Best Burgers in Columbia / Lexington

*Due to Covid-19, all availability, times, and methods of food service are subject to change. For updated information for the items stated above, please click on the restaurant listings to visit their individual websites!*

Looking for a great local place to enjoy an American classic? Based on personal experience and top online reviews, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best restaurants for Burgers in the Midlands. To judge for yourself, click the address to see their websites, or any of the review websites to see what other people say!

Restaurants are listed Alphabetically


East Bay Deli

2 East Bay Deli Columbia Locations:

1426 Main Street Columbia, SC 29201

108 Sunset Ct. West Columbia, SC 29169

Take a bite out of East Bay Deli’s mouthwatering Certified Angus Beef burgers, also served with chips and a pickle. East Bay Deli’s warm atmosphere, great tasting plates, and inexpensive meals will not leave you unsatisfied, trust us!

Go to Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google to search for East Bay Deli’s awesome customer reviews.

Online Ordering | Carry-Out | Limited Dine-In |Outdoor Seating | DoorDash | GrubHub |


Freddy’s

2 Freddy’s Locations in Columbia:

457 Killian Rd Columbia, SC 29203 and 2879 Sunset Blvd West Columbia, SC 29169

Enjoy freshly-churned frozen custard and cooked-to-order steakburgers at Freddy’s Columbia or West Columbia location! This beloved franchise is famous for its delicious steakburgers, perfectly salted cut fries, and creamy dessert treats! Don’t miss out on Freddy’s, the Taste that truly Brings You Back!

Check out the raving reviews on Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor to see all the great things customers are saying about Freddy’s!

Take-Out | Limited Dine-In | Outdoor Seating | Drive-Through | DoorDash

2 of Freddy’s Steakburgers

Tombo Grile

4517 Forest Dr, Columbia, SC 29206

Since 2002, Tombo Grille has blossomed into a tried-and-true hotspot for incredible food, new-favorite wines, high-gravity beers and desserts too good to be missed. Tombo Grille’s friendly, knowledgeable servers stand ready to serve in a quiet corner of Forest Drive.

The Tombo Grille burger is delightfully tasty, incorporating blasts a flavor, a patty cooked to perfection, and a side of their beloved seasoned fries!

Make sure to look at the amazing customer recommendations on Yelp, Google, and TripAdvisor!

Outdoor Seating | Limited Indoor Dining | Carry-Out | Curbside Pickup


Flight Deck Restaurant

109-A Old Chapin Rd, Lexington, SC 29072

This local aviation themed restaurant is family owned and just past the Lexington County Museum. With plane memorabilia covering the walls, a classic arcade, themed menu, and more, this place is something special. Great reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google praise the classic atmosphere and the wide menu variety.

Indoor & Outdoor Seating | Online Orders | Takeout | Curbside Pickup

Flight Deck Burger – The Wildcat

Henry’s Restaurant & Bar

2865 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205

This locally owned and operated restaurant has 3 locations around Columbia. Over 14 unique burgers mark this restaurant’s menu, with combinations unlike any other. Positive reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google enjoy the variety, customization, and friendly staff.

Indoor & Outdoor Seating | Takeout | Curbside Pickup | Delivery

Henry’s Big T Burger

Hunter-Gatherer Brewery & Ale House

1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd. Columbia, SC 29205

This independently owned restaurant and brewery is located at the edge of University of South Carolina’s historic Horsehoe. This place offers 12 special house brews and frequent events, so there’s always a reason to come back and hang out. Excellent Reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google praise their unique food pairings (such as the classic burger and hash browns seen below) and rustic atmosphere.

Takeout | Outdoor Seating

Hunter Gatherer Alehouse Burger

Libby’s of Lexington

116 W Main St. Lexington, SC 29072

Near Lexington’s Icehouse Ampitheater, this local stop may not be the most extravagant place or have a rich history, but Libby’s lets their food and reviews speak for themselves. High reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google cannot stress enough that the Pimento Cheese Burger is a must-try item.

Takeout | Indoor & Outdoor Seating


Midwood Smokehouse

702 Cross Hill Rd, Ste 400 D, Columbia, SC 29205

Known for their 4 North Carolina locations, this location near Midlands Technical College in downtown Columbia is the only one in South Carolina. Midwood Smokehouse has a constantly rotating barbecue pit, cooking 24/7, to give all of their servings that crave-able smokey flavor. Reviews from amazed customers on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google love the attention to quality ingredients and willingness to meet any customer request.

Limited Indoor Seating | Online Orders |Takeout | Curbside Pickup | Delivery

Midwood Smokehouse Burger

Steve’s Classic Burgers

612 St Andrews Rd, Ste 7, Columbia, SC 29210

Right off I-26, this family owned and operated restaurant was started in 2015 as a way for the family to invest in their local community. Setting themselves apart from other places, this restaurant never freezes their meats and makes everything right in front of you. Good reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google all praise the friendliness of staff, freshness of ingredients, and low prices.

Indoor & Outdoor Seating |Takeout

Steve’s Classic Burger

The Backyard Cafe

940 Old Barnwell Rd, West Columbia, SC 29170

Near the Pine Grove Sports Complex, The Backyard Cafe is a family owned and operated restaurant, started in 2008. Not only are they known for their great burgers, but they also have homemade ice cream. Reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google are all awestruck by the comfy atmosphere, southern charm, and quality cooking.

Outdoor Seating | Takeout | Curbside Pickup


The Whig

1200 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201

Right across the street from the South Carolina State House, The Whig is an independently owned dive bar started in 2005, serving southern style food. If the food wasn’t interesting enough, the strange decorations sure are as this dive bar is decorated exclusively with taxidermy and antique-style furniture. Happy reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google all agree, there’s nothing like their beer and burger combos.

The Whig’s Mac & Cheese Burger

Zesto’s

504 12th St, West Columbia, SC 29169

With 3 locations across the Midlands, this one is the original. Started in 1955 and identified by the giant ice cream cone on top, this restaurant has been passed down from father to son and become a Columbia landmark. Satisfied reviews on TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Google say it as simple as possible: their burgers are simply classic around here.

Limited Indoor & Outdoor Seating | Takeout

Zesto’s Classic Burger