California Dreaming

Voted “Best Salad” by Free Times and Columbia Metropolitan, “Best Date Spot, Best Overall Restaurant and Best Place to Take your Parents” by USC’s The Daily Gamecock.

9 / 10
263
ratings
Address

401 Main St Columbia , SC 29201 United States

Reservations No
Credit Cards Yes
Wi-Fi Yes
Outdoor Seating Yes
Menus Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks Full Bar, Cocktails

Comments / 79


Keywords:

good for dates potato soup prime rib good for groups trendy chicken fingers salads restaurants trivia good for working casual desserts chocolate brownies great value cheesecake healthy food piña coladas bar tropical drinks dinner
Brad Hager

LOVE this place ❤️ The honey butter Croissants are decadent. The California Dreaming Salad & w/ house dressing is a MUST (with extra croissants )???? Potato soup is awesome. Cheese cake is AMAZING!!

Leanne Watson

I had the Salmon w/baked potato and salad . I usually get the big salad with the salmon but decided to try something new. It was wonderful. And their salads w/croissant is always great.

Karen Tingen

The ambience of eating in a historical train station is awesome. So many good choices for food on the menu but my favorite is definitely chicken tenders with their special mustard sauce .

Nikki Taylor

First time here. Crab claws and chocolate brownie were delicious! Pasta was good too. Shrimp Po Boy could have used a few more shrimp , but still good.

Ana Torres

Delicious restaurant ! Great service and AmazIng food. I tried the four cheese ravioli and they were amazing. Big plate , though. Very recomendable.

Timothy Cool

Very good food! The she-crab soup (with the "splash" of sherry ) was VERY good! The croissants are also VERY good - like eating donuts ! The wait was a little long...but worth it.

Sonia Bowers

The California Dreaming salad is good. The chicken strips platter is big. Me and my son could not eat it all. Took it home. Croissants are good.

Amanda

Love love love their California Dreaming salad with their house dressing . Also, the bomb strawberry daiquiris , ask for extra shot!

Becky Watson

It’s all about the croissants and salads with the hot bacon honey mustard . Wish they had more levels lunch specials though. Pricey for lunch .

Hakeem Bilal

If you leave 40 tips saying every dish is "awesome", its probably a safe bet to just say "overall they serve great food here" in one single tip. #excessivemuch? #savvymusic #justathought

Janet Wingard

The salad is fantastic, a meal on its own, the potato soup and prime rib are some favorites also.

MrsT Gibbs

ALWAYS get the famous California Dreaming Salad or house salad and croissants !

Diane Tache

Best nachos ever!!!! Have the Traditional Nachos & enjoy!! Call Ahead seating is great during busy times.

Jackie Hague

Mimosas were amazing. Always have the salad and croissants . Love them.

OneCent

Side salad and chicken strips ! Yum yum! Also, if you are in the mood for some drinks, I would suggest the hurricane. I have never gotten anything bad here!

Schadell

Amazing house salad with great croissants . Try the chicken parm or blackened chicken .

Richard Hendren

Come in and ask us about our loyalty card. It is a great way to reward our regular guests.

Kalliopie Lock

It is a great place to eat. I like it for lunch , but expect a wait!

James Roper

Every Tuesday night is Trivia Night 7:30pm-9:30pm. The trivia guy is awesome! He's worth the trip by himself!

Bobby Bush

Ask for the Cali Salad and add a chicken breast to it. The Ranch dressing is to die for. You'll leave with leftovers, and it's the best salad you'll ever eat!

Shannon Watts

Potato soup is the best I've ever had! Love the Pina Colada too.

Ryan Proctor

Always.. Always... Get the House Dressing , Croissants , and Prime Rib are a personal favorite.

Alex Grismer

Beautiful environment, delicious food, awesome French fries .

Young O.G

The salads are the best, best salads of any restaurant chain.

Ainslee Culberson

Now open til two a.m. on Saturdays. $1.95 house and appetizers . DJ Guy L entertaining... It's a cool place to hang out late night

Tammy Lloyd

Shrimp Po Boy with side of strip sauce was delish!

McKenzie Millis

The spinach nachos are to die for!!! These are a must try!

Evette Williams

The seafood nacho and she crab soup is amazeballs!!

Kevin

Great restaurant , friendly and helpful serving staff , definitely worth every penny

Jean Craig

Potato soup is amazing. Also, the croissants are fantastic!

Matt Marquez

Rare prime rib is the way to go

Rosalia Valdivia

Very good food and cordially waitresses love it

Tonya Hayes

Love bringing of of town clients here! Great food, amazing service and cool atmosphere!

Lekesha Ody

The food is awesome!!! Kyle S did an awesome job as our waiter ...

Annie Mack

The she crab soup is excellent!! Potato soups is good as well .

Heather Russo

Wonderful food and atmosphere

Richard Hendren

Come in and try our BBQ ribs . They are so tender they fall off the bone.

Nicole Masi

The California Dreamin Chicken Sandwich is delicious! Eat the whole thing...trust me! :)

Richard Hendren

Had the American burger for lunch . Ordered medium and it was great.

Kimberly Richardson

The Prime rib sandwich is delicious!!!

Richard Hendren

I had the beef ravioli for lunch . It was awesome.

Becca Dideum

bring a flashlight so you can read the menu.

Dominic M

The steak is AMAZING! and a must have...that and the crab claws

Noelle

Their honey butter croissants are HEAVENLY. You gotta try them.

Michele Sparks

The owners would do well to shut the restaurant for an all encompassing deep clean...this location feels sticky/dirty. Service and food was average.

Ashley Falkowski

Croissants are an absolute must!

Anna Howard

My favorite restaurant !!!

Sally Park

Love the food and ambiance, but the service was slow and terrible. No refills till we were out for over 15 minutes each time and to get the checks were like pulling teeth. Greenville is better.

Richard Hendren

I had the club for lunch . It was great.

Tina Smith

Really good peach Martini's

Similar places nearby :

8.7
American
Motor Supply Company Bistro

One of the best in Cola. Brunch is great as well as dinner. Their bacon vodka bloody mary was pretty interesting too. - Daniel B

8.8
American
Henry's Grill & Bar

Shrimp Philly and Grilled Veggie Wrap are both amazing. Get the sweet potato fries - Jessica Hardee

8.3
American
Cola's Restaurant

Amazing chicken Parmesan and cheeseburger. Scallops were almost as good as Raglan Road. I will definitely eat here again! - Dina Knight

8.5
Liquor Store
Green's Discount Beverage

Unbelievable selection of craft beer, bombers, growler station. Best in Columbia. - Andy Strickland

8.9
Stadium
Colonial Life Arena

Good venue ! Try to come early for good parking! - melba Vinson

8.9
Performing Arts
Koger Center For The Arts

Shin Yun was excellent! Might have been a tad too long- but very interesting and colorful! - Toni Elkins