Scoops and Beans: A Neighborhood Ice Cream Shop in Columbia
What Scoops and Beans offers
Scoops and Beans is a small ice cream and coffee shop located in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, a walkable district known for local businesses and community gathering spaces. The shop serves hand-scooped ice cream alongside espresso drinks and cold brew coffee, making it a dual-purpose stop for people who want dessert, caffeine, or both.
The ice cream menu rotates seasonally and includes both classic flavors and rotating specials. The shop sources from regional producers when possible, and the coffee program reflects the same local-first approach. You can order a single scoop in a cup or cone, build a sundae, or grab a coffee drink to go.
The combination of ice cream and coffee under one roof means you can satisfy multiple cravings in a single visit, or return regularly as a neighborhood habit. Many customers stop by after work, on weekend afternoons, or as part of a larger Five Points outing that includes dinner or shopping nearby.
Key Takeaways
- Scoops and Beans combines ice cream service with a full coffee bar, so you can get both in one visit or choose one or the other.
- The shop is located in Five Points, Columbia's walkable neighborhood district with street parking and nearby restaurants and shops.
- Flavors change with the seasons, and the shop prioritizes regional and local sourcing for both ice cream and coffee.
- The space works for solo visits, dates, or small groups, with seating inside and often outdoor options in warm months.
Location and parking
Scoops and Beans sits on Devine Street in Five Points, the neighborhood roughly bounded by Main Street to the west, Sumter Street to the east, Beltline Boulevard to the north, and Gervais Street to the south. Street parking is available along Devine and on nearby cross streets; the neighborhood does not require permits for daytime parking.
Five Points is designed for walking, so if you are already in the area visiting other shops or restaurants, Scoops and Beans is an easy stop. The neighborhood has sidewalks, and most destinations are within a few blocks of each other. The location makes it convenient to combine with other Five Points activities—grab ice cream after lunch, or coffee before browsing the nearby bookstores and boutiques.
Menu and seasonal changes
The ice cream flavors shift with the season. Summer typically brings lighter, fruit-forward options; fall and winter feature richer, spiced, and chocolate-heavy selections. The shop usually keeps a handful of year-round standards alongside the rotating specials, so there is something consistent to return to.
The coffee menu includes espresso drinks (lattes, cappuccinos, americanos), cold brew, and seasonal specials. If you are unsure what to order, the staff can describe what is currently available and suggest pairings—ice cream with a hot espresso, or cold brew with a scoop on a warm afternoon.
Seasonal rotation means there is always a reason to visit again and try something new. Regular customers often check in to see what flavors have arrived with the changing weather.
Seating and atmosphere
Inside, the shop has a small counter for ordering and limited seating—enough for a few people to sit and enjoy their order, but not a full café setup. The space has a neighborhood feel, with local art or community notices often posted on the walls. During warm months, outdoor seating or standing room typically expands the space.
The shop draws a mix of regulars, families with children, and people passing through Five Points. It is a casual, unpretentious spot where you can linger or grab and go depending on your mood.
Hours and what to bring
Hours vary by season and day of the week; the shop is typically open afternoons and evenings, closed Mondays or Tuesdays (confirm before visiting). Summer hours are longer than winter hours. The shop accepts cash and card.
Bring cash if you prefer it, though card payment is standard. If you have a dietary restriction or allergy, ask the staff about ingredients—they can usually tell you what is in the ice cream and coffee drinks, though some items may contain allergens processed in the same space.
Why Five Points matters
Five Points has been a neighborhood gathering place in Columbia since the early 1900s, and it remains one of the city's most walkable and community-oriented districts. The neighborhood is known for independent shops, local restaurants, and a strong sense of place. Scoops and Beans fits into that character—a locally owned business that serves both as a destination and as a casual meeting point.
Visiting Scoops and Beans is also a way to spend money in a neighborhood business rather than a chain, which keeps resources circulating in Columbia's local economy. The shop is part of what makes Five Points a destination worth the trip, rather than just a place to pass through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order ice cream online or for delivery?
Scoops and Beans is primarily a walk-in shop. Call ahead to ask about current flavors or any special orders, but the shop does not offer delivery or online ordering. The best experience is to visit in person and see what is available that day.
Is there a kids' menu or smaller portions?
The shop serves ice cream by the scoop, so you can order a single scoop for a child or a smaller portion for anyone who wants less. Pricing is typically per scoop, so a child's single scoop costs less than an adult's double or triple.
What if I don't like coffee or ice cream?
The shop is built around those two things, so options are limited if you want neither. However, you might find a cold drink or a simple treat that works. Call or visit to ask what else might be available on the day you plan to go.
Is Scoops and Beans a good spot for a date or small group?
Yes, especially on a warm evening or weekend afternoon. The casual atmosphere and outdoor seating (when available) make it a low-key place to meet friends or spend time with someone. It is not a full restaurant, so plan to order and then walk around Five Points or sit nearby.