501 Convenience Mart & 501 Liquor in Columbia: What to Know Before You Go

Two connected stores on the same block in Five Points

501 Convenience Mart & 501 Liquor are side-by-side shops at 2801 and 2803 Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood. The convenience mart stocks the standard grab-and-go items—snacks, drinks, tobacco, lottery tickets—while the liquor store next door carries beer, wine, and spirits. Both are independently operated and have been neighborhood fixtures for years, serving the dense residential and student population around the University of South Carolina.

Five Points itself is a walkable commercial strip with restaurants, bars, and shops clustered along Devine and Harden Streets. The two 501 stores sit in the middle of that activity, making them easy to reach on foot if you live or study nearby. Parking on the street can be tight during evening and weekend hours, especially when the bars and restaurants are busy.

Key Takeaways

• 501 Convenience Mart and 501 Liquor are separate but adjacent stores at 2801–2803 Devine Street in Five Points.
• The convenience mart carries typical items like snacks, drinks, and tobacco; the liquor store focuses on beer, wine, and spirits.
• Both stores are locally owned and have served the Five Points neighborhood for many years.
• Street parking is available but can be limited during peak evening and weekend hours.

What you'll find at the convenience mart

The convenience mart side stocks the essentials you'd expect: packaged snacks, soft drinks, energy drinks, coffee, and water. You can also buy cigarettes and other tobacco products, lottery tickets, and basic household items like phone chargers or batteries. The selection is smaller than a full grocery store but larger than a gas station convenience store, reflecting the neighborhood's mix of students, residents, and workers.

Hours tend to be early morning through late evening, though you should call ahead if you need to visit outside typical daytime hours. The staff are familiar faces to regular customers, and the store has the feel of a neighborhood shop rather than a chain operation.

What you'll find at the liquor store

The liquor store carries beer in various formats—six-packs, cases, and individual bottles—along with wine and spirits. The selection reflects what moves in a college neighborhood: popular domestic and imported beers, affordable wines, and a range of whiskeys, vodkas, and other spirits. Prices are competitive with other independent liquor stores in Columbia, though you may find better deals on bulk purchases at larger retailers outside Five Points.

Like the convenience mart, the liquor store operates during standard retail hours. South Carolina law requires that spirits be purchased in person (no online delivery for hard liquor), so this is where you go if you need a bottle of bourbon or gin.

Parking and foot traffic in Five Points

Street parking along Devine Street is free but limited, especially after 5 p.m. and on weekends when the neighborhood's bars and restaurants draw crowds. If you're driving, arrive early in the day or be prepared to circle. The area is much more walkable than drivable—if you live within a few blocks, walking is often faster than finding a spot.

Five Points is a pedestrian-heavy area, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights. The two 501 stores sit in the middle of that foot traffic, so expect crowds during evening hours. Daytime visits are typically quieter.

Neighborhood context and nearby options

Five Points has grown into one of Columbia's most active commercial neighborhoods, with a mix of independent shops, chain restaurants, and bars. The 501 stores are part of that ecosystem but not the only convenience or liquor options in the area. If you can't find what you need at either location, nearby restaurants and bars may have limited grab-and-go items, and larger grocery stores and liquor retailers are a short drive away.

The neighborhood itself is worth exploring if you have time. Harden Street runs parallel to Devine and has additional shops and dining. The University of South Carolina campus is just a few blocks away, which shapes the character of the area—younger, denser, and more active than many other Columbia neighborhoods.

Hours and contact information

Both stores operate during standard retail hours, though exact times may vary by season or day of the week. Call ahead if you're planning a visit outside typical daytime hours or if you're looking for a specific product. The stores are independently operated, so they don't have a central website or social media presence, but locals and longtime customers can usually answer questions about what's in stock.

If you're new to Five Points or Columbia, these two shops are reliable stops for everyday items and drinks. They're not destination retailers, but they serve their neighborhood well and have the kind of personal touch that chain convenience stores lack.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy spirits at the convenience mart, or only at the liquor store?

South Carolina law requires that spirits be purchased at a licensed liquor store, not a convenience mart. Beer and wine may be available at the convenience mart depending on local regulations, but hard liquor is only at 501 Liquor next door.

What are the hours for both stores?

Both stores operate during standard retail hours, but exact times vary. Call ahead to confirm hours, especially if you're planning an evening or weekend visit. Hours may also shift seasonally or on holidays.

Is there parking at the stores?

There is street parking along Devine Street, but it's limited and often full during evenings and weekends. Daytime parking is usually easier to find. If parking is tight, walking from a nearby residential street or using the neighborhood's walkable layout may be faster.

Do these stores accept credit cards?

Most independent convenience and liquor stores in Columbia accept both cash and cards, but it's worth confirming when you visit. Call ahead if you plan to pay with a specific method.

Are there other convenience or liquor stores nearby if these are closed?

Five Points has other shops and restaurants in the area, and larger grocery stores and liquor retailers are a short drive away. The neighborhood is dense enough that you have options if one store is closed or out of stock.