Planet Follywood: A Burger Spot with Retro Sci-Fi Charm in Columbia

What Planet Follywood Is and Where to Find It

Planet Follywood is a burger restaurant in Columbia with a 1950s space-age theme—think flying saucers, neon signs, and a dining room designed to feel like you've stepped into a vintage sci-fi movie. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area known for independent shops and local restaurants. The retro aesthetic is not just decoration; it shapes the whole experience, from the staff uniforms to the way the menu is written.

The restaurant draws a mix of families, couples on dates, and groups of friends who come for both the burgers and the atmosphere. On weekends, the place fills up, especially around dinner time. If you're coming from elsewhere in Columbia, Five Points is accessible by car with street parking available, though spots can be tight during peak hours.

Key Takeaways

• Planet Follywood serves made-to-order burgers in a 1950s space-themed dining room on Main Street in Five Points.
• The menu includes classic burger options with customizable toppings, plus sides like fries and milkshakes that fit the retro theme.
• The restaurant is best visited during off-peak hours if you prefer a quieter experience, as weekends and dinner time draw crowds.
• The Five Points location offers street parking and is within walking distance of other shops and restaurants if you want to make an evening of it.

The Menu and What to Order

Planet Follywood builds its menu around customizable burgers. You choose your patty size, the toppings you want, and how you'd like it cooked. The kitchen prepares each burger to order rather than assembling from a heat lamp, which means a short wait but a fresher result. Standard toppings include lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, bacon, and various sauces.

Beyond burgers, the restaurant offers sides that lean into the retro diner experience: hand-cut fries, onion rings, and milkshakes in flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. The shakes are thick and made with real ice cream. Soft drinks come in glass bottles when possible, reinforcing the vintage atmosphere. The portions are generous—a burger and fries is usually enough for one person, though many people split or save half for later.

Prices fall in the mid-range for a burger restaurant: a single burger typically costs between $8 and $12 depending on toppings and patty size, with sides running $3 to $5. Milkshakes are around $5 to $6. The restaurant does not offer table service; you order at the counter and find a seat, and staff brings your food when it's ready.

The Atmosphere and Why People Go

The interior design is the main draw for many visitors. Neon signs, vintage space posters, and retro furniture create a playful, nostalgic environment that photographs well and makes the meal feel like an event rather than just eating. The music playing in the background reinforces the theme without being so loud that conversation is difficult. Families with children often visit because the space-age theme appeals to kids, and the casual counter-service format means less pressure to sit still for a formal meal.

The restaurant also functions as a neighborhood gathering spot. You'll see regulars who come weekly, groups meeting before or after events elsewhere in Five Points, and tourists who've read about the place online. The staff is generally friendly and patient, even during busy periods. The vibe is casual and unpretentious—this is not fine dining, and it doesn't pretend to be.

Timing Your Visit

Lunch (roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner (5 p.m. onward) are the busiest periods, with Saturday and Sunday evenings being the peak. If you want to sit down quickly and have a quieter experience, mid-afternoon on a weekday is your best bet. The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though hours can shift seasonally or for special events, so checking ahead is wise.

Wait times during busy periods can stretch to 15 or 20 minutes from order to food, partly because everything is made fresh. If you're on a tight schedule, calling ahead to place an order is sometimes an option—ask when you arrive or check their social media for current policies. The restaurant does not take reservations for seating, so you take your chances during peak times.

Parking and Getting There

Street parking is available along Main Street and the surrounding Five Points blocks, though it can be competitive on weekend evenings. There is no dedicated lot. If street parking feels uncertain, nearby parking decks serve the Five Points area. The restaurant is walkable from other Five Points businesses, so if you're spending time in the neighborhood anyway, parking once and visiting multiple places makes sense.

Public transit options depend on your starting point in Columbia. The COMET bus system serves the Five Points area, though frequency and routes vary. If you're driving from downtown or another part of Columbia, Five Points is a short drive—usually 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic and where you're coming from.

What Makes It Different from Other Burger Places

Many burger restaurants in South Carolina focus on speed or volume. Planet Follywood prioritizes the experience—the theme, the made-to-order approach, and the neighborhood location all set it apart from chain burger spots. The retro sci-fi angle is specific to this restaurant; you won't find the same aesthetic elsewhere in Columbia. That said, if you're purely after the fastest, cheapest burger, a chain location might serve you better.

The restaurant also reflects Five Points' identity as a neighborhood of independent, locally-owned businesses. Eating here supports a local owner rather than a corporation, which matters to many visitors. The space itself has become a minor landmark in Columbia—people mention it when describing Five Points to visitors, and it shows up in local guides and social media posts about the neighborhood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they have vegetarian burger options?

Most Planet Follywood locations offer a veggie patty or can prepare a burger with just toppings and no meat. Call ahead or ask at the counter when you arrive to confirm what's available that day, as options can vary.

Can I bring kids, and is it a good place for a birthday party?

Yes, the space-age theme appeals to children, and families regularly dine there. For larger groups or parties, contact the restaurant directly to discuss options—they may be able to reserve a section or arrange something special, depending on their current capacity and policies.

What if I have a food allergy?

Since burgers are made to order, you can request modifications and ask staff about ingredients. However, this is a casual counter-service restaurant, not a fine-dining establishment with detailed allergen documentation. If you have a severe allergy, speak directly with the person taking your order and ask to speak with kitchen staff if needed.

Is there outdoor seating?

Some Planet Follywood locations have limited outdoor seating, though this depends on the specific restaurant and the season. Check when you arrive or call ahead to ask whether outdoor tables are available.

Do they deliver or offer takeout?

Most locations offer takeout—you order at the counter and can eat elsewhere. Delivery through third-party apps may be available depending on the location. Call or check their social media to confirm current options.