
Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet
1601 Shop Road, Columbia, South Carolina
803-799-1532
Classic Southern BBQ was at the top of Colleen’s list while visiting South Carolina. Although local tastebuds may disagree on where the best barbeque lays, Colleen and her family were able to try the messy goodness first hand at Doc’s Barbeque and Southern Buffet.
Doc’s opened in May 2006 by three businessmen who were passionate about quality barbeque food. The inspiration for this restaurant stemmed from one of their late father-in-law’s, Columbia Physician Dr. J. Frank Martin, or “Doc”. Doc loved a good deal and good eating. In the spirit of Doc, the three men opened a restaurant where families, university students, businessmen, and Fort Jackson soldiers could all come together to enjoy a classic Southern tradition.
Doc’s reasonably priced menu provides diners with the ultimate Southern BBQ experience. Their buffet option features classic southern comfort foods such as corn bread, collard greens, fried chicken, pulled pork, and banana pudding. We’d be lying if we said we were able to pass up second helpings!
Some additional tips and fun facts:
- Doc’s is most famously known for their mustard-based BBQ sauce – be sure to have a taste!
- Open daily from 11am-2:30pm (come early to beat the lunch rush!)
Cafe Strudel
300 State Street, West Columbia, South Carolina
803-794-6634
Cafe Strudel is a Columbia hometown classic. The cafe opened its doors in 1997 in a space that held about 10 tables. After experiencing immediate success, they have since moved two more times to accommodate the overwhelming demand from old and new customers.
Colleen was able to try their staple breakfast item – Famous Hangover Hashbrowns. Piled high with onions, banana peppers, diced tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and 2 eggs, these hashbrowns are a must try. The crew made sure to get there plenty early, as there is usually a line forming outside before doors opened!
Some additional tips and fun facts:
- A line starts forming outside 30 minutes before doors open – arrive early if you’re visiting on a weekend!
- Try their famous Cinnamon Pancakes for a little twist on a classic breakfast item!
- Open 8am-3pm Monday-Tuesday, 8am-10:30am Wednesday-Saturday, 10am-2:30pm for Sunday Brunch.