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Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC

Al's Upstairs

4.9
4.9
1212 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top Tags:
-Window seat requests are not guaranteed on the weekends or holidays

-Please, no children under 6 years old on the weekends.

-Private dining rooms available, please call 803-920-9406

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:15 pm
  • Phone number
    (803) 794-7404
  • Website
    http://alsupstairsitalian.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Michael Wright
  • Location
    304 Meeting St., West Columbia, SC 29169
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Parking details
    There is additional parking for Als Upstairs located behind our property at the Egg Roll Station.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine

What 1,212 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.9
4.9 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Romantic

  • South Carolina

    Italian

  • Columbia

    Best Overall

  • Columbia

    Best Food

  • Columbia

    Best Service

  • Columbia

    Best Ambiance

  • Columbia

    Best Value

  • Columbia

    Great for fine wines

  • Columbia

    Romantic

  • Columbia

    Good for special occasions

  • Columbia

    Most Booked

1,212 Reviews

  1. JohnS

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our server Brady was outstanding! To bad this restaurant is closing.

    Is this helpful?

  2. SueF

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Al's Upstairs is an iconic restaurant in Columbia SC. When I heard they were closing, I knew I had to have a special meal there one more time. The menu, the service, the ambience are second to none! The view alone is worth your reservation!

    Is this helpful?

  3. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Perfection. We are really going to miss this place!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Mackenzie

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is by far my favorite restaurant in Columbia. Extremely sad to see it go. But, if the owner ever wants to release a cookbook of these delicious recipes I would happily purchase it 🙂

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding as always. We’re so sad to see Al’s Upstairs is closing. Where the heck will I go to get anything close to their lobster bisque?

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was a great evening. They were really busy but it did not take away from the service at all. I would definitly recommed visiting before Al retires.

    Is this helpful?

  7. ChristopherT

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fantastic, as always. We went for nearly every anniversary for 23 years. Al and his wonderful restaurant will be missed!!!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    E. Tennessee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, great atmosphere, sad it was my first and last time going there and really wanted to take my children there as they love Italian food.

    Is this helpful?

  9. AHAUG16TH

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always a great experience when we visit. The service, food, and atmosphere is always five stars.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    My husband and I had a wonderful experience on Thursday night. We especially enjoyed our server who was very helpful, made us laugh and took a photo for us. We are so sad to see Al's Upstairs close. We have many happy memories of time at this outstanding restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great dining experience. We will miss having the opportunity to dine at Al's Upstairs when the close their doors this month.

    Is this helpful?

  12. ZekeR

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great Dinner as expected - Al's has always been a legend here in our community - it is hard to see them close up but I wish them the best of luck in all that they do - we will miss eating with a view and of course their fantastic food always delivers!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Phoenix

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Al was waiting to greet diners and the window table facing the best view in the city (downtown) was perfect. There were a rose and candle on the table with white linen tablecloths and pretty chairs. The brown sugar old fashion was strong and the seafood manicotti was really good. The veal parmesan was excellent and the tiramisu was small but good! We are glad we were able to make a reservation.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Lofty5958

    Coastal Georgia

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    just perfect! Al’s was our first dining experience in Columbia in 1998, so to return for a sumptuous meal in their last month of operation was a real treat!

    Is this helpful?

  15. AnnP

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The same excellent service and food. So sorry to see them go!

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I took my friend to Al’s Upstairs Italian Restaurant for her birthday celebration. Everything was wonderful! The staff were attentive and very helpful, and the food was exquisite and the atmosphere was peaceful. Many thanks!

    Is this helpful?

  17. JoeFirm

    Charleston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Awesome as always. We're going to miss Als. Good luck on your retirement.

    Is this helpful?

  18. JeannetteP

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Al’s is a classic. Sorry to see it close but we wish Al all the best in his new chapter. So thankful we were able to get one more meal there even if we did drive in from Greenville. Delicious food and ambience like no other place has. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  19. Rick

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Always exceptional. Our favorite restaurant in Columbia. We will miss you. Good luck, Al.

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The wait staff was excellent. Provided choices & his eyes lit up when he talked about the food choices & the staff he worked with. That goes a long way.

    Is this helpful?

  21. JeffS

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Hate to see it end Al! Thanks for the Meals and great times.

    Is this helpful?

  22. TroyT

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Perfect portions. Awesome service. They will be missed.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    One of the best spots in Columbia. Truly sad that it is closing.

    Is this helpful?

  24. CamdenSC

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We love this place! We went for our anniversary earlier this year but Al’s will be gone when January comes back around. We enjoyed the place both times. I hope we can get in one more time before they leave.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

    Is this helpful?

  25. MikeG

    Charleston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Many enjoyable years eating at Al’s Upstairs. Will be missed. Wonderful food and wait staff.

    Is this helpful?

  26. SteveC

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Al’s was our go to for special occasions and always trust in the care, quality, and service given to be exemplary! We will miss having this experience available to us! Enjoy your meal before they close and are sadly missed!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Loni

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great place to eat with an amazing view.Food is always good.We wish Al all the best as he retires next month.Hope another good chef takes over this location.

    Is this helpful?

  28. KristiB

    Houston

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have always loved Al’s. It is one of our staples when we are in town. Love the food. Love our favorite waiter MJ. We are so sad they are closing their doors this year.

    Is this helpful?

  29. BenjaminW

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    This was my first visit. I have heard about Al's Upstairs for the 35 years I have been in Columbia. I wish now I had gone long before now. Saddened that they are closing Dec 19. I am glad I got to go at least once.

    Is this helpful?

  30. StanleyS

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful dining experience. I regret they are closing

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    A marvelous, delicious and amazing dinner. Food, atmosphere and staff exceptional. 100 stars.

    Is this helpful?

  32. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It was amazing as always! Hard to come to terms with Al retiring and bringing an end one of the finest restaurants Columbia has to offer. But we’ll deserved and wish him all the best.

    Is this helpful?

  33. SolomonH

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great restaurant with amazing food. Pasta alla als is the best pasta I've had in a long time

    Is this helpful?

  34. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    All of our food was great except for our desserts. My wife didn’t like the cheesecake, and my chocolate almond torte cake was bitter. View from the tables next to the windows is great. A large party was initially seated next to us and then moved to another location. When they were next to us, the noise level in the room was loud. Definitely not a romantic dining experience at first. Once that party moved, the noise level went down considerably.

    Is this helpful?

  35. RobinF

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful as always. We always try to make in to Al’s when we are in town!

    Is this helpful?

  36. LarryG

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a window table with a wonderful view of the Cola skyline reflecting the setting sun. The food and experience was simply great/amazing. Too bad we can’t go there every Friday evening.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food. Good service. Best view of downtown Columbia!! I always enjoy a visit to Al’s.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Kendall

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    The place was very nice when you walk in and sit down. It wasn’t very busy when we were there, however, we waited 15 minutes to just get waters. As me and my boyfriend are younger, we felt as if we were treated a bit differently than the older folks in there. My food was amazing, but my boyfriends fish was over cooked and not appetizing. It did make him sick after dinner. We did let our waitress know and they did not take it off the check. It’s a shame because I have heard great things about this place.

    Is this helpful?

  39. PaulR

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We went to celebrate the wife’s birthday with family and had a very nice time. The reservation was for two hours which is plenty of time to enjoy without being rushed.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It’s always been a great place. Top notch! We’ll be back.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Al's Upstairs offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (803) 794-7404.

Al's Upstairs is rated 4.9 stars by 1212 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Al's Upstairs

304 Meeting St., West Columbia, SC 29169

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:15 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    There is additional parking for Als Upstairs located behind our property at the Egg Roll Station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Michael Wright
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine
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