Dining

Bourbon

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.6
Cozy blue-velvet dining area inside a restaurant at Congaree National Park, featuring round marble tables and warm lighting.

Crispy Boudin Balls crackle on the bite, then Shrimp & Grits deliver Gulf shrimp with the Holy Trinity and Congaree Milling Co. grits, finished with chili oil. The Bourbon Gumbo Bowl weds confit duck with Andouille in a rich, spicy spoonful, warming the room. Portions feel robust in flavor even if they run on the generous side for the price—this is bold, texture-forward Cajun-Creole with a Southern twist.

Quick facts

Meals Served
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Crispy Boudin Balls; Shrimp & Grits; Bourbon Gumbo Bowl
Local Specialties
Local ingredients, Congaree Milling Co. hominy grits, local greens
Popular Items
Crispy Boudin Balls; Shrimp & Grits; Bourbon Gumbo Bowl

What to order

Meals Served
  • Dinner
Signature Dishes
Crispy Boudin Balls; Shrimp & Grits; Bourbon Gumbo Bowl
Local Specialties
Local ingredients, Congaree Milling Co. hominy grits, local greens
Popular Items
Crispy Boudin Balls; Shrimp & Grits; Bourbon Gumbo Bowl
Menu Recommendations
Crispy Boudin Balls, Shrimp & Grits, Bourbon Gumbo Bowl, Creole Pimento Cheese, Banana Pudding
Dietary Options
  • Vegetarian
  • Vegan
  • Gluten-free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics
Bayou Burger: $15-$16.80; Pork Mac & Cheese: $13.75-$15; Etouffée: $27.50-$30; Shrimp & Grits: $28.80; Bourbon Gumbo Bowl: $24-$26
Reservations Policy
No reservations taken.
Typical Wait Times
Under an hour for parties of four or fewer on busy nights; larger groups may wait longer.
Payment Methods
  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • Cash
Cash Only
0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours
  • Monday: 4:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 4:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 4:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Thursday: 4:30 – 11:00 PM
  • Friday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Saturday: 4:30 PM – 12:00 AM
  • Sunday: Closed
Seasonal Hours
Summer Hours for Lounge and Courtyard
Closed Days
Sundays
Happy Hour Times
Not published
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Parking Details
Free street parking after 5 PM; free lot directly behind the restaurant; valet available; parking in adjacent apartment complex ground lot is not allowed and vehicles will be towed
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible toilet available; general accessibility details not fully enumerated; entrances likely street-level with standard dining layout

Visit strategy

Best For
  • Date night
  • Special occasions
  • Evening out after hiking
  • Groups
Not Ideal For
Quiet dinners or those seeking a hushed atmosphere
Service Type
Table service
Service Speed
Moderate
Vibe
  • Upscale saloon
  • Trendy
  • Warm
  • Inviting
  • Cozy
  • Vibrant energy
Noise Level
Moderate buzz
View Type
  • Rooftop view
Busiest Times
Friday and Saturday nights
Best Visit Times
Earlier in the week or off-peak hours
Tips Advice
  • Start with Crispy Boudin Balls for texture contrast
  • Shrimp & Grits showcases local grits and the Holy Trinity
  • Bourbon Gumbo Bowl is the must-order
  • Arrive early to beat the peak crowds
  • Take advantage of rooftop seating for the view
  • Use Uber Eats/Postmates for easy delivery

More details

Park Area
Congaree National Park, near Columbia, SC
Takeout Available
1
Delivery Available
1
Delivery Details
Uber Eats and Postmates
Dress Code
Casual
Beverage Program
Full bar with 400+ bourbons/whiskeys; craft cocktails with fresh juices and homemade syrups; local beers; curated wine list
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 to an extent; no dedicated children’s menu; staff can accommodate kids
Age Restriction
All ages
Bar Seating
1
Seasonal Rushes
Summer evenings busier; weekends bustle
Live Music
Live music on weekends
Has Gift Shop
0
Unique Attractions
Rooftop bar seating with a view; extensive bourbon program
Unique Factor
Over 400 bourbons and a rooftop view
Nearby Facilities
Free street parking after 5 PM; free behind-the-restaurant lot; valet; rooftop and courtyard facilities
Recent Updates
Summer hours introduced for Lounge and Courtyard; elevated bourbon program noted
Best Time To Visit
Earlier in the week or off-peak hours; Mon-Thu before 7 PM to beat the crowd.
The Order Strategy
Skip Bayou Burger, get Shrimp & Grits. For drinks, order a bourbon neat.
The Vibe Check
Upscale saloon with a warm, refined energy; lively on weekends yet suitable for a chic dinner; rooftop and courtyard add variety
The Crowd Factor
Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest; small parties seated under an hour; bar seating first-come, first-served
Eat Here If Skip If
EAT HERE IF: you want Cajun-Creole with top bourbon program and strong texture focus. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, kid-free, quick bite.
Distance From Park
approximately 22 miles from park entrance
Review Summary
Dishes deliver bold, textured flavors with crisp exteriors and velvety sauces; Shrimp & Grits highlights notable grits and seasoning; portions feel flavorful and punchy, with a lively, upscale ambience rather than a hurried dining room

Location

Fried chicken sandwich with sauce on a bun at Congaree National Park restaurant in a rustic bar setting.Close-up of a glass with a decorative B logo and a bourbon bottle on a weathered wooden surface at Congaree National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is there vegetarian or vegan options?

Vegetarian Gumbo Bowl is available; some dishes can be made vegetarian by removing meat; vegan options are limited.

Are gluten-free options available?

Gluten-free selections are offered.

Is takeout or delivery available?

Yes. Takeout and delivery through Uber Eats and Postmates.

What’s the dress code?

Casual.

Is there parking?

Yes. Free street parking after 5 PM and a free lot directly behind the restaurant; valet is available.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.