Dining
Art Bar
Art Bar blends artsy grit with a galactic roadhouse vibe and neon pulses. The Pimento Burger delivers a juicy bite and precise seasoning on a solid bun; Pasta Salad offers crisp textures and bright flavors; Chili brings savory warmth; Tenders stay solid. Seating spans a dance floor, lounge, bar, and a sprawling outdoor patio. Happy Hour runs 5–7 PM, weekends swell with live music, and crowds stay lively into the night.
Quick facts
- Cuisine Type
- sandwiches
- Meals Served
- Dinner
- Late Night
- Signature Dishes
- Pimento Burger; Pasta Salad; Chili; Tenders
- Local Specialties
- American bar fare with burgers and classic bites
What to order
- Cuisine Type
- sandwiches
- Meals Served
- Dinner
- Late Night
- Signature Dishes
- Pimento Burger; Pasta Salad; Chili; Tenders
- Local Specialties
- American bar fare with burgers and classic bites
- Popular Items
- Pimento Burger, Pasta Salad, Chili, Tenders
- Menu Recommendations
- Pimento Burger; Pasta Salad; Chili
- Dietary Options
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Prices & reservations
- Price Specifics
- Burgers around $18; cocktails not priced in source; happy hour 33% off; local craft beers $5.50-$9.50.
- Reservations Policy
- Walk-in only.
- Typical Wait Times
- Long on weekends during events; arrive early.
- Cash Only
- 0
Hours & seating
- Operating Hours
- Monday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Tuesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Thursday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Friday: 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Sunday: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Closed Days
- Open daily
- Happy Hour Times
- 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Outdoor Seating
- Yes
- Parking Details
- Street parking is available but tight; nearby garages PJ Cannon Deck (1227 Taylor St) and Sumter St. Deck (1400 Sumter St); some lots free on weekends; paid parking signs on street.
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking, entrance, and toilet.
Visit strategy
- Best For
- Night out with friends
- Live music lovers
- Casual hang with a crowd
- Not Ideal For
- Quiet dinners or families seeking silence
- Service Type
- Table service and bar service
- Service Speed
- Varies; some reviews cite inconsistent service
- Vibe
- Artsy
- Underground club
- Galactic roadhouse
- Disco vibe
- Neon lighting
- Noise Level
- Varies: quiet on weekdays, loud on weekends and event nights
- View Type
- No notable views
- Busiest Times
- Weekends and event nights
- Best Visit Times
- Weeknights for a calmer experience; arrive early on weekends
- Tips Advice
- Hit the 5–7 PM Happy Hour for 33% off.
- Weeknights are calmer; catch local artists.
- Order Pimento Burger + Pasta Salad as the cult pair.
- Take advantage of the large outdoor patio.
More details
- Park Area
- Congaree National Park
- Takeout Available
- 1
- Delivery Available
- 0
- Delivery Details
- Takeout available; no delivery.
- Dress Code
- No dress code
- Beverage Program
- Full bar with craft cocktails, local beers, and a variety of spirits
- Local Beers
- Local craft beers available; $5.50-$9.50 for cans/drafts
- Tasting Flights
- 0
- Tours Available
- 0
- Bottle Sales
- 0
- Parking Available
- 1
- Dog Friendly Patio
- 0
- Wi-Fi Available
- 0
- Family Friendly
- 0
- Family Friendly Notes
- Not ideal for kids; loud environment
- Bar Seating
- 1
- Live Music
- Yes, frequently scheduled
- Special Events
- Karaoke, live music, trivia
- Has Gift Shop
- 0
- Unique Attractions
- Underground club vibe with disco neon and eclectic decor
- Unique Factor
- Artsy dive bar with galactic roadhouse energy and a huge outdoor patio
- Nearby Facilities
- Street parking; nearby garages PJ Cannon Deck, Sumter St Deck; some weekend free lots
- Best Time To Visit
- Weeknights after 7:00 PM for a calmer vibe; weekends are loud with live music, karaoke, or trivia. Arrive early on weekends to snag a seat.
- The Order Strategy
- Skip generic bites; get Pimento Burger + Pasta Salad. For drinks during happy hour, chase a local beer. If you crave cocktails, ask the bartender for a house special.
- The Vibe Check
- Underground club energy with neon disco; It is loud on weekends; Great for groups; Do not bring laptops to the dance floor; bring your appetite and dancing shoes.
- The Crowd Factor
- The sidewalk line appears on weekends; arrive by 7:00 PM to snag a seat; online ordering not applicable.
- Eat Here If Skip If
- EAT HERE IF: you want a burger-led night with a big outdoor patio. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, family-friendly dining environment.
- Distance From Park
- approximately 22 miles from park entrance
- Review Summary
- Juicy burgers anchor meals; Pasta Salad earns strong praise for texture; Tenders are solid; Chili delivers savory warmth. Service quality is inconsistent, with some bartenders described as unfriendly, but the energy stays high, especially on weekends.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Is Art Bar kid-friendly?
The atmosphere is nightlife-focused; not ideal for children.
Is there a dress code?
No dress code; come as you are.
Is there outdoor seating?
Yes, one of Columbia's largest outdoor patios.
Is there parking nearby?
Street parking and paid decks nearby (PJ Cannon Deck, Sumter St. Deck); some weekend lots are free.
More at Congaree National Park
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Piecewise Coffee Co. – Cayce
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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
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Iced Dirty Chai Latte: spice meets coffee, perfectly balanced.
Recommended gear for Congaree National Park
Sources
- res-menu.net
- artbarsc.com
- allbarsapp.com
- happycow.net
- joe.coffee
- onecolumbiasc.com
- fourdollarjacks.com
- chesnutcottage.com
- evendo.com
- reddit.com
- gaycities.com
- experiencecolumbiasc.com
- vistacolumbia.com
- spothero.com
- columbiamuseum.org
- 6amcity.com
- forbes.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.












