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Blue Marlin, Columbia, SC
Blue Marlin, Columbia, SC
Blue Marlin, Columbia, SC
Blue Marlin, Columbia, SC
Blue Marlin, Columbia, SC

Blue Marlin

4.5
4.5
3972 Reviews
$30 and under
Low Country
Welcome to the Blue Marlin Restaurant, proudly serving "A Taste of the Southern Low Country," located in Columbia South Carolina's thriving Congaree Vista District.

Stretching from Savannah to the South, and Georgetown to the North, the Low Country is resplendent with the bounties of the sea and coastal marshlands. Succulent shrimp, oysters, crabs, crawfish and catfish abound. Lush greens, corn, rice and ripe red tomatoes are plentiful. Low Country cuisine brings all of this food together in a sumptuous array of unique and distinctive dishes.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 36 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Low Country, Seafood
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (803) 799-3838
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Meagan Horton
  • Catering
    Learn about our Catering Services. 803.799.3838 https://www.bluemarlincolumbia.com/#catering
  • Private party facilities
    Whether it is light appetizers and drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a family style buffet or a formal seated affair, the Vista Room offers the quality of food, excellent service, amenities and ambiance that are sure to make any event a success. Contact our Private Event Coordinator, Alexis Wilkinson for more information (803) 587-8131 -or- TheVistaRoom@BlueMarlinColumbia.com
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (803) 727-3040
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Cross street
    Gervais Street
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 3,972 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.4Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.5Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Good for business meals

  • Columbia

    Best Service

  • Columbia

    Great for brunch

  • Columbia

    Good for business meals

  • Columbia

    Neighborhood gem

  • Columbia

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Columbia

    Most Booked

3,971 Reviews
  1. CariR

    Western NC

    9 reviews

    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 2
    Not sure what was going on at this restaurant tonight but it was horrible. Food, service it was all lacking. Took forever, fondue was so hard on the top you couldn’t even cut it. My soup came out last luke warm & so spicy I couldn’t eat it. Server took all our FULL plates away without even asking why we didn’t eat anything. Never saw a manager or was asked how it was.

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  2. Chelle

    Charlotte

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 4
    The food came out cold and I have had better service.

    Is this helpful?

  3. PeterS

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    Good food, too much of a draft where we were sitting, need to keep the back door closed.

    Is this helpful?

  4. BeverlyD

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the catfish and crab cake!!! The warm bread is decadent!!!! The place is not quiet but the building and decor are brilliantly done!! This is a stop off for us as we travel between Charlotte and Charleston.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Andy

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Excellent service, food was great & very helpful with celiacs allergy. I ate well and didn't have any reaction. Once of the best spots in Columbia SC!

    Is this helpful?

  6. ChefRich

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    really good food and consistent! wonderful service and atmosphere. one of Columbia's best!

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Sever and food was perfect! The reservation was ready on time!

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 30, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    It is a moderately noisy restuarant. Even with our small table it began to be difficult to hear each other speak. However, the food is exceptional, and was delivered quickly yet we did not feel rushed to eat it. Our waitress was wonderful too.

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  9. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 29, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Beautiful restaurant decorated tastefully for the Christmas holiday. Food was wonderful and came out quickly, hot and fresh. Excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  10. BruceM

    Charleston

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on November 26, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Blue Marlin does not disappoint. As always our food was delicious. Our server, Ryan, was the best. She was prompt, friendly, and very observant.

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  11. LeighH

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is my husband and my favorite restaurant. Always good food, good ambiance and great service. Collards are the best we have had!

    Is this helpful?

  12. MeganC

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food and drinks were right on point! Did not disappoint. Our waitress was very nice and had some laughs with us with was an awesome add to the service.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    11 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2023

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 3
    Server brought us the wrong drink, and it took almost a half hour to get it corrected. Generally, our server was terrible - slow and mistake prone. Steak one of us ordered was woefully undercooked, so we sent it back, and then it came back but was just terrible. Oyster and shrimp dish was just a big cheesy mess. Overall, this was not a good experience. I’ll never eat here again.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The breading on the fried shrimp was far too hot/spicy for some folks at my table. I didn’t mind it….personally. Service was great.

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  15. TROYM

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 23, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Shrimp and grits were delicious! Definitely recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  16. BobC

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, great service, great choice! You’ll be glad you did 😄

    Is this helpful?

  17. DianneS

    Miami

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Overcooked salmon, salty Mahi with shrimp, bread plates but no bread, mediocre crab cake, no fork for dinner entree, no spoon with coffee. However manager came out to amend things by crediting 1 order and offering free dessert which was very nice. And our server Taylor was very nice. Obviously food is overrated but very good service.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Salz54

    Philadelphia

    80 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    80 reviews

    Dined on November 20, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    Great food and service. Our favorite place for lunch in Columbia.

    Is this helpful?

  19. breezylife

    Jacksonville

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Took our dad there for a pre-birthday lunch. Went well, food was very good, fairly inexpensive.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was not that good. Me and my bf got the meal with the cheesy fish that came with green beans and mashed potatoes. Very unseasoned. The best thing there was the shrimp and grits. Very pretty inside but not very good food.

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  21. TracyK

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Simply delicious food and very reasonable prices. Absolutely have the gumbo!!

    Is this helpful?

  22. MikeP

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 3
    We were on a much-needed date together and we had to deal with a very rude party in the table across from us. They were inconsiderate of the diners around them and of the wait staff. The repeatedly blocked the isle and had a steady stream of people and young kids coming and going from another table. The floor manager should have stepped in and requested they at least be considerate of the diners around them.

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  23. NicholasM

    Charleston

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Great food, great service, good sized portions… overall great place! The only issue I had was the noise level. We went for our anniversary and I was hoping for a more intimate atmosphere. That’s just a personal preference! I would definitely go back for a dinner with friends or family though!

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    It's one of my favorite places in Columbia! The food is amazing. You can't go wrong with any one thing on the menu. Get it all! :-)

    Is this helpful?

  25. JonathanD

    Nashville

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Trout exceptional. Mahi was below average (overcooked). Typically we have had great experiences and we will come back regardless - just had higher expectations and they had an off night.

    Is this helpful?

  26. DavidS

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We had a relaxing Friday lunch outdoors in beautiful fall weather, great service, great food.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DeannP

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very Good, delicious and our server was great explaining the specials.

    Is this helpful?

  28. RickB

    Charlotte

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    First time here and enjoyed the experience. Food was great. Loved the ambiance and wait staff was great! Will be back when in town.

    Is this helpful?

  29. SusanM

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We have enjoyed a meal here many times. Very good food ,well presented. Friendly and very helpful staff.

    Is this helpful?

  30. Dave

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service was on point and the food was well prepared. I asked if there were any specials during the lunch period and ended up having it. Complimentary bread and collards (if you ask for them) were both much enjoyed.

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    Coastal Georgia

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Blue marlin is one of our favorite restaurants. It is always a good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  32. JanetC

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is wonderful and the service always excellent and so cordial!

    Is this helpful?

  33. JosephB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 12, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    OMG! The best food in Columbia for YEARS. It was my favorite "fancy" restaurant when I was at USC (c/o 2022). It hasn't lost it's ability to create and serve amazing food. They were a little short staffed the night we were there (after a home football game), so the service wasn't up to its normal exceptional level, but it was still good. I recommend the crab cakes entrée, the shrimp and grits, and the friend green tomato app.

    Is this helpful?

  34. SteveS

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    The food was very good and the service was excellent. It would be nice if the menu had more than one vegetarian option. The noise level was a tad high.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The She Crab soup was amazing. Loved it and will definitely come back for more

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Baton Rouge

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our service was phenomenal. We were not rushed and had a delicious meal. I would definitely recommend!!!

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Service is impeccable! Party of 6, arrived on time for reservations, seated immediately with prompt attention. Never wanted for a thing from server and those helping refill drinks. Beautifully decorated and food absolutely flawless! Even a free dessert for hub’s birthday! Perfect.

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  38. ChrisW

    Greensboro

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    My wife and I celebrated an anniversary here last night. We had the pimento cheese app which was fantastic and the wedge salad we could've eaten 2 of them, the wedge so good. We both had the shrimp and grits. They were good. We were disappointed that a few of the shrimp had not been cleaned and de-veined before cooking but it happens. There was plenty of shrimp in the dish. My own personal preference would have been to have a little more spice in the dish. We would definitely go back and I would ask them to spice it up a bit.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Anibanani

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter Bailey was phenomenal. The food and wine were both exceptional! We loved eating El fresco under the lights and heaters. Great restaurant with a very South Carolina vibe. We will be back! 3 ordered the mahi mahi and plates were wiped clean! Tilapia was perfect as well. The Salmon was also amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  40. OpenTable Diner

    Kansas City

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 9, 2023

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Very nice place with excellent service and good food. Would definitely return here

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Blue Marlin offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (803) 799-3838.

Blue Marlin is rated 4.5 stars by 3972 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 36 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Blue Marlin

1200 Lincoln Street, Columbia, SC 29201

Additional information

  • Cross street
    Gervais Street
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Hours of operation
    Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Sun 11:30 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Fri 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Sat 4:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Low Country, Seafood
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Meagan Horton
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (803) 799-3838
  • Catering
    Learn about our Catering Services. 803.799.3838 https://www.bluemarlincolumbia.com/#catering
  • Private party facilities
    Whether it is light appetizers and drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, a family style buffet or a formal seated affair, the Vista Room offers the quality of food, excellent service, amenities and ambiance that are sure to make any event a success. Contact our Private Event Coordinator, Alexis Wilkinson for more information (803) 587-8131 -or- TheVistaRoom@BlueMarlinColumbia.com
  • Private party contact
    our Private Dining Coordinator: (803) 727-3040
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