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California Dreaming-Columbia, Columbia, SC
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

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California Dreaming-Columbia

4.3
4.3
1897 Reviews
$30 and under
American
California Dreaming is located in Union Station, a historic train station in Columbia, SC.

The restaurant serves a mix of hearty American classics in a large family-friendly atmosphere. What sets them apart from the rest is that every dish is fresh and prepared from scratch daily, including notable favorites, like the California Dreaming Salad, honey-butter Croissants and fall-off-the-bone Baby Back Ribs. Additional features: online ordering with curbside pick-up.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 42 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (803) 254-6767
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 1,897 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.3
4.3 based on recent ratings
  • 4.2Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.1Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Columbia

    Great for brunch

  • Columbia

    Good for business meals

  • Columbia

    Kid-friendly

  • Columbia

    Healthy

  • Columbia

    Most Booked

1,897 Reviews
  1. SmittyD

    Charleston

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This is one of the better restaurants in the Columbia area. It has a varied menu where you can choose from Seafood, Pasta, Chicken and BBQ Entrees. It also has a variety of specialty drinks that are very good. This restaurant is well known for its croissants, so you must give them a try. The salad selection is also very good, with many folks having become hooked on the California Dreaming salad.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nice place, service was great, food was great and worth the money

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  3. NakeyahG

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Was everything and more! Easy reservation setup and staff was amazing 10/10 definitely recommend dining with them.

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  4. TammyB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    The food is always good here. Service and seating was a little off for this trip. We were seated without silverware and napkins. Appetizers arrived without plates and still didn't have the silverware or napkins.

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  5. sueM

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    My only complaint is it was freezing in the restaurant which made the entire meal uncomfortable.

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  6. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great place to have dinner. Food was excellent and the building was very charming.

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  7. KristenM

    Raleigh

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    First time here. Wasn’t sure why there was croissant artwork in place so we ordered some. Holy delicious! Treat yourself and order some! Marinated steak was so good. Food came out fast after moderate wait time with reservation.

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  8. Celebratingfamily

    Charlotte

    9 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall1food1service1ambience4
    Food was horrible! The blackened chicken was smothered in blackening seasoning that wasn’t properly cooked making the pasta inedible. One of those in our party of 4 got her food and it was wrong. She didn’t get the correct dish until everyone else had finished. The waitress asked if anyone wanted to go boxes literally 2 minutes after her food hit the table!! The service and food were very disappointing.

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  9. RichardB

    Greater Boston

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall3food3service5ambience4
    Easy location to get to with ample parking. Our server was great but the food was just average, especially compared to some of the other restaurants in Columbia. Would recommend for large families or groups as the unique location has ample indoor space.

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  10. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food2service4ambience4
    We’ve been here before and our experience was better in the past. Food was mediocre.

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  11. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food2service3ambience3
    We had to wait 45 minutes to sit even with a reservation. Was a disappointing night overall.

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  12. KeithJ

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    1.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall1food2service2ambience3
    The main course was subpar at best. The manager made excuses for poor quality.

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  13. Denise

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had not dined inside California Dreaming and it was a lovely experience. I loved the Union Station decor and appreciated being seated in the atrium style section with the windows and the view of the area. I ordered the salmon salad and my friend had a the pasta with blackened chicken, if I remember correctly, but either way we both thoroughly enjoyed our entrees. Also, Jailin was a wonderful server, she was friendly and helpful and added to the positive experience. Overall, a very positive dining experience.

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  14. ValeishaS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    I had a great time for my birthday yesterday. Friendly staff but the only complaint I have was that it was wayyyyy to much salt on the fries

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  15. MattJ

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience4
    Steaks were both under and overcooked. Service was slow. Food seems to have gone down hill since last visit. Salads are still amazing.

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  16. MohammadJ

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food3service1ambience1
    We reserved a table but had to wait more than 30 minutes to get a table

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  17. GeorgeP

    Richmond

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience2
    Almost left due to how long we had to wait even though had reservation. Also, noise level too high.

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  18. JessicaT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    It was a great experience. Will be returning for another date night.

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  19. Tastebuds

    Raleigh

    23 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience4
    In my request I asked for a booth and that I was celebrating a birthday again. I did get a booth in the very cold bar area. I was not a fan because I was celebrating my grandson 's 6 year old birthday but what could I do? The 1st impression was horrible as the lady said to me, well people are still sitting but we do have a table that is ready. I said I would be more than happy to wait. For some people there are several reasons why a booth is important, one of my grands has special needs and it is a way to help keep him from getting up and walking around and also I had surgery it's a precaution for me. The second journey was the empty drinks, why would you ask if we wanted refills if we had not received any food yet? The crossiants were COLD. I ordered a house salad, I specifically said ranch dressing on the side. Well my server brought that out with the dressing on it. She said and it's extra through out. It tasted water filled. I asked her about my request and where were the almonds, " well I didn't make the salad" say what in my mind. How RUDE! I know she didn't make the salad but you delivered it. The manager brought over a new salad. I had to send back my entree as my steak was under cooked and my shrimp was cold. The question of are you celebrating any thing on the Open Table should not be asked. Maybe California Dreaming doesn't view it self as a special occasion place. There was no candle or any type of complementary dessert for my 6 year old grandson. And in a prior reservation I had with them there was not any mention of my cousins birthday. I guess the next time I will celebrate in Raleigh NC where I live. The kids menu has cheeseburgers on the menu for $ 6.95 but you get the check and they charge you for the cheese? Why. Yes they took off the two dollars for the two burgers but it's misleading. In the end my 6 year old says this is tea in his cup. I was like but you drank the whole thing. He said but I taste it now. Which he still had half the cu

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  20. TeeC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service was magnificent. The waitress was great and we barley had to ask for anything. The sound level was a little noisy but that was expected with a full house. The food was beyond great. My family and I enjoyed our time and will definitely be back again.

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  21. OpenTable Diner

    Exclusive

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    Food was great and the service was exceptional. Our waiter was very kind and attentive. Even some of the other staff brought our food out with a smile. Great place to enjoy great food and service.

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  22. JillA

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Service was fantastic amid a very busy night! Food was pretty good. Croissants are amazing. I know you think you don’t need them for dinner… but you do.

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  23. SCvisitor

    Philadelphia

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food is consistently very good. Nice selection of dishes. Great service.

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  24. BillB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have eaten at CD for years and have enjoyed it each it time. But, the menu has changed, taking away a few of my favorites. But, I have discovered new ones. Good evening meal.

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  25. TeresaS

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall2food2service1ambience2
    We had 2 tables and our total bill was $400. One table got great service. The other…terrible. Food sat in the kitchen for too long (we could see it) and was served cold. Ordered 2 steaks medium rare and they were well done. Waitress was non-existent. Had to ask the waitress who was handling our other table for everything. Used to be one of my favorite places but not sure I will go back for a while. Spent way too much money to have food and service be that bad. And the fact that they only allow tables of 6. Really disappointed that our party could not sit together.

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  26. ToddC

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 7, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    We went there for my wife’s birthday. We only go there a couple times a year. But have bee. Going there since the 90s. Very disappointed that you no longer offer prime rib. California Dreaming is famous for your salad, croissants and prime rib. Everything else on your menu is ordinary and we can get anywhere. No prime rib, no need to return. I now owe my wife a dinner, again. Her birthday was ruined.

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  27. SBinSTL

    St. Louis

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful old train station near college. Sat at bar and had a great dinner

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  28. JamesS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server was outstanding! Food was fresh and delicious.

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  29. SDDiner

    Raleigh

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 5, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    California Dreaming is always a great place and their signature salad never gets old. The Columbia location was not busy however they would not put a party of 12 together. The servers were good. The bathrooms that are accessible for handicapped were extremely dark with slippery floors. For parties sized 6 and under with no disabilities, it is a great option.

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  30. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    It was hot. We were sweating on the restaurant. Server was rushing us buy continously asking if we needed to go boxes. The server had no table etiquette as he would reach over us. Lastly we were made to settle up before we were ready to go because there was a shift change

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  31. SharonB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    It was nice. I had mentioned on reservation it was a birthday but our server must not have known but it was okay. Very busy and a bit of noise but very popular place

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  32. tmorawski

    Orange County

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience3
    Food is basic. Over priced meals with smaller portions. I don’t know why this place is in such high demand.

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  33. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The restaurant needs a refresh the lighting was a bit poor and the restroom was filthy

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  34. Ivory

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food3service2ambience4
    Everything appeared to be a little off. Made reservations but still had to wait. Waitress kept for getting to bring stuff, beer, ketchup, boxes etc

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  35. luv2dine

    Western NC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Our experience would have been outstanding across the board if two of our party had not received their food (salads) before the rest of us and waited for 10 minutes or so before our food came out.

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  36. TinaZ

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again CD did not disappoint. We love the croissants and the California Dreaming Salad. Emma was a wonderful and attentive waitress. Can’t wait to come back. Go Gamecocks! Zeller family, Baltimore, MD

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  37. TimC

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I traveled to Columbia on business, and this is the 3rd time I have taken my customer to lunch at California Dreaming. The food has always been excellent, and I will continue taking others there to discover the food.

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  38. MarkC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall1food1service4ambience5
    Food was atrocious...had the trout they burnt it with no seasoning, sauce anything done to it...with a handful of dry arugula. Only good thing was salad and croissants, but all our entrees were terrible. Go somewhere else.

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  39. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter, Mike, was fantastic. Attentive while still giving our party privacy. The food was amazing as usual. Seafood Nachos were delicious and you can’t leave without trying their California Dreaming Salad with their house dressing. It has bacon drippings. Do I need to say more? Wonderful service and food.

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  40. Edward

    Washington DC

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is consistently good and tasty. Cooks should be praised.

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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
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

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

California Dreaming-Columbia is rated 4.3 stars by 1897 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 42 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for California Dreaming-Columbia

401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    American, Seafood, Steak
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Public Lot
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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