Centre Point Bar and Grill in Columbia: Casual American Dining with Local Character

What Centre Point Bar and Grill Offers

Centre Point Bar and Grill is a casual American restaurant in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, known for straightforward burgers, sandwiches, and pub fare in a relaxed, neighborhood-friendly setting. The menu centers on classic comfort food—beef burgers built to order, fried chicken, wings, and salads—with a full bar stocked for beer, cocktails, and spirits. The space itself has the feel of a local gathering spot rather than a chain: wood accents, a bar that runs the length of one wall, and enough regulars that staff remember orders.

The restaurant draws a mixed crowd of professionals stopping by after work, families on casual weeknight outings, and groups meeting for drinks and appetizers. Portions are generous, and prices sit in the moderate range—typical for a neighborhood bar-and-grill concept in the Five Points area. The kitchen handles both dine-in and takeout orders, and the bar operates as its own draw for people who come primarily for drinks and bar snacks rather than a full meal.

Key Takeaways

• Centre Point serves American comfort food—burgers, sandwiches, wings, and fried chicken—in a casual bar-and-grill format without table service pretense.
• The Five Points location puts it within walking distance of other neighborhood shops, galleries, and restaurants, making it easy to combine with other activities.
• The bar is a substantial part of the operation, with a full selection of beer, cocktails, and spirits, and the space functions well for groups meeting for drinks.
• Hours and daily specials (such as wing nights or happy-hour pricing) vary by season and day, so checking ahead before a visit prevents disappointment.

The Menu and What to Order

The burger is the signature item—customizable with your choice of toppings, cooked to temperature, and served with fries or another side. Regulars often have a standing order, but the menu also accommodates people who want something lighter: salads, sandwiches (including chicken and fish options), and appetizers like fried pickles or nachos. Wings come sauced or dry, and the kitchen can adjust heat levels if you ask.

The bar menu overlaps with the food menu but emphasizes items that pair with drinks: wings, sliders, loaded fries, and cheese-and-charcuterie boards. Happy hour (timing varies) typically discounts beer and well drinks, and some nights feature specials on specific items—wing prices drop on certain days, for instance. The kitchen is accustomed to modifications and dietary requests, so asking about substitutions or omissions is normal here.

Atmosphere and When to Go

Centre Point reads as a neighborhood bar first, restaurant second—the kind of place where the bartender knows regulars by name and the noise level rises when a game is on television. The décor is unpretentious: exposed brick or wood paneling, sports memorabilia on the walls, and enough bar seating that solo diners or small groups can sit comfortably without a reservation. The lighting is warm but not dim, and the space is loud enough to feel lively without making conversation impossible.

Weekday lunch and early dinner tend to be quieter, drawing office workers and families. Friday and Saturday evenings fill up, especially around the bar, and the crowd skews younger and louder as the night goes on. If you prefer a calmer experience, arriving before 6 p.m. on a weekday is your best bet. The restaurant does not typically require reservations, but calling ahead on a Friday or Saturday night to ask about wait times is reasonable.

Location and Parking

Centre Point sits in the Five Points neighborhood, one of Columbia's oldest and most walkable commercial districts. The address puts it near independent shops, art galleries, and other restaurants, so many people combine a meal here with browsing nearby stores or catching an event at a local venue. The neighborhood itself has character—tree-lined streets, historic storefronts, and a mix of longtime businesses and newer arrivals.

Parking is street parking along the block or in nearby lots shared with other Five Points businesses. During busy evenings or weekends, spots fill quickly, but turnover is usually fast enough that waiting a few minutes yields a space. If parking stress is a concern, arriving earlier in the evening or on a weekday makes finding a spot easier.

Price Range and Payment

Entrees typically run from the mid-teens to the low twenties for burgers, sandwiches, and main plates. Appetizers and bar snacks cost less, making it possible to eat affordably if you order light. Drinks are priced in line with neighborhood bars—beer by the bottle or on draft, cocktails in the standard range, and well drinks cheaper during happy hour. Tax and tip are separate from the menu price, as is standard.

The restaurant accepts cash and card, and most people pay at the table or at the bar depending on how they ordered. Takeout orders are paid when you place them or when you pick up, depending on the method you use to order.

Getting There and Hours

Centre Point is accessible by car or on foot if you are already in the Five Points area. Public transit options depend on your starting point; the COMET bus system serves Columbia, and Five Points is a walkable neighborhood once you arrive. If you are driving from elsewhere in Columbia, GPS will direct you to the address, and as noted, street parking is the norm.

Hours vary by day and season—most neighborhood restaurants in Five Points adjust for holidays and special events. Calling ahead or checking the restaurant's social media or website before you go ensures you know when they are open. Many bars and grills close earlier on Sundays or Mondays, so weekday lunch or Friday-through-Saturday evening are the safest bets for finding them open.

What Makes It Worth a Visit

Centre Point works well if you want straightforward American food in a space that feels genuinely local rather than corporate. There is no pretense here—the staff is friendly without being formal, the portions are real, and the prices match what you get. It is the kind of place where you can bring friends for drinks and appetizers, take your family for a casual dinner, or stop by solo for a burger and a beer after work.

The Five Points location also matters: you are eating in a neighborhood with history and character, surrounded by independent businesses and galleries. A meal at Centre Point can be part of a larger Five Points outing—browsing shops, catching live music elsewhere, or simply spending time in one of Columbia's most distinctive commercial districts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

No, Centre Point operates on a walk-in basis and does not typically take reservations. However, on Friday and Saturday evenings, the bar area fills up and you may wait 15 to 30 minutes during peak hours. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a good idea if you are planning an evening visit.

Can I bring a large group?

Yes, the restaurant accommodates groups, though a very large party (eight or more) on a busy night may face a wait. Calling ahead to give them a heads-up helps the kitchen and staff prepare. The bar area and dining space together have room for groups without requiring a separate private space.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

The menu includes salads and vegetable-based appetizers, and the kitchen can modify burgers and sandwiches to suit dietary needs. Asking your server or the bartender about what can be adjusted is normal; they are accustomed to requests and will tell you what is possible.

Is there outdoor seating?

Many Five Points restaurants have small patios or sidewalk seating, but availability at Centre Point depends on the season and the specific layout. Calling ahead or checking when you arrive will tell you whether outdoor seating is an option on the day you plan to visit.

What is the best time to go if I want a quieter experience?

Weekday lunch or early dinner (before 6 p.m.) is quietest. Friday and Saturday evenings, especially after 8 p.m., are when the bar crowd builds and noise levels rise. If you prefer a calmer meal, a Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon is your best bet.