California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

Name: California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating
Address: 401 Main St, Columbia, SC, United States, 29201-4147
Telephone: (803) 254-6767
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2501 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a booking

2 people

28 Nov 2024

10:00 pm

Booked 34 times today

Good for special occasions
Good for groups
Neighbourhood gem

Located in downtown Columbia, SC, inside the historic 1902 Union Station, California Dreaming welcomes guests with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of the rail tracks, stretching from the inactive platform to the main terminal. Paired with our hearty, made-from-scratch menu, it's no wonder California Dreaming has been a beloved local institution since 1984. Open for lunch and dinner daily, including online ordering with curbside pickup.

Celebrating 40 years, California Dreaming has been a valued part of the Columbia community. Union Station, its historic home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

**We provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 8. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(803) 254-6767
Website
http://www.californiadreaming.rest/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147
Area
Columbia
Parking details
Public Parking
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

She Crab SoupUSD 7.95
A rich and creamy Charleston classic
Steamed Peel & Eat ShrimpUSD 9.94
(9) Old Bay boil, served with cocktail sauce
Fried Crab ClawsUSD 15.95
Served with spicy cocktail sauce. Llimited availability
BBQ Chicken NachosUSD 13.95
Smoky BBQ sauce, red onions, house-made chips, cheese sauce
Seafood NachosUSD 15.95
Spicy shrimp, salmon, red onions, house-made chips, cheese sauce and lobster cream sauce with dill
Tijuana Chicken WingsUSD 13.95
Marinated in hot pepper sauce, fried crispy, with bleu cheese dip
Our Famous Croissants (5)USD 6.95
Topped with honey-butter
Baked Potato SoupUSD 6.95
Creamy soup, scallions, cheese, ham, bacon

Entrees

Chicken Tenders PlatterUSD 16.95
Fried chicken tenderloins, served with house-made honey BBQ sauce and french fries
Blackened Chicken PastaUSD 17.95
Alfredo, scallions, tomatoes, with romano cheese
BBQ ChickenUSD 15.95
Double breast of chicken basted with BBQ sauce, with side item
Knob Hill ChickenUSD 17.95
Topped with ham and monterey jack cheese, with side item
Crispy Shrimp Tacos (3)USD 15.95
Jicama slaw, chipotle mayo, tomatoes, pickled onions, scallions, queso fresco

Seafood Favorites

Shrimp San FranciscoUSD 17.95
Mushrooms, garlic cream, white wine, served over pasta, topped with romano cheese
Roasted SalmonUSD 24.95
Encrusted with rosemary and thyme, with side item
Carolina TroutUSD 23.95
Grilled with arugula and lemon

Fried Seafood Platters

ShrimpUSD 20.95
OystersUSD 24.95
FlounderUSD 20.95
All ThreeUSD 25.95
Served with french fries

Salads

California DreamingUSD 13.95
Mixed greens, ham and turkey, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, egg, tomatoes, almonds topped with warm ham and bacon, house dressing
Roasted Salmon or ChickenUSD 15.95
Mixed greens, bacon, egg, avocado, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette
- SalmonUSD 15.95
- ChickenUSD 14.95
CaesarUSD 14.95
Crisp romaine, grated romano cheese, croutons
- Chicken or Fried ShrimpUSD 14.95
- Fried OystersUSD 16.95
Chicken ClubUSD 14.95
Mixed greens, fried chicken strips, avocado, bacon, egg, tomatoes, house-made ranch dressing

Steaks, Chops + Ribs

Pork ChopUSD 25.95
16oz. double bone, frenched chop, peach jalapeno jam
Marinated SirloinUSD 24.95
10oz. CAB sirloin marinated in fruit juices, garlic, soy sauce and spices
Steak + ShrimpUSD 25.95
Two 3oz. filet medallions, crispy fried shrimp
RibeyeUSD 33.95
14oz. hand cut
Filet MignonUSD 35.95
8oz. barrel cut
Baby Back RibsUSD 19.95
Danish full-flavored ribs, grilled with a charred exterior, basted with BBQ sauce, with side item
- One RackUSD 19.95
- Two RacksUSD 27.95

Burgers

Served with french fries

AmericanUSD 12.95
Lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and Duke's® mayo
VeggieUSD 13.95
Beyond Burger®, sweet soy, Duke's® mayo, monterey jack cheese, lettuce, pickle, tomato and red onions

Sandwiches

Served with french fries

Spicy ChickenUSD 12.95
Crispy fried chicken, american cheese, jicama slaw, pickles, chipotle mayo
ClubUSD 12.95
Thinly sliced turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toasted sourdough
ChickenUSD 12.95
Broiled, topped with jack cheese, bacon, arugula, tomato and honey mustard
BBQ PorkUSD 12.95
Pulled pork, pickles, red onion and cole slaw
New Orleans Po' BoyUSD 14.95
Flounder, Fried Shrimp or Oysters with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce on french bread
SteakUSD 17.95
Two 3oz. filet medallions, lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato, and jack cheese

Sides

$4.95

French Fries
Seasonal Veggie
Mashed Potatoes
Creamy Cole Slaw
Baked Potato
after 4pm

Desserts

Chocolate BrownieUSD 7.95
Apple Walnut CobblerUSD 8.94
Croissant Bread PuddingUSD 7.95
CheesecakeUSD 8.94

What 2,501 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.4Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Carolina
Most Booked
Columbia
Good for groups
Columbia
Healthy
Columbia
Hot spot
Columbia
Neighbourhood gem
Columbia
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

California Dreaming in Columbia offers a "fabulous atmosphere" within a historic train depot, perfect for special occasions. Guests rave about the "delicious food" and "great service," with standout dishes like the Cali Dreaming salad and seafood nachos. Priority seating ensures prompt service, though the place can get busy on holidays.

2,501 Reviews

S
Stephen
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Good experience even though it was on a very busy holiday for a restaurant. Seated fairly quickly. Great waiter with an awesome personality. Meal brought to our table quickly. We’ll consider visiting California Dreaming again soon!
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S
Steven
Charleston
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 2
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
It was busy for Thanksgiving. My seafood platter is ice cold. The server was great.
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C
Carlette
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Our server AJ, was attentive and even though it was a shortened Thanksgiving menu…..the food was delicious.
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H
Heidi
Washington DC
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
I made reservations two months in advance and still had to wait upon arrival. The hostess seemed a bit unfriendly, possibly due to the busyness and apparent overbooking. On the positive side, our waiter provided excellent service. The food was mixed—while the fish and shrimp were good and served in generous portions, the filet mignon was disappointing, as it was tough and not what I’d expect for the price.
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B
Beth
Charleston
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
We were seated quickly with no issues. The food was good, and the service outstanding. All in all, a great choice for Thanksgiving.
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S
Sandra
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The California Dreaming Thanksgiving meal was delightful. Plenty of tasty traditional dishes. The plates were generous and the service excellent!
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L
Lisa
Charleston
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Four years in a row our family has enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal at California Dreaming. The food is delicious and there is always plenty to take home for supper.
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B
Bill
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were seated earlier than our reservations and table service was quick and efficient. Enjoyed our Thanksgiving Dinner. Thanks.
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S
Steven
Coastal Georgia
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 2
We frequent CD on a regular basis. This is the first year we decided to make a reservation instead of cooking. They had no information online that I could find about what they would be serving on Thanksgiving but that was fine. It was $30 per person for the thanksgiving meal. Not inedible by any means but it was subpar. Their regular menu is much better. We were disappointed. The list said the meal came with corn bread and I had to ask for that. A couple of us ordered salads and asked for extra dressing. We had to ask twice. I asked the waiter if he could put the cranberry relish on the side for me and he said no. They will not change a thing about the Thanksgiving meal. I asked that they just leave it off of my plate then. When my husbands plate came, his was on the side. 😳 The Thanksgiving meal said it came with carrots and green beans. I received no carrots. At this point, I wasn’t about to ask for carrots. I would not go back on thanksgiving again. PS the waiter was trying to be nice but it was so fake. I think he was mad he had to work on Thanksgiving so he came across as nice, nasty. We have never had bad service and although he wasn’t terrible, he wasn’t great either. Just disappointed.
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S
Shawn
Charleston
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
excellent service excellent food excellent atmosphere
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FAQs

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (803) 254-6767.

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating is rated 4.4 stars by 2501 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

28 Nov 2024

10:00 pm

Booked 34 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147

Additional information

Area
Columbia
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Public Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeaway, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.californiadreaming.rest/
Phone number
(803) 254-6767

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Steak

Our Famous Croissants (5)