Honorable Mention: Green Olive Restaurant, Pitas

Best Milkshake — Cook Out

Runner-Up: Rush’s

Columbia is known as “Famously Hot,” and on those long, hot summer days, a cold, delicious drink is just the thing. Cook Out, the perfect place to find one, offers more than 40 milkshake flavor options to cool you down. With its numerous restaurant locations throughout the Columbia area, you’re never too far from a delicious and cold Cook Out shake, making it a convenient and accessible treat for everyone.

Honorable Mention: Grill Marks, Chick-fil-A

Best National Chain Restaurant — Chick-fil-A

Runner-Up: Texas Roadhouse

“My pleasure.” Founded over 80 years ago, Chick-fil-A has grown to become one of the largest fast food chains in America, with a strong presence in 48 states and numerous locations in the Midlands. Offering a breakfast menu to start your day, as well as its famous chicken sandwich, chicken nuggets and a variety of other menu items, Chick-fil-A is your convenient and accessible choice for a tasty treat for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Honorable Mention: Bojangles, Bonefish

Best New Restaurant — Tupelo Honey

Runner-Up: The Hollow

A newcomer to the Columbia scene, Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen offers a cuisine rooted in traditional Southern cooking of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Diners are welcomed at Tupelo Honey by an atmosphere that makes them feel comfortable. Located in the heart of the vibrant BullStreet District, Tupelo Honey offers an extensive menu of delicious Southern delights, serving brunch on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as lunch and dinner daily.

Honorable Mention: A Fuego 747, The Hoot

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Village Idiot Pizza takes home the award for Best Pizza.

Photo provided

Best Pizza — Village Idiot Pizza

Runner-Up: Il Focolare

Village Idiot Pizza, the home of New York-style pizza since 1990, is not just about tradition, but also about innovation. With locations in Five Points and the Olympia Mill District, Village Idiot has been a local favorite for over 30 years, serving delicious pizza and wings to students, USC fans and locals. The daily specials and a monthly feature pizza, along with an extensive menu of toppings and combinations, promise an exciting and delicious dining experience for students, families and fans.

Dining and Cooking