King Tut Grill in Columbia: Egyptian-Inspired Burgers and Mediterranean Flavors

What King Tut Grill serves and where to find it

King Tut Grill is a casual burger restaurant in Columbia that blends Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors into its menu. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area known for independent shops and dining. The space itself is modest—counter service with a handful of tables—but the food draws a steady crowd of regulars and newcomers looking for something beyond standard American burgers.

The signature item is the King Tut burger, which layers beef with feta cheese, tomatoes, onions, and a house sauce that leans toward tzatziki-style flavors. The menu also includes lamb burgers, chicken sandwiches, and Mediterranean sides like hummus and tabbouleh. Most burgers come with fries or a salad, and portions are generous for the price point.

Key Takeaways

• King Tut Grill is located on Main Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood and operates as a counter-service restaurant.
• The King Tut burger combines ground beef with feta, fresh vegetables, and a Mediterranean-style sauce that sets it apart from traditional burger joints.
• The menu includes lamb and chicken options alongside beef, plus Mediterranean sides that reflect the restaurant's cultural influences.
• The restaurant is casual and affordable, making it a practical stop for lunch or a quick dinner in a neighborhood with other shops and restaurants nearby.

The King Tut burger and house specialties

The King Tut burger is the menu's anchor. It starts with a beef patty topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh tomato slices, red onion, and lettuce, all bound together with a creamy sauce that tastes like a cross between tzatziki and a Greek salad dressing. The combination works because the feta adds a salty tang that cuts through the richness of the beef, and the sauce keeps everything moist without overwhelming the meat.

Beyond the signature burger, the restaurant offers a lamb burger for diners who want something leaner and more assertively flavored. The lamb version uses the same toppings and sauce, which complement the meat's natural earthiness. A chicken sandwich rounds out the protein options, prepared grilled rather than fried, and served with similar Mediterranean accompaniments.

Sides matter here. The fries are hand-cut and salted well, and the hummus—made in-house—is thick and creamy with a pronounced garlic note. Tabbouleh, a parsley-based salad with bulgur wheat and lemon dressing, offers a lighter counterpoint to the heavier burger items and is worth ordering even if you're splitting a meal with someone else.

Neighborhood context and parking

Five Points is one of Columbia's oldest commercial districts, centered around the intersection of Main, Devine, and Harden streets. The area has gentrified gradually over the past two decades and now mixes vintage shops, coffee roasters, bookstores, and restaurants. King Tut Grill sits within walking distance of other dining options, so it's easy to combine a meal here with browsing nearby stores or grabbing dessert elsewhere.

Parking is street-level and can be tight during lunch hours and weekend evenings. There is a small lot behind the restaurant, but it fills quickly. If you're visiting during peak times, arrive early or plan to circle the block. The restaurant itself is small—seating for maybe a dozen people at most—so expect a short wait on Fridays and Saturdays, especially around 6 p.m.

Price range and what to expect when you order

Most burgers fall in the $10 to $13 range, with sides adding $2 to $3. A complete meal for one person typically costs between $13 and $17 before tax and tip. The restaurant does not take reservations, and payment is cash or card at the counter. You order, pay, and then find a seat while your food is prepared—usually within 10 to 15 minutes.

The restaurant does not have a full bar, though it may offer beer or wine depending on current licensing. It's worth calling ahead if beverages matter to your visit. The space is casual enough that families with children fit in comfortably, and the food is straightforward enough that picky eaters can usually find something they'll eat.

Hours and how to contact them

King Tut Grill operates during typical lunch and dinner hours, though exact times vary by season and day of the week. The restaurant is usually closed on Sundays and Mondays. Before making a trip, especially if you're traveling from outside Columbia, call ahead to confirm hours or check their social media pages, which are updated more frequently than printed materials.

The restaurant does not take phone orders for pickup or delivery, so you'll need to visit in person. There is no website, but you can find contact information and occasional updates through their Facebook page or by searching the address on Google Maps, which usually shows current hours and recent customer reviews.

Why the Mediterranean approach works in Columbia

Columbia's food scene has grown more diverse over the past decade, and King Tut Grill represents a shift toward restaurants that blend cuisines rather than stick to a single tradition. The Mediterranean burger format—using feta, fresh herbs, and olive oil-based sauces—appeals to diners who want flavor without pretension. It's not fine dining, but it's not fast food either.

The restaurant has built a loyal following partly because it does one thing well and doesn't overextend. There are no elaborate appetizers, no dessert menu, no attempt to be everything to everyone. That focus shows in the quality of the burgers and the consistency of the sides. For a neighborhood restaurant in a college town, that reliability matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a vegetarian burger at King Tut Grill?

The menu does not list a dedicated vegetarian burger, but the restaurant can prepare a feta and vegetable sandwich on request. Call ahead to confirm they have the ingredients available, or ask at the counter when you arrive. The hummus and tabbouleh are both vegetarian and make a satisfying meal on their own.

Do they offer delivery or takeout?

King Tut Grill is counter service only and does not partner with delivery apps or take phone orders for pickup. You must visit in person to order. The space is small, so takeout is the practical option if you don't want to eat at one of the few tables inside.

Is King Tut Grill good for a quick lunch?

Yes. The ordering and payment happen at the counter, and food is usually ready within 10 to 15 minutes. During peak lunch hours (noon to 1 p.m.), expect a short wait in line. If you're on a tight schedule, arriving before 11:45 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. will be faster.

What's the difference between the King Tut burger and the lamb burger?

Both use the same feta, vegetables, and Mediterranean sauce. The difference is the meat: beef versus lamb. Lamb is leaner, has a stronger flavor, and pairs well with the feta and sauce. If you've never tried lamb, the King Tut burger is a safer first choice; the lamb burger is worth ordering on a return visit.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on Main Street and surrounding blocks, though it can be hard to find during busy times. There is a small lot behind the restaurant. During lunch and dinner rushes, plan to spend a few minutes finding a spot, or arrive during off-peak hours.