Craft and Draft: A Guide to South Carolina's Brewery and Taproom Scene

What Craft and Draft Offers

Craft and Draft is a beer bar and restaurant located in Columbia that specializes in craft beers, with a focus on local and regional breweries. The venue serves food alongside its rotating beer selection, making it a destination for people who want to explore South Carolina's brewing culture without visiting multiple locations. The bar maintains a curated tap list that changes regularly, so what's available depends on when you visit.

The space functions as both a casual dining spot and a gathering place for beer enthusiasts. You can order individual pints to sample, or work through flights if you want to taste several beers in smaller pours. The kitchen prepares food that pairs with beer—burgers, sandwiches, and shareable plates are typical offerings, though menus vary by season and availability.

Key Takeaways

• Craft and Draft is in Columbia and focuses on craft beers from South Carolina and nearby regions, with a rotating tap list that changes based on brewery availability.
• You can order individual pints, flights of multiple beers, or full pours depending on how much you want to sample.
• The kitchen serves food designed to complement beer, including burgers, sandwiches, and shared plates.
• The bar atmosphere works for solo drinkers, small groups, and larger gatherings, with seating that accommodates different party sizes.

The Tap List and What to Expect

The beer selection rotates, which means the specific breweries and styles available change week to week. This rotation is intentional—it gives the bar room to feature different producers and prevents the list from becoming static. When you arrive, ask your server or bartender what's currently on tap and what's new that week. Many bars in this category keep notes on their taps about the brewery location, beer style, and alcohol content, so you can make an informed choice even if you're unfamiliar with the brewery.

South Carolina has a growing craft brewing community, and Craft and Draft prioritizes local producers. You'll find beers from Columbia-area breweries as well as producers from Charleston, Greenville, and other parts of the state. The bar also carries beers from neighboring states, so the list reflects the broader Southeast's brewing landscape. If you have preferences—lighter beers, IPAs, stouts, sours—mention them to the bartender, who can point you toward what's currently available that matches your taste.

How to Order and What Flights Mean

A flight is a tasting board that holds four to six small pours of different beers, usually two to four ounces each. Flights let you sample multiple styles in one sitting without committing to a full pint of each. This approach works well if you're new to craft beer or want to compare how different breweries handle the same style—say, two IPAs side by side. The cost of a flight is typically less than ordering four individual pints, making it a practical way to explore.

If you prefer a full pour, order a pint. Most bars also offer half-pints if you want something between a flight taste and a full commitment. Ask what size options are available when you order. The bartender can also suggest a starting point based on what you normally drink—if you mention you usually prefer lighter beers or darker beers, they'll steer you toward breweries and styles that fit.

Food Pairings and What the Kitchen Serves

The food menu is designed around beer. Burgers, sandwiches, and fried items pair naturally with hoppy beers and lighter lagers. Richer dishes like loaded fries or cheese-forward appetizers work with stouts and darker ales. You don't need to overthink pairing—the kitchen's offerings are built to work with the beer list—but asking your server for a suggestion never hurts.

Portion sizes and specific menu items change, so check the website or call ahead if you have dietary restrictions or are looking for something specific. Many craft beer bars in South Carolina source ingredients locally when possible, so the menu may shift with seasons and supplier availability. The bar typically has vegetarian options alongside meat-based dishes, and most can accommodate common dietary needs if you ask.

Location, Hours, and Getting There

Craft and Draft is in Columbia's downtown or midtown area—confirm the exact address and current hours before you go, as restaurant hours can shift seasonally or for special events. The venue is walkable from some neighborhoods and has parking nearby, though availability depends on the time of day and day of the week. Downtown Columbia fills up during lunch and early evening, so arriving off-peak or on a weekday may mean easier parking.

The bar is open for lunch and dinner most days, though hours may vary on Sundays or holidays. Call ahead if you're planning to visit on a holiday or want to confirm they're open, especially if you're traveling from outside Columbia. The space can get busy during happy hour and on weekends, so if you prefer a quieter atmosphere, mid-afternoon or early weekday evenings are typically less crowded.

Why Local Breweries Matter to South Carolina's Food Scene

South Carolina's craft brewing industry has grown significantly over the past decade, with breweries now operating in most major cities and many smaller towns. These breweries employ people, source ingredients from local farms and suppliers, and create gathering spaces in their communities. By visiting a bar like Craft and Draft that prioritizes local producers, you're supporting that ecosystem directly.

The beers you'll find on the tap list represent the work of brewers who live and work in South Carolina. Many of these breweries also offer tours or taproom visits if you want to go deeper—Craft and Draft can point you toward producers whose beers you enjoy, and you can visit them directly. This connection between the bar and the breweries it features is part of what makes the craft beer scene in South Carolina distinct from national chains or bars that stock only mass-produced beer.

Planning Your Visit

Start by checking the current hours and confirming the address online or by phone. If you're visiting with a group, consider calling ahead to see if they can hold a table, especially on weekends or during peak times. Bring cash or a card—most bars accept both, but confirming payment methods saves time.

If you're new to craft beer, arrive without pressure to order a specific thing. The bartender's job includes helping you find something you'll enjoy, so be honest about what you usually drink and what flavors appeal to you. If you try something and don't like it, many bars will work with you to find an alternative. The goal is to explore and find what you enjoy, not to perform knowledge you don't have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a flight and ordering individual pints?

A flight gives you small pours of multiple beers so you can taste several styles without drinking a full pint of each. Flights cost less than buying four individual pints and let you sample more variety in one visit. Order a flight if you want to explore; order pints if you've found beers you want to drink fully.

Do I need to know about beer to go to Craft and Draft?

No. The bartender can recommend beers based on what you normally drink and what flavors you enjoy. Craft beer bars exist partly to introduce people to new breweries and styles, so arriving as a beginner is normal and expected.

Can I bring a group and sit together?

Most bars can accommodate groups, though large parties may need a reservation. Call ahead if you're bringing more than six or eight people, especially on weekends. Smaller groups can usually walk in and find seating without advance notice.

What if I don't like beer?

Craft and Draft is primarily a beer bar, so the focus is on beer. Many bars in this category have limited wine or spirits options. If you don't drink beer, this may not be the best fit for your group, though you can call ahead to ask what non-beer options they offer.

Are there other craft beer bars in Columbia I should know about?

Columbia has several beer-focused venues, each with its own tap list and atmosphere. Craft and Draft is one option; exploring others gives you a fuller picture of what's available. Local websites and brewery guides list other bars and taprooms in the area.