Chayz Lounge — Restaurant in West Columbia

The food, ambiance, and service of this place are amazing. We were greeted by the beautiful owner of the establishment for our 12:30 reservation. She gave us the option of a couch for two or table, we originally opted for the cozy couch but after seeing several plates pass by for other tables, we asked to be reseated at a table so that we could dig into the delicious morsels because the food smelled heavenly. They graciously moved us to an open table. The menu had some great options available (please see pictures of the menu). We started off with the lump crabcakes that were so meaty and full of flavor, and when you add the dipping sauce, well, just be ready to just say hmmm because they were so good. I ordered the French toast with bacon and added a side of eggs and seasoned breakfast potatoes. My husband opted for the steak, eggs, and grits. The French toast was fluffy inside, crispy on the outside with maple and cinnamon flavors with yummy maple syrup. I have a bit of a sweet tooth, but this was neither too sweet nor super sugary. They were among some of the best I've had. The steak was well seasoned and well cooked, full of flavor, tender. He devoured pretty much everything, while I opted to save some to savor the following day because it was just that good. The grits were the best we have had , creamy and full of flavor. Shea, our server, was amazing. She was attentive without being overly intrusive, allowing us to enjoy our food and vibe of the room and still make sure our glasses were full and we didn't need anything additional. The saxophonist played during the brunch. It was a great variety of old school classics that kept me humming, singing, tapping my feet and chair dancing the entire time we were there. We enjoyed it so much that we were there until the brunch service ended. The owner came around to all the tables to ensure we had a wonderful experience, which was a wonderful touch towards the end of the brunch service. We also had an opportunity to meet the chef as well. We can't wait to try dinner service. Definitely book in advance as brunch service seems to sell out frequently. Definitely mature , family, and couple vibe during brunch serving. Food 10/10, service 10/10 , vibe/atmosphere 10/10 .. Can't wait to...

Let me preface this review by saying that it is no way intended to be negative or discouraging, only my honest experience.

I have been a patron of Chayz Lounge since the days of Nonnah’s around 2017. I fell in love with it because of the ambiance, the intimate experience, the warm welcome and big smile each time from the Boss Lady herself, the feeling of jazz being played in my living room - all at a price I (or my date) could afford! Fast forward to present day (2025) most of those things still hold true. However, over the last couple of years I found Chayz to be increasingly cost prohibitive. I can absolutely understand the cover charge for good quality entertainment, that said a $25-35 food and drink minimum - in addition to an automatic 18% gratuity seems excessive. On my last visit, there were no refills on even sweet tea, which I thought was a universal understanding that refills are free with tea. A $4 charge for bottled water - albeit in a glass bottle - let’s be honest here. I would have just as soon drank tap water in a regular cup/ glass and saved the $4!! Or at the very least, a standard bottle of water for a buck. The food was good, as one would expect at this price point, but the portions did not justify the price. I am consciously aware that rising costs on goods, services, and many other things have made it necessary for business owners to adjust prices. And even with that it mind, it is difficult for me to understand how it warrants $20 for six chicken wings or 18% automatic gratuity (which should be determined by the customer based on the level of service) on ALL checks. As much as I loved Chayz, it is simply no longer a place I can frequent as I once did...

My husband and I love to watch live music and Jazz is my favorite, so I was excited to find Chayz just an hour from our home. I bought the tickets for the performance closest to my birthday and took the time to read all of the information on the website before I purchased the tickets, so we understood going into the night that gratuity was included on the check, that there is a strict dress code and that we could possibly be seated with another couple.

We arrived as soon as they opened. The parking lot is small but there is auxiliary parking across the street that is easily accessible. We were greeted graciously by the hostess (which we later discovered is the owner) and seated at a two top right by the stage. Shay was a wonderful server, and attended to our every need. Great service with just enough table touch backs. The food was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed the teriyaki Salmon, two small plate appetizers and the shrimp and grits. Everything was hot and fresh with just the right seasoning.

The music started after we finished our meal and we enjoyed fantastic cocktails. We enjoyed two full hours of Jovonne Jones on the electric violin and a super talented house band. My husband plays the bass guitar, and was especially impressed with their talented bass player. The owner Chay stoped by and checked on us before the show was over, which further solidified the feeling that this is a top notch establishment with great customer service.

Thank you for all of your hard work to make Chayze lounge a great place to enjoy live music...