Dining

Prohibition

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.1
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.

Location

Bar interior featuring backlit bottle shelves and a long counter inside a lodge-style venue at Congaree National Park.Restaurant dining spread at Congaree National Park featuring a variety of small plates and cocktails.

Frequently asked questions

Is gluten-free available?

Yes; gluten-free options exist; be cautious with fried items.

Are reservations required?

Reservations recommended via the website and can be made up to one day in advance; walk-ins welcome, especially during events.

Is there a kids menu?

Kid-focused menu not listed; atmosphere is welcoming but not marketed to families.

Is there parking?

Free street parking is available, but finding a spot can be challenging.

Is there live music?

Yes, live jazz, ragtime, blues, and Americana on select evenings.

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.