University of South Carolina
- Nightlife

Jungle Jim's

Jungle Jim’s has been a staple to the underage USC crowd for years now. Often the starter-club for freshman at USC, Jungle Jim’s is located in the Five Points area and a short walk to and from most freshman dorms. However, its doors are filled to capacity on weekends during the school year.

Tabu

Tabu has become one of Columbia’s most popular clubs in the past few years for the 18 and older crowd. Located in the Vista, Tabu is often the end destination after a night of eating out at the Vista’s many restaurants. Tabu offers Ladies’ Night specials—a feature that packs its dance floor every weekend.

Jillian’s

Jillian’s provides a perfect outlet for the dining sports fan, as well as the college student itching for a night out on the town. It is not as college-oriented as many of the clubs in town. It caters to the interest of crowds ranging from college students to middle-aged adults. Some perks include the 15 television monitors and 13 big-screen televisions, as well as a full dining menu and music from DJs and live bands. You must be 21 to get in after 9 p.m., and there is sometimes a cover for special events.

Club ICE

Club ICE, located in the Vista, is a fairly new club that opens its doors to crowds 18-and-up (alcohol is served to those over 21). Playing some of the best dance music in Columbia, Club ICE has proved very popular with both USC students and the young professionals of Columbia.

Headliners

Headliners is the premiere music venue for Columbia and the Vista area. While major bands do not headline the marquee, Headliners brings nationally recognized talent to its stage every weekend (and sometimes during the week). For USC students, tickets are relatively cheap, and is within walking distance from campus.

Village Idiot Pizza & Pub

The Village Idiot Pizza & Pub doubles as one of Columbia’s most popular bars after 9 p.m.

Art Bar

Despite its name, Art Bar is not an art gallery, though it does constitute one of the most decorative bars in Columbia. Located in the Vista area, this deceivingly large bar is packed every weekend, and has a reputation for attracting Columbia’s trendy and intellectual crowd. Its doors are open to adults 21 and older.

Delaney’s

Delaney’s has a casual Irish atmosphere and live original and acoustic music, both Irish and American styles. The full-menu pub offers a variety of alcoholic beverages, specialty imported beers, desserts, and specialty coffees. There is no age requirement and no cover charge except for special events, making it cheap and easy for college students.

Group Therapy

Enduring the hustle and bustle of Columbia’s nightlife for the past 25 years, Group Therapy knows how to please its customers. While this Group Therapy will not relieve you of your traumatic mental and emotional experiences, you can at least drown your sorrows with a glass of imported beer, although you must be at least 21. They have live music with Acoustic Therapy Thursdays and a DJ on Saturdays.

New Brookland Tavern & Restaurant

Like local music with your bars? In addition to its diverse drink menu, New Brookland Tavern offers its small venue up to Columbia’s local bands, including those of USC students. Those 18-and-up may attend a show at New Brookland Tavern.

Sharky’s at Five Points

At Sharky’s, you can choose from over 100 kinds of beers or order from their menu. They have appetizers, wings, calzones, hamburgers, and chicken. It’s a convenient place for college students to go, especially since there is no cover, and the minimum age is 18. Or, if you don’t feel like leaving your dorm, they offer free delivery by calling 256-BUDS. Their specials include $2 Jim Beam, $2 vodka all the time, and free pizza during happy hour Monday–Friday.

18-and-up Clubs

Not many of Columbia’s bars have under-21 nights; however, multiple clubs are 18 and up. Jungle Jim’s, Club Ice, and Tabu are usually packed with an underage crowd for dancing, or people can go catch some live music at either Headliners or New Brookland Tavern.