S BAR AND GRILL — Restaurant in Columbia

PROS: Music, fun crowd, plenty of parking since it’s in a plaza right off of a main road. 5 TVs at the bar with NFL Sunday Ticket. Additional TVs in seating area. Cushioned, sturdy, wide, bar stools. Good seating for groups of 6-8.

CONS: Sign says 35+ but no one is being carded. It’s a Friday. Radio advertised happy hour from 4-7pm ($5 house liquor and free fried whiting fish). Arrived at 5pm, was given a college report styled menu (white paper with a binder spiral) which immediately diminished and clashed the indoor decor of LED & glass tubed lighting above the bar. I placed an order and was immediately told “no shrimp because it’s still frozen, no mac & cheese, no cole slaw and no potato salad.” All of which was on the menu that was handed to me.

You just opened 1 hour ago and there were only 15 people inside. If the item isn’t available on that day, then fix the menu before you hand them out.

I got the complimentary fish and ordered fries. My fries came out 10 mins after my fish. Fish did not come with bread. I found that unusual. Nor did they have hot sauce available after my request. Even stranger for a black owned establishment, in the south.

In addition, the menu priced items at less than what I was charged. Chicken tacos are $6, per the menu. I was charged $8.99.

I didn’t complain because there was only 1 bartender serving the entire bar. Again, it’s happy hour…why do you have just one bartender working during a peak hrs when you are serving FREE food?

Operations manager needs to be more involved in scheduling and getting hands dirty to assist staff. Customers were waiting 15 mins just to get 1 beer. Sad.

No dedicated bar ordering location so customers were playing tennis with their eyes hoping the 1 bartender would see them waiting wherever they stood trying to order.

Bar wasn’t replenished the night prior. Bartender was also unaware of what types of alcohol was available other than what was visible. I got the last shot in a bottle of my choice and when I asked for a 2nd drink (15 mins later), there wasn’t another bottle of the same to serve me. Bartender ran between 3 different bottle shelves (entire length of the bar) to grab liquor. Not efficient and takes longer to serve. Again, bar or operations mgr should be assisting when bottles run out. Inventory on computer should tell you when stock is running low.

It’s a weekend, a holiday weekend..it’s only 5pm on a Friday and you were out of at least 5 items?? Much more business work needed here.

Doors opened just 3 months ago. These things should have been practiced / discussed with the entire staff long before now. Overall, this place lacks the idea of providing quality...

My family moved south a few years back and while I love to visit, there is never anything to do.

Let me preface this by saying we are from the North. Never sleep NYC to be exact. So since my family has moved south I have yet to experience a night life on my visits and my trips are very frequent.

Just so happens on my last visit we ventured to the S Bar after dinner elsewhere. I didn't have high expectations because I'm well aware NYC vs SC is comparing apples and oranges. It was not my typical scene but I had a good ole time watching Friday night Karaoke and listening to the music in between the “American Idol” auditions.

The venue is very spacious w/ a DJ who was ok, a dance floor, a large bar and several tables and ample seating. The bar tenders were quick and attentive. We didn't order food because we ate prior.

Still not the night life that's my speed but I had the best time enjoying the music and laughing with my fam. Some of the karaoke participants were very good and others just jumped on the mic one too many times.

They are open late, I would probably return.

Just A Note:

The Karaoke goes on a little too long in to...

Great food, great music, AND PERSONABLE, COUREOUS staff. It’s a triple success and a whole vibe. Went to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I wasn’t going to eat but the food looked and smelled so good, I was encouraged to try the soul food buffet. At the Buffet, the chef makes the plate, which I prefer vs everyone touching the utensils. I told the chef just to add a small portion of a couple of items and she said, that’s it. I said yes, I don’t want to waste anything. My GOODNESS! S Bar n grill with “grandmama-like” hospitality and service. The green beans and fried chicken were amazing, my late grandmother, who was an outstanding cook, would approve. I would drive the nearly two hour distance again to experience the vibe and food.

To the restaurant owners- keep this formula and the success will follow. Wishing...