Dining

Art Bar

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.4
Interior bar space in Congaree National Park, featuring red booths, curved benches, and eclectic retro decor.

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.

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Sources

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.