Dining

Lowes Foods of Forest Acres

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.6
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.

Location

Interior of a well-lit grocery store near Congaree National Park, with aisles of produce, shelves, and shoppers shopping.Deli display case filled with fried chicken, pastries, and grab‑and‑go snacks near Congaree National Park.

Frequently asked questions

Is there gluten-free items available?

Yes, gluten-free tags are throughout with a large selection of gluten-free items.

Is there seating or a place to dine on-site?

The Beer Den has seating; other on-site dining seating is not described.

Is Lowes Foods To Go available for pickup and delivery?

Yes, pickup and delivery are available through Lowes Foods To Go.

Is there a parking deck nearby if the lot is full?

There is a parking deck at Cardinal Crossing, but parking can be tight during peak hours.

What are the store hours?

Open daily 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Ruby Sunshine

Banana pudding beignets—crisp edges, banana-sweet center.

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.

Some booking links below are affiliate links, which may support YourNPGuide at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.

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.