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116 Espresso and Wine Bar
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Tapas Bars Nightlife Bars Wine Bars Coffee & Tea, Tapas Bars, Wine Bars
116 State StWest Columbia, SC 29169
(803) 791-5663
- Hours:
Tue-Thu 4 pm - 10 pm
Fri 3 pm - 10 pm
Sat 10 am - 12 am
Sun 10 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
17 reviews for 116 Espresso and Wine Bar
Review Highlights
17 reviews in English
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Review from Brian H.
Henderson, NV
12/19/2011
116 is not simply a restaurant, it's not just a cozy bistro tucked in a familiar warm happy place at the corner of State and Meeting Streets. It doesn't simply contain a happy group of epicureans who are overjoyed to deliver their wares to both wide-eyed newcomers and longtime friends.
And it sure as heck ain't just an Espresso and Wine bar.
Generations ago, talented chefs would open their homes to both travelers and neighbors. This being a regular activity for them, they would often either grow their own food or collaborate with a few local farmers who offered the best quality options. With these ingredients, they created culinary masterpieces which complemented their highly-creative beverage offerings.
It wasn't done because market research showed that this would lead to higher profit margins. It wasn't because they wanted to win any national awards. It wasn't because they expected the folks from Stouffer's to show up one day and offer to license their recipes.
It was because they didn't know any better.
Run by a couple of Ryans (Whitaker - chef and owner, Ditman - cocktail crafter and longtime family friend), 116 is not a cause, it is an effect. The cocktails are beyond creative, they are inspired by the tastes of a well-traveled, well-educated functioning alcoholic. Whitaker, who was slated to be an engineer or doctor or some other allegedly "higher" pursuit, instead found a path which allowed him to explore his true joy - being complimented daily and fully deserving it (while also being given a constant excuse to eat, drink, and be merry).
Odds are, if you step into your average nightclub, approach the bar, and order a "Chioggia Beet American Harvest Cocktail", you'll be quickly escorted out by security and asked to never return. However, this is just one of the many custom cocktails designed by folks who have nothing better to do than figure out how to get drunk off of beets.
Next time you're ordering the "seasoned" grilled chicken at your nearby chain grubbery, be sure to ask if they're using "North African" spices, or see if you can get a Chili Coffee rub on your steak. When the server explodes, flinging button-ized messages of "If God didn't want us to eat bacon, why did he make it out of bacon." and "ask me about our Chicken Chili Flingers" throughout the room, just tell 'em to cook your steak well done and reconstitute it with your tears as you think of the meal that could have been.
"Oh, well that steak's gotta be expensive!", you say, and you'd be right... but only if this were 1934. $10 is pretty damned cheap for a specialized culinary masterpiece and you know it.
Frankly, I've worked in food and beverage for years, I've seen the margins and food costs and etc. etc. and I have NO idea how they do it. These are no fools, they've got to be making enough to at least get by, but with $3 sangria/wine/draft beer specials during happy hour, $7 shrimp and grits during their Sunday Brunch, and a whopping $5.50 for a pizza (of course, they NAIL you on the toppings - .75/ea for Capicolla Ham, Chorizo Sausage, Portabello Mushrooms, etc), I just don't see how they do it. Every morning after I go there, I double-check my bank account just to make sure the $100+ meal and beverages I've just consumed didn't put me over my limit, only to find that I spent $30.
$30 by myself? Well, I've been known to 'enjoy' their drink specials a bit much, and as a beer man, I'll tell you that this "Espresso and Wine bar" sells itself short on the name. Sadly "Beer Bar" doesn't sound as classy, but their selection is extensive, and far from pedestrian (yet they're cool enough not to give you stinkeye if you order a Bud Light... they may, however, offer for you to taste an alternative).
After an appetizer, dinner, a 'few' drinks and a well-deserved generous tip, you'll eventually manage to force yourself out the door only to long for the cozy and warm speakeasy atmosphere, the inspired and devoted servants, the "this is so much better than a gin & tonic" libations, and the truly unmatched dining experience. The good news? They're open Tuesday through Sunday and they're always happy to see you come back and assuage yourself of the burden of having to dine anywhere else. -
Review from Reginald W.
Doraville, GA
3/18/2012
Expert and excellent throughout. This is my second visit here and I have been pleased with decor, lighting, wine choices--and recommendations, today the Tempranillo Anciano from Spain--and last but foremost, the food and service! Noise level a little high but it was a Friday night and tastefully exposed brick walls that add to ambience tend to be a little echoey. Highly recommended and fairly priced.
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Review from Shelly G.
2/27/2012
I found this place via Yelp and the hours for Sunday said 10 - 5. We arrived at 4 and were told they were closed. The hours need to be updated to avoid false hope and dismay.
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Review from Swetha G.
Updated - 3/3/2012 3 photos
I have been to 116 SEVERAL times since my original review. I've been there for dessert, brunch and dinner, and the place is consistently good with service and quality of food. I have had wine, dessert, cava, brunch items, apps, entrees, pretty much every variation on the menu, and I am without fail, ALWAYS happy with the food on my plate and the service I've received. Some favorites include their veggie ratatouille, their goat cheese dip (heads up, it's seasonal), their coffee (I think I had four cups the last time I was there for brunch!), and all of their desserts. Whoever is running 116 is doing a phenomenal job. I especially appreciate the use of fresh and local ingredients, it definitely translates well in the food, and they have yet to miss the mark. If you haven't been to 116, I highly, highly recommend giving this place a shot, you will not leave disappointed, they deserve to be in the restaurant business and they KNOW what they're doing!
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/25/2011
I'm a fan!
116 is ANOTHER wonderful tapas place that Columbia has to offer. Great small plate… Read more »
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Review from Julie R.
Columbia, SC
11/10/2011
yum! Cute place...great food...good wine...goooo!
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Review from Doris S.
Charleston, SC
11/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cute & quaint... In a hipster/ artsy area of Columbia, if there is such a thing. They were having a special & the glass of wine I ordered was only $3! I ordered a watermelon/ feta/ pesto salad, which sounds odd, but it was soooo good. I'm going to try to recreate it at home. It was definitely the best part of my dining experience. I also had the mussels, which were decent but I've had better. The bartender was super friendly, & even gave me tips on other area restaurants. I got to 116 around 6ish on a weekday & the place was slow, but was full once I left. Get there early, because this place is pretty small and fills up quickly.
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Review from Leary C.
Copley, OH
9/14/2011
Have been going to 116 since soon after it opened. Wonderful, creative specials each night. Never disappointed with any of the standard menu items. Menu changes frequently and Ryan W (the owner/chef) uses lots of fresh, local ingredients to come up with the daily specials. Prices are extremely reasonable.
Have moved away for a while but still try to get to 116 every time we are in town. Had not been there for about 3 months and when we were there recently the bartender and server both remembered our drink preferences and things we like on the menu! Did I mention that Ryan D. is probably one of the best bartenders in Columbia?? My wife likes to just let him make up new drinks for her.
@116 should be right there on your list with Motor Supply, Mo Mo's, and Gervais & Vine for must-frequent places in Columbia! -
Review from Paul M.
Columbia, SC
6/29/2011
So the Census guy frowned at me when I tried to put down @116 as my religion, because if I could, I would spend every sunday brunch here.
I had the hashbrowns and eggs. No, they're not like Waffle House hashbrowns (although those are tasty), these use potatoes so obscure you'll be the envy of all 13 hipsters in Columbia. And they're delicious, with some peppers and cheese in there and... oh I have to stop.
Normally, food this good is accompanied by a massage and a corkage fee, but here it's so ridiculously relatively cheap that it's almost insulting. You can get a full gourmet brunch and coffee for around $10. Napolean never had it this good.
Portions are just right, as in you won't walk out with that mixture of satiety, regret and shame you get from eating breakfast at the Shoney's buffet. But if you routinely duck and/or turn sideways through doorways, you might want to double up on your order.
Decor is great. Not sure why Captain Prudington below docked a star for it, the place is fine and has art 'n old crap on the wall. What more do you want? Window treatments aren't on the menu.
Oh, and this place has the gastronomical balls to wrap stuff in a bacon and charge a lot for it. They get away with it. We're talking bacon-wrapped prunes stuffed to the (proverbial prune) teeth with jalapeno cream cheese. It works. I'm salivating just thinking about it and I no longer fear becoming old.
Do it. Go eat there. You'll love it. And I say this just from going to brunch. I'm sure dinner rocks too. Actually, second thought, hold back a bit, it's crowded enough and I don't like waiting. -
Review from Simon T.
Columbia, SC
5/7/2011
Best bloody marys I've had in a long, long time.
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Review from Stu T.
Columbia, SC
2/7/2011
As far as brunch in Columbia goes, 116 is tied for tops with Motor Supply and Cafe Millwood in my head.
Their specials are fantastic and the menu changes often. Portions are... smaller than "American" size, but honestly just right for those of us who aren't gluttons, and the price is certainly right. I can do two brunches with drinks for under 20 bucks with tip? Hell yes.
Take note: the three potato hash browns are not actually made with a quantity of three potatoes, but rather from 3 different kinds (yukon gold, sweet potatoes, and PURPLE potatoes) of spud. And it's more of a home fries style cooking, but comes with goat cheese and jalapenoes and is fantastic.
Haven't been out for dinner or the evening scene yet, but it's a kooky little rough-around-the-edges location in West Columbia and that almost guarantees it'll be fun.
I would probably do brunch here every weekend if I could. -
Review from Paul B.
8/22/2010
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda~
This is a place that seems to be on the edge of greatness! It has all the makings of being a great little dive-diner. The location is cool- "Vista West"? Just a little on the rough side? I can buy in to that. The Menu seems very good. I love the Cuban/Spanish spice touch, with the flank steak and empanadas! I love the whole spicy beef and potatoes feel, with no french fries! Garlic-Bleu cheese mashed potatoes Yes! The portion could of been a little bigger :)
I ordered the Coffee Spiced Flank Steak: Tender Choice Flank Steak Coated with our Spicy Chili Coffee Rub and served with Garlic Mashed Potatoes 9.00$
This entree was very good. The steak was very flavorful, very tender, ordered medium rare and it came out just right! Maybe a little piece of flat bread / pizza bread would of been good with it?
This is on the Sunday brunch menu: Steak and Eggs: Ancho Chili Rubbed Sirloin Steak with Two Eggs and Toast. This sounds so good -it should be on the menu ALL the time-with a nice cold one! Diner food YEAH! with the mashed potatoes! OH well, thinking out loud... They have a lot of cool stuff on the menu.
The service was great! Our server, Lizzie? was very attentive and hospitable
The only con- "The place could of been a little neater"?? That was one comment from someone in our foursome.
I will definitely go back. I want to try a Cuban Empanada! -
Review from Karen T.
Columbia, SC
8/23/2010
We just had the appetizers, but I would compare their presentation and taste to the best in Columbia. The small size of the restaurant makes it very appealing, as it seems like a European or big city eatery.
The beverage selection was good and the bar area is very appealing. -
Review from Jarrett H.
Columbia, SC
2/7/2011 13 photos
Amazing food and brunch! Everything is gourmet cooked and super fresh. Like a 5 star meal at a 2 star price. You will love it!
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Review from Eaton W.
Columbia, SC
10/6/2010
The mussels, $11, are enough to feed two or three people...especially if you order other tapas. Ask for extra bread or a spoon to enjoy every last bit of the sauce.
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Review from Cheryl W.
Lexington, SC
Specials are always a great choice... Changes daily. Staff is great and friendly. Drinks are always tasty. Great tapas and always fun to share with friends over a bottle of wine. Yum!
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Review from Amanda A.
Greenville, SC
5/31/2011
Pretty decent food, but small portions. Ports Ella was delicious, but needed more. GREAT atmosphere and friendLy staff.
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Review from Jen H.
Columbia, SC
6/20/2010
@116 is a wine and espresso bar located conveniently next to cafe strudel on state street. parking is all along the street. currently they offer breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as a sunday brunch. starting july 2010 though, they will only have dinner service but will be starting a saturday brunch. closed on mondays though.
coffee/espresso menu is reminiscent of cool beans by the USC campus as i believe the owner of @116 previously owned cool beans.
worth a visit!
