Arden's Burger & Grill: Chargrilled Burgers and Low Country Sides in Columbia

What Arden's Burger & Grill serves and where to find it

Arden's Burger & Grill is a casual burger restaurant in Columbia that builds its menu around chargrilled beef patties, hand-cut fries, and sides rooted in Low Country cooking. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area known for independent shops and local dining. Arden's draws regulars for lunch and dinner, with a counter-service setup that keeps the pace quick without sacrificing quality.

The burger selection runs from a basic single patty to loaded combinations with toppings like fried onions, aged cheddar, and house-made sauces. Beyond burgers, the kitchen turns out fried okra, shrimp and grits, and collard greens—dishes that reflect the restaurant's connection to South Carolina's food traditions. The space itself is unpretentious: exposed brick, local art on the walls, and a bar where you can watch the grill work happen.

Key Takeaways

• Arden's chargrills its burgers to order and offers toppings that range from classic to creative, with several house-made sauces available.
• The restaurant serves Low Country sides including fried okra, shrimp and grits, and collard greens alongside its burger menu.
• Located on Main Street in Five Points, Arden's operates as a counter-service spot with a casual bar and seating area.
• The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week.

The burger menu and how to order

Arden's menu keeps burgers straightforward but lets you build from there. You choose your patty size, then add toppings from a list that includes lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, jalapeños, fried onions, and multiple cheese options. The house-made sauces—which change seasonally—are where the kitchen's personality shows. Past rotations have included a spicy mayo, a tangy comeback sauce, and a smoked tomato aioli.

The restaurant also runs specials that rotate weekly, often featuring seasonal ingredients or collaborations with other Columbia food makers. Prices sit in the mid-range for a chargrilled burger with fries—not fast-food cheap, but reasonable for a made-to-order meal. If you are unsure what to order, the staff can walk you through the current sauces and suggest pairings.

Low Country sides and what pairs with burgers

What sets Arden's apart from burger-only spots is the depth of its side menu. Fried okra comes battered and crispy, a textural contrast to a soft burger bun. Shrimp and grits—a Lowcountry staple—appears as a full plate or as a topping option on certain burgers. Collard greens are cooked with the slow-simmered depth that comes from time and stock, not a quick sauté.

These sides matter because they anchor Arden's in South Carolina's food culture rather than positioning it as a generic burger chain. A visitor to Columbia can eat a burger that tastes like it belongs here, paired with vegetables and preparations that reflect the region's history. The kitchen sources ingredients from local farms when possible, which changes what is available by season.

The Five Points location and neighborhood context

Five Points is one of Columbia's oldest neighborhoods, built around the intersection of Main, Devine, and Harden streets. The area has a mix of independent restaurants, vintage shops, bookstores, and galleries—the kind of place where you can spend an afternoon walking between stops. Arden's sits on Main Street itself, making it easy to find and accessible by foot from nearby parking or transit.

The neighborhood draws a mix of students, professionals, and longtime residents. Arden's fits that crowd: casual enough for a quick lunch, substantial enough for a dinner outing. The bar area is a gathering spot on weekends, and the restaurant often hosts local musicians or community events. If you are exploring Five Points, Arden's is a logical stop, but it is also worth a trip on its own.

Hours, parking, and what to know before you go

Arden's operates for lunch and dinner most days, though hours shift between weekdays and weekends. The restaurant is closed on Mondays. Parking on Main Street can be tight during peak hours, but the Five Points area has several public lots within a short walk. The restaurant itself does not have dedicated parking, so plan accordingly if you are driving.

The counter-service format means you order at the register and find a seat while your burger is cooked. During lunch rush (around noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner rush (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), expect a wait of 10 to 20 minutes. Off-peak times move faster. The restaurant takes cash and card, and does not currently offer delivery, though you can call ahead to place an order for pickup.

Seasonal menu changes and what to expect year-round

Arden's rotates its sauces and some sides with the seasons, so what you eat in summer may differ from winter. Spring and summer often bring lighter preparations and fresh vegetables; fall and winter shift toward richer sauces and heartier sides. The core burger menu stays consistent, but the specials board is where the kitchen experiments.

If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, the staff can tell you what is in each sauce and which sides contain common allergens. The kitchen is small and operates in a shared space, so cross-contamination is possible—mention any serious allergies when you order. Vegetarian options are limited to sides and cheese-only burgers, which the kitchen will prepare on request.

Why Arden's matters in Columbia's burger landscape

Columbia has no shortage of burger options, from chains to food trucks to upscale gastropubs. Arden's occupies a specific middle ground: serious enough about its craft to charbroil each patty and make sauces in-house, but unpretentious enough to feel like a neighborhood spot rather than a destination. The Low Country sides distinguish it from burger places that treat sides as an afterthought.

The restaurant also functions as a community gathering space. Local artists display work on the walls, musicians play weekend sets, and the staff knows regulars by name. For visitors, Arden's offers a burger that tastes like it was made in Columbia, in a place that reflects the neighborhood's character. For locals, it is the kind of place you return to because the food is good and the space feels like yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my burger with any toppings I want?

Yes, within reason. Arden's lets you build from a list of available toppings and sauces. If you want something unusual, ask the staff—they may be able to accommodate it depending on what is in the kitchen that day. Substitutions and modifications are standard practice.

Do you have options for people who don't eat meat?

The menu is meat-focused, but you can order a cheese-only burger or choose from the sides menu. Fried okra, collard greens, and fries are vegetarian. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs so the kitchen can plan accordingly.

What is the best time to go if I want to avoid a wait?

Mid-afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.) and late evening (after 8:30 p.m.) tend to be slower. Lunch rush peaks around noon, and dinner rush around 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.

Can I order online or get delivery?

Arden's does not currently offer online ordering or delivery. You can call ahead to place an order for pickup, which speeds up the process when you arrive. The restaurant takes phone orders during business hours.

Is there seating for groups or private events?

The restaurant has counter seating and a small dining area that works for groups of up to 10 or so. For larger parties or private events, contact the restaurant directly to discuss options and availability.