Motor Supply Company Bistro

Best Restaurants in Columbia, South Carolina | Eater Carolinas

"You really can’t talk about Columbia’s food and beverage industry without mentioning Motor Supply Co. Bistro. Named for the engine supply business that originally occupied the space, Motor Supply was one of the very first farm-to-table restaurants in Columbia. Their focus on seasonal ingredients, listed on a large chalkboard in the center of the dining room, ensures freshness in each dish. Here, classics like wild-caught South Carolina shrimp and the New York strip steak served with asparagus and mashed potatoes are expertly prepared. Many big-name mixologists and chefs have called this place home, but now chef Thomas Hardenbergh (who actually cut his teeth in the same kitchen during his teenage years) carries on the restaurant’s 30+ year legacy." - Helen Harrison

Best Cocktail Bars in Columbia, South Carolina | Eater Carolinas

"The bar at Motor Supply Co. Bistro may only have six seats, but it boasts a few hundred bottles packed onto the back wall to match the seasonal fare by chef Wes Fulmer. Motor, as locals call it, carries a long tradition for craft cocktails in the Vista neighborhood, and features drink rotations every few weeks. A running partnership with Russell’s Reserve/Wild Turkey means there’s always a special bourbon cocktail to be ordered." - Stephanie Burnette

A Vista pioneer since 1989, Motor Supply writes a new menu daily, sourcing from Midlands farms and fishers. Readers of Southern Living and The State have long called it a city standard; the bar program is equally careful and seasonal.

A Vista district pioneer since 1989, known for a daily‑changing, farm‑to‑table menu and serious cocktails. Frequently highlighted by Eater Carolinas and Garden & Gun, it’s a quintessential Columbia dinner or brunch.

Located in a converted 19th-century auto supply store, Motor Supply Co. Bistro is a farm-to-table pioneer often cited by Condé Nast Traveler and The New York Times as a must-visit. The menu, which changes daily, spotlights local produce, heritage meats, and inventive cocktails in a setting that blends historic charm with contemporary style. The bistro’s commitment to sustainability and local partnerships has made it a cornerstone of Columbia’s dining scene.