- Attraction: Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe
- Location: 2001 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://www.mrfriendlys.com/
What began as a humble sandwich and cookie shop in the early 1980s has evolved into Columbia’s most consistent fine dining destination, where Chef Marc Collins creates New Southern cuisine that has kept locals returning for over 20 years.
Located in Historic Five Points and housed in the old Claussen’s building, Mr. Friendly’s has mastered the art of sophisticated yet casual dining, pairing exceptional food with over 300 wine selections and the kind of warm service that truly lives up to the restaurant’s name.
Signature Dishes
The Legendary Peach BBQ Glazed Salmon: This signature dish consistently ranks as the restaurant’s most popular item, featuring perfectly cooked salmon glazed with a sweet-tangy peach barbecue sauce that captures the essence of Southern flavors. Served over stone-ground grits that act as a glossy canvas rather than heavy starch, it exemplifies the restaurant’s refined approach to comfort food.
Buttermilk Fried Chicken Perfection: Reviews consistently praise this dish as Columbia’s best fried chicken – crunchy exterior giving way to moist, perfectly seasoned interior. The tasso gravy elevates it beyond typical Southern fare, while the creamy mashed potatoes and fresh succotash create a complete comfort food experience.
Shrimp & Grits Excellence: The restaurant’s version of this Lowcountry classic showcases plump, perfectly cooked shrimp over the creamiest grits in Columbia. The dish demonstrates how Mr. Friendly’s elevates traditional Southern ingredients through careful technique and high-quality sourcing.
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Keep Exploring →Fried Green Tomatoes & Pimento Cheese: This appetizer perfectly captures the restaurant’s approach – traditional Southern ingredients presented with modern technique. The pimento cheese melts slightly between the crispy tomato layers, creating textural contrast that makes each bite memorable.
The Friendly Burger: DoorDash reviewers consistently rank this as Columbia’s best burger, featuring high-quality beef topped with creative ingredients and served with perfectly seasoned tater tots. The inclusion of house-made pickles adds the kind of attention to detail that sets the restaurant apart.
Atmosphere & Décor
Historic Five Points Charm: The restaurant’s location in the old Claussen’s building provides authentic character that can’t be replicated, with architectural details that connect diners to Columbia’s commercial history while maintaining modern comfort and elegance.
Sophisticated Yet Casual: The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between upscale dining and neighborhood accessibility. Whether you’re celebrating an anniversary or enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, the setting adapts to the occasion without feeling stuffy or pretentious.
Wine-Focused Design: The extensive wine list of over 300 selections creates a focal point for the dining experience, with knowledgeable staff capable of guiding selections that complement both food and budget. The wine program reflects serious commitment to pairing food with appropriate beverages.
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Discover MoreComplimentary Valet Service: The restaurant provides valet parking that removes the stress of Five Points parking challenges, adding an unexpected luxury touch that demonstrates their commitment to complete hospitality rather than just good food.
Other Considerations
Reservation Strategy: While reservations aren’t required, they’re highly recommended due to consistent popularity among Columbia locals and visiting food enthusiasts. The restaurant’s reputation for reliability means tables fill regularly, especially during peak dining times.
Half-Price Wine Nights: The restaurant offers special wine pricing on certain evenings, making their extensive collection more accessible and encouraging exploration of new varietals. This adds exceptional value to an already reasonably priced dining experience.
Consistent Excellence: Twenty-plus year regulars praise the restaurant’s ability to maintain quality and service standards over decades, creating a reliable destination for special occasions and regular dining alike. This consistency has built a devoted local following.
Local Sourcing Philosophy: The restaurant emphasizes fresh, local ingredients and simple preparations that let quality ingredients shine, reflecting a farm-to-table approach that predated the trend while maintaining authentic commitment to regional sourcing.
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Keep Exploring →Special Occasion Destination: The combination of exceptional food, professional service, and historic charm makes Mr. Friendly’s Columbia’s go-to choice for anniversaries, business dinners, and celebrations that require reliable excellence rather than culinary experimentation.
Mr. Friendly’s New Southern Cafe
📍 2001 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205
