Square Market & Cafe — Restaurant in Columbia

If I could leave zero stars, I would!!! I stopped in with my mom and my two nieces and asked if they would be able to make two sandwiches within the next 20 min to go and that I had somewhere that we had to be at a specific time. I told them we completely understood if they were busy and that we could just leave if they were.

The waitress was very understanding and willing to help. But when she tried, another employee moved her away and told her she would help me. She then snapped at me to just wait and walked away. When she finally returned it was well over 5 minutes later. I asked if they would even be able to help me because I had somewhere to be and was told that I could come back and help her or go find her more help. That’s when I got mad. I should have left but I had hungry kids. I just wanted 2 grilled cheese sandwiches and 2 brownies.

After 15 minutes she asked if I had even been helped and then just gave me the brownies I ordered. I had to just leave without the sandwiches. I was later contacted by the first waitress and was told she tried to make it right and the restaurant owner told her they would not do that for me or remake it later after my commitment.

This is NOT an establishment I recommend to anyone. They showed me they do not care about customers. I would have been more than understanding if I had been spoken to kindly or honestly. And in fairness, it is NOT my job to help find...

Atmosphere was inviting , attractive and quaint. We came for lunch at noon, and existing guests filled only about 25% of the capacity. 1/2 an hour in, it was quite full.

My guest and I sat at a table for two, which was slid apart (by 6 inches) from an ensemble of 3 tables for two. We had other guests dining 6" from us on both sides, from 12:30p on.

If you like meeting new people, and don't mind strangers (or instant, new friends) hearing your conversation, then this is perfect.

This was my guest and my 1st ever visit, and the woman (owner?) manager was just as friendly, charming and inviting as the surroundings. Wait staff was attentive, checking on us at exactly the right times.

Food was very good and presented well (I had the BLT). A good value for the price range (which was mid-level).

Coffee was above average. The charming woman gave us some fruit tea to try and it was very good, but a little too sweet for our mature palates.

I would not hesitate to bring a friend again, or accept an invitation to dine here again.

Pro Tip: Come early, or during slower dining times. They seem to be a popular dining destination, and, being right downtown on the square, it may take a few minutes to find a...

The most important reason I am writing a review is because I felt the cafe is really DIRTY.

Dust is everywhere. the ceiling vent is black. 🤢 and if it looks like that in the dining room what does it look like in the kitchen???

The ceiling edge around the bar (painted golden yellow) literally has dust handing off of it.

The knick knacks all around the place are dusty.

The bathroom dusty and dirty feeling.

The SALT AND PEPPER shakers on the table were oily feeling, just dirty gross.

Again, the atmosphere did not feel fresh and clean and the only reason we stayed was because we were so hungry. Should we have walked across the way to Pucketts… yes 😬

THE FOOD

We had the rebel Rebel Ruben it was good.

The pasta salad was bland. Salt and pepper really needed to be added. After I added salt it was good. I did love the amount of dill

I also thought it was weird all the chocolates and most cakes are brought in from Texas. This is a local restaurant, shouldn’t it be supporting a local bakery?

One big positive, the staff were...