Top Tier Featuring The Genesis Room — Restaurant in Columbia

I initially had reservations about visiting this Black-owned business due to the mixed reviews, but after speaking with the owner (a woman) by phone, I decided to move forward and book a table to celebrate birthdays and graduations with my close group of friends.

The location is conveniently situated in the heart of Columbia, and the ambiance had a nice vibe. However, when we arrived around 6:30 PM, the restaurant was extremely smoky inside. The exterior doors were open to help clear the air, and although it was off-putting, we decided to stay.

We were informed ahead of time that the restaurant did not yet have a liquor license, but that guests were allowed to bring their own alcohol. No restrictions on the type of alcohol were mentioned. When our server arrived, we had a mix of wine and mini liquor bottles at the table. We were then told that mini bottles were not allowed as they violated SLED regulations. One of my friends left—through the rain—to return the bottles to her car parked in the deck.

While she was gone, the rest of us ordered appetizers and waited. When the server returned to take our entrée orders, she questioned my friend about what she did with the mini bottles. After my friend explained that she took them to her car, the server accused her of lying and asked to search her purse. Despite the invasive request, my friend remained professional and showed her bag. The server’s accusatory tone and poor attitude completely killed the celebratory mood, so we canceled our entrée orders and asked for the check.

We left and took our celebration across the street to The Grand and the Robinson Room, where we had a much better experience—great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

To be fair, the location is prime, the décor is attractive, and the salmon bites were enjoyable. Ashley, who was assisting another table, was kind and helpful when we asked for her—she was a bright spot in the evening.

We truly wanted to love this place, but the interaction we experienced was unacceptable. If certain types of alcohol are prohibited, that should be clearly stated on the website and in the reservation policy. Additionally, if bags are going to be subject to search, that policy should be applied consistently at the entrance, as we’ve experienced at venues like Chayz Lounge.

After visiting the website, I realized that our server was actually the owner, Christina, which made the situation even more disappointing. Perhaps we should have chosen Champagne.

This review reflects our real experience—and not a fabricated one, as has been suggested in responses to other negative feedback. For transparency, I’ve attached our receipt.

We hope to see improvements—particularly with staff professionalism and communication—if this establishment plans to...

After reading the low rating reviews I thought I should leave a review and hopefully it helps may be long but oh well 🥲

1st and foremost its blacked owned so that right there is enough to catch my attention , I first heard of this place on TikTok and was like I wanna go there but it gotta be for a real special reason b/c of how it looked

Well me and my childhood friends went for lunch one day and originally we were going for Tacos but unexpectedly they were closed so we sat in the parking lot for 10 min looking for a place and Top Tier became our pick !

And let me just say it was a great pick !! We had on everyday clothes didn’t look the part I must say as if we just left from running 10 miles and came straight there 😂 However The Owner and Manager both still greeted us and introduced themselves we had the option to pick where we wanted to sit which we chose by the window , they treated us well as I’m sure they do with all there customers there is no tables by the bathroom unless I’m blind

We were amazed at how elegant it looked in there it was so beautiful looks better in person so whoever said it looked like it came from a thrift shop don’t got taste 🥲

At the time they didn’t/don’t have there liquor license which is understandable we were told at the moment of ordering and guess what the Owner brought us a bottle of complimentary red wine and we all had a sip she talked with us and the manager talked with us as well about the establishment and even the upcoming thing they have in store to expand there business , we were able to take photos of anything we wanted , we were told about all events that occur each day of the week the Manager even gave us Tour of the entire building that most people havnt seen yet which I won’t spill the upcoming events and goals this place is working towards b/c not everyone want to see it happens that will be for them to announce when they are ready

While on the tour of the building , our food was cooking we didn’t care how long it took b/c we were entertained the entire time , but when it did come Man on Man before finishing my food I place and too go order I had the lamb chops and steak which was Juicey tender and well seasoned with asparagus collards and mashed potatoes and it didn’t stand a chance we ate like hogs but in a cute way 😂

However needles to say if you thinking about going to this place Go! If your experience was bad the 1st time what’s gone hurt to try it out one more time , I’m sure you gave plenty other 2nd chances to people who didn’t deserve them and Yess I’m talking about that...

✨ Top Tier Experience at The Genesis Room – Columbia, SC ✨

We visited Top Tier featuring The Genesis Room to celebrate a friend’s accomplishments and let me just say—it was everything we hoped for and more!

From the moment we walked in, the ambience was super cute and welcoming—a perfect blend of upscale and cozy, right in the heart of Main Street. The vibe set the tone for a truly memorable evening.

Shoutout to the amazing team:

Christina, the owner, has clearly poured love into this space. Felicia, the manager, made sure everything ran smoothly. And Ashley, our server, was an absolute gem—attentive, kind, and on point all night. Though they’re still waiting on their liquor license (it’s on the way!), we were able to bring our own wine, which was a nice touch.

Now let’s talk food—because wow. We indulged in:

Lamb chops 🐑 Ribeye 🥩 Fried shrimp 🍤 Spinach dip Mac & cheese 🧀 Mashed potatoes 🥔 Collard greens 🥬 Roasted zucchini Asparagus My personal faves? The lamb chops were perfectly seasoned and tender, the fried shrimp were crispy and flavorful, the collards were soul-soothing, and the roasted zucchini was a surprising standout!

Everything was beautifully plated and full of flavor. You could tell the kitchen takes pride in every dish.

I absolutely loved it and will definitely be back. If you're in Columbia and looking for a spot that feels both elevated and down-to-earth, Top Tier is it. They even had hookah if you're into that sort of thing.

#ColumbiaSC #TopTierExperience #GenesisRoom #FoodieFinds #SupportLocal...