Where fried chicken meets fine wine—and everyone leaves grinning.
Tucked into Columbia’s Historic Five Points, Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe is the kind of spot where collard greens share the spotlight with single-malt Scotch. 🥃
Since 1995, this family-owned gem has flip-flopped from humble sandwich shop to a New Southern powerhouse, slinging creative comfort food with a side of Southern charm.
Think crispy fried oysters, bourbon-laced pecan pie, and a wine list longer than a porch swing conversation.
Food Highlights
- Peach-Mustard BBQ Glazed Salmon: Sweet, smoky, and perched on stone-ground grits—this dish is so good, locals practically write sonnets about it. 🐟
- Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Crunchy, juicy, and drenched in tasso ham gravy. Pro tip: Wear stretchy pants. 🍗
- Fried Green Tomatoes: Stacked with applewood bacon pimento cheese and creole ranch—a messy, glorious must-try. 🍅
- Lump Crab Cakes: Topped with corn relish and Old Bay remoulade, served alongside grits that’ll make you question all other grits. 🦀
- Bourbon Pecan Pie: Sticky, nutty, and best paired with a side of zero regrets. 🥧
Atmosphere
Cozy meets lively in this brick-walled hideaway. The vibe? Imagine your coolest friend’s dinner party—eclectic art, clinking wine glasses, and servers who remember your name. 🎉
Valet parking, half-price wine nights, and a bar slinging Chocolate Old Fashioneds keep the mood upbeat.
Why It’s One of the Best in South Carolina:
Mr. Friendly’s nails the trifecta: locally sourced ingredients, a menu that’s equal parts inventive and nostalgic, and a staff that treats you like family.
Whether you’re here for shrimp and grits or just eavesdropping on regulars debating SEC football, it’s a Columbia essential.
Address: 2001-A Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205