Columbia has plenty of neighborhood hangouts, but Backstreets Grill on Devine Street is that rare spot that feels like a true “regulars welcome” kind of place from day one.
This family‑operated, modern‑American restaurant leans into hot soups, fresh salads, seafood, choice meats, and a lively bar in a way that makes locals think, “Yep, this might just be our place.”
How Backstreets Grill Won Columbia Hearts
Backstreets Grill made a smart move by planting itself right on Devine Street in Columbia, then leaning into the idea of being a true neighborhood restaurant instead of a special‑occasion only spot.
From the beginning, they’ve described themselves as a family‑oriented restaurant serving steaks, fresh seafood, wings, and salads seven days a week, and that “everyone’s welcome” approach has clearly resonated with locals.
A big part of their appeal is consistency.
View this post on Instagram
Backstreets offers daily lunch and dinner service with hours starting as early as 10 or 11:30 AM and running to 9:45 PM, so you can slide in for a late lunch, early dinner, or a lingering evening on the patio without having to overthink the timing.
On weekdays, the bar crowd has an extra reason to show up.
They promote Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30–6:30 PM with drink deals, plus a full bar with local craft brews, hand‑selected wines, and creative cocktails that regulars love to treat as their after‑work ritual. 🍻
Backstreets is often described as a Gamecock‑friendly sports bar with seven TVs, including an 86‑inch screen for big games, turning it into a go‑to destination on game days when you want solid food, cold drinks, and a crowd that actually cares who wins.
View this post on Instagram
Locals regularly highlight the large menu, daily specials, and consistently friendly service, calling it one of Columbia’s best all‑around choices for everything from ribs to seafood to soup‑and‑salad combos.
Food Highlights
-
House‑Made Meatloaf: On the entrées page, this comfort classic is topped with mushroom gravy and served with mashed potatoes and vegetables. It’s a favorite because it feels like upgraded home cooking—familiar, hearty, and dialed up with restaurant‑level execution.
-
Lump Crab Cake Sandwich: This favorite shows up prominently among Backstreets’ popular dishes and on their sandwiches and burgers menu, featuring a seared lump crab cake on a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, tomato, and Cajun Caesar dressing.
-
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Listed on the entrées menu and highlighted as a popular pick, this dish tosses blackened chicken with penne pasta, asparagus, and roasted red peppers in a Parmesan cream sauce.
Guests love it because it hits that comfort‑food sweet spot—creamy, spicy, and hearty enough to send you home with leftovers.
-
Buttermilk Fried Pork Chop: You’ll find this Southern classic on their entrées list and among frequently mentioned favorites, bringing a crispy, golden crust over tender pork.
-
Sesame‑Crusted Ahi Tuna: This eye‑catching plate shows up repeatedly in guest photos and top dishes, described as sesame‑crusted tuna seared and served with thoughtful sides.
-
Fried Oyster Platter: This platter appears on their menus with a dozen crispy oysters and Cajun Caesar dipping sauce and is also praised in online reviews.
Atmosphere
Backstreets Grill leans into its identity as a family‑oriented neighborhood restaurant and bar, so the vibe strikes a balance between relaxed dining room and lively sports bar.
View this post on Instagram
There are multiple seating areas, including a sports bar section with seven TVs and an 86‑inch screen for big games and a patio that guests frequently praise for easy, casual lunches.
Parking is thoughtfully handled with rear spaces, street parking, and valet options, which makes dropping in for a busy game night or dinner rush a lot less stressful.
Bottom Line
Backstreets Grill is worth a visit for its big modern‑American menu, neighborhood‑friendly atmosphere, generous happy hour, Gamecock‑ready sports bar, and reliable seafood and comfort‑food favorites that keep Columbia locals coming back.
Address: 2400 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205
📞 (803) 834-3857
🕔 Mon–Wed 11 AM–9 PM; Thu–Fri 11 AM–10 PM; Sat 11:30 AM–10 PM; Sun 11:30 AM–9 PM