De Carne Somos Grill in Columbia — Wood-Fired Burgers and Argentine Beef

What De Carne Somos Serves

De Carne Somos is a wood-fired grill in Columbia that builds its menu around beef—Argentine beef, specifically. The restaurant's name translates to "We Are Meat," and the kitchen takes that seriously. You'll find burgers here, but also grilled steaks, choripán (Argentine sausage sandwiches), and other cuts cooked over live fire. The wood-fired approach means the beef picks up char and smoke that you won't get from a flat-top griddle.

The burger is the entry point for most visitors. De Carne Somos makes theirs with beef that reflects the restaurant's Argentine roots—grass-fed and sourced with attention to quality. The patty is thick enough to develop a crust while staying pink inside, and the toppings stay simple enough that you taste the meat. Expect a burger that feels more like a steakhouse plate than a casual sandwich, though the price and atmosphere are less formal than that comparison might suggest.

Key Takeaways

• De Carne Somos specializes in wood-fired beef, including thick burgers cooked over live fire rather than on a griddle.
• The restaurant sources Argentine beef and builds its identity around that sourcing, so the meat quality shapes what you're paying for.
• The menu extends beyond burgers to steaks, choripán, and other grilled items, so it works for groups with different appetites.
• The wood-fired cooking method creates char and smoke flavor that distinguishes the burgers from chain or griddle-cooked alternatives.

Where De Carne Somos Is Located

De Carne Somos operates in Columbia, South Carolina's capital. The restaurant sits in an area with other dining options, making it easy to combine with other activities downtown or in nearby neighborhoods. Street parking is usually available, though you may need to walk a block or two depending on the time of day.

The space itself reflects the wood-fired concept—you'll see the grill as part of the dining experience, not hidden in a back kitchen. This open design means the smell of smoke and beef reaches you before you sit down, and you can watch the cooks work the fire while you eat.

Hours, Reservations, and Timing

De Carne Somos operates for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by season and day of the week. It's worth checking their current schedule before you go, especially if you're planning a visit on a weekday or during off-season months. The restaurant takes reservations for larger groups, which is useful if you're bringing more than four or five people.

Dinner service tends to be busier than lunch, particularly on weekends. If you prefer a quieter meal or faster service, a weekday lunch visit often works better. The wood-fired grill means cooking times are longer than a fast-casual burger spot—expect 15 to 20 minutes from order to plate during normal service.

What Makes the Beef Different

Argentine beef has a reputation in culinary circles for quality and flavor, and De Carne Somos builds its whole concept around that sourcing. Grass-fed beef, which is common in Argentina, tends to have a different fat composition and flavor profile than grain-fed beef. The taste is often described as more mineral or grassy, with less marbling but more defined beef flavor.

The wood-fired cooking method amplifies these differences. High heat and live fire create a crust through the Maillard reaction—the chemical process that browns meat and builds flavor. This crust seals in the beef's natural juices and adds complexity that you taste in every bite. It's the same principle that makes a steakhouse steak taste different from a home-cooked burger, but applied to a sandwich format.

Sides and What to Order With Your Burger

De Carne Somos typically offers sides that complement the wood-fired theme—grilled vegetables, chimichurri (an Argentine herb sauce), and potatoes prepared on or near the grill. These aren't afterthoughts; they're built into the restaurant's cooking method and flavor profile. Chimichurri in particular is worth trying if you haven't had it before—it's a bright, herbaceous sauce that cuts through the richness of the beef.

Beverages lean toward beer and wine, which pair naturally with grilled meat. Argentine wines, particularly Malbec, show up on many wood-fired grill menus, and De Carne Somos likely follows that pattern. If you're not a drinker, ask what non-alcoholic options they have on the day you visit.

Price Range and What to Expect

A burger at De Carne Somos costs more than a chain burger but less than a full steakhouse entrée. You're paying for the beef quality, the wood-fired cooking method, and the restaurant's sourcing philosophy. A typical burger meal—burger plus a side and a drink—runs in the mid-range for Columbia dining, comparable to other independent restaurants that emphasize ingredient quality.

The restaurant positions itself as a step above casual but not fine dining. The experience is relaxed, the portions are generous, and the focus stays on the food rather than tableside service or elaborate plating. This positioning affects both the price and what you should expect when you walk in.

Why Wood-Fired Cooking Matters for Burgers

Most burger restaurants cook on a flat-top griddle or a standard grill. Wood-fired cooking introduces variables—temperature zones, smoke, ash, live flame—that require skill to manage but create results you can't replicate on equipment designed for consistency. The burger develops a crust that's darker and more complex, and the smoke penetrates the meat in ways that a gas grill can't achieve.

This doesn't make wood-fired burgers objectively better than griddle burgers—it makes them different. Some people prefer the simplicity and precision of a griddle. But if you're curious about what beef tastes like when it's cooked over live fire, De Carne Somos is the place in Columbia to find out. The method is part of the restaurant's identity, not a gimmick added to justify a higher price.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation to eat at De Carne Somos?

Reservations are recommended for groups of five or more, especially during dinner service or on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours, but you may wait during peak times. Call ahead to check current wait times if you're coming without a reservation.

Is the burger cooked rare or well-done?

De Carne Somos cooks burgers to a medium or medium-rare by default, which keeps the beef juicy and lets you taste the meat quality. You can request a different temperature when you order, though the kitchen may recommend against cooking it well-done, as that affects the texture and flavor of a thick, quality patty.

What if I don't eat beef?

De Carne Somos is built around beef, so vegetarian options are limited or may not be available. Call ahead to ask what the kitchen can offer if you're not eating meat. Other Columbia restaurants may be better suited to your needs if you're looking for a full menu of non-beef options.

Can I get a to-go burger?

Most wood-fired grill restaurants offer takeout, though the burger travels better than some dishes because it holds up during a short drive. Ask when you call whether they're taking to-go orders and how long the burger will take to prepare.

What's the difference between De Carne Somos and other burger places in Columbia?

De Carne Somos focuses on Argentine beef and wood-fired cooking, which shapes both the flavor and the price. If you want a quick, inexpensive burger, chain restaurants are faster and cheaper. De Carne Somos is for when you want to taste the beef quality and the effect of live-fire cooking.