Drip Coffee — Restaurant in Columbia

Drip Coffee on Saluda Ave. in 5 Points, is well known, and rightfully so, for its casual, funky, coffee house vibe and its many permutations of excellent coffee. It is now also my new favorite place to get a toasted salmon bagel. It is a toasted everything bagel with a very satisfying texture that is chewy but still soft, topped with a generous helping of nova salmon, a fresh, thick slice of ripe, juicy tomato and just the right amount of red onion. The cream cheese is served separately, in a bowl, and the plate is garnished with several giant caper berries, not those wimpy little caper budlets. This way, you can shmear on as little, or as much cream cheese as you like and, for caper love, you can slice the berries and layer them in between the salmon and the bread, or you can leave them out and pick them up by their stem like a cherry and bite them for that pop of briny freshness. (I do both.) It is a truly excellent, satisfying meal, made even better paired with the coffee of your choice, or with their fresh-squeezed homemade lemonade, refreshing and not overly sweet. And at under $10 (sandwich only) one of the best...

I have never written a review of a place before, but the people working here were some of the rudest, most insufferable people I’ve ever come across. Not only was I belittled when trying to order when the cashier said “We have to go in order” after she walked away as I tried to order my drinks, when the drink I was given came out wrong, every person working there tried to tell me I was the one in the wrong. When I insisted again that it wasn’t right, they made snide comments about me as I waited for my corrected order. And when I got the right drink, the barista made a passive aggressive remark. Needless to say, I left without waiting for the food to come out. I’ve worked in food and bev for years, and I understand that customer requests can be annoying, but I was kind and polite the whole time but was met with nothing but contempt for seemingly no reason. As far as I could tell, it wasn’t crazy busy and they seemed well-staffed. The vibe of the cafe itself is great and my corrected latte was delicious, but I wouldn’t go back knowing I might have a similar encounter with...

Riverfront Park is one of Columbia’s greatest assets. This 2.5-mile greenway along the Congaree River and the historic Columbia Canal is my go-to place for running, walking, or just clearing my head. The paved path is wide, well-maintained, and mostly flat, making it accessible for everyone. The views of the river, the rocky shoals, and the city skyline are stunning, especially at sunrise or sunset. The historical markers detailing the area's significance, from Native American history to the industrial use of the canal, add a fascinating educational element. I often see people fishing, kayaking, and birdwatching. It’s a fantastic place for a long bike ride or to walk your dog. The park is clean, safe, and beautifully integrates nature with the city's history. It’s a peaceful retreat right in the middle of everything, showcasing Columbia’s commitment to outdoor recreation and preserving its...