H&W Grill in Columbia: Charred Burgers and Lowcountry Sides

What H&W Grill serves and where to find it

H&W Grill is a burger restaurant in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, known for hand-formed patties cooked over an open flame and a menu that leans into South Carolina ingredients and flavors. The burgers arrive charred on the outside, pink in the middle if you order them that way, and stacked with toppings that go beyond the standard chain offerings—think pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and house-made pickles. The space itself is casual and tight, with a counter where you can watch the kitchen work and a few tables crammed into a narrow storefront.

The restaurant sits on Harden Street in the heart of Five Points, a neighborhood packed with independent shops, bars, and restaurants. Parking is street-only and can be tight during lunch and dinner rushes, so arriving early or off-peak hours makes the visit easier. H&W does not take reservations, so expect to wait during peak times—usually noon to 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, and most of Saturday afternoon.

Key Takeaways

• H&W Grill hand-forms its burger patties daily and cooks them over an open flame, which gives them a charred crust and allows you to order them cooked to your preference.
• The menu includes regional toppings like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and house-made pickles that reflect South Carolina's food traditions.
• The restaurant is small, counter-service only, and does not take reservations, so timing your visit around lunch and dinner rushes matters.
• Five Points offers parking on the street and nearby shops and bars, making it easy to spend an afternoon or evening in the neighborhood.

The burger options and how to order

H&W offers a core menu of burgers, each built around a different flavor profile or regional ingredient. The Classic is a straightforward single or double patty with cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and house sauce. The Pimento Cheese Burger swaps the standard cheese for pimento cheese, a creamy, peppery spread that is common in South Carolina cooking and adds a distinctive tang. The Fried Green Tomato Burger tops the patty with a crispy fried green tomato slice, a nod to Lowcountry cooking traditions.

You can also build your own burger by choosing your patty size (single or double), cheese (cheddar, pimento cheese, or none), and toppings from a list that includes bacon, fried egg, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, jalapeños, and several others. Sides are limited but intentional: hand-cut fries, sweet potato fries, and a rotating selection of salads. The kitchen will cook your burger to order—rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done—so tell them your preference when you order.

Timing your visit and what to expect

H&W operates as a counter-service restaurant with a small dining area. You order at the counter, pay, and then find a seat or wait for your food to be called. The kitchen is visible from the ordering counter, so you can watch your burger being made. During slow periods—mid-afternoon on weekdays or early morning—you can usually order and eat within 15 to 20 minutes. During lunch and dinner rushes, the wait can stretch to 30 to 45 minutes, especially on Saturdays.

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday, it opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. If you are planning to visit during a specific time, calling ahead to ask about the current wait is worth the effort, though they do not hold orders or reservations.

Five Points neighborhood context

H&W Grill sits in Five Points, one of Columbia's oldest and most walkable neighborhoods. The area is dense with independent restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and retail stores, so a visit to H&W can easily become a longer afternoon or evening out. Nearby you will find other restaurants ranging from pizza to Vietnamese food, several bars with local beer on tap, and shops selling vintage clothing, books, and home goods.

The neighborhood has a neighborhood feel despite being close to downtown Columbia. Street parking is available but fills up during peak hours, so arriving early or using a side street a block or two away is often faster than circling for a spot directly in front of H&W. The area is pedestrian-friendly once you are parked, and most destinations are within a five-minute walk.

Dietary considerations and customization

H&W can accommodate vegetarian orders by omitting the patty and building a burger with cheese, toppings, and sauce on a bun—though this is not a standard menu item and you will need to request it. The kitchen is small and does not have a separate prep area, so if you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with the owner or manager about cross-contamination risks before ordering.

The menu does not include gluten-free buns, and the kitchen does not have a dedicated fryer for gluten-free items. If you are managing a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, the safest approach is to ask the staff about which items are prepared without breading or buns and what oil is used for frying.

Price range and payment

Burgers at H&W range from roughly $10 to $16 depending on whether you order a single or double patty and which toppings you add. Sides (fries or sweet potato fries) run around $4 to $5. The restaurant accepts cash and card, including contactless payment.

There is no table service, so tipping is optional and typically done at the register when you pay for your order. Most customers leave a dollar or two, though the choice is entirely yours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or make a reservation?

H&W does not take phone orders or reservations. You order in person at the counter. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is helpful, but you cannot hold a spot or pre-order your food.

What if I want my burger cooked a certain way?

Tell the person taking your order how you want your burger cooked—rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done. The kitchen will honor your preference. If you are unsure, medium-rare is the house standard and keeps the patty juicy while cooking the outside thoroughly.

Is there outdoor seating?

H&W has a small indoor dining area only. There is no patio or outdoor seating. During warm weather, some customers take their food to nearby parks or eat while walking around Five Points.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

The menu is meat-focused, but the kitchen can build a vegetarian burger by omitting the patty and loading the bun with cheese and toppings. Vegan options are not standard, though you could ask about a veggie-only order without cheese or sauce.

What are the hours and what days are they closed?

H&W is closed Sundays and Mondays. Tuesday through Thursday, hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, they are open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hours may vary seasonally or for special events, so checking their social media or calling ahead during holiday weeks is a good idea.