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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
3885 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

10:00 PM


Booked 39 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • 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 3,885 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
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Columbia

    Best Value

  • Columbia

    Great for brunch

  • Columbia

    Good for business meals

  • Columbia

    Neighborhood gem

  • Columbia

    Great for outdoor dining

  • Columbia

    Most Booked

3,885 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had dinner reservations for my family to celebrate my birthday. The servers were awesome, our food was fresh and very hot when it arrived at our table. The dining area was clean, and the hostess were very welcoming.

    Is this helpful?

  2. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall1food2service1ambience1
    We love the Blue Marlin. This experience was not their best. Really crowded. Not enough staff. Menu options were not not available. Manager was responsive

    Is this helpful?

  3. ChrisM

    Charlotte

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed the brunch selections not normally on the menu

    Is this helpful?

  4. ShannonY

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first visit and we will definitely come back every time we visit our daughter at USC. We have also recommended to every family we spoke to this weekend.

    Is this helpful?

  5. JulieT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 20, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Great service! The food was mediocre at best. The mixed appetizer plate on special included crab cakes (bland), small fried shrimp & fried green tomatoes (both were way too spicy! Seasoned does not have to mean hot.), and pimento cheese with pita (the best part of the complete meal). Entree of shrimp & grits. The grits were delicious & creamy. Small shrimp on top with a small bit of sausage - that was it. Not very impressive. Where are the shrimp purchased? Are they local? The dessert of a chocolate cake slice was too large & very expensive. The plate, ice cream & whipped cream were nicely presented, however, the cake appeared to have been baked on a sheet and the hard edges were not trimmed. The cake itself was fair, just big - but nothing special. Checked "yes" as to recommend to a friend because perhaps this was an off day.

    Is this helpful?

  6. TwoBirthdays

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food what’s outstanding; service was spot on; ambience was great. Cannot think of a single thing that would have made the dinner better.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great specials and drinks. Not over salted and quality seafood. Definitely coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  8. JimS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    80th Birthday brunch for my father. great service and great food.

    Is this helpful?

  9. NancyW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The table was ready right at our reservation time. The staff were friendly and helpful. Pimento cheese and crab cake appetizers were great and the shrimp and grits were great as always!

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  10. Jennifer

    South Dakota

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service & food! Nice atmosphere! Would recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  11. IgorS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was good and delicious. I can only recomend it to my friends and colleagues.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Staff was excellent food was good and my mixed berry lemon drop delicious

    Is this helpful?

  13. KatieS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was our first time at Blue Marlin. We had a great experience. Had reservations for 5:30 on a Tuesday evening. Seated right away. Our server was Addy(sp?). She was super sweet and knowledgeable about the specials and menu items we had questions about. I was really impressed when another couple was being seated after we were there for a bit. I didn't quite catch what they didn't like about the table the hostess had chosen, but I heard her say "We can go somewhere else! Let's put you somewhere where you'll be comfortable!" And they went to another part of the restaurant. We also had a manager come by and ask how things were as she cleared some of our used dishes. The food was excellent. We had an appetizer special that included crab cakes, the pimento cheese with pitas, firecracker shrimp, and fried green tomatoes. All of it was delicious. The shrimp was tender and juicy. My husband got shrimp and grits and I had the salmon Pontchartrain- both dishes were excellent. We were very impressed and will happily come back.

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  14. ChuckK

    Portland

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    We ate outside so our noise level was quiet. Inside was too noisy.

    Is this helpful?

  15. RonaldS

    Charleston

    6 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    I always enjoy the food and service at Blue Marlin. The service was as always excellent with a great wait staff that are extremely pleasant and helpful. I ordered the Tilapia Charleston which was a little disappointing because it was just floating in the sauce. The fish was very tender and superbly prepared but the sauce overpowered the preparation

    Is this helpful?

  16. LarryF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and service excellent. Our waitress, Haley was attentive and very helpful. I was a little disappointed that you no longer serve Wild Turkey bourbon, but the other selections were very good. We have eaten at your restaurant several times and will continue to do so.

    Is this helpful?

  17. MichaelM

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food and great value for your money. The service was excellent and the staff was friendly and helpful.

    Is this helpful?

  18. Chrissy

    Orlando

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was great!! Service was top notch, love the story behind the building!!

    Is this helpful?

  19. MichaelG

    Salt Lake City

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Not nearly as good as past visits. Food was "ok" but not great. While our server was very nice and polite - when we were about half way finished eating our meal - she wanted to know if we wanted desert ( thought that was way early to ask ) - when we said most likely not, she said she would bring us our check - chearly they had a crowd and we were being hussled out. We sat down at 630 and at 710 she took my cc. Almost as fast as McDonalds

    Is this helpful?

  20. KEMM

    Western NC

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Service was outstanding! Our server Adeline L. was amazing in every possible way. She was so genuinely friendly and kind. W really enjoyed having her take care of us. Everything else was okay. It may have been an off night for the kitchen, so I won't dwell on that. It's been better before and I am sure it will be good next time.

    Is this helpful?

  21. PaulaG

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service by Addie. She’s a gem. Excellent meal! Love the Blue Marlin.

    Is this helpful?

  22. mikebuilder

    Sacramento

    23 reviews

    4.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience4
    Been there there 2 times before and the food and experience was pretty good. Not so much this time. I don’t remember everything having cayenne on it but it sure was the case this time. We love the she crab soup and always order it but had to send it back as it was way over seasoned with the cayenne. I had the seafood platter which was too spicy and overcooked. I could only eat half due to the heat of the spice. My wife had the scallops and pasta which was very good. I was happy they got hers right. Service was fine but lackluster which was surprising as the place was not very busy. They should have done better considering the $140 bill for 2 people. I hope this is not going to be the norm from now on. I’ll give it another try to be fair.

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  23. GlendaE

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time at Blue Marlin and the food was fantastic. Even the sweet tea! I especially enjoyed the grit cakes and salmon. Will be bacj

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  24. AmyC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience4
    We have been going to the Blue Marlin for 6 years. We have noticed a steady decline in food quality over the last few visits. Last night be our last visit until they secure a new cooking staff. I have never sent back food, but last night two of our dishes were inedible. Our waitress tried hard to be cordial, but she came off as offended and angry that we suggested the food wasn't that appetizing. We explained what we were tasting and she went to ask the chef. I was told in a very stern way that even though there are somewhat new cooks, the same recipes are always used. I was even made to feel bad for suggesting that the dishes were not up to par like usual. I was told by the waitress that I didn't need to worry because I wasn't going to be made to paid for one of them...I literally ate two bites and just couldn't eat another and I never asked not to be charged. I was more concerned about the soapy taste of the soup. I should have requested the manager, but we were brought our bill and we just paid and left.

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  25. RobertH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience4
    The scallops entrée for a friend was cold when presented. The waiter immediately removed it with apologies and brought it back fairly soon. I noticed that our guest did not eat much more of it, tho' I failed to ask why. I really do expect far more from Blue Marlin, although it remains a favorite place, particularly for seafood. Perhaps this was a fluke - always possible on a busy night -- but our friend paid his bill without complaint or comment. Better luck next time, I trust.

    Is this helpful?

  26. HenryE

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Been coming to the Blue Marlin for years, and I must say they haven't lost a step. My wife had the pan seared scallops and I had the shrimp and oyster skillet with tasso cream sauce. Both were excellent, as was the huge bowl of creamy, slow-cooked grits that accompanied the skillet. We thoroughly enjoyed both. Service was up to the high standard that I've come to expect at the Blue Marlin. Only two things fell short: my gin and tonic was flat, with not enough ice and no lime. And the ahi tuna appetizer falls into the category of "have had better." Still, a fine dinner.

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  27. Lindab

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    You can always count on Blue Marlin to have delicious food, well presented and timely served. We were celebrating two birthdays and everyone was delighted with the evening. We have been customers since it opened.

    Is this helpful?

  28. PaulR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved this restaurant! We chose to sit outdoors for many reasons, but one was because it was quite chilly inside. It was quiet and a wonderful evening to sit outside under a covered patio area with ceiling fans and lights. Food was outstanding and the waitress was kind and attentive. Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  29. KimS

    Cincinnati

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food, service and drinks were all great. Their shrimp and grits some of the best ever!

    Is this helpful?

  30. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience3
    Me and my girlfriend went for her birthday and had a wonderful time. We’d been once before and received incredible service and were thrilled to receive the same level of service upon going again. Wonderful staff. Top notch food. One of Columbia’s best.

    Is this helpful?

  31. KelliL

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is consistently delicious at Blue Marlin. Service is excellent. I love everything on the menu, fried green tomatoes were on point!

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  32. PaulO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose Blue Marlin for our Anniversary dinner. Our waitress was Emma & she was terrific. She really helped with making our evening so enjoyable!

    Is this helpful?

  33. OpenTable Diner

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was great! Good service, awesome staff, fantastic food. We’ll be back!

    Is this helpful?

  34. Patty

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3
    We’ve been here a few times & meals were delicious. This nigh tuna was overcooked & sautéed spinach very salty couldn’t eat it.

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  35. RichardB

    Greater Boston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    1st visit was an excellent experience - seated promptly for our reservation - wait staff was attentive - food and drinks arrived at a good pace - portion sizes were great A bit noisy but it was a very busy Sat. night Will definitely return again on our next trip to Columbia

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  36. JamieH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience4
    I invited my friend along with me to share the experience that I’ve received in the past, which was Amazing. Well, our waiter was horrible and needless to say that killed the entire experience for her.

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  37. Tracey

    New York Area

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Table too big for party, hard to share food but other than that everything was very good

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Great food. Nice part of town. We stayed in an area hotel and enjoyed the easy access.

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  39. ChasV

    Charleston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent service, friendly staff. We ordered the gumbo and salads for lunch. The food arrived quickly, with a good presentation. The salads and gumbo were outstanding- we strongly recommend this restaurant.

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  40. stowes1234

    Raleigh

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 16, 2023

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    Always enjoy Blue Marlin. Our order came out wrong but the wait staff corrected it and the food was great. Thank you for a nice experience.

    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 3885 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

10:00 PM


Booked 39 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
  • 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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