Columbia might be the state capital full of financial businesses and government buildings, but it’s a college town. It’s a college town with plenty of bars, restaurants and dives frequented by 18-22 year old students looking for a cheap bite.
It can be overwhelming trying to find the best places tucked away with cheap wings or the best burger around campus.
So GamecockCentral wanted to do some research, and we did it by asking the people who know food the best: football players.
It’s no secret football players love food.
It takes a lot of calories and fuel to keep these Division I athletes towering over the general public, most of them over 6-feet and weighing between 200 to 350 pounds.
The players don’t shy away from food, with a barbecue buffet being catered for the first day of practice this year and Muschamp treating the team to Waffle House last preseason.
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So it’d make sense to ask these foodies where they eat (when they’re not on an in-season diet, obviously) and put together a guide to restaurants in Columbia.
One of the favorites that came up consistently was Rockaways located on Devine Street. A dive burger joint, Rockaways is a go-to choice for skill players Rico Dowdle and Hayden Hurst.
Dowdle, a self-proclaimed unhealthy eater, said he likes anywhere he can get burgers or chicken, with Rockaways and Zestos being his primary choices. Hurst, who stays away from fried food, has his usual of two burgers when he heads to Rockaways.
The offensive line likes to eat together, and they frequent Doc’s Barbeque near Williams-Brice. Tackle Zack Bailey said he really doesn’t have a favorite place (it all depends on his craving) but Pawley’s Front Porch and Old Chicago Pizza is really good.
Signal callers have their go-to places as well when they’re not eating at the stadium or watching film. Jake Bentley said he likes to go to Andy’s Deli in Five Points and eats the Andy’s Special, a roast beef, turkey and Swiss sandwich topped with bacon bits.
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Two of the older players on the team, Bryson Allen-Williams and Skai Moore have been around Columbia going on four years now. They’re not novices, and they know where they like to eat.
Allen-Williams enjoys hibachi and made-from-scratch food, citing Hibachi House on Main Street, Tsunami in the Vista and Kiki’s Chicken and Waffles as his must-hits. Moore prefers his food more American, saying he likes to go to D’s Wings, Salty Nut or Grill Marks in the Vista.
Dante Sawyer, who likes to eat so much he once saved a pack of Skittles for an on-field snack after a win, said anywhere he can get Chicken Alfredo is a good spot to him. He’s preferential to California Dreaming’s Blackened Chicken as well.
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When he’s not trying to coach his team or spending long days watching film and game planning, Will Muschamp likes to go out for family dinners as well.
He lives on the lake, he said, so Liberty on the Lake is a frequented spot along with the Oyster Bar in the Vista as well as Ruth’s Chris and Blue Marlin. And, of course, Seawells, the catering company that helps feed the players during the season.
This is not a comprehensive list by any means, but it gives a glimpse as to what are some of the best places people who like food go.
The good thing for you is that you’re not on a football diet, and no coach is going to yell at you for indulging in Rockaways' fried mac and cheese bites.
