Historic Five Points — Columbia, SC — Since 1995

New Southern
Cuisine & Fine
Hospitality

Elevated Southern classics, an extensive wine list, and warm Charleston hospitality — all in the heart of Five Points since 1995.

Explore the Menu Reservations Our Story
1995
Open Since
966
Guest Reviews
4.7★
Average Rating
#3
of 689 in Columbia
"There is something quietly extraordinary about a restaurant that has held its ground — and its standards — for thirty years. Mr. Friendly's is Columbia's table."
— The South's Best Tables, 2024 Edition
Mr. Friendly's dining room

Our Story

A Landmark Since
1995

Mr. Friendly's New Southern Cafe opened its doors in Historic Five Points in 1995 — and in three decades, it has become one of Columbia's most beloved dining institutions.

The concept was simple from day one: take the honest, soulful flavors of the South and treat them with the same care and creativity as any fine dining kitchen. The result is a menu that feels like coming home, even if you've never been here before.

Today, Mr. Friendly's holds the #3 spot out of 689 restaurants in Columbia on TripAdvisor — with 966 reviews averaging 4.7 stars. Those aren't just ratings; they're thirty years of hospitality, one table at a time.

We are located at 2001-A Greene St in the heart of Five Points. Walk-ins are always welcome, but a reservation ensures your table is ready when you arrive.

Guest Reviews

What Columbia Is Saying

966 reviews. 4.7 stars. Thirty years of guests who keep coming back.

★★★★★

"We've been coming here for anniversaries since 2003. The shrimp & grits are still the best in Columbia and the wine list has only gotten better. Mr. Friendly's doesn't need to reinvent itself — it already got it right."

Margaret K.
Columbia, SC · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"Every time I bring someone visiting Columbia here, they leave saying it's one of the best meals they've had in the South. The chef's special is always a revelation, and the service is warm without being fussy."

David R.
Five Points Regular · TripAdvisor
★★★★★

"The atmosphere, the food, the wine — everything is exactly right. You can feel thirty years of love in this place. The pan-seared trout was perfect, and our server knew every bottle on the list. Truly a Columbia treasure."

Priya S.
Columbia, SC · TripAdvisor

Rated #3 of 689 restaurants in Columbia, SC · TripAdvisor 2024

Find Us

Visit Mr. Friendly's

Address
2001-A Greene St
Columbia, SC 29205

Historic Five Points Neighborhood

Reservations & Phone
(803) 254-7828
Email
eatmrfriendlys@gmail.com
Hours
Tue – Thu 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM Fri – Sat 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM Sunday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Monday Closed