Southern Grill in Columbia: Burgers, Barbecue, and Low Country Flavor

What Southern Grill Serves and Where to Find It

Southern Grill is a casual restaurant in Columbia that builds its menu around burgers, barbecue, and regional Low Country dishes. The burger selection runs from straightforward beef patties to loaded versions topped with fried green tomatoes, pimento cheese, or pulled pork. Beyond burgers, the kitchen turns out smoked meats, fried chicken, and sides that reflect South Carolina's food traditions—collard greens, mac and cheese, hushpuppies, and cornbread.

The restaurant sits on Main Street in downtown Columbia, in a space with wood-heavy decor and a casual, neighborhood feel. Hours run lunch through dinner most days, though it's worth checking ahead for seasonal changes or special events. The atmosphere draws a mix of locals grabbing lunch, families on weekend outings, and visitors exploring Columbia's dining scene.

Key Takeaways

• Southern Grill specializes in burgers topped with regional ingredients like pimento cheese and fried green tomatoes, plus barbecue and Low Country sides.
• The restaurant is located on Main Street in downtown Columbia, within walking distance of other shops and cultural venues.
• Pricing is moderate for a sit-down burger restaurant, with most burgers in the mid-range and combo meals available.
• The space accommodates walk-ins and groups, though peak lunch and dinner hours can mean a short wait on weekends.

The Burger Menu and Signature Toppings

Southern Grill's burger lineup reflects what grows and cooks well in South Carolina. The house burger comes with lettuce, tomato, and onion on a toasted bun. From there, the menu branches into versions topped with bacon and cheddar, fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese, pulled pork and coleslaw, or a combination of those elements. Each burger uses a beef patty cooked to order, and the kitchen will modify toppings or cook temperature on request.

Pimento cheese—a regional staple made from sharp cheddar, roasted red peppers, and mayo—appears on several burgers and can be added to any sandwich. Fried green tomatoes, another Low Country tradition, bring a tangy crunch. The pulled pork comes from the restaurant's own smoker, so it carries the same smoke flavor as the standalone barbecue plates.

Barbecue and Smoked Meats Beyond Burgers

The barbecue side of the menu includes pulled pork, brisket, and smoked chicken served as platters with two sides and cornbread. The pork and brisket come sauced or dry, depending on preference. Smoked turkey and ribs rotate on the menu depending on availability and season. Most platters come with a choice of sides: collard greens, mac and cheese, beans, coleslaw, or cornbread dressing.

The sauce is vinegar-based and tangy rather than thick and sweet, which aligns with Midlands barbecue tradition. Sauce bottles sit on the table, so you can adjust the amount to your taste. Barbecue sandwiches—pulled pork or brisket on a bun with coleslaw—offer a lighter option than the full platter.

Sides and Regional Dishes

Southern Grill's side dishes and appetizers draw directly from Low Country and Midlands cooking. Collard greens come seasoned with smoked meat, hushpuppies arrive warm and fried, and mac and cheese is creamy and rich. Fried chicken appears as both a standalone entree and as a topping option on some burgers. Cornbread and cornbread dressing round out the traditional offerings.

Appetizers include fried pickles, deviled eggs, and sometimes shrimp and grits depending on the day. These dishes work well for sharing or as a starting course before a burger or barbecue plate. Desserts typically include peach cobbler, sweet tea cake, or banana pudding—all made in-house or sourced from local bakeries.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

The interior uses wood paneling, vintage signage, and casual seating that encourages lingering. The noise level is moderate—busy enough to feel lively, not so loud that conversation is difficult. Service is friendly and straightforward; staff know the menu well and can explain the differences between burger toppings or recommend sides.

The restaurant works for solo diners at the counter, couples on a date, families with children, and groups of friends. Parking is available on the street or in nearby lots. The downtown location means you can walk to other Main Street shops, galleries, or the South Carolina State House if you want to combine a meal with exploring the area.

Pricing and What to Expect

Burgers typically fall in the mid-range for a sit-down restaurant—more than a fast-food burger, less than a high-end steakhouse. Combo meals that bundle a burger, fries, and a drink cost slightly less than ordering items separately. Barbecue platters run a bit higher than burgers because they include two sides and cornbread. Appetizers and desserts are priced individually.

The restaurant accepts cash and card. Tipping is standard for table service. Takeout is available for most menu items, which is useful if you want to eat elsewhere or take food back to your hotel.

Hours, Location, and Planning Your Visit

Southern Grill operates from late morning through evening most days of the week, though hours may shift seasonally or for special events. The Main Street location in downtown Columbia is easy to reach by car or on foot if you're staying nearby. Parking on the street fills during peak lunch hours (noon to 1 p.m.) and dinner hours (6 to 8 p.m.), so arriving slightly earlier or later can mean easier parking.

The restaurant does not take reservations, so groups should expect a short wait during busy times. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times or to check if a specific menu item is available that day is a practical step, especially if you have a limited time window or dietary needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a burger without meat?

The menu is meat-focused, but the kitchen can build a vegetable-based burger using grilled vegetables, cheese, and toppings like fried green tomatoes or pimento cheese. Call ahead to confirm the kitchen can accommodate this, or ask your server when you arrive.

Are there gluten-free options?

Burgers can be served without the bun, and many sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, and barbecue are naturally gluten-free. The kitchen can also confirm which items are prepared without cross-contamination. Ask your server or call the restaurant before your visit if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Do you serve alcohol?

Southern Grill has a beer and wine selection. The menu typically includes local South Carolina beers and wines that pair with barbecue and burgers. Soft drinks, sweet tea, and coffee are also available.

Is Southern Grill good for kids?

Yes. The casual atmosphere, straightforward burger and fried chicken options, and kid-friendly sides like mac and cheese make it a family-friendly spot. The restaurant is not loud or formal, so children can move around a bit without disrupting other diners.

What's the best burger to order if I'm new?

Start with the pimento cheese and fried green tomato burger to get a taste of regional flavors, or go with the pulled pork burger if you want to sample the restaurant's barbecue in sandwich form. If you prefer simplicity, the house burger with bacon and cheddar is a solid classic.