Thinking about a delicious meal or a fun night out while staying at Executive Inn (1107 Harbor Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169)? You’re in luck. There are plenty of great nearby restaurants, cafés, and nightlife spots — whether you craved a burger, Thai food, Mexican, or live music.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through some of the best places to eat and unwind around the hotel. From quick bites to fancy dinners and laid-back bars, there’s something for everyone. 🍽️
If you don’t want to drive far after a day of travel or work, these close-by spots are perfect.
Rush’s — Just about 0.3 miles away on Sunset Blvd, ideal for a quick, satisfying meal.
La Fogata Mexican Restaurant — About 0.36 miles away. Craving tacos, enchiladas or a margarita? This is a great pick.
Mai Thai Cuisine — Around 0.47 miles away for something a little different — Thai dishes, warm ambience.
Ariana’s Greek Restaurant — About 1.2 miles away. A nice spot if you’re in the mood for Mediterranean/Greek cuisine.
DeLucca’s Italian Grill — Also roughly 1.2 miles from the hotel — a solid Italian choice for pasta, pizza or hearty dinner meals. Executive Inn Suites West Columbia
Nick’s House of Pizza Restaurant — About 2 miles out — good for a relaxed pizza night if you don’t feel like venturing too far. Executive Inn Suites West Columbia
If you want a comfy diner-style meal or a classic American breakfast or burger joint, there are options a bit farther (2–3 miles) — always a reasonable drive from the hotel. Executive Inn Suites West Columbia+1
If you fancy a night out — with cocktails, live music, or a cozy dinner downtown — you’re in easy reach of the lively scene of nearby Columbia. Here are some popular spots typically loved by locals and visitors alike.
The Aristocrat — A top cocktail bar and gastropub on Washington St. Regular jazz, blues, trivia nights and seasonal events make it perfect for a more upscale night. hotels+1
Tin Roof — Great live-music bar with a fun, late-night vibe if you like energetic nights out. hotels+1
New Brookland Tavern — Historic music venue located in the neighborhood known as Five Points (Columbia) — famous for live shows many nights a year. Wikipedia+1
The Vista (Columbia) is a revitalized warehouse district popular for art, food, nightlife and urban vibes. Good for date nights, laid-back dinners, or exploration. Wikipedia+2The Patrick O’Connor Team+2
Enjoy creative menus, stylish interiors and a mix of lounges, restaurants and cocktail bars — a great contrast to the casual comfort of West Columbia’s local restaurants. The Patrick O’Connor Team+2The Vista+2
By staying at Executive Inn, you’re right in the thick of comfort and convenience.
The hotel’s location (1107 Harbor Dr) puts you just minutes away from several good eateries and bars. Visit Cayce West Columbia+1
Whether you want a quick bite or a full dinner, there are options near (0.3–2 miles) and a short drive away (downtown Columbia / The Vista).
After your stay at the inn, you can explore restaurants without worrying about long travel — perfect if you’re new to the area or just visiting.
This mix of convenience and choice makes the stay at Executive Inn a good base for both daytime meals and nighttime outings.
Here are a few sample scenarios if you want to plan a nice evening out:
Plan A – Easy & Cozy:
Walk to Mai Thai Cuisine or La Fogata for dinner.
Head back to the hotel for a restful night.
Plan B – Casual Night Out:
Dine at DeLucca’s Italian Grill or Nick’s House of Pizza.
Maybe grab a dessert or coffee from a nearby café.
Plan C – Downtown Vibes & Live Music:
Drive a few minutes to The Vista or Five Points in Columbia.
Enjoy dinner + cocktails at The Aristocrat or Tin Roof.
Catch live music at New Brookland Tavern.
Plan D – Romantic or Special Occasion:
Choose a nice downtown restaurant (in The Vista or nearby).
Enjoy a slow dinner, drinks, and perhaps a stroll around downtown after.
Ask the hotel front desk — they often know which nearby spots are open late or have specials.
If you want live music or cocktails, go for The Vista or Five Points, especially on weekends.
For quick, affordable meals, the Sunset Blvd-area restaurants (Rush’s, La Fogata, Mai Thai) are very convenient and close.
If you are new to the city — start with the local West Columbia spots; then venture downtown once you get comfortable.
Check what time your ideal restaurant/bar closes — night-life spots may close later than fast food joints.
Decide whether you prefer a quick meal or a full dinner + drinks and choose accordingly.
If visiting for live music, check event schedules at venues like The Aristocrat or New Brookland Tavern.
Use a rideshare or taxi if you plan to drink and drive the ~5–10 min to downtown Columbia.
Keep the hotel address & phone handy: Executive Inn, 1107 Harbor Dr, West Columbia. Phone: +1 803-796-4934.
Have a backup restaurant/café in mind — some local spots may be busy or closed unexpectedly.
Whether you’re a traveler staying at Executive Inn, visiting friends, or just passing through West Columbia, there’s no shortage of tasty food and fun nightlife nearby. From casual Thai or Mexican to pizza, Italian dinners, and vibrant downtown bars with live music — you’ve got variety within a few miles or a short drive.
If you ask me, start with a laid-back dinner at one of the local spots, then maybe a drive into Columbia’s downtown for drinks or live music. It’s a simple recipe for a good time.
Thinking of staying with us? Book your stay at Executive Inn | Hotel in West Columbia | Motel in West Columbia — we’re ready to welcome you.
Q1: How close are good restaurants to Executive Inn West Columbia?
A1: Several top restaurants and cafés are within 0.3–2 miles — just a few minutes’ drive or short ride away. Executive Inn Suites West Columbia+1
Q2: Is there nightlife nearby or do I have to go downtown?
A2: For casual restaurants, you’re covered nearby. For full nightlife (bars, live music, cocktails) you’ll likely head downtown to areas like The Vista or Five Points in Columbia. The Patrick O’Connor Team+2Experience Columbia SC+2
Q3: Are there options for a quiet dinner near the hotel?
A3: Yes — places like DeLucca’s Italian Grill, Ariana’s Greek Restaurant or Mai Thai Cuisine are good for relaxed dinners.
Q4: What if I want something quick or budget-friendly?
A4: Fast-casual spots like Rush’s or La Fogata or pizza at Nick’s are budget-friendly and close by.
Q5: Are there live-music bars and nightlife for younger crowds?
A5: Yes — downtown Columbia has venues like Tin Roof, The Aristocrat, and New Brookland Tavern that often host live music and attract a fun crowd. hotels+2Wikipedia+2
Q6: Is Executive Inn a good base if I want to explore dining & nightlife?
A6: Definitely — its location offers easy access to both nearby eateries and downtown nightlife with a short drive.
Q7: Is there parking or easy access if I want to drive to downtown Columbia?
A7: Yes — Executive Inn is on Harbor Dr, easy to access by car, and a short drive gets you downtown.
Q8: Should I try local Southern cuisine or stick to familiar fare?
A8: If you’re up for local flavor, exploring downtown spots or local barbecue/diner-style restaurants nearby makes for a nice local experience.