Prohibition

Inside a rustic restaurant dining room at Congaree National Park, long wooden booths line a dimly lit interior.

Prohibition’s Roaring Twenties vibe glows on Main Street as the Short Rib Burger steals the show—a giant patty on a toasted, barely charred bun with fries that arrive extra crispy. Shrimp and Grits deliver creamy, cheesy richness with succulent shrimp, bathed in a rich sauce. Pork Belly Bites snap with a tangy glaze and fresh herbs, while Crab Deviled Eggs offer bright, tapas-style bites. Live jazz and a full bar boost the mood to date-night level.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Dinner
Brunch
Signature Dishes: Short Rib Burger; Crab Deviled Eggs; Shrimp and Grits; Pork Belly Bites
Local Specialties: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Popular Items: Short Rib Burger; Shrimp and Grits; Crab Deviled Eggs; Pork Belly Bites

What to order

Meals Served: Dinner
Brunch
Signature Dishes: Short Rib Burger; Crab Deviled Eggs; Shrimp and Grits; Pork Belly Bites
Local Specialties: Fresh, locally sourced ingredients
Popular Items: Short Rib Burger; Shrimp and Grits; Crab Deviled Eggs; Pork Belly Bites
Menu Recommendations: Short Rib Burger, Shrimp & Grits; pair with Old Fashioned
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Entrees $18-35; tapas-style small plates
Reservations Policy: Reservations recommended via website; up to one day in advance. Walk-ins welcome, especially during Sippin’ Santa events.
Typical Wait Times: Wait times can occur during peak hours; arriving early in the evening may speed service.
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Tuesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Wednesday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Thursday: 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Seasonal Hours: Menu uses seasonal ingredients; seasonal pop-ups like Sippin’ Santa.
Happy Hour Times: Mon-Fri 4 PM–6 PM; Sat-Sun 2 PM–6 PM; Late-night 9 PM–11 PM Thu–Sat.
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Free street parking; can be difficult to find.
Accessibility: Street-level location; no explicit accessibility details provided.

Visit strategy

Best For: Date nights
Small groups
Live music nights
Not Ideal For: Quiet work sessions; ultra-budget diners
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Steady; peak times may slow service
Vibe: Speakeasy-style
Lively
Vintage décor
Swanky
Noise Level: Moderate buzz with live music
View Type: Interior view of Prohibition-era decor
Busiest Times: Saturday mornings and evenings
Best Visit Times: Weeknights after 5 PM; Weekend Brunch 11 AM-2 PM
Tips Advice: Get the Short Rib Burger for a big bite with crispy fries.
Reserve ahead via the website, especially for events like Sippin’ Santa.
Arrive early on weekends to minimize wait times.

More details

Park Area: Downtown Columbia
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Takeout and delivery available; order through Prohibition Columbia channels
Dress Code: Business casual suggested; casual comfortable attire accepted
Beverage Program: Full-service bar with craft cocktails, an impressive whiskey selection, local beers on tap, and a thoughtful wine list
Local Beers: Local beers on tap
Signature Cocktails: Old Fashioned; Moscow Mule
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: Atmosphere is welcoming but not explicitly kid-focused; quieter options may suit families
Bar Seating: 1
Seasonal Rushes: Sippin’ Santa holiday pop-up
Live Music: Jazz, ragtime, blues, Americana on select evenings
Special Events: Sippin’ Santa; seasonal pop-ups
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Prohibition-era decor; live jazz; tapas-style bites; Short Rib Burger
Unique Factor: Speakeasy vibe with modern American plates on Main Street
Recent Updates: Seasonal ingredients; Sippin’ Santa pop-up
Best Time To Visit: Evenings for dinner; Happy Hour Mon-Fri 4-6 PM, Sat-Sun 2-6 PM; Brunch on weekends 11 AM-2 PM.
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic burger and go straight for the Short Rib Burger—locals swear by its giant patty and crispy fries. For drinks, order the Old Fashioned; for something lighter, Moscow Mule.
The Vibe Check: Downtown Columbia date-night hub; loud, lively, and swanky; not a laptop-friendly zone
The Crowd Factor: Peak on Saturdays; Sippin’ Santa draws crowds; arrive early
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want a Prohibition-era vibe with modern plates; SKIP IF: you need a quiet, budget-friendly meal
Distance From Park: approximately 22 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Texture-forward plates and a lively downtown scene; Short Rib Burger and Shrimp & Grits stand out, though some feel portions don’t match price. Flavor and presentation carry the experience, with live music elevating the mood.