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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

4.6
4.6
1157 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
Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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 1,157 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • 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

1,157 Reviews

  1. AshleyH

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food. Outstanding service. Al’s never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

  2. mrfireant

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was fantastic and the service was outstanding. Overall, it was a wonderful dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  3. RickB

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We celebrated my husband's birthday at Al's Upstairs and it was such a beautiful experience. The food was amazing. I had salmon stuffed with crab and he had the sea bass. We had calamari as an appetizer and key lime pie for dessert. Everything was delicious. Our server was very attentive and our every need was met. We loved the cozy atmosphere and view of the city making our night extra special.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our 2nd time at Al's Upstairs, the food and service was excellent. The staff was friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. We had a great experience and look forward to dining at Al's Upstairs again.

    Is this helpful?

  5. NicoleT

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this place. The atmosphere is beautiful and the food is great.

    Is this helpful?

  6. OpenTable Diner

    Charlotte

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Still very good, not as good as it used to be still better than most.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LakanaD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time visiting with my husband for his birthday. Wonderful experience, excellent food, & beautiful food

    Is this helpful?

  8. KarenL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Server, Asian gentleman short with glasses had no personality, just straight forward. No recommendations or specials mentioned. Bartender and another waiter were very kind when our w as other hadn’t come to the table yet as my husband is diabetic and his level was low and I had to order him a cole

    Is this helpful?

  9. goodtime1

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was great. Atmosphere was wonderful. Food was awesome. Our waitress was very attentive to our table.

    Is this helpful?

  10. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our dining exspetience was very enjoyable and our server was a pleasant person. We were supporting a fellow Bearcat! Plans are being made for another dinner soon.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Conpar

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my husband bday, our food was excellent and our server was outstanding! We

    Is this helpful?

  12. WarrenZ

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this place! Great restaurant! Phenomenal food and wonderful service!

    Is this helpful?

  13. ThomasH

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall3food5service2ambience4
    Food was excellent as we’ve come to experience. Server seem like a rookie. When greeted, the team recognized it was my wife’s birthday. Server didn’t have a clue and even asked how old she was. Didn’t offer any additional info such as specials, etc, which we noted other servers were describing at their tables, after we had ordered. Refilling water was difficult to get. Asked for additional bread and it seemed like an imposition and when it arrived was all small end cuts. Received an unlit candle in the folder with the bill(?). Overall a disappointing experience for celebrating my wife’s birthday night out.

    Is this helpful?

  14. Senwho

    Western NC

    26 reviews

    4.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    You have to go to Al’s at least once for the view of the city. The food is good. Service is great. I don’t like having to approve a $50 per person transaction on Open Table for a no show but we are still glad we went.

    Is this helpful?

  15. reedK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect spot to celebrate anything or just grab dinner on a Wednesday night!

    Is this helpful?

  16. SaronC

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was excellent! Loved our window vine. The only drawback was , it was noisy.

    Is this helpful?

  17. JeanY

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Perfect for our anniversary celebration. Got a seat by the window and the service was great! They wished us happy anniversary and put a candle in our key lime pie!😊

    Is this helpful?

  18. MariaO

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience4
    The food was delicious as always! Our waiter, though, seemed to forget us several times, while others around us with different servers seemed to have great experiences and no long lags waiting for glasses to be refilled, between courses, etc. It had been a couple of years since we’d been to Al’s, so I was surprised at how dingy and worn the stairway and walls looked as we entered. The upstairs was great, but the entry might give a wrong impression to those who have never been before. The stairway carpet needs to be cleaned or replaced, and the walls repaired

    Is this helpful?

  19. MichaelG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    So glad we went! It was my friends birthday and I wanted something special. I could not have picked a better place! The service, the food, the view were spot on! Thank you to all the staff from our waitress to the chef!

    Is this helpful?

  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second time dining at Al’s Upstairs and at each visit, we’ve had an amazing experience with great food and service. We will definitely be going back again!

    Is this helpful?

  21. PaulO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was awesome. I had the grilled Mahi. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Bella

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 1, 2023

    overall1food1service5ambience2
    The food portion was extremely small especially the rack of lamb. The crab cakes were smaller than reeces peanut butter cups and the cocktails were beautifully presented but with far too much ice. My husband and I will not be returning to that environment. If you’re AA do not dine there you’re honestly not really wanted there.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful view and superb food. Wonderful dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Dorothy

    Naples

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    Al’s Upstairs was always our go to place each time we drove from Southwest Florida to family up north as Columbia SC served as the mid way point and we always enjoyed a good meal hear before hitting the road the next day. Unfortunately our experience this time was underwhelming and somewhat poor. Making it worse was that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary and made it clear when the reservation was made on Open Table that the night was a special one for us. From the time we arrived to the time we left no acknowledgement by the restaurant staff that the day was special. The meal it self was disappointing. We ordered the stuffed mushrooms special. It seemed like warm and not fresh. As for the entrees both portions were smaller than what we are accustomed to. Both entrees came with risotto but the risotto was undercooked. Waiter attempted to rectify the situation by bringing us potato instead but the potato was nuked and didn’t go over well. No apology from anyone and if the manager was on site he/she never came over to apologize or offer any acknowledgment that the night was a special one but turned out disappointing. Overall a bad experience and makes us reconsider whether we will ever return. Bothers us to write a negative review but it is what it is. Lots of other good restaurants in town to visit and spend our hard earned money.

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  25. Dawn

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Adorable place with excellent food and great service. Enjoyed very much!

    Is this helpful?

  26. BeckyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent choice for any occasion. Fabulous food as always with chef Michael. Staff excellent. Great service and attention

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  27. MareeP

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great wait person, friendly and attentive. Food was hot and delicious. Ambiance was just what we needed to relax.

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 16, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience4
    The food is really small portions , it’s not worth the money. Taste wise it’s ok . Our server was amazing so no complaints there but overall I wouldn’t dine there again .

    Is this helpful?

  29. RandyS

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great meal and a nice view of the Columbia skyline.

    Is this helpful?

  30. TiffanyB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on July 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We don’t get to visit as often as we would like but it is always a wonderful date night out! There isn’t anything on the menu that hasn’t been awesome!

    Is this helpful?

  31. KelliL

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time at Al's and it did not disappoint. My meal was perfection! I will definitely go back!

    Is this helpful?

  32. BobK

    Charleston

    77 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    77 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    As always food was excellent. Only problem was the restaurant was shutting down for a week and several of the menu items were not available.

    Is this helpful?

  33. Lisa

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    2.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on July 1, 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience3
    Not sure how this restaurant is considered fine dining. My husband ordered the seafood pasta which was okay but not many pieces of seafood. I ordered the seafood ravioli and the sauce was thick and gloppy. The calamari we ordered as an appetizer was over ally salted and the crust was too thick.

    Is this helpful?

  34. ChrisC

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding food and service. Beautiful view of the city of Columbia from across the river. Staff and owner are are busy making sure each dining experience is at a high level of excellence.

    Is this helpful?

  35. LennyB

    Unspecified

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always have a great dining experience when we dine at Al’s!

    Is this helpful?

  36. JessicaR

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 23, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Great service but food was very blah compared to last time. I actually got sick afterward and think it was connected. My seafood manicotti was drowning in cheese sauce and the pasta was overcooked.

    Is this helpful?

  37. MeganT

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall2food4service4ambience1
    It was our anniversary, and we were put at a tiny table wedged between a wine rack and a door frame leading to another room of diners. Servers kept coming through the door; very claustrophobic. We were so uncomfortable, it was hard to enjoy the meal. The lobster bisque was good. The tiramisu was also delicious. We won’t go back due to the discomfort. The prices are high; not worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our experience was superb. From the moment we entered, we were greeted by the owner, given a table with a fantastic view, and treated like royalty. The food was excellent in quality and in taste. We loved the crab-stuffed mushrooms. My Chilean sea bass was cooked to perfection with just the right texture. Her lobster ravioli had more lobster than any other time she’s ordered that dish elsewhere. Pro tip: the better wines are sold by the bottle and are reasonably priced. We should’ve splurged the extra because the selection is much more expansive. Also, save room for dessert. Trust me. We are ready to claim Al’s as our favorite spot and are sure you will, too!

    Is this helpful?

  39. JasonC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    My meal had no taste and wasn't filling . Left the restaurant and was still hungry..

    Is this helpful?

  40. TomH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 17, 2023

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Wonderful experience - I just ordered the wrong dish. My wife loved hers and desert was fabulous.

    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 4.6 stars by 1157 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
Booked 10 times today

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
  • 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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