Let’s glow, Cola. Kayla here, and over the past several summers, cheering on the Columbia Fireflies (while eating copious amounts of hot dogs + Dippin Dots) has become one of my favorite things to do.

With minor league baseball canceled for the season, the Columbia Fireflies are finding innovative ways to continue to entertain Soda Citizens – like turning Segra Park into the “Fireflies Bar & Grill” restaurant on Friday + Saturday nights this summer. I recently tried it out, and it was a home run. Here’s how it works + why you should #TryThis.

Experience:

Dining at Fireflies Bar & Grill

What we tried (with pricing):

I made my reservation online for Saturday’s 7-9 p.m. seating block. These reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis, with the first seating block from 6-8 p.m. and the second from 7-9 p.m. Reservation links change weekly and are released on the Fireflies’ social pages a few days before the weekend.

Tables are spaced out significantly for enhanced physical distancing at Fireflies Bar & Grill

Masks are required until you are seated at your table, so I donned mine, checked in at the front gate and was shown to my table in the Bullpen Boxes along the 3rd base line. I was impressed at the level of physical distancing in place: tables were spaced significantly apart, and only every other table was occupied. Bonus: There was a 2019 Fireflies game on the Jumbotron.

The menu (which you access digitally using a QR code on your table) features traditional ballpark favorites – like hot dogs ($6 with a side) + burgers ($9 with a side) – as well as a variety of apps, wraps and even salads. We also hear there’s a secret burger menu.

I ordered a Steel Hands Tropical IPA ($4) to wash it all down, but if I wasn’t in the mood for beer, I could’ve had my pick of specialty cocktails (like the Masked Moscow Mule), wine or spirits on the menu.

Note: For health and safety reasons, payment is card-only, so leave your cash at home. Servers are equipped with tablets for a touch-free payment process.

Don't miss:

The Nachos de Chicharrones ($10). Let’s talk about them. Pork rinds topped with nacho cheese, pulled pork, jalapeños and sweet + BBQ sauce. (Full disclosure: I am writing this at 9:30 a.m., and I would eat a plate right now.)

Nachos de Chicharrones at Fireflies Bar & Grill (our apologies that your screen is neither scratch-n-sniff nor lick-n-taste)

What we’re still talking about:

#SodaCitizens know a summer thunderstorm is nothing unusual. Oh, the weather forecast says there’s zero chance of rain? Better pack an umbrella.

When a storm came rolling through around 8, the Fireflies staff (who were all in masks), quickly + efficiently moved guests and their meals to tables under the covered concourse. I took a seat and sipped my beer while watching the rain over the outfield – it was pretty great.

Staff at Fireflies Bar & Grill are required to wear masks at all times, and Jessica’s scrunchie/shirt coordination was on point

How you can experience this:

Keep an eye on the Fireflies’ Facebook, Twitter + Instagram, where they will post the reservation link for the upcoming weekend. Make your reso, pack your masks, and enjoy.

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Fireflies Bar & Grill
Price: Menu items vary, costing an average of $8.
Website: Menu here; reservation links change weekly (keep an eye on social media)
Address: Segra Park at BullStreet District, 1640 Freed St., Columbia, SC 29201
Hours: First seating 6-8 p.m., second seating 7-9 p.m.
Social: Facebook, Twitter + Instagram Ⓟ