Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium. Where you can buy anything … almost! Evelyn Roberts, Craig Bygate, and Scott Claghorn.
For the past 28 years, Columbia Metropolitan Magazine has had the privilege of congratulating the winners of our annual Best of Columbia contest. These are peer and consumer acknowledgements of the very best restaurants, shops, service organizations, entertainment, and more in our fine community. We asked winners to provide insight regarding this past year’s highlights as well as ongoing favorite traditions and specific thoughts on enhancements to Columbia. Read each one to learn more about a beloved business and glean new ideas about what is offered in our greater Columbia metropolitan area. Congratulations to all the winners!
FOOD
Best Appetizer
Bonefish Grill
Best Barbecue
Shealy’s BBQ
Best Chicken Salad
Di Prato’s Delicatessen
Best French Fries
Chick-fil-A
Best Hamburger
Pawleys Front Porch
Best Fried Chicken
Zesto
Best Hot Dog
Sandy’s Famous Hot Dogs
Best Sandwich
Groucho’s Deli
Best Pizza
Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar
What are your favorite business traditions?
We consider our business to be a family business, so some of our favorite traditions are those we share with our family of employees. We have an annual staff pumpkin carving party every Halloween. On a night that we are closed, the staff comes in, each with their own pumpkin, and creates some beautiful and fun pumpkins. We display them for a week or so and ask our customers to tell us which is their favorite pumpkin!
Best Ribs
Hudson’s Smokehouse
Best Shrimp and Grits
Blue Marlin
Best Steak
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
What are your favorite business traditions?
Hospitality Day at the State House, sponsored by the South Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, is an annual tradition our team thoroughly enjoys. It involves our front of the house, heart of the house, and sales teams and allows us the chance to interact with the community one on one as well as thank our legislators for their ongoing support of the food service industry. — Nate Krueger, general manager, Ruth’s Chris Steak House Columbia
Best Outdoor Dining
Pawleys Front Porch
Best Biscuits
Eggs Up Grill
Best Iced Tea
Groucho’s Deli
Best Wings
D’s Wings
Best Bakery
Tiffany’s Bakery and Eatery
Best Cookies
Tiffany’s Bakery and Eatery
Best Cupcake Store
Cupcake DownSouth
Best Dessert
Nonnah’s
What are your favorite business traditions?
Vista Lights and Artista Vista. I like the events that promote a community feeling. — Maggie Groff
Best Ice Cream / Frozen Yogurt
Sweet Cream Company
What are your favorite business traditions?
Our favorite tradition is making our seasonal flavors. We only make certain ice cream and sorbet flavors once a year, and we love it when our customers look forward to our making them, like Local Sweet Corn ice cream around July Fourth or our Sweet Potato ice cream at Thanksgiving. It’s always amazing for us to see how many people look forward to these flavors each year.
Best Milkshake
Chick-fil-A
Best Organic Food Store
Whole Foods Market
Best Supermarket
Publix Super Markets
What are your favorite business traditions?
Treat customers like royalty, invest in others, and give back are just a few of Publix’s founding principles that continue to guide associates today. These principles are ingrained in the Publix culture and contribute to our success.
RESTAURANTS
Best Restaurant in Columbia
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Best Restaurant in Irmo
Bistro on the Boulevard
Best Restaurant in Lexington
Private Property
What are your favorite business traditions?
Here at Private Property, one of our favorite business traditions happens every Wednesday and Friday during lunch when Mama Ann welcomes customers to the Property. Her charm and warmth light up the restaurant, and we are so honored to have such a spectacular woman help us serve the people of the Midlands.
Best Restaurant in Northeast
Travinia Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar
Best Restaurant in West Columbia/Cayce
Cafe Strudel
Best New Restaurant
1801 Grille
Best Happy Hour
Tombo Grille
Best Brewery
River Rat Brewery
What were your highlights from 2018?
Opening our Rooftop Area and Bar, developing a full menu, opening for lunch every day, implementing our punch taps and liquor drinks, supporting many community charities and non-profit organizations, and continuing to be a fun and safe environment for everybody in Columbia to enjoy!
Best Wine List
Gervais & Vine
Best Coffee House
Drip
Best Bang for your Buck
Eggs Up Grill
Best Business Lunch
Mr. Friendly’s
Best Family Restaurant
California Dreaming
Best Romantic Dinner
Motor Supply Co. Bistro
Best Fine Dining
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Best Sunday Brunch
Cafe Strudel
Best Seafood
Blue Marlin
Best Healthy Restaurant
Zoës Kitchen
Best Food Truck
2 Fat 2 Fly
Best Wait Staff
Mr. Friendly’s
Best Atmosphere
The Grand
Best Wine Shop
Morganelli’s Party Store
Best Fast Food Restaurant
Chick-fil-A
Best Chinese
Miyo’s
What improvements would you like to see in Columbia?
I would like to see more high rises and better hotels like Ritz Carlton. — Michelle Wang
Best Greek
Mediterranean Tea Room
Best Italian
Villa Tronco
Best Japanese
Miyabi Japanese Steakhouse and
Sushi Bar
Best Mexican
Cantina 76
What improvement would you like to see in Columbia?
Aesthetic improvements to Devine Street. Since it’s such a beautiful street, lined with great restaurants and shops, it would be nice to upgrade the visual appeal of the area in order to enhance the overall experience of visiting the Devine Street shopping and dining district.
Best Sushi Restaurant
Inakaya Watanabe
Best Thai
Basil Thai Cuisine
RETAIL
Best Women’s Clothing
Monkee’s of Columbia
What were your 2018 highlights?
In 2018, Monkee’s corporate selected Columbia as an important market to meet our key customers, first to say, “Thank you,” and also to listen to their ideas and suggestions on boutique shopping. Our customers were utilized as consultants to help shape the Monkee’s shopping experience across the Southeast! To our customers, we say, “Thank you!”
Best Women’s Evening Wear
Copper Penny
Best Women’s Shoes
Just the Thing
What were your highlights from 2018?
For us, the most exciting part of 2018 was the re-launch of our website. It was a true labor of love for so many on our staff. We wanted it to be just right. It looks great, and customers are loving it. We couldn’t be more excited!
Best Men’s Clothing
Brittons of Columbia
What were your highlights from 2018?
In 2018, Brittons Gives was established as part of the Central Carolina Community Foundation. Brittons raised more than $10,000 to donate to several local charities. In addition, Brackish Bow Ties recognized Brittons as their first storefront and honored Perry, who helped design the Exclusive Lancaster Brackish Bow Tie.
Best Men’s Formal Wear
Brittons of Columbia
Best Men’s Shoes
BP Skinner Clothiers
Best Children’s Clothing
Duck Duck Goose
What are your favorite business traditions?
We’re so excited to be starting new traditions since opening in 2018! We’ve had such wonderful support from our family and friends, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer some fun events for parents and children throughout the year. We participated in Devine Night Out, had Santa in the shop, and hosted an event with the Bubbly Bus, and we can’t wait to do even more this year!
Best Children’s Shoes
Tootsies Children’s Shoes
What are your favorite business traditions?
Tootsies always has the slide in the store that kids love playing on after they have been measured. It’s a tradition. We also dress for Halloween and have an ugly Christmas sweater competition for our staff.
Best Bridal Wear
London and Lace
Best Resort Wear
Pink Sorbet, a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store
What are your favorite business traditions?
Pink Sorbet has grown from a clothing shop to a lifestyle destination. A favorite new tradition is welcoming Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch Blog for a tablescaping workshop, where we learn to mix and match heirloom china with unexpected linens and innovative arrangements. Other treasured traditions throughout the year include in-store tailgate parties for rivalry football games, kicking off the holidays with Devine Night Out, and dressing people for the celebratory moments in life!
Best Bridal Registry
non(e)such
Best Weekend Wear
Mainstream Boutique
What were your highlights from 2018?
We were blessed to celebrate our 4-year anniversary this past October. It was the perfect opportunity to show appreciation to our customers and friends whose patronage makes it possible for us to serve the Columbia community.
Best Clothing Consignment Store
Revente
What are your favorite business traditions?
Revente has always been a strong supporter of the arts. One of our favorite business traditions is attending the annual Vista Queen pageant at Trustus Theatre. It is always a great time, and I strongly suggest if you have not attended one of the pageants you try to this year, but tickets sell out quickly!
Best Toy Store
Be Beep
Best Antique Store
Old Mill Antique Mall
Best Frame Shop
The Frame Shop
Best Local Art
Over the Mantel Gallery
What are your favorite business traditions?
Since opening five years ago, OTM has developed fun traditions for our community to enjoy, including “The Carlisle Street Art Stroll” in December when we open the doors of the art-oriented businesses on Carlisle Street to display beautiful arts and crafts; in the fall OTM has the “Campaign Champagne Party” to encourage our invitees to vote for us for the Best of Columbia contest; as well as numerous after hours “Artists Receptions.”
Best Pet Supply Store
Mill Creek Pet Food Center
What were your highlights from 2018?
I love to educate my customers on pet industry trends and misconceptions. There are a lot of people offering advice, and we help make sense of it all. I’m constantly researching ingredients to make sure we get you on the right food for your pet! — Eric Austin
Best Hunting/Fishing Store
Barron’s Outfitters
Best Outdoor Store
Half-Moon Outfitters
Best Running Specialty Store
Strictly Running
Best Bicycle Specialty Store
Outspokin’ Bicycles
Best Gamecock Store
Addam’s University Bookstore
Best Mattress Store
Best Mattress
Best Office Furnishings
Corporate Concepts
Best Office Supply Store
Carolina Office Systems
Best Shopping Venue
Trenholm Plaza
HOME
Best Residential Community
Saluda River Club
Best Apartment Complex
CanalSide Lofts
What were your highlights from 2018?
The addition of our final phase, Sola Station, and incorporating retail spaces.
Best Retirement Community
Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement
Best Assisted Living
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Best Skilled Care
Lutheran Homes of South Carolina
Best Memory Care
The Rose Gardens at Still Hopes
Best Home Builder
Mungo Homes
Best Home Remodeler
Palmetto Construction and Renovations
Best General Contractor
Cohn Construction
Best Home Furnishings
Strobler Home Furnishings
What were your highlights from 2018?
We were excited to be featured in the Columbia Metropolitan Designer Home this year. In addition, we expanded our selection with the hope that there is always something for everyone! It’s been a pleasure seeing our customers, new and old, throughout the year and developing long-lasting relationships with them.
Best Outdoor Furniture Store
Casual Living
Best Furniture Consignment Store
Roundabouts Consignment
What are your favorite business traditions?
Since 2003, we’ve offered the citizens of Columbia a convenient way to sell items they no longer need and fantastic deals for shoppers who are looking for value and quality goods. We are well known for our annual Spring Fling and Fall Open House events.
Best Custom Furniture
Ethan Allen
Best Furniture Refinisher
Colonial Woodworks
Best Appliance Store
Jeffers McGill Appliance and Furniture
What are your favorite business traditions?
I would say that we have never lost the tradition of doing things in the way we were taught by our father, Mac McGill. Even Ryan Thompson and David Caton worked for our father, so his influence has had an effect on everyone here, even the ones who never met or worked for him. That’s one fine tradition. — John McGill
Best Jewelry Store
Sylvan’s
What are your favorite business traditions?
One of Sylvan’s favorite traditions is our involvement with the Pawmetto Lifeline Annual Fur Ball. It’s an organization very dear to us and to the hearts of our clients. This year the event raised enough funds to support more than 3,000 homeless pets, plus Sylvan’s always has a few beautiful pieces of jewelry in the raffle.
Best Accessories
Just the Thing
Best Gift Store
Cottage and Vine
Best Vision Wear
Columbia Eye Clinic
Best Glass Store
Sheppard’s Glass
Best Flooring
Carpet One Floor & Home
Best Roofing Company
Crescent Construction
Best Wallpaper/Wall Covering Store
Wallpaper Additions
Best Home Specialty Store
Southeastern Salvage Home Emporium
What were your highlights from 2018?
Winning Best Home Specialty Store this year ranks top on our list. Thank you, Columbia! We are so excited about all the new products available this year, including Reclaimed Wood Vanities and our Farmhouse Furniture Collection. We have so many unique items to offer customers, more than ever before.
Best Tile Store
Palmetto Tile Distributors
What are your favorite business traditions?
At Palmetto Tile, we look forward to connecting with clients on a personal level. Getting to know them, their lifestyles, and their needs brings us great joy. Having walked through the season of their projects with them, bringing their visions to fruition, we feel as though we are all part of the Palmetto Tile family.
Best Gardening Store
Woodley’s Garden Center
What improvement would you like to see in Columbia?
Woodley’s Garden Center has been serving the Columbia area and its people for 37 years. We would love to see that more people continue to shop locally, nurturing and ensuring a stronger Columbia community, as well as the improvement of our city’s landscapes and streetscapes.
Best Fence Company
Brabham Fence
Best Swimming Pool Company
Jack Oliver’s Pool, Spa and Patio
Best Solar Company
Palmetto SolarPros
Best Security Company
ADT Home Security
RECREATION
Best Farmer’s Market
Soda City
Best Yoga
Bikram Yoga
Best Exercise Facility
barre3
What are your favorite business traditions?
Free barre3 on the State House lawn. We’ve put on this annual event since 2014, with more than 2,000 participants (and growing). A killer workout, amazing energy, and our beautiful city as a backdrop are unique.
Best Wine and Paint Studio
Lexington Paint & Pour
Best Golf Course
Cobblestone Park Golf Club
Best Marina
Lake Murray Boat Club
What were your highlights from 2018?
Owner Jon Dukes opened his third Boat Club location in the spring of 2018 as Nautical Boat Club — Mt. Pleasant. It is located on the Wando River, just north of Charleston and east of Daniel Island, at the beautiful new Wando River Marina.
Best Hotel
Hotel Trundle
SERVICE
Best Facial
Eva’s Skin Care
What were your highlights from 2018?
Our spa had a tremendous amount of wedding parties! We just absolutely love being the place for brides to come get pampered with their bridesmaids! We are so thankful for our relationships with local dermatologists who have referred our clients for our newest facial modalities: the LED light combined with our micro-current treatment to help with acne, rosacea, and hyper-pigmentation!
Best Massage
Bliss Massage Therapy
What are your favorite business traditions?
Never make a decision out of convenience or laziness. Work hard to enjoy life. If you can’t find Bliss in it, then it’s not worth it.
Best Nail Salon
The Nail barre
What were your highlights from 2018?
Opening our doors for the first time in June 2018 and winning this award! The Nail barre is a brand new concept — unlike anything else in Columbia — and to be recognized as the best in our first year is truly an amazing accomplishment.
Best Hair Salon
Urban Nirvana Salon & Day Spa
Best Spa
OCCO Luxury Spa
Best Wellness and Rehab
Palmetto Health-USC Orthopedic Center
Best Chiropractor
Chiropractic Wellness Center
What are your favorite business traditions?
My favorite business tradition is building relationships with families and helping them through a lifetime of wellness chiropractic care. We often see grandparents, parents, and children through various stages of life and healing. That’s our favorite part of our practice! — Dr. Shelly Jones
Best Florist
Blossom Shop
Best Caterer
Southern Way Catering
Best Event Planner
Southern Way Catering
Best Wedding Planner
Cricket Newman Designs
What were your highlights from 2018?
We are so excited to have been chosen the 2019 Best Wedding Planner. One of the highlights of 2018 has been welcoming new members to the CND family, which has helped us find ways to create balance for our team members while still creating so many memorable events.
Best Bridal Photographer
Clark Berry Photography
What were your highlights from 2018?
Documenting the first day for 23 new Columbia families — weddings are our favorite! We photographed two separate 100th birthdays for two incredible centenarians: 1918 was a good year to be born! And working with breast cancer survivors for LMCF’s Women’s Night Out.
Best Wedding Venue
701 Whaley
What were your highlights from 2018?
Our highlight of 2018 was our 10-Year Open House Party! As a thank you to the community, we showcased music, dance, and local caterers, and we celebrated all the amazing events that have taken place in our beloved historic venue.
Best Animal Emergency Center
CVETS
Best Pet Boarding
Dog Daze Day Care, Kennel and Training
Best Pet Grooming
Carolina Paws Grooming Salon
What were your highlights from 2018?
Highlights from 2018 include continued business growth. It was a tough year in that Kimberly lost her long-time companion and customer greeter, Lilly. Lilly always sat at the front desk, welcoming every person that came in. Lilly was featured in the March 2012 issue of Columbia Metropolitan Magazine.
Best Vet
Four Paws Animal Clinic
What were your highlights from 2018?
The Four Paws Animal Clinic highlights started for practice owners Dr. Nori Warren and Dr. Tracy Wales on Dec. 11, 2017, when they officially moved into their newly renovated two-story building in Forest Acres. Thank you for voting us No. 1 Veterinary Clinic for the fourth year in a row.
Best Pet Specialty Center
South Carolina Veterinary Specialists & Emergency Care
What are your favorite business traditions?
Our relationships with family veterinarians are very important to us and something we are very proud of at SCVSEC. We traditionally show them how much we value these professional bonds by recognizing them and their staff around the holidays, during veterinary technician week, and throughout the year by delivering special treats. We also offer an annual continuing education seminar so we can enjoy face-to-face time with them and let them know how much they mean to us.
Best Dry Cleaner
Tripp’s Fine Cleaners
Best Commercial Cleaning Service
Palmetto Commercial Services
What are your favorite business traditions?
Our favorite business traditions are attending continuing education courses to improve our services. — Michael Young
Best Carpet Cleaner
Stanley Steemer
Best Chimney Sweep
Top Hat Sweepers
Best Heating/Air Service
Cool Care Heating & Air
What are your favorite business traditions?
We have two Christmas parties a year, one in July and one in December. Our Christmas in July is all about employee appreciation and is geared to include the whole family. We also give away a trip to one deserving employee each year. My absolute favorite is our GIVE a CAN, if you CAN FOOD DRIVE for Harvest Hope Food Bank. Since I spent many years of my childhood in the foster system, I know people fed my family when we had nothing. Gratefully, I find myself on the other side of hunger, wanting to feed these families the way someone fed mine. — Teresa Wardlaw
Best Pest Control
Clark’s Termite & Pest Control
Best Mosquito Company
Mosquito Joe
Best Hardscape Company
Hay Hill Services
What were your highlights from 2018?
This seems to have been the year of pools. It has been exciting to design so many beautiful pool environments and then oversee and install these wonderful outdoor living spaces.
Best Landscaping Company
Blue Moon Landscaping
What are your favorite business traditions?
Culture, culture, culture, isn’t that the saying for how well a business will thrive? In the past few years, we’ve come to realize the culture of our business is one of the best results in how well our guys operate in the field. We have a monthly breakfast where we celebrate the good with the bad, we offer prayer for any life concerns, and we’ve created a break room full of goodies to lure the guys in for a chat. We are grateful for our business and realize the greatest asset we have drives through our gate every day.
Best Lawn Maintenance Company
KB Landscaping
Best Tree Service
Sox & Freeman Tree Expert Company
What are your favorite business traditions?
Sox & Freeman has been family owned and operated for 70 years. We consider all employees part of the family, and we create and foster the bond with multiple family gatherings throughout the year, from Fireflies outings and Gamecock games to our annual Holiday Party.
Best Plumbing Company
Superior Plumbing & Gas
Best Outdoor Lighting
Outdoor Lighting Perspectives
What improvement would you like to see in Columbia?
Many people in Columbia enjoy walking along the Lake Murray Dam, which is wonderful exercise and a beautiful view. Unfortunately, at night it can be very dark, and we hope to light the sidewalk area. We are excited to be working with the Lexington Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club of Lexington to achieve this goal in 2019. The lights will be solar powered and motion detected, a wonderful improvement for the entire community to enjoy.
Best Interior Designer (Commercial)
Pulliam Morris
Best Interior Designer (Residential)
Linda Burnside/LGB Interiors
What were your highlights from 2018?
We are really excited to have completed a project in Newport Beach, California, and have it published in California Home & Design Magazine. LGB Interiors was also chosen by Traditional Home Magazine to be a featured designer in the Southern Style Now Showhouse in Charleston.
Best Interior Design Showroom
Verve Interiors
Best Moving Company
Two Men and a Truck
Best Car Dealership
Jim Hudson Lexus
What were your highlights from 2018?
It’s a powerful connection when community and business come together. We are thankful for the partnership and support in 2018 between our dealership and the community. We feel blessed to have achieved the 6 million meals fed milestone right here in Columbia because of this great partnership between Jim Hudson Lexus and our beloved community.
Best Used Car Dealership
Jim Hudson Automotive Group
Best Car Rental Agency
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Best Auto Repair Company
Andrews Auto Service
Best Tire Store
Pope Davis Tire & Automotive
Best Boat Dealer
Marine 360
What were your highlights from 2018?
Being chosen to represent the No. 1 Selling Center Console in the Country, Sea Hunt Boats, built here in our great city, Columbia, South Carolina. Receiving the Outstanding Customer Service Award from Suzuki. Receiving the Award for Top 5 Dealer in the country from Crest Pontoon Boats.
Best Insurance Agent
Brad Giles/Giles Brothers Allstate Agency
What improvement would you like to see in Columbia?
I would like for Columbia to become more small business friendly. Other local municipalities actively recruit and welcome new small businesses, making the licensing and permitting process as streamlined as possible. Columbia seems to keep adding roadblocks and bureaucracy.
Best Insurance Agency
Turbeville Insurance Agency
What were your highlights from 2018?
It has been an exciting year of development for our team. We’ve had numerous new hires to accommodate our client growth and have been able to have a larger impact on the community through blood drives, donation collections, and sponsorships. We are excited for 2019! — Bill Turbeville, owner of Turbeville Insurance Agency
Best Mortgage Bank
AllSouth Federal Credit Union
What were your highlights from 2018?
We focused on community and providing a better banking experience. We held our annual Soldiers & Vets Charity Golf Tournament, benefitting the USO of South Carolina and supported organizations like Transitions and Sistercare. As 2018’s “Best Mortgage Bank,” our dedication to our members and their financial needs remained a constant.
Best Real Estate Agent
Jill Moylan
What were your highlights from 2018?
Our highlight from 2018 was being asked to join Leading Real Estate Companies of the World as Columbia’s exclusive affiliate. We can now provide our clients with worldwide exposure for their homes and even pair them with the best agencies across the globe. We are also proud to partner with Military on the Move, a rebate program to help our military clients and first responders.
Best Real Estate Agency (Commercial)
NAI Avant
Best Real Estate Agency (Residential)
Home Advantage Realty
Best Staffing Agency
Roper Staffing
What were your highlights from 2018?
In 2018, Roper Staffing helped more than 3,500 people find employment in South Carolina. We make a difference every day!
Best Travel Agency
Forest Lake Travel
Best Modeling Agency
Millie Lewis Columbia
MEDIA & ENTERTAINMENT
Best Art Gallery
City Art
Best Dance School
Ann Brodie’s Carolina Ballet
Best Dance Company
Columbia City Ballet
What were your highlights from 2018?
Columbia City Ballet set new records for the company’s 57th consecutive season of performances. Of special note, we produced “Off the Wall & Onto the Stage: Dancing the Art of Jonathan Green,” and “Cleopatra.” Our Educational Outreach Series broke attendance records in 2018, providing educational performances to more than 16,000 students. Finally, 2018 also included Columbia City Ballet being named as a recipient of a prestigious Connected Communities Grant from Central Carolina Community Foundation in support of our Midlands Festival of the Arts.
Best Live Theatre
Trustus Theatre
Best Live Performance
Hairspray
Best Performing Arts Company
SC Music & Dance Academy
Best Museum
Columbia Museum of Art
Best Conference Venue
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden Event and Hospitality
Best Radio Personality
Brent Johnson
Best Radio Station
WCOS
Best TV Station
WIS
Best TV News Anchor
Dawndy Mercer Plank
What were your highlights from 2018?
My greatest highlight this past year was to interview U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, our former South Carolina governor, at her office in New York. I was given clearance to attend a Security Council meeting at the United Nations, which was quite extraordinary since much of our world is represented in one room. It’s this kind of opportunity that fuels my passion for being in television news.
Best TV Sportscaster
Rick Henry
Best TV Weatherperson
Jim Gandy
Best Live Music Venue
Township Auditorium
Best Local Band
The Root Doctors
