Dining
Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe
Kaminsky's Dessert Cafe in Columbia offers a cozy, quirky vibe with a full bar. Toll House Pie is a warm, nut-crusted slice with a caramel glaze that crackles on the bite; the Brownie Sundae delivers a fudgy center with a crisp edge and vanilla crown. Red Velvet Cake (3-layer) satisfies the sweet tooth, while Pink Velvet adds a playful twist. On busy Fridays it fills up with a lively, friendly energy.
Quick facts
- Meals Served
- Evening
- Signature Dishes
- Toll House Pie; Red Velvet Cake; Brownie Sundae
- Popular Items
- Toll House Pie and Brownie Sundae
What to order
- Meals Served
- Evening
- Signature Dishes
- Toll House Pie; Red Velvet Cake; Brownie Sundae
- Popular Items
- Toll House Pie and Brownie Sundae
- Menu Recommendations
- Toll House Pie; Brownie Sundae; Chocolate Coconut Martini
- Dietary Options
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free options
Prices & reservations
- Price Specifics
- Cakes by slice $8-$10; Pies by slice $7-$8; Cheesecake by slice $8-$12; Brownie $4-$6; Cookies (2) $5-$6; Dessert Martinis $14; Adult Milkshakes $11.40; Specialty Coffees $4-$8
- Reservations Policy
- Walk-ins welcome; waitlist with text updates; specialty desserts can be reserved 48 hours in advance
- Typical Wait Times
- Significant on busy nights; Fridays are especially crowded; wait times possible
- Cash Only
- 0
Hours & seating
- Operating Hours
- Monday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 5:00 – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM
- Sunday: 12:00 – 10:00 PM
- Seasonal Hours
- Year-round
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Parking Details
- Metered parking nearby in the downtown Columbia area
Visit strategy
- Best For
- After-hike treats
- Casual dates
- Friends gatherings
- Service Type
- Counter for desserts; table service for drinks
- Service Speed
- Varies
- Vibe
- Cozy
- Charming
- Quirky
- People-friendly
- Noise Level
- Moderate buzz; lively on weekends
- Busiest Times
- Friday and Saturday nights
- Best Visit Times
- Weeknights or earlier evenings
- Tips Advice
- Order Toll House Pie first for the nutty, caramel-crack crust
- Brownie Sundae delivers fudgy center and crisp edges
- Reserve desserts 48 hours in advance
- Chocolate Coconut Martini is a standout dessert cocktail
- If you’re in a hurry, visit on a weekday evening
More details
- Park Area
- Congaree National Park
- Takeout Available
- 1
- Delivery Available
- 1
- Delivery Details
- Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Beverage Program
- Full bar; specialty coffees; dessert martinis; adult milkshakes; beer and wine
- Tasting Flights
- 0
- Tours Available
- 0
- Bottle Sales
- 0
- Parking Available
- 1
- Dog Friendly Patio
- 0
- Wi-Fi Available
- 0
- Family Friendly
- 1
- Family Friendly Notes
- Kid-friendly; offers kids' milkshakes and sundaes
- Age Restriction
- All ages welcome
- Bar Seating
- 1
- Has Gift Shop
- 0
- Unique Factor
- Full bar paired with a dessert-forward menu; Toll House Pie is a signature highlight
- Nearby Facilities
- Metered parking nearby; downtown Columbia location
- Best Time To Visit
- Weeknights or earlier evenings to dodge crowds; Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest.
- The Order Strategy
- Skip Red Velvet Cake; get Toll House Pie. For cocktails, order Chocolate Coconut Martini.
- The Vibe Check
- Post-hike chill meets downtown dessert bar; cozy, casual, and a touch bustling—great for a relaxed date or group hangout.
- The Crowd Factor
- Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest; to beat the line, arrive early or opt for online waitlist and bar seating
- Eat Here If Skip If
- EAT HERE IF: you want a dessert-focused night with friends or family. SKIP IF: you need a quiet moment during peak times.
- Distance From Park
- approximately 22 miles from park entrance
- Review Summary
- Toll House Pie and Brownie Sundae dominate the texture notes; portions are generous and pies feel substantial. Red Velvet Cake can be dry in some slices, and drinks occasionally arrive slower on busy nights. The crowd brings a lively, friendly energy, especially on Fridays.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is Toll House Pie nut-containing?
Yes. Toll House Pie contains nuts; Peanut alert. Ask staff about nut-free options.
Are reservations required?
Walk-ins are welcome; a waitlist is used and specialty desserts can be reserved 48 hours in advance.
Is takeout available?
Yes. Takeout and delivery via Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash.
Do they have a dessert lineup for families with kids?
Yes. The cafe offers kid-friendly milkshakes and sundaes.
What’s the standout cocktail?
Chocolate Coconut Martini is a notable dessert cocktail.
More at Congaree National Park
Ruby Sunshine
Banana pudding beignets—crisp edges, banana-sweet center.
Piecewise Coffee Co. – Cayce
Cheese and Chive Bagel—pair it with Honeysuckle Latte for a perfect combo.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
Tenders or sliders: juicy, crispy bite with seven heat levels—start mild, end bold.
Market On Main
Wagyu burger with truffle fries: juicy patty, crisp char, truffle kiss.
Barnes & Noble
Bakery bites shine here: double chocolate chunk cookies and warm croissants steal the show.
Indah Coffee
Iced Dirty Chai Latte: spice meets coffee, perfectly balanced.
Recommended gear for Congaree National Park
Sources
- vistacolumbia.com
- americasbestrestaurants.com
- youtube.com
- blogspot.com
- restaurants-us.com
- experiencecolumbiasc.com
- maptons.com
- ubereats.com
- kaminskys.com
- postmates.com
- joe.coffee
- waze.com
- charlestoncvb.com
- resy.com
- nps.gov
- nationalparked.com
- restaurantweeksouthcarolina.com
- shakaguide.com
- wagwalking.com
- bringfido.com
- Google Reviews
- YourNPGuide Editorial
Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research. Learn how YourNPGuide works.
Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.












