These are the 8 best ranked Columbia SC area sports bars to watch USC football

Patrick McCreless

Finally, a new college football season is upon us.

Shane Beamer and the Gamecocks will play their first game of the season against the Georgia State Panthers, coached by Shawn Elliott, a former USC assistant coach. Kickoff will be at 7:30 p.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium on Saturday.

But what if you can’t watch the game at the stadium?

Sure, you can always watch it at home, but not everybody has a huge television and epic sound system to see the game in all its glory. And even then, it’s not the same as watching with a group of excited fans.

That’s where the sports bar comes into play.

The Columbia area is littered with plenty of sports bars. However, not all of them are equal in quality, beer selection, food and general atmosphere.

Fortunately, many residents and sports fans have taken it upon themselves to critique the local sports bars.

Here is a list of eight of the best-ranked sports bars in the Columbia area from Google reviews, based on their overall ratings and number of reviews.

Twin Peaks Columbia

Rating: 4.1 out of 5 (2,100 reviews)

Location: 600 Gervais St., Columbia

The Twin Peaks sports bar chain is known for its lodge-like surroundings as well as its waitresses. Feel like you’re in a mountain lodge while you watch the game and sample Twin Peaks’ signature 29-degree beer, served in frosted, 22-ounce mugs. Besides a rotating selection on in-house brews, the bar has a full menu to choose from, with offerings such as hot wings, street tacos and burgers, to chicken fried steak and ribs.

Twin Peaks restaurant and bar will open at the Myrtle Beach Mall on Monday, Nov. 22. The restaurant will feature more than 75 TVs, a Topgolf simulator suite and a cigar garage. It is in the space previously occupied by the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, which closed in 2017.Nov. 16, 2021.
Twin Peaks restaurant and bar will open at the Myrtle Beach Mall on Monday, Nov. 22. The restaurant will feature more than 75 TVs, a Topgolf simulator suite and a cigar garage. It is in the space previously occupied by the Islamorada Fish Company restaurant, which closed in 2017.Nov. 16, 2021.

Rockaway Athletic Club

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (774 reviews)

Location: 2719 Rosewood Dr., Columbia

The Rockaway Athletic Club since 1982 has served burgers, bourbon, beer and more. The spot is well-known for its Pimento cheeseburger and Pimento cheese fries. It’s also known for its well-stocked bar and liquor library, which boasts one of the largest selections of liquor in the Southeast, according to the business’ website.

If you’re visiting for the first time and don’t see a sign, don’t worry. Rockaway Athletic Club has never had one. Just look for the brick building with large black shutters.

Jake’s

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (593 reviews)

Location: 2112 Devine St. Columbia

Bring your dog with you to watch the game at this watering hole. Jake’s promotes an always pet-friendly atmosphere. A Five Points institution, Jake’s offers more than 30 craft beer options that you can enjoy on its back deck and green space if you choose.

Food options include various sandwiches and wraps, sliders, tacos and quesadillas.

Publick House

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (387 reviews)

Location: 2307 Devine St. Columbia

The Publick House was established in 1988. It’s chef and owner, Drew Kalagher, has more than 35 years of experience working at restaurants and pubs. Publick has plenty of beer and wine options for customers.

And while you’re there, enjoy a heaping helping of chicken wings with a variety of sauces, or try one of Publick’s many other options, from shrimp, chicken fingers and fish and chips baskets to salads and sandwiches.

Wings and raw fries at The Publick House
Wings and raw fries at The Publick House

Calloway’s Sports Bar and Grill

Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (373 reviews)

Location: 2410 Augusta Road, West Columbia

Calloway’s is your straightforward sports bar hangout. Watch the game while sampling the place’s selection of beers. There are chicken wings aplenty to enjoy. But if that’s not what you’re into, Calloway’s offers pizza, sandwiches, burgers and more.

Hickory Tavern

Rating: 4 out of 5 (991 reviews)

Location: 907 Senate St., Columbia

Open since 1997, Hickory Tavern has grown from a small neighborhood spot to a chain with locations across the Southeast. Hickory Tavern offers a variety of handcrafted cocktails, like the blackberry makers smash and the strawberry lemon drop martini. It also sells wine cocktails and margaritas of various flavors.

If you’re hungry, Hickory Tavern has several specialties like shrimp and grits or a 12-ounce ribeye. There’s also plenty of burger, wings, taco and sandwich options.

Red Rooster Sports Bar and Grill

Rating: 4.3 out of 5 (254 reviews)

Location: 7500 Wilson Blvd., Columbia

Watching games doesn’t get much easier than at Red Rooster. The bar and grill has several wall-mounted televisions, along with a large projection screen so customers won’t miss any of the action.

As its name suggests, Red Rooster offers chicken wings with a large variety of flavors. It also offers a variety of baskets, from catfish and flounder to chicken and plenty of appetizers.

Racks Restaurant and Sports Bar

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 (284 reviews)

Location: 108 Columbia NE Dr., Columbia

Play a few games of pool while you watch the Gamecocks at Racks Restaurant and Sports Bar. The business, which opened in 2015, offers 12 bar box, coin-operated pool tables, along with six steel tip dart boards, corn hole and horseshoes — all of which you can play while surrounded by 33 televisions. There’s also two full bars and a full menu with dishes ranging from grilled pizza, tacos and fajitas to burgers, melts and sandwiches.

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