Taste of Soul Restaurant Bar and Grill in Columbia

What to expect at Taste of Soul

Taste of Soul Restaurant Bar and Grill is a soul food restaurant in Columbia that serves traditional Southern dishes in a casual dining setting. The menu centers on fried chicken, ribs, collard greens, mac and cheese, cornbread, and other classic preparations. The space includes a full bar, and the atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly during the day, with a livelier crowd in the evenings.

The restaurant draws both longtime soul food diners and people new to the cuisine. Portions are generous, and prices fall in the moderate range for sit-down dining. The kitchen operates during standard lunch and dinner hours, and the bar stays open later than the kitchen on most nights.

Key Takeaways

• Taste of Soul serves traditional Southern soul food including fried chicken, ribs, and vegetable sides in a casual bar-and-grill setting.
• The restaurant is located in Columbia and welcomes walk-ins during regular hours, though calling ahead during peak times can reduce wait times.
• The full bar offers beer, liquor, and mixed drinks alongside the food menu.
• The dining room accommodates groups and families, making it suitable for casual meals and small gatherings.

Menu highlights and what to order

The kitchen excels at fried chicken prepared in the traditional Southern style—crispy outside, tender inside. Ribs come seasoned and slow-cooked, and the sides reflect authentic soul food preparation: collard greens cooked with smoked meat, creamed corn, mac and cheese made from scratch, and cornbread baked fresh daily. Catfish and other fried fish appear regularly on the menu, along with chicken and dumplings.

First-time visitors often start with a combination plate that pairs a protein with two or three sides, which lets you sample the kitchen's range. The restaurant also offers sandwiches and lighter options for those not seeking a full plate. Desserts typically include peach cobbler, sweet potato pie, and other traditional finishes.

Location and hours

Taste of Soul is located in Columbia. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days of the week, though hours vary by day. Calling ahead before your visit confirms current hours and lets you know if there is a wait, particularly on weekends and during evening service.

Street parking is usually available near the restaurant, and the dining room has enough seating for walk-in traffic during off-peak times. During busy periods—Friday and Saturday evenings especially—arriving early or calling to check wait times is worth the effort.

The bar and evening atmosphere

The bar side of the restaurant operates independently of the kitchen in terms of hours and service. You can order drinks and bar snacks without ordering a full meal, and the bar often draws a local crowd in the evenings. The space transitions from a daytime family dining spot to a more social atmosphere as the sun sets.

Live music or DJ service appears on select nights, though scheduling varies. Checking the restaurant's social media or calling ahead tells you whether entertainment is planned for your intended visit date.

Pricing and payment

Entrees at Taste of Soul range from moderate to mid-range pricing for sit-down soul food dining. Combination plates—which include a protein and sides—typically cost less per item than ordering components separately. The bar menu includes standard drink pricing for beer, liquor, and mixed drinks.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments. Tipping is customary for table service, and the staff can tell you about any current specials or discounts when you arrive or call.

Why soul food matters in Columbia

Soul food restaurants like Taste of Soul preserve cooking traditions rooted in African American Southern history. The techniques—slow cooking, seasoning with smoked meats, using whole vegetables—reflect generations of knowledge passed through families and communities. Eating at these establishments supports Black-owned businesses and keeps these culinary traditions alive in Columbia.

Soul food also represents a specific moment in American food culture: a time when home cooking and restaurant cooking were closer together, when flavor and generosity mattered more than novelty, and when a meal was meant to nourish and bring people together. Taste of Soul carries that spirit into its dining room.

Planning your visit

Arrive hungry—portions are substantial, and the kitchen does not skimp on sides. If you are dining with others, ordering family-style and sharing plates is common practice and lets everyone taste more of the menu. Bring cash if you prefer it, though cards work fine.

If you are new to soul food, do not hesitate to ask your server for recommendations. The staff knows the menu well and can steer you toward the kitchen's strengths. Leaving room for dessert is also worth planning for, especially if peach cobbler or sweet potato pie is available that day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, and the restaurant welcomes walk-ins. During busy times—Friday and Saturday evenings—calling ahead to check the wait time is a good idea. Small groups usually find seating quickly during lunch hours and early dinner service.

Can I order takeout?

Yes, takeout is available. Call ahead with your order during peak times so the kitchen can have your food ready when you arrive. Takeout portions are the same size as dine-in, so plan for leftovers or sharing.

Are there vegetarian options?

The menu includes vegetable sides like collard greens, mac and cheese, creamed corn, and cornbread that can be ordered as a meal. Ask your server which sides are prepared without meat stock if you follow a vegetarian diet.

What is the best time to go if I want a quieter meal?

Lunch hours on weekdays are typically quieter than evenings and weekends. Early dinner service—around 5 or 5:30 p.m.—also tends to be less crowded than later in the evening.

Does the restaurant host private events or large groups?

Call the restaurant directly to discuss group dining or private event options. The staff can tell you about space availability, group pricing, and menu options for parties.