Best Of
I don’t know about you, but I love “best of” lists and a recent best of article in our school newspaper, The Daily Gamecock, got me thinking, and disagreeing, about some of their choices for the “best of” Columbia/USC. So, I took it upon myself to come up with some of “Cory’s Best of Columbia/USC” to get you ready for next year when you come to campus, or if you are just coming on a visit this summer. I must warn you, however, that these picks revolve almost entirely around food, and are just a little biased to my personal preferences, but either way I hope you enjoy and can find some of my picks useful.
Best BBQ: Palmetto Pig
I say what better way to start off my list than one of the best things about coming to South Carolina: the Barbeque! Starting with its friendly portions (all you can eat) friendly prices (around 8 dollars) and friendly faces (an always smiling cashier and an owner than bares an uncanny resemblance to former quarterback Terry Bradsahw) and ending with its delicious pulled pork, the best fried chicken I have had…ever, and perfectly breaded hush puppies, “The Pig” is sure to be a hit with you, your friends, and family
Best Pizza: Pop’s/Village Idiot
How appropriate, a “tossup” between two pizza places with great dough (if you have ever seen dough made, just trust me, they toss it up in the air). If I were going on value alone, Village Idiot would run away with its dollar slices during happy hour. The perfectly crisp and light crust is a steal of a bargain five days a week from 4-7 for a dollar a pop (and by pop I mean slice). Oh, yes, Pop’s how could I forget. If pure authentic New York style is what you are going for, you won’t find any better in Columbia than here at Pop’s. While I am not promising New York City perfection, their crust and sauce put it just a step above Village Idiot. It does cost a little more, but you won’t regret it. For an added bonus, try some of their tasty Fried Oreos for dessert!
Best Coffee Shop: Cool Beans
Personally, I don’t drink coffee, but that hasn’t stopped me from going to this local coffee joint located across Sumter Street from the Horseshoe. Cool Beans is a local favorite to catch up with a friend or catch up on that paper you decided to put off until the night before. With a wide selection of coffee and desserts (MY personal reason for going), not to mention a few board games scattered around for a fun distraction, Cool Beans is easily the favorite of USC students.
Best Way to Spend a Thursday Night: Shagging at Jillian’s
Alright, so this category was just slightly biased, but I had to find a way to throw it into my “Best of.” Shagging at Jillian’s is a must for South Carolina natives who know their state dance, or for out of staters like myself who quickly pick up on the fun dance. In addition to the fun and dancing, an added bonus to the Thursday night festivities is the price: FREE. Just show up with you dancing shoes on and go to town!
Best Way to Spend a Saturday in the Fall: Gamecock Football Games!
So these categories just keep getting more and more specific, but I would be remiss if I didn’t throw in the obvious fun of a Carolina football game. I know that for me, the whole atmosphere was something completely new to me, and to be quite honest, I still get goosebumps whenever I hear “2001”, our football team’s introduction song. Starting with tailgating before the game down to the last snap, the entire experience of a game a down at Williams-Brice Stadium is something that you must experience firsthand to really know what I am talking about.
There you have it: a quick overview of my personal “Best Of’s.” If you feel like I left anything off the list you want to see, or if you disagree with one of my picks, please feel free to let me know. It is all about helping y’all see what is good around Columbia. Take care!