Blue Marlin

I had high hopes for this restaurant, but everything was just average. The ambiance was nice, but nothing stood out. The food was okay—not bad, but not memorable either. Service was fine, but lacked warmth or enthusiasm. It’s not a bad spot, but it didn’t quite live up to expectations.

It was a nice lunch for our large group. We had a big round table that could hold 8-10. The menu was pretty big, but we all ended up having different renditions of 3 dishes (shrimp and grits/crab cake/pasta) The service was a little slow especially since the restaurant wasn’t full. The drinks were good and the food was served in generous portions.

The she crab soup here is fantastic!! The restaurant is located in a really nice area, the atmosphere is calm and great to talk. The dessert is perfect to share. My family truly enjoy it!

We stopped in here for dinner before attending a concert and couldn't be happier with our choice! The atmosphere was so welcoming when we entered and we were so well taken care of. For drinks, I had a strawberry pineapple mule that was so refreshing and my hubby had a hard cider. A basket of warm bread & butter was brought out and was the perfect balance of crisp exterior and tender interior. For the entrées, I had fried Gulf oysters with fries and slaw. The oysters were cooked perfectly and were tender & succulent when I bit into them (left my hubby try one🦪😁). My hubby had the special of bacon wrapped filet with crab cake & green beans. The filet melted in your mouth and barely needed a knife and the crab cake was low on fillers but high on crab🦀! A fab surprise was the bowl of house made greens that our waiter brought us on the house. No kidding these were the BEST greens that were so tender with big flavor complemented by the all-day cook, hamhocks, and zip from the vinegar. For dessert, we shared a slice of the BEST, most vibrant key lime pie🤤🤤🤤

Everything taste delicious (scallops, steak, crabcakes, seasonal veggies, etc.)! The cheesecake was the star of the night - AMAZAING! The mermaid cocktail, was great - swap rum for tequila for a stronger option 😉.

Such a fabulous establishment. Loved every little bit of it. From the friendly staff to the ambiance to the amazing food. Do ask for the special of the day. Will definitely recommend it.

After hearing so much about Blue Marlin, we were excited to finally give it a try. We arrived around 8 p.m. on a Tuesday, and the place was nearly full—always a good sign. Unfortunately, the enthusiasm dipped a bit after that. We started with the calamari appetizer. While the sauce was flavorful, the calamari itself was overly crispy with very little actual meat. I wouldn’t recommend it, especially with other more promising options on the menu. For our main course, two people in our group ordered salads—the wedge and the Caesar. Both were just okay—nothing special, not terrible, but not memorable either. I had the pan-seared scallops, substituting the sweet mash for regular mashed potatoes. This dish was the highlight of the night. The scallops were fresh, cooked perfectly, and complemented by a light, well-balanced sauce. The Brussels sprouts, though slightly overcooked, still had a nice flavor. I’d highly recommend this entrée. For dessert, one of us tried the key lime pie and was very disappointed. It was served at room temperature, and the flavor seemed off—possibly a bad batch or something that had been sitting out too long. Definitely a hard pass on that one. Overall, this was an average experience. I might return if I’m craving seafood, but with several better dining options in town, I’d probably explore those first before coming back to Blue Marlin.

Visited Blue Marlin in Columbia for a late drink and some appetizers—nothing heavy, just wanted to check the place out. We requested an outdoor table, and with a graduation event going on in the city, it took about 10–15 minutes to get seated. While we waited, I grabbed a local IPA at the bar. It was a busy Friday night, and the atmosphere was lively both inside and out. We ordered a couple of appetizers. I always try the Fried Calamari wherever I go, and Blue Marlin's “Pecan Dusted Calamari” was a pleasant surprise—crispy with a unique crunch. We also had the Ahi Tuna starter, which was absolutely delicious, and a fresh salad to go with it. Overall, a great experience. We’ll definitely be back to try more. Highly recommended!

Exceptional Food Exceptional Service Exceptional atmosphere These are the reasons I keep returning! Make sure to ask for the complementary collard greens

We went to celebrate our anniversary yesterday at lunchtime. Very nice inside, although as soon as we were seated (in a booth that definitely needs new seats (I sank about 5 inches and felt like a little kid!) we remembered how loud the acoustics were. A group of at least 15 ladies were having lunch as well and really loud (having a good time!). Hubby kept asking me to speak up. We ordered calamari for an appetizer. The coating was good, however, the calamari was tough and over cooked. I wondered if the kitchen precooked it and then flash fried them again when the order came in. We told the waitress and she said she would tell the cook...never heard another thing about them. I didn't expect them to take them off our bill, however, an offer would have been nice since we tasted only about 1/4th of them. Hubby had a salmon salad and said it was good. I had the shrimp and grits and it was okay. I always loved the S&G but this time it was just "meh". Overall, the meal/service was "just okay". Waitress was sweet but not overly attentive (place was not super busy). When friends come into town we have taken them here...I think the next time we will try somewhere different.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the hostess and seated. The restaurant has a nice steakhouse feel. We ordered the ribeye, she crab soup, crab cake, the pecan salad. The ribeye was delicious and cooked to perfection. The she crab soup was very bland and soupy. The crab cake was mediocre, it really didn't have the crabby taste and the salad was just okay.

In town for business and our client suggested to meet at this restaurant for dinner. First thing inside was very clean and nice. Didn't get to get a drink at the bar but looked very comfortable to sit at the bar if you didn't want to wait for a table. Our server was the best and gave us a couple of recommendations to choose from. I forgot his name...I need to remember these names so I can call them out here! Anyway....I started out with a glass of Moscato which was had the perfect sweetness and not overly sweet. Very crisp and refreshing. Then I had the She Crab soup, which was very rich....and had a lot of crab in it. It was DELICIOUS!!!!!! We did share the firecracker shrimp as an appetizer and the shrimp was cooked and seasoned perfectly and not overly spicy but just enough to give it a kick with the peppers! And I had the Seared Scallops with Pasta. It had a little too much cheese for my liking however the scallops were not overcooked and was very good! The pasta was fettucine and it tasted like it was homemade! But the dish was very good. Would definitely come here again when I'm back in town.

How amazing was it all. Special place for a nice night out. Food was amazing and located in a wonderful area. Food was on point and everything was great.

Food and service was very good everytime I come here. They closed early the last 2 times I tried to eat here. I showed up 45 minutes before closing time.

One of the best Restaurants in Columbia food is consistent and Service is great and it's a great place for special occasions.

Definitely a solid place. The food is great and it has awesome service. There is indoor and outdoor seating. There is usually a wait, so I'd recommend getting reservations.

Another great meal at Blue Marlin. Pinak and Rilee were great for our meal at the bar! We ate at the bar as normal so I could watch the tube and have easy access to cocktails. With the Masters Tournament in town, met folks for the UK and had great conversations! The Latern Parade with New Orleans styled music graced patio diners. It was great!!!

Blue Marlin was so on point today! I would give 7 stars. I had the she-crab soup, which was tasty, the palmetto pecan salad was delicious and the sweet tea was perfect. The collards were PERFECT, the last two times I ate there, they were so salty I couldn't eat them. My server, Sydney was super sweet and really nice. I've never had a bad server to be honest and the ambiance was great. I had a couple of servers check on me even though I was not in their section and the cooks were having fun in the kitchen but not to the point where they were a disturbance. I have been eating at Blue Marlin for over 30 years and they have been consistent. See you all for lunch next week.

This place is not for the faint hearted, the service is superb, atmosphere is on point and the food is fantastic! Is it expensive, yes is it worth it also yes!

Had a great lunch experience today at the Blue Marlin. From the compliementary bread and collard greens (best I've eaten) to the crab cake salads and gumbo, everything was DELICIOIUS and at a good price. Generous portions and friendly service are also plusses as is the former train station surroundings. Will stop there anytime I'm near Columbia, SC.

The drinks were excellent, and the service was decent. However the food was incredibly salty. Everyone that I had dinner with also expressed similar sentiments about how over salted the dishes were. It made it difficult to enjoy the seafood that would have otherwise been great. It was an unfortunate coincidence. If I did come back, I think I will only do so for the drinks.

The service was excellent and the food was soooo tasty. I can't rave enough about my scallops and the flavor. I enjoyed my salad tremendously also. I would recommend coming to this restaurant. Everyone was so nice.

Came here on a Monday night and got a bowl of the she crab soup($8) and a shrimp and grits($22). Soup was creamy and thick. Fair amount of crab meat in the soup. The shrimp and grits were good(this is my time ever having grits), but it wasn't mind blowing good. The grit portion was quite big, I would've like if there was just a bit more shrimp. Service felt a bit lacking, probably since we were seated outside. Overall it was a good experience, I'm sure a different dish could elevate a future review. Food(50%): 7.0 Staff/service(25%): 5.0 Value(25%): 6.5 Overall: 6.4/10

Oh,I seriously want to give this place 5 stars, but I'll hold off until we return again, but our dining experience was great! Our server was the absolute best, explaining the menu, attentive & checking in on us, and the food was delicious! We had: Appetizer, calamari: 9/10 Side of greens: 8/10 Fried oyster dinner: 9/10 Stuffed fish dinner: 8/10 Customer service: 9/10. We plan on returning really soon!!

My daughter and son-in-law have raved about this place for years so when he was in Columbia to visit and we decided to celebrate his birthday here. Our waiter was knowledgeable of the menu and his suggestion was a hit. The salmon was cooked perfectly. I noticed they had an impressive selection of liquors at the bar and an impressive drink menu which I will try at another visit. The restaurant gives a laidback vibe and made me feel everyone is welcomed.

Quick to be seated. Nice atmosphere. Restaurant was a little busy so the volume was a little increased as expected. Lots of dinner chatter. Bar was full of drinking and dining patrons. I was thinking a little lighter fair so I just ordered two appetizers. They were delicious hot and tasty. I was pleased and filled. Brooklyn was very attentive and pleasant. Would dine here again and bring friends.

A Columbia staple! I brought a friend here tonight and she absolutely loved it! She enjoyed the vista chicken while I enjoyed the fresh catch. It ended up being an Australian sea bass with sweet potato mash and Brussels sprouts. My server recommended excellent choices. The vibe gave busy Friday night! I haven't been here in years, but I was just as satisfied as if it were my first time!

We enjoyed a great lunch at Blue Marlin while visiting my daughter at USC. Our waiter "Slim Tim" was personable and fun. We never had an empty water glass. Service was quick and the food was good. We had everything from salad to burgers to seafood. Good portions, prices and good. No room left for dessert and we definitely return!

Hailey our server was amazing! She will graduate from The University of South Carolina soon! Go Cocks! Anyway she was great. She wasn't an over talkative waitress. She engaged us just enough to make us feel special. Best of luck to her! The restaurant is nice. Plenty of space in the booths. It's not a huge restaurant. If you go on the weekend I suggest planning ahead and making reservations. It apparently gets pretty busy. Also, parking is a beast! It cost until after 6pm. No validation. So go for dinner not for lunch! Haha. The food is top notch. Fried green tomato appetizer was on point and so were the Blue Marlin platter and Gulf shrimp platter. For some reason my 10 year old likes salad and she got the classic Caesar. The She crab soup could have had a little more crab meat but all in all a great restaurant and great experience.

This past Saturday evening was the first time I have visited Blue Marlin since before the Pandemic. Well to be honest, I'm not missing anything. Upon entering you are greeted by the loud environment. The hostess was very nice. Had a welcoming smile and tone which I really appreciate. We were seated in bar area, last booth before the waitress station, which was a little quieter than the actual dining area. My only issue was where I sat the air condition condensation was dripping on me. I like the openness of the restaurant. You can see/watch the kitchen area from any seat in the restaurant. Our waiter, think his name as Dustin ( I could be wrong!) was phenomenal. He is very knowledgeable about the different dishes and drinks . I asked for a drink selection, due to my allergies, he gave the best option and it was splendid ! Throughout the entire time he would check on us, refill our drinks and make sure we were ok. The bread, served best, was good and hot. The salmon pontchartrain cooked medium was good. The sauce made it 50% better than having it plain. The green beans and mash potatoes were lukewarm. I'm sure if it was hot I would've enjoyed it more. Overall, it was a nice restaurant. I couldn't rate it 5 stars because my food was cold. They have a wonderful and friendly staff. It's worth a try!!

We had a nice dinner here on a Thursday night. It was busy and lively. Service was friendly. There were some delays but nothing major. Fried green tomatoes, ahi tuna and crab cake were all very good. The She Crab Soup was almost inedible. It was so over seasoned. Too much sherry and way too many spices. We didn't even eat 1/4th of it. Wine was good and affordable. Overall, good experience.

Blackened tilapia- awesome. Hot juicy and flaky. Succotash was nice. Salmon - same. Collard greens also nice. Shrimp and grits. Okay. I wouldn't say it's an award winner. She crab and gumbo soups were good. Not much crab though. Tuna appetizer- terrific. Loved the wasabi eggs and dipping sauce. Service was quick and friendly.

We love a menu with more than one GF entree option. I was boring this time and I had chicken. I never have chicken when I go to restaurants because it's boring but it was actually pretty good perfectly cooked and not dry. The mashed potatoes were mashed potties but the sauce really made the dish. I also had collard greens for the first time. It was flavourful but I just don't know if I like collards There were a decent amount of people there as it was much time but there was no wait and we got a table immediately. I hope to return soon to try other things.

Have to go to Blue Marlin! The staff is very friendly and efficient! The Food is Delicious and the environment is perfect!

I was staying in the area and tempted by the beautiful weather and a nice patio. I was seated promptly and my waitress was very nice. The menu looked good and I thought the prices were very reasonable. I opted for the crab cake entree. It came with a sweet onion remoulade, collard greens, and red rice. I thought it was a bit weird that a crab cake entree came with ONE crab cake, and if that be the case, it should be an excellent one. This is not an excellent one. Very bready and there were absolutely NO lumps of crab. The remoulade was very sweet and frankly overpowering. The collards were pretty good but didn't have any kind of smokiness to them, they were mostly just vinegary. The rice was tasty. I definitely would not order the crab cakes again. The location is great and the inside was beautiful. I think I just chose poorly.

The food is tasty and service was good. However, I've tried their shrmp and grits a few times now and I have been underwhelmed. The grits were loose on the verge of runny. On the flip side, they have a nice chill vibe and situated in the heart of the Vista.

After living here for 2.5 years, I finally got to try Blue Marlin and they did not disappoint. When you first walk into the restaurant it looks really elegant with a mix of beachy vibe with the big blue swordfish hanging up. For a Saturday evening, we were lucky to get a table because we needed dinner before the Price is Right Live show. Our waiter, Josh was so nice and was able to provide the specials and accommodated changes we wanted to our meal. I got the salmon Pontchartrain and it was absolutely delicious. I got it with green beans and lashed sweet potatoes and everything paired perfectly together. First the salmon was cooked medium (which is perfect) and the flavor was great and seasoned well. The shrimp and scallops were slightly overcooked but not unbearable. I don't know what mornay is but that was the sauce on top and it was so creamy like an Alfredo kind of, and it meshed the seafood so well. The green beans were seasoned nicely, not salty and it was cooked perfectly with a slight crunch. It's actually just the way I like my green beans. The mash sweet potatoes were also really good. It seems they mashed it enough where you still got some chunks of potato which I like because it gives a different texture. I wasn't sure how it would be with the seafood, but honestly everything gave the perfect balance of sweet and savory but not an overpowering sweet taste. I think I'll definitely add this to my list of go to places downtown, especially for a date night.

This is the SEAFOOD place that you're searching for. My wife absolutely loves the she-crab soup. We're from NY & never had it or even heard of it before. Now after trying others this is the only place she will eat it. I like the gumbo but there are so many great entree's to choose from I don't going back for my wife's she-crab soup because I get to try all of my favorite foods & Blue Marlin has them & a chef that knows hai business.

Koala love the ambience and the service and the bread, I'm listening Thursday about the actual seafood. But they've always treated me well and getting a table I like and getting me served on time to make a special event later. I believe their food was overall better a few years ago, but there's nothing wrong with it today. My opinion, it's just that it could be better.

Really nice night out at blue Marlin. Our dinner wasn't planned, we just walked in. They were able to seat us within 30 mns and we had the best seats in the house. If you want to see something interesting, the only way the bar tenders can get in and out of the bar is with a 1/2 wall. It's rather entertaining to see tall folks try to navigate this space. It's not on the menu--- FIRST tip: ask for the app sampler. It is excellent! Mini crab cakes, pimento cheese, shrimp (spicy!) and fried green tomatoes. So yummy. Our server was super lovely. Attentive, proactive, a real professional. She did a great job explaining the menu and taking care of my picky SO who can be difficult to take care of. For dinner we had the oyster boiville and the salmon dinner. They have fancy names and they were wildly delicious. I think the real star of the night was the undercover manager. He brought our food out so I wasn't initially sure if his role but we learned- by the end of dinner- he was actually in charge. I love to see a humble working manager and so that part made my day. He skillfully and delicately handled an obnoxious drunk guest who was making unwelcoming conversation with other guests. I felt safe and the professional way he handled the situation was admirable. We will absolutely be back. Not just because the food was wonderful but the service feels pre-covid level!!! Lovely time.

This restaurant has excellent food at reasonable prices.Highly recommend GUMBO!!! Service is always excellent, all staff has been trained very well At the professional level 10/10. Restaurant always busy, casual atmosphere,friendly and fast service. Have visited several times, highly recommend 9/10.

This place has gone downhill. App wasn't good. Shrimp and grits was bland. No shredded cheese to add. Wine offering is very small. The staple restaurant in Columbia shouldn't be this bad. The service was good once we finally got a server but overall - won't be back. Too many other food options in town now. Bourbon. Hal's. Motor Supply Co or Colas.

Food was acceptable, service was above average but it really wasn't that special.Yawn, but clearly had a lot of business crowd diners

Beautiful building in a convenient spot. It was packed after the game and we were sat for our reservation quickly. Staff were friendly but maybe just not trained? We ordered a bottle of white wine and it was delivered at room temp to the table. Calamari was good but most dishes were mediocre at best. My wife ordered the oysters bienville. They tasted like low tide and she had violent food poisoning the entire next day. The restaurant didn't bother to reply to her private message so be warned.

We just had a delicious lunch at the Blue Marlin. Crab cakes with rice and collard greens, salmon with collards and grits, plus key lime pie. The food was outstanding and the service impeccable. I would definitely go again if we visit Columbia in the future.

For this review, I'll start with the end of the meal. Server, " Would you like coffee?" Diners, "no, I don't think so... well okay." After a few minutes three steaming cups of coffee were put down in front of us. We were hoping to savor a good cup on that cold evening. So after we put in our sugars, and cream, according to individual taste, we sipped. "Ugh", we said in unison, "this coffee is terrible. " And truly it was. It reminded me a bit like Sanka--two day old Sanka! So, when our server returned, we told her about the coffee. She agreed it was bad and they were looking for better coffee (apparently the bad coffee had nothing to do with the machine or how it was prepared). So when I casually asked for a discount, she abruptly said "I can't do that!" Now if I wasn't with a couple we had never met before, I would've asked for the manager and discussed the situation. What do you think Yelp community? When you are served something that is not palatable, something you can neither eat or drink because it's so bad, shouldn't the restaurant make it "right?" In my opinion, the coffee charge should've been taken off our bill. Let's move on to the meal: based on our servers recommendation, we enjoyed an appetizer of pimento cheese, mini crabcakes, fried shrimp, and fried green tomatoes. Except for a piece of fried green tomato that had the texture of a firm apple slice, this is a good appetizer choice to share. On to the meals: my wife and one of our new friends got the $38 special, a selection of "build your own" three course meals, including dessert. My wife's entree' consisted of the Southern candied pecan salad, and the spinach ravioli, with a pesto sauce. I tasted her ravioli, and it was delicious! The pasta was light, and very tender.--second best to the ravioli we had in Italy. My entrée, the crispy Gulf oysters were nothing to write home about. I had an expectation of something a little more succulent and juicy, and these turned out to be way too crispy, and with the primary flavor of batter. The oysters were served with a fresh slaw salad, which I enjoyed. Our friends sampled the she crab soup, and had a fried fish and a blackened, salmon entrée. They were pleased with both of their choices. For dessert, we sampled the key lime pie, and an ice cream and cookie concoction. Both were good. The Blue Marlin is a Columbia landmark with a nice selection of starter salads and entrées. The booths are comfortable and the wood paneled ceiling and general ambiance is warm and inviting. There's something for everyone on the menu and as a rule the food is very good; we do recommend it; however, on this particular evening, I can only give it a three because of my disappointment with the oysters and the unfortunate coffee experience.

Worst prime rib steak ever. They only have two steaks on the menu. The other is filet . It was awful. Very thin steak. It did have a slight red center which I love. But this steak was the cheapest choice. Super tough. I couldn't even eat it. Two bites and I was done. Thank goodness I added a side of fried oysters which were amazing. The She Crab Soup was extremely thick. California Dreaming Restaurant has just the right consistency of She Crab Soup. Basically this is a High Priced establishment offering cheap food with high prices. Only offer Cole slaw or French fries with meals. Otherwise you pay separately for salads ect. Trying to be a want to be Halls Chop House. Things are changing for you. Different clientele that love to do one dollar tips or none. We didn't blame our food on the waitress as it wasn't her fault. She got a good tip.

The food can improve. Soup was the best though! Drinks were great! Atmosphere was great! Service was great! We ordered 2 different types of steak and it was awful! Undercooked and not good quality meat at all. And we are meat eaters. Green beans had no flavor at all, very bland. We will come back but only for soup. Not worth the money.

Standard seafood fare in a busy part of Columbia. We came in with a big party but there wasn't a long wait time. The place was super busy at the moment too so this was a good sign. The table had fried green tomatoes and calamari for apps in which everyone enjoyed. For my dinner I got a seafood platter and it was honestly ok. I will advise I did not eat the fish as I traded it to sample another item from one of my cohorts. The crab cake was missing crab, majority breading and the shrimp were good. The piece of steak I tried was the best thing to me and I wish I would have gotten that. Drinks came out made great. Would return if in the area but would try something different.

Made reservations for a Friday night before a concert and I'm so.glad I did. Arrived right at the reservation time of 630 amd there were people waiting for a table but we got right in thanks to the reservations. Tried the firecracker shrimp for the first time amd really enjoyed them. They have some kick so be sure to use the side dressing it comes with. I ordered the seafood platter and was surprised at how big the portions were. I couldn't eat it all and had to take some dor.the next day. Great spot for Lowcountry and seafood cuisine. Highly recommend it and don't forget to make reservations!

Service was very good, no complaints there. Food was cooked perfectly but everything needed a little more seasoning, from the fish to the sides. For the price you're paying, this should be a meal that you remember fondly, not one that leaves you shrugging your shoulders. 3.5/5 stars really, but I'll round up

Really enjoyed the steak here, especially the way it was cooked exactly to my preference. The meat was flavorful, though I think it could have used a little more seasoning. The fries on the side were crispy and well seasoned. Service was attentive, and the staff made sure we had everything we needed. The ambiance was upscale but not too formal, making it a great spot for a special night out.

Enjoyed lunch here today . Food quality was excellent with the exception of the extra cooked chips for enjoying the crab and spinach fondue. Bread was excellent as was the she crab soup , chicken pasta, and the pecan chicken salad. Wife also enjoyed her complimentary dessert. Great service was provided by Bailey. He was very helpful and courteous and we wish him well with his future endeavors. We may return another time.

We received a high recommendation of the place when visiting town. We were not disappointed. The Ahi Tuna and calamari were terrific. The shrimp and grits were flavorful and spot on. The salmon and the cucumber lime martinis hit the spot. Ethan our server was knowledgeable and pleasant and our drinks never went empty. Terriffic!

The Blue Marlin. Wedge salad and crab cakes were delicious. Great service, atmospheres, and clean environment. Highly recommend.

Great service and ambiance. Our group thought it was really overpriced for the quality of the food. The shrimp salad, the grilled salmon, and greets were ok. The old fashioned was good but not the best you can find in Columbia, SC.

This is the second time my husband and I have eaten here and both times we were floored with how wonderful the food was. Normally I take pictures of all of our food but I was too busy this time shoving my face. We started with the ahi tuna and it was spectacular! My hubby ordered the shrimp and grits and he said they did not disappoint, I had the salmon and it was fantastic. Melt in your mouth. The service was great, our server was on top of it. The restaurant itself was busy when we arrived but had great atmosphere and the staff was welcoming. We waited for approximately 30 minutes and were able to have drinks at the bar. It was a great evening.