We love everything about Columbia – from it’s little big town feel to the immense pride people have in living here – but there are always things that could make it even better.

Every year, we’ve asked y’all what you would want to see come to our city – hoping it would catch the attention of the right people – and in some cases, it did (i.e. Home Team BBQ owner saying because of so many tags in our social post, they decided to open in Five Points).

Here are a few more things y’all have said our city is missing, what we’ve got in return, what’s in store for the future, and what we’re still hopeful for.

Ask and you shall receive

“Columbia, with all of its rivers, needs to have a nice riverside restaurant like we had when the New Orleans Restaurant was across the river. We enjoyed eating out on the terrace overlooking the river.” – @lindasueewing | This month, the long-awaited “French-ish” restaurant Black Rooster (with its rooftop bar overlooking the river) officially opened its doors to the public at 201 Meeting St.
“More rooftop restaurants/bars!” – @pnutbutternkelllly | Aside from Black Rooster, Hendrix also opened this year at 1649 Main St. And just a couple weeks ago came the announcement of Hotel Anthem coming to The Vista in 2021 – complete with a rooftop bar.
“@topgolf for sure!!!!!” – @doublemm_c | Back in June 2018, we had an overwhelming number of readers say that wanted a Top Golf in Columbia, and while it’s not exactly the Topgolf y’all were referring to... the Main Street District did welcome indoor game simulator Topgolf Swing Suites at 1620 Main St. the following September.
“A cool deli for eclectic sandwiches + a market with beer, wine, readymade pastas, locally roasted coffee beans, plus local breads and artisan cheeses. Local and regional beers on tap with inside and patio seating and refrigerated four and six packs ready to take home. For examples see Common Market and Rhino Market in Charlotte.” – @_merchant_ | It’s not here yet, but – gourmet + specialty market Market on Main is expected to open at 1320 Main St. this fall.

And what’s in our possible distant future

“…a rock climbing place to give people something active to do on hot days & to foster a community for outdoor lovers.” – @elliegwu | While it hasn’t been confirmed that a rock climbing will be inside REI coming to the BullStreet District in Spring 2020, there is a high chance since some of their locations have their own rock climbing walls. If anything, the outdoor adventure retail store will definitely assist in fostering a community for outdoor lovers.
“Finley Park as a crown jewel...” – David W.; “A killer water park!” – Julie J. | After the City of Columbia extended an open call to private corporations to present a proposal for an overhaul of Finlay Park, City Council approved the Whitewater Center’s proposal in Dec. 2018, agreeing to collaborate on and invest in a redesign + revamp of Finlay Park.

Room for more…

As Columbia continues to grow, gaining more + more Soda Citizen each year (ahem, we are the #4 most popular place millenials are moving in 2019), the demand for more things to do and see continues. Here are a few more things you’ve said our city is missing, that we’re still wishing would come to the Midlands:

“Food Hall in Cottontown or BullStreet.” – Michelle K.
“A Cheesecake Factory and a dine-in movie theater like the ones in Charlotte would be really nice.” – Rosheene H.
“Chopt Creative Salad Co.” – Drew S.
“Cooler SUMMER Temps.....lol.” – Scott T.

Don’t see what you want to come to Columbia?

Tell us below.