18 Essential Restaurants in Columbia, South Carolina

"Baan Sawan quite possibly boasts the most loyal regulars in town, if not the world. The Thai bistro is the creation of a family of four, brothers Alex and Sam and their parents. While they closed indefinitely during a certain pandemic, they’re back up and running, with a few twists. They’re open Friday and Saturday nights from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a different menu each weekend. The restaurant only seats about 20 people, and early birds get dishes like the five greens pad thai, served with local bean sprouts, kale, collards, turnip greens, and spinach. The menu changes each weekend, and with just a few starters and entrees, many happy diners come hungry enough to order one of each. The bistro also houses a used bookstore with a delightfully eclectic selection, perfect for browsing while you wait." - Anne Wolfe Postic