College Grounds Cafe

1217 College St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
+1 803-708-9476
$$$ Cafe , Breakfast restaurant
(48 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

If you’re searching for a delightful escape in the heart of Columbia, SC, look no further than College Grounds Cafe. Nestled at 1217 College St, this cozy cafe is more than just a stop for coffee; it’s a sanctuary for both locals and visitors alike.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the inviting chatter of fellow patrons. The ambiance is warm and friendly, filled with natural light that spills through the windows, creating the perfect backdrop for an intimate catch-up session or a focused workday. With its cozy chairs and laid-back vibes, College Grounds Cafe is the ideal place to unwind or hunker down with your laptop.

But let’s talk about what really brings people through the door: the food and drinks. With a menu that features a scrumptious array of breakfast and lunch options, there's something to satisfy every craving. Prepare your taste buds for the renowned breakfast burrito—as one devoted customer, True Wonders LLC, raved, it’s “truly divine.” And don’t miss out on the iced Thai coffee; it’s a creamy, invigorating alternative that's sure to energize your day. Looking for something sweet? Raechel B’s endorsement of the pumpkin muffin will have you convinced to indulge. With dishes that remind patrons of home-cooked meals, each plate is crafted with love and attention to detail.

For those who are health-conscious or seeking lighter fare, College Grounds offers options that won’t weigh you down. Revathy highlighted the refreshing break selections, including delightful caffeine-free drinks like Hojicha green tea. Whether you’re craving a light snack or a more hearty meal, the cafe’s menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to diverse palates, including plenty of vegetarian choices, as praised by Halley Alberts.

What sets College Grounds apart isn’t just the delicious food and coffee; it’s the sense of community fostered by the friendly staff who genuinely care about your experience. With numerous glowing reviews, customers consistently emphasize the welcoming atmosphere and the feeling of being a part of something special. Phillip Barnes perfectly captures this sentiment, stating, “The people working at College Grounds are the greatest.” Combined with the tranquil views of the nearby campus, it’s easy to see why many, like Lorin Edgerton, refer to this cafe as a hidden gem that serves “the best breakfast in downtown Columbia.”

So, whether you’re looking for an energizing morning pick-me-up, a leisurely brunch, or a quiet space to work, College Grounds Cafe invites you to come by, relax, and make memories over great food and drink. Don’t miss out on this treasure of Columbia—your taste buds will thank you!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Takeaway
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great tea selection
Live music
Live performances
Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Openings Hours

Monday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Tuesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Wednesday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Thursday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Friday

07:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

Sunday

09:00 AM - 03:00 PM

48 Reviews
True Wonders LLC

13 Sep 2025

Been coming for years almost daily. I come for relaxing with a coffee, for the environment, for the food, to work on business for my clients and just as a refuge really. Just got the breakfast burrito and it is truly devine. Had to make a review, not sure why it's taken this long to do one.

Revathy

06 Sep 2025

The break options here are very light and refreshing. You get a variety of caffeine free drinks as well. I was surprised to find Hojicha green tea. It's a cozy cafe situated in the same building as Cool Beans.

Phillip Barnes

01 Sep 2025

Great place to have a coffee or other beverage, breakfast, lunch, or a snack. Sometimes I dine in and sometimes I take out. The people working at College Grounds are the greatest.

Jonathan Eason

06 Aug 2025

Great atmosphere, friendly staff, food tastes homemade, and fairly priced

Lorin Edgerton

27 Jul 2025

College Grounds quietly serves the best breakfast in downtown Columbia. While people stand in line for over priced avocado toast at Soda City, you'll find me drinking a iced thai coffee and eating the best grits in Columbia. Enjoy great views of campus while enjoying the chill vibes and excellent service.

Raechel B

10 Jul 2025

I love College Grounds. I stop by every morning before work for my pick-me-up, and they never disappoint! Everyone there is super friendly and make every day brighter. You haven't lived till you've tried a pumpkin muffin or the T-Rex bowl there! Absolutely delicious!

Halley Alberts

25 Jun 2025

Seriously delish "ttlt" (tofu blt). (~$8.80). Shares a space with Cool Beans which is upstairs. Awesome menu with tons of vegetarian options. Nice place to relax and chat with some friends. Board games available, cozy chairs, good vibes!

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