. They're attentive, friendly, and genuinely seem to enjoy what they do, which creates such a welcoming atmosphere.
Speaking of atmosphere, my last visit was particularly memorable. There was a Hennessy special happening, and the representatives there were fantastic! They were so nice and fun to chat with, adding an extra layer of energy to the evening. It was one of those nights that reminded me that the difference between just going to a bar and having a truly good experience often comes down to the people. In this case, a huge thank you goes to Jessica and Chan. Their attentiveness and positive energy really elevated the whole evening. They exemplify the kind of service that makes The Grand a standout spot. They have the indescribable X factor quality that just makes one a winner. Thank you Jessica and Chan!"
Gracie Stevenson
"Live music was a little loud but, it was an awesome experience. My husband and I went here for date night and we were not disappointed. We ordered an appetizer of Salmon bites then for dinner we had Salmon with goat cheese (delicious) also, Steak and broccoli. Our entire meat was very tasty and flavorful. The broccoli was steamed and perfectly seasoned, the steak was tender and juicy, and the Salmon was juicy and flaky. All perfectly cooked. Will definitely return here and I recommend you try it. Make sure you make a reservation because if you don’t, the wait can be up to 30 minutes or more."
Idamae Jackson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for bowling lanes and during peak dining hours, to avoid wait times.
The Grand on Main offers a unique experience with a boutique bowling alley, live music on weekends, and a lounge area with games.
Yes, diners consistently praise the food quality, with highlights including shrimp and grits, steak, and burgers.
They offer a variety of cocktails, including unique group drinks, and a selection of beers from their self-serve taproom.
Parking can be challenging in the downtown area, but valet parking is available.
The restaurant is open all day, which is a rarity in downtown Columbia, offering a consistent dining option.
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One of the newer bars to hit the scene, the Grand, well, really is grand. The former Army/Navy store is nearly a block long from front to back door, and its swanky interior has a lot of sections for different activities that can keep any group of friends busy all night. The front has elegant dining and a classy bar, and the midsection has a lounge area with games like Jenga, which are great while waiting on a lane for the boutique bowling alley in the back.
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The Grand on Main is a great place to hang out with your friends, enjoy a casual meal, grab a few drinks, and have a mini-bowling competition. The Grand on Main is a bowling alley with a casual eatery and a self-serve taproom which has some of the finest beers. The burgers and sandwiches here are really good, and of course, the starters are pretty delicious too.
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Once you’re done petting puppies and picking flowers at Soda City Market, stop in at The Grand, the boutique bowling alley on Main Street, for brunch bites like chicken and waffles and a bacon scrambler bowl. Don’t forget to add a side of bubbly with a mimosa flight made up of flavors like strawberry + basil and blackberry spice + sage, among others.
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There are several places to go bowling all throughout the Midlands; however, The Grand on Main Street is like no other!. At The Grand you will find a restaurant in the front of the building and bowling lanes in the back. Enjoy a delicious meal with your spouse then continue the night with a fun game of bowling!
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You could try something different and try a live escape game and your own private adventure at Escapology. They offer immersive escape rooms and team building workshops to have fun and practice team problem solving, communication, and critical thinking as you race against the clock to complete your mission.
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○ The Grand on Main | 1621 Main St.| More than just a boutique bowling alley, this gem on Main Street offers live music on the patio weekly Friday-Sunday. Tables are spaced six feet apart and musicians stay in their designated spaces. Guests are also asked to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
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Today, it’s a casual upscale restaurant with a boutique bowling alley and secret cocktail lounge. And on Saturdays and Sundays, they’re open for brunch. After browsing for local arts and crafts at the Soda City Market, brunch at The Grand on Main would only be fitting.
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With great music and ambiance, The Grand has a compelling experience to offer. They serve great food and drinks to their customers, and you can have a valuable time at this club. It is extremely light on the pocket, and the servers are also supremely nice.
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The Grand on Main is more of an experience than an actual restaurant. Their cuisine is definitely more geared towards the ‘late night’ category with plenty of sides and finger foods to munch on. The real experience is the atmosphere itself.
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It’s a cool concept and a great way to shake up your typical date nights. The space itself is also really cool with vaulted beamed ceilings. It’s a former theater space and the original marquee sign was uncovered during construction.
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The Grand on Main Developer Scott Middleton’s bowling alley and restaurant is offering delivery through Bite Squad, curbside pickup, outdoor dining and indoor dining. His across-the-street venture, The Main Course, is doing the same.
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I have four words for you… Cinnamon- Toast- Crunch- Waffle!!!. I saw it on their Instagram, and I had to have it and every bite was as good as I’d hoped for. This is the place you want when you want variety and large portions.
Area Restaurants
Boutique bowling alley, restaurant and bar is your Columbia, SC destination for fun, food and activities. Make plans to relax after work to meet your friends and co-workers for drinks and games indoors or on the plaza.
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Walk the Cayce Riverwalk 12,000 Year History Trail - a unique historical site in Cayce, South Carolina, where the 1865 Civil War battle occurred and is also the location of the historical earthworks
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They’ll take an afternoon snooze while you head to The Grand for lunch, bowling, and games. (Psst! There’s a hidden taproom downstairs with old school arcade games and self-serving taps).
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It’s absolutely not the most exciting city in the Southeast, but we’re not just sitting in a chain restaurant sweating our asses off.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit