Sunny's Tobacco & Sports Bar in Columbia — What to Expect
A casual spot for sports, drinks, and a full tobacco selection
Sunny's Tobacco & Sports Bar sits in Columbia and combines the draw of live sports viewing with a retail tobacco operation. The bar stocks cigars, cigarettes, and other tobacco products alongside a standard sports bar menu and drink selection. It's the kind of place where you can watch a game, order food and drinks, and browse or purchase tobacco items without leaving the building.
The venue caters to people who want both entertainment and retail convenience in one location. Unlike a typical sports bar that might have a cigar lounge as an afterthought, Sunny's treats the tobacco retail as a core part of the business. That focus shapes the atmosphere and the clientele you'll encounter.
Key Takeaways
- Sunny's combines a sports bar with a full-service tobacco shop, so you can watch games and purchase cigars or cigarettes in the same visit.
- The bar serves food and drinks typical of sports bars, with the added draw of live sports on multiple screens.
- The tobacco selection is substantial enough to be a destination for cigar and cigarette shoppers, not just an impulse-buy rack.
- The space attracts a mixed crowd of sports fans and tobacco enthusiasts, creating a particular social atmosphere worth knowing about before you go.
What the tobacco selection looks like
Sunny's stocks a range of cigars, from everyday brands to premium options. The inventory includes both machine-made and hand-rolled cigars, so whether you're looking for a quick smoke or something to spend time with, the shop carries both. Cigarette brands are available as well, covering major labels and sometimes regional or specialty options depending on current stock.
The retail side operates during bar hours, so you can shop while you're there for a drink or a meal. Prices are competitive with other tobacco retailers in the Columbia area, though like any retail operation, they vary by product and brand. If you're a regular cigar smoker or collector, it's worth stopping in to see what they have on hand and asking about any special orders they can place.
Sports viewing and the bar atmosphere
Multiple screens throughout the space mean you can catch most major games — football, basketball, baseball, and hockey depending on the season. The bar typically has sound on for the main event, so you'll hear commentary and crowd noise, which shapes the energy in the room, especially during playoffs or rivalry matchups.
The crowd tends to be male-dominated and skews toward people in their 30s and up, though that varies by game and time of day. Weekends during football season draw bigger crowds than a random Tuesday in June. The social dynamic is relaxed rather than rowdy — people are there to watch, talk, and enjoy a drink, not to party.
Food and drink options
The menu is standard sports bar fare: burgers, wings, sandwiches, and appetizers designed to pair with beer. Drink specials rotate, and the bar stocks beer, liquor, and soft drinks. Nothing here is unusual or particularly upscale — it's the kind of food you expect to order while watching a game, not the kind you'd go out of your way for on its own.
Pricing is moderate for a bar in Columbia. You're not paying premium prices, but you're also not getting dive-bar pricing. A burger, fries, and a beer will run you what you'd spend at most casual restaurants in the area.
Parking and location details
Sunny's is located in Columbia proper, making it accessible from most parts of the city. Parking is available on-site or nearby, depending on the specific address and time of day. During busy game times, parking can fill up, so arriving early or using street parking nearby is sometimes necessary.
The space itself is indoor and climate-controlled, so it's comfortable year-round. The layout typically includes seating at the bar, tables throughout the room, and a retail counter where tobacco products are displayed and sold.
When to visit and what to know beforehand
Weekends during football season (September through January) are the busiest times. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, weekday afternoons or off-season periods are better bets. The bar is open during typical sports bar hours, though you should confirm current hours before heading over, as they can shift seasonally or for special events.
Bring cash or a card — most bars accept both, but it's worth having options. If you're planning to purchase tobacco, knowing what you're looking for ahead of time can speed things up, though the staff can usually help if you're browsing. If you're a cigar enthusiast looking for something specific, calling ahead to ask if they have it in stock saves a trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I smoke cigars inside Sunny's?
South Carolina law allows smoking in bars and restaurants that choose to permit it. Sunny's permits cigar and cigarette smoking indoors, which is part of what makes it a destination for cigar smokers. The ventilation and atmosphere reflect that policy — expect smoke in the air, especially during busy times.
Do I have to buy tobacco to sit at the bar?
No. You can order food and drinks and watch sports without purchasing anything from the tobacco shop. The two operations coexist, so you're free to use the bar side without engaging with the retail side.
What are the hours?
Hours vary by day and season. Call ahead or check their current hours online before visiting, especially if you're planning a trip during an off-peak time when hours might be shorter.
Is there a cover charge for games?
Most sports bars don't charge a cover for regular-season games, though some may charge for major events like playoff games or championship matches. Ask when you arrive or call ahead if you're concerned about a specific game.
Can I order food to go?
Many bars offer takeout, but policies vary. Call to confirm whether Sunny's offers to-go orders and what the current process is for placing them.