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Columbia has no shortage of cultural phenomena—fueling the arts, education, architecture, and recreation in ways that continue to shape its identity. One of the most enjoyable ways my friends and I have tapped into this energy is through a weekly tradition we’ve affectionately coined “Thirsty Thursdays” . If you're wondering what's brewing in Columbia, it's BEER!
Each Thursday afternoon, a small group meets around 4 p.m.—just before the dinner rush—at a restaurant, bar, brewery, or taproom we haven’t yet explored. The goal is simple: sample signature dishes, discover specialty beverages, and casually “interview” waitstaff, bartenders, and fellow patrons about what makes each establishment unique.
The group typically orders a variety of dishes to share, always including any daily specials. Many of the places we visit feature craft beer or local microbrews, adding another layer to the experience. Always on the lookout for beer flights, which allow us to sample multiple brews in smaller pours. If flights aren’t listed on the menu, a quick inquiry often leads to an informal tasting—just enough to help us decide what to order.
South Carolina’s Craft Beer Boom
South Carolina boasts more than 150 breweries, and Columbia sits right in the heart of a thriving craft beer scene. Breweries, taprooms, and pubs across the city each offer their own interpretation of what many affectionately call “liquid bread.” Below are a few standout stops from our Thirsty Thursday adventures.
Columbia Craft Brewing Company
Sadly, this beloved taproom closed in October 2025, but the brewery lives on. Columbia Craft Brewing Company remains my personal top pick for craft beer in the region, and their brews can still be found in local stores and bars.
Their Carolinian Blonde Ale earned a Gold Medal at the 2020 Great American Beer Festival in Denver—no small feat. Another must-seek offering is Alien Hat, an edgy watermelon sour ale that’s as memorable as its name.
Savage Ale Works
Located at 430 Center Street in West Columbia’s River District, Savage Ale Works is an experience unto itself. Housed in the former West Columbia City Hall and fire station, it offers excellent food, a broad craft beer selection, and an extensive whiskey list—including some elusive bourbons prized by collectors. Live music fills the dog-friendly beer garden, and the rooftop terrace provides a fantastic setting for relaxed afternoons and lively evenings alike.
Steel Hands Vista Distilling and Brewing
Stepping into Steel Hands Vista Distilling and Brewing feels like entering a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern craft culture. Set inside an 1800s brick building, this 5,000-square-foot venue houses a full-service restaurant, impressive bar, and lively taproom.
Known for curated cocktails, craft beer, and tapas-style offerings, Steel Hands leans toward a more upscale atmosphere than many in-town spots—without losing its relaxed appeal. It’s consistently one of the group’s highest-rated stops.
Hunter-Gatherer Brewery
Located inside the historic Curtiss-Wright Hangar at Owens Field Municipal Airport, Hunter-Gatherer Brewery delivers one of Columbia’s most unique settings. The massive, airy space features soaring ceilings, pub-style favorites like BBQ and pizza, and a family-friendly atmosphere. With a full taproom, bottling and barreling operation, and an observation deck perfect for plane watching, this stop is not to be missed—especially if you’re ordering a beer flight.
Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint
Rounding out the top tier of our Thirsty Thursday experiences is Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, located at 711 Harden Street in the Five Points district. This lively spot boasts 90 beers alongside creative, indulgent burgers—yes, including Wagyu options, inventive toppings, and house sauces. It’s often bustling, but that only adds to the fun. Between sports on TV, a trendy crowd, and consistently great food, it made for one of our most memorable nights out.
A Tradition That Caught On
After exploring roughly 30 beer-producing establishments to see and taste what's brewing in Columbia, we have yet to be disappointed. Cheers to Columbia, its craft culture, and the simple joy of discovering something new—one Thirsty Thursday at a time. 🍻
The Reserve on the Saluda is an exclusive, gated community like no other. Elegant, small, and secluded protected and surrounded by mature hardwoods draped in Spanish moss sitting on a bluff overlooking the Saluda River and downtown Columbia's skyline. ONLY TWO PREMIER, RIVERFRONT HOMESITES REMAIN. TIME TO BUILD YOUR CUSTOM HOME!
