Lowes Foods Forest Acres - Smokehouse Meats & Bread

Forest Acres Lowe's Foods exterior storefront near Congaree National Park, beige siding with large glass windows and green trim.

Walk into Lowes Foods Forest Acres and feel a grocery that doubles as a lively market. Smokehouse Meats crackle with wood smoke and juicy slices, while Hot Fresh Bread delivers crusty loaves from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM daily. The Beer Den pours local drafts and wine as you shop, and the Coffee Bar roasts beans on-site for a fresh cup. It’s a grocery with real flavor focus, not just a quick stop.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Takeout
Signature Dishes: Smokehouse Meats; Freshly Baked Cobblestone Breads; Chicken Kitchen
Local Specialties: South Carolina peaches; produce sourced from 200+ Carolinas farmers
Popular Items: Smokehouse Meats and Hot Fresh Bread; Local brews at The Beer Den

What to order

Meals Served: Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Snacks
Takeout
Signature Dishes: Smokehouse Meats; Freshly Baked Cobblestone Breads; Chicken Kitchen
Local Specialties: South Carolina peaches; produce sourced from 200+ Carolinas farmers
Popular Items: Smokehouse Meats and Hot Fresh Bread; Local brews at The Beer Den
Menu Recommendations: Smokehouse Meats; Hot Fresh Bread window (4:30–7:30 PM); try the on-site roasted coffee beans; grab a pint at The Beer Den
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Reservations Policy: Walk-in only for shopping. No reservations required; deli and bar counters operate on a first-come basis during peak hours.
Typical Wait Times: No general wait for shopping; expect lines at deli or service counters during peak hours.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Happy Hour Times: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM daily
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Free parking, but can be tight; there is also a parking deck at Cardinal Crossing.
Accessibility: No explicit accessibility notes; assume standard supermarket accessibility with ramps and accessible aisles. Entrance and restrooms follow typical store design.

Visit strategy

Best For: Families with kids
Shoppers seeking quick bites
Local product enthusiasts
Not Ideal For: Those seeking a formal dining room or quiet, white-tablecloth experience
Service Type: Self-service grocery with counter service for prepared foods, deli, bakery, and bar
Service Speed: Efficient for groceries; counter service can be slower at peak times
Vibe: Vibrant
Community-focused
Family-friendly
Noise Level: Moderate to lively buzz during peak hours
View Type: Inside shopping center
Busiest Times: Weekends and evenings
Best Visit Times: Weekday mornings or early evenings; bread window 4:30 PM–7:30 PM
Tips Advice: Hit the Hot Fresh Bread window 4:30 PM–7:30 PM daily.
Grab Smokehouse Meats for a quick protein fix.
Use Lowes Foods To Go for pickup and delivery to skip lines.
Arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid parking crunch.

More details

Park Area: Forest Acres, Columbia, SC
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Lowes Foods To Go for pickup and delivery
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: The Beer Den with local crafts and wine; Coffee Bar with on-site roasting
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 events; welcoming for families in a shopping environment
Bar Seating: 1
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Beer Den with tastings; Hot Fresh Bread program; Cobblestone breads
Unique Factor: On-site Beer Den and in-house bakery within a grocery; strong emphasis on local Carolina producers
Nearby Facilities: Nearby Lazy Daisy Coffee Co. with pet-friendly patio
Best Time To Visit: Weekdays mornings or early evenings to dodge peak crowds; Hot Fresh Bread window 4:30 PM–7:30 PM daily.
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic grocery grab, get Smokehouse Meats. For coffee, order the on-site roasted beans.
The Vibe Check: Lively, family-friendly, and community-driven with a bar and tasting options integrated into the shopping flow.
The Crowd Factor: Weekends bring the most activity; arrive early or on weekdays to secure a spot and quicker movement.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want local produce and ready-to-eat meals; SKIP IF: you are after a formal dining room.
Distance From Park: approximately 20 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Shoppers praise the quality of local produce and prepared foods; parking and peak-hour crowds can be challenging; The Beer Den adds a casual, social layer to shopping.