39th Ave. Bar & Grille: Sushi and Southern Comfort in Columbia

What to expect at 39th Ave. Bar & Grille

39th Ave. Bar & Grille sits on a busy stretch of Devine Street in Columbia and splits its menu between sushi and American comfort food—a combination that works because the kitchen takes both seriously. You'll find traditional nigiri and rolls alongside burgers, sandwiches, and entrées that draw from Southern cooking. The space itself is casual and welcoming, with a full bar that stocks sake, beer, and spirits, and the staff moves quickly even during the dinner rush.

The sushi menu includes standards like California rolls and spicy tuna, but also rotating specials that change with what's fresh. The kitchen also handles cooked sushi rolls—tempura shrimp, eel, and combinations that appeal to people who want the sushi experience without raw fish. If you're dining with someone who doesn't eat sushi, the non-sushi side of the menu means you can share a table without compromise.

Key Takeaways

• 39th Ave. serves both sushi and American comfort food, so mixed groups can order what they want from one menu.
• The bar stocks sake, beer, and cocktails, and happy hour pricing runs during specific weekday hours.
• The restaurant is located on Devine Street in Columbia and fills up during dinner service, especially weekends.
• Cooked sushi rolls and non-raw options are available if you want sushi-style food without raw fish.

The sushi side of the menu

The sushi offerings lean toward what most diners recognize—California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, spicy tuna—but the kitchen also builds custom rolls if you ask. Nigiri comes in the standard varieties: salmon, tuna, yellowtail, shrimp, and egg. The chef's specials rotate, and asking your server what's new that week often leads to something worth trying.

If raw fish isn't your preference, the cooked options include tempura shrimp rolls, eel (unagi), and combinations with cooked crab. These rolls carry the same care as the raw offerings and work well for people new to sushi or those who prefer their seafood cooked. Vegetable rolls and cucumber rolls round out the menu for anyone avoiding fish entirely.

American entrées and bar food

The non-sushi menu centers on burgers, sandwiches, and hot entrées that reflect Southern tastes. Burgers come with standard toppings and sides like fries or coleslaw. Sandwiches include options like chicken, fish, and pulled pork. The kitchen also serves hot plates—fried chicken, seafood dishes, and other entrées that change seasonally or based on what the kitchen is running that day.

Bar food includes appetizers like fried calamari, wings, and spring rolls that pair well with beer or sake. The portions are generous, and the prices sit in the mid-range for Columbia dining—not budget fast food, but not fine dining either. This is the kind of place where you can order a burger and fries for under twenty dollars or spend more on a full sushi dinner.

The bar and drink menu

The bar stocks a range of sake, including hot and cold varieties, and the staff can recommend pairings if you ask. Beer selection includes local and national brands on tap and in bottles. The cocktail menu changes, but typically includes standards like margaritas, mojitos, and house specials. Happy hour pricing on drinks and appetizers runs during weekday afternoons—check with the restaurant for exact times, as these can shift seasonally.

The bar itself is a comfortable place to sit and eat if you're alone or waiting for a table. The bartenders know the menu and can answer questions about sushi or recommend dishes based on what you like to drink.

Location, hours, and timing

39th Ave. Bar & Grille is located on Devine Street in the Five Points area of Columbia, a neighborhood known for restaurants and bars within walking distance of each other. Street parking is available, though it fills during peak dinner hours. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours vary by day of the week.

Dinner service gets busy between 6 and 8 p.m., especially on Friday and Saturday. If you want to avoid a wait, arriving before 5:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. usually works. The kitchen can handle large groups, but calling ahead to let them know you're coming is a courtesy that helps them prepare.

What makes it worth the trip

The appeal of 39th Ave. is that it does two different things well under one roof. You're not choosing between sushi or American food—you're getting both, made with attention. The casual atmosphere means you can dress down and still feel welcome, and the bar keeps the energy lively without being loud or pretentious. It's a neighborhood spot that's been around long enough to know what it's doing, and the staff treats regulars and first-timers the same way.

For sushi lovers in Columbia, it's a reliable place to get what you want. For people who want sushi but are dining with someone who doesn't, it solves the problem of finding a restaurant that works for everyone. The prices are fair, the portions are real, and the kitchen doesn't rush.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation?

Reservations are not required, but calling ahead during dinner service on Friday or Saturday helps you avoid a long wait. Lunch and weekday dinners usually have shorter waits. Large groups should call to give the kitchen notice.

Can I order sushi to go?

Yes, the restaurant takes takeout orders for both sushi and other menu items. Call ahead during busy times so the kitchen can have your order ready when you arrive. Sushi travels better than some hot entrées, so it's a good takeout choice.

What if I'm allergic to fish?

The restaurant has vegetable rolls, chicken, beef, and pork options on the menu. Tell your server about your allergy so they can guide you toward safe choices. The kitchen takes allergies seriously, but cross-contamination is possible in any restaurant that handles raw fish.

Is there parking?

Street parking is available on Devine Street and nearby side streets. During peak dinner hours, parking fills up, so arriving early or using a nearby lot may be necessary. The restaurant itself does not have a dedicated lot.

What's the price range?

Sushi rolls typically run between twelve and eighteen dollars. Burgers and sandwiches are usually under twenty dollars. Full entrées range from fifteen to thirty dollars depending on what you order. Happy hour pricing on drinks and appetizers is lower than regular menu prices.