Art's Bar and Grill in Columbia: Live Music, Southern Comfort Food, and a Local Gathering Spot

What Art's Bar and Grill Offers

Art's Bar and Grill is a casual dining and entertainment venue in Columbia that combines a full bar with a kitchen serving Southern-style comfort food. The space draws a mixed crowd—regulars stopping by after work, groups gathering for live music, and families coming in for dinner. The atmosphere is unpretentious: wood-paneled walls, a long bar with stools, and enough room to move around without feeling cramped.

The menu centers on straightforward fare: burgers, sandwiches, wings, and entrees like fried chicken and seafood. Prices are moderate, and portions are generous. The bar stocks beer on tap, liquor, and mixed drinks. What sets Art's apart from other neighborhood bars is the regular live music schedule—local bands and solo performers play several nights a week, making it as much a music venue as a restaurant.

Key Takeaways

• Art's serves Southern comfort food and bar fare in a casual, wood-paneled space on a main Columbia street.
• Live music happens multiple nights per week, with local bands and performers rotating through the schedule.
• The bar is full-service with beer, liquor, and mixed drinks, and the kitchen stays open late on music nights.
• Parking is street-level or in nearby lots; the venue is accessible by car and walkable from surrounding neighborhoods.

Live Music Schedule and What to Expect

Art's hosts live performances most weekends and some weeknights, though the exact schedule changes seasonally. The venue typically features local Columbia musicians—cover bands, blues acts, classic rock groups, and solo acoustic performers. Shows usually start in the evening and run until late night. There is no cover charge for most performances, though the venue may add one for higher-draw acts; calling ahead confirms the night's lineup and any entry fee.

The sound system is adequate for the room size, and the stage is small but functional. Crowds range from a handful of regulars on slower nights to standing-room-only on popular weekends. The vibe is relaxed—people talk, eat, and listen without the formality of a dedicated concert hall. This makes it a good fit for anyone wanting live music without the ticket price or dress code of larger venues.

Food and Drink Menu Highlights

The kitchen focuses on items that pair well with beer and casual dining. Burgers come in several styles, wings are available sauced or plain, and sandwiches include pulled pork, fried fish, and chicken options. Entrees like fried chicken, shrimp, and catfish come with sides such as fries, coleslaw, or hush puppies. Appetizers include nachos, fried pickles, and cheese dip—the kind of food designed to share or eat at the bar.

The bar menu is standard for a neighborhood spot: domestic and craft beers on tap, bottled beer, well liquor, and call brands. Bartenders make standard mixed drinks and can handle simple cocktails. Happy hour pricing, if offered, typically runs in the late afternoon on weekdays. The kitchen stays open late on nights with live music, so you can order food while listening to the band.

Location, Parking, and Hours

Art's is located on a main commercial street in Columbia, making it easy to find and accessible by car. Street parking is available directly outside, and nearby lots provide additional spaces on busier nights. The venue is also walkable from surrounding residential neighborhoods and close to other bars and restaurants, so it works well as part of a larger night out.

Hours vary by day and season, with extended hours on nights featuring live music. The bar typically opens in the afternoon and stays open into the late evening or early morning on weekends. Calling or checking their social media confirms current hours, especially if you are planning a visit around a specific performance.

Why Locals Choose Art's

Art's has built a reputation as a reliable neighborhood bar with personality. The staff knows regulars by name, the live music brings in people who might not otherwise meet, and the food is honest and filling without pretense. It is the kind of place where you can sit alone at the bar and strike up a conversation, or bring a group and claim a table for the evening.

The venue also supports local musicians, giving them a stage and an audience. For performers, it is a regular gig; for listeners, it is a chance to hear live music without traveling to a larger city venue or paying cover charges. That mutual investment—between the bar, the musicians, and the community—is what keeps people coming back.

What to Know Before You Go

Art's is a casual bar, not a fine-dining restaurant, so expectations should match. The noise level rises when the band is playing, making conversation difficult but adding to the energy. The crowd skews adult, though families with children can come during earlier hours before the music starts or on quieter nights.

If you are going specifically for live music, arrive early enough to get a good spot and order food or a drink before the performance starts. The bar can get crowded on popular nights, so patience with service is sometimes needed. Tipping is expected at the bar and for table service, as is standard in South Carolina establishments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a cover charge for live music?

Most nights are free, but some performances by popular local acts may have a small cover charge. The best way to know is to call ahead or check their social media for the night's lineup and any entry fees.

Can I bring a group for a birthday or special occasion?

Yes. Art's accommodates groups, and the casual atmosphere works well for celebrations. Calling ahead to let them know your party size helps the staff prepare. Some groups coordinate with the bar to request a song from the live band as part of the celebration.

What time should I arrive if I want a good seat for the band?

Arriving an hour before the music starts usually secures a decent spot. On busy weekend nights, arriving earlier is wise. If you do not mind standing or sitting at the bar, you can arrive later and still enjoy the show.

Is the food good for vegetarians?

The menu is meat-heavy, but the kitchen can prepare sides, sandwiches without meat, and appetizers like fried pickles or cheese dip. Calling ahead to discuss options ensures the kitchen can accommodate your preferences.

Do I need to dress up to go to Art's?

No. Art's is casual—jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly appropriate. There is no dress code, which is part of its appeal as a neighborhood gathering spot.