California Dreaming: A Culinary Escape with Irresistible Chicken Wings, Seafood, and More
Welcome to California Dreaming, a vibrant culinary escape nestled in Columbia, SC. Specializing in American classics, our menu showcases tantalizing chicken wings, delectable seafood platters, and a variety of fresh salads—all crafted with a touch of coastal flair. We pride ourselves on inclusivity, offering vegan and vegetarian options, making it a delightful destination for everyone. Our inviting atmosphere, complete with outdoor seating and a full bar, is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners. With a commitment to exceptional service and quality, California Dreaming invites you to savor every bite while enjoying a taste of the California coast.
California Dreaming at a glance
- Address 401 Main St Columbia, SC 29201 United States
- Phone (803) 254-6767
- Restaurant type American restaurant , Bar & grill , Caterer , Family restaurant , Restaurant .
- Popular for Popular for lunch , Popular for dinner , Good for solo dining .
Photos & Gallery
Popular Menu Items
Seafood Nachos
Our Famous Croissants
Fried Crab Claws
Shrimp Tacos
Baby Back Ribs Single Rack
She Crab Soup
Shrimp San Francisco
Croissants 5
Knob Hill Chicken
House Salad with Croissant
California Dreaming: Reviews & Ratings
Met here for dinner and glad we did! It’s built inside of an old union train station and is a beautiful space to enjoy! Nye was our serve and very nice! She took good care of us during our whole visit. The food was outstanding! I’m not a crescent roll guy, but the honey crescent rolls are a good start and come with all salads if you get one! I had the ribeye with a baked potato and the ribeye needed nothing! I’d rank it in the top 5 steaks I’ve had. Lots of good options to choose from on the menu as well! We will certainly be back!
Nice building with interesting style inside and out. There is an odd use of stairs. The stairs at the entrance are odd enough that they have watch your step posted for patrons entering and exiting. There is another set of stairs between the main dining room/bar and the restrooms. The food wasn't bad, it just wasn't great. Menu is on the small side, as far as selection. The fried crab claws, to me, were more work than they were worth and one of the best bites was the rogue shrimp that had apparently made it's way into the fry basket. Steak Calibowl was ok, the rice was overcooked or too much liquid was used. The croissant bread pudding was good (sharing portion). I did enjoy the pineapple jalapeno margarita, nice and spicy. Not the servers' fault but my original server was cut so I was turned over to another between appetizer and entree. Then watched my original server running around still doing side work when I left.
We had a wonderful dinner and dining experience. Our server, Lexi, was fantastic, and every dish was cooked perfectly and served hot. Lexi went above and beyond to help me celebrate my birthday and even the management did a table visit to check on us. Excellent experience and we will be back soon!
We’ve eaten at this restaurant multiple times, and every experience has been amazing. The atmosphere is welcoming and relaxing, the customer service is always top-tier, and the food and drinks are consistently delicious. You can tell they truly care about their guests. We have absolutely no complaints. This is a great place to grab lunch or enjoy a nice dinner date. Highly recommend if you’re in Columbia! We’ve completed our mission of 100 restaurants last year and working to visit 100 different ones this year! Follow me here for more reviews and photos!!!
I brought my mother here for dinner, celebrating her 83rd birthday. My sister RAVES about the baby back ribs, my order was tasty, but dry end chewy. I will return to Columbia for the holidays and will revisit, and then update my review accordingly.
This was our first trip to the Columbia location. We have dined at the now closed Myrtle Beach location a number of times. The seafood nachos were delicious. Loaded with shrimp and salmon. However our entrees were not. The chicken was not edible. I didn’t know it was possible to have leg quarters that dry. I am not a fan of the charred broccoli either. Service and atmosphere were okay.
Cool location! I really like the menu, not too overloaded, just the right amount of choices. Our waiter was very nice. We came for lunch and I had the crispy shrimp tacos, which were absolutely amazing. The ingredients were exactly my taste and the chipotle mayo was so good. I will definitely be back!
Great atmosphere, great ambiance and really good music. The only reason why I have 4 stars is because to start off with my wife got a cup of tea and the inside and outside of the cup was dirty. Other then that, EVERYTHING else was great. Wonderful experience on Thanksgiving Day for our son who just graduated basic training the day before at Fort Jackson.
Location
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California Dreaming401 Main St Columbia, SC 29201 United States Hotline: (803) 254-6767
Welcome to the vibrant flavor paradise that is California Dreaming, a delightful dining haven located in the heart of Columbia, SC. Specializing in a tantalizing selection of chicken wings, American cuisine, and seafood, this eatery offers a perfect fusion of flavors that appeals to all palates. At California Dreaming, the culinary experience transcends mere dining; it’s an exploration of taste that reflects the spirit of California itself—laid-back and full of zest.
One of the standout features of California Dreaming is its extensive menu, which includes not only succulent chicken wings but also mouthwatering sandwiches like the classic American Burger and the innovative Veggie Burger for those seeking vegan options. The crispy fried chicken sandwich, adorned with American cheese and a fresh jicama slaw, is a must-try that delivers a crunchy, savory bite with each mouthful. Each dish is prepared with a commitment to quality, ensuring that every meal feels special.
This establishment is designed for everyone to enjoy—whether you're looking for a casual lunch spot, a dinner with friends, or even a place to host a gathering. The welcoming atmosphere is complemented by a range of utilities, including outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, and an array of payment options, from credit cards to cryptocurrency. The inviting and accessible dining space makes it a great choice for families and groups alike.
As for sides, their French fries and creamy cole slaw add an irresistible touch to any meal. And don't skip dessert! The chocolate brownie paired with ice cream is decadently rich, while the seasonal cheesecake is a delightful way to end your meal on a sweet note.
Located at 401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, California Dreaming is more than just a restaurant; it’s a community gathering place where food lovers come together. The attentive waiter service enhances the experience, ensuring you feel right at home. With its moderate noise level, it is ideal for those who cherish a relaxed dining experience without the overwhelming bustle.
So dive into the deliciousness that is California Dreaming. Whether you're feasting on their famous chicken wings or indulging in a seasonal dessert, each visit guarantees a joyful culinary journey. Explore the flavors of the West Coast right in South Carolina and savor every bite!
Business Information
- Accessibility
- Has wheelchair-accessible car park
- Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Has wheelchair-accessible seating
- Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Service options
- Offers kerbside pickup
- Offers takeaway
- Serves dine-in
- Payments
- Accepts credit cards
- Accepts debit cards
- Accepts NFC mobile payments