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California Dreaming | Columbia, SC - California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating, Columbia, SC

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

4.3 (2731)
$30 and under
American
401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 45 times today

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Good for groups
  • Charming
Located in downtown Columbia, SC, inside the historic 1902 Union Station, California Dreaming welcomes guests with its vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows offer a picturesque view of the rail tracks, stretching from the inactive platform to the main terminal. Paired with our hearty, made-from-scratch menu, it's no wonder California Dreaming has been a beloved local institution since 1984. Open for lunch and dinner daily, including online ordering with curbside pickup.

Celebrating 40 years, California Dreaming has been a valued part of the Columbia community. Union Station, its historic home, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

**We provide Advance Priority Seating to reduce wait times and expedite the seating process when your entire party arrives. To ensure the best experience for all guests, we seat groups of up to 8. While larger groups are seated separately, this arrangement is flexible during quieter hours.

Additional information

  • 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 2,731 people are saying

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • South Carolina

    Most Booked

  • Columbia

    Great for brunch

  • Columbia

    Good for groups

  • Columbia

    Healthy

  • Columbia

    Hot spot

  • Columbia

    Neighborhood gem

  • Columbia

    Romantic

  • Columbia

    Lively

  • Columbia

    Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
California Dreaming in Columbia offers a "beautiful setting" and "awesome food" with a priority seating option that minimizes wait times. Patrons rave about the "amazing sticky croissants" and commend the "phenomenal" service by standout waitstaff. While some found the experience underwhelming, many enjoyed the "great service and atmosphere."
2,731 Reviews
  1. Tracy

    South Carolina1 review

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 2
    We had reservations and was not seated until 45 min after time

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  2. Brian

    South Carolina1 review

    3.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    5:30 reservation and did not get seated until 6:10. 40 minutes later than the time that this restaurant gave us the reservation for is not acceptable. We committed to be there at 5:30 but this restaurant did not honor their commitment to us the CUSTOMER. The food was good and our server Kristen was very attentive to us. We spent 80.00 on our food but didn't feel as if california dreaming appreciated our business.

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  3. Faye

    South Carolina1 review

    2.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 2
    2. Food 2
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 2
    Waited 30 mins after our priority time chosen. Then was sat at a high top table in the bar. I made reservations for a special event not to be sat at a high top table. I asked to move. We were moved to a booth still at the bar

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  4. Tamara

    Charlotte1 review

    4.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We celebrated a birthday here on Fathers Day. It was packed, but thank God for reservations. The food was good.

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  5. Jacquie VIP

    New York City51 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Food is always good. Service was a tad slower because it was Father’s Day but otherwise good.

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  6. Stephanie

    Unspecified1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This is a great place to eat and entertain your family

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  7. Allison

    South Carolina1 review

    5.0

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The server was courteous and attentive! The atmosphere is fun being in an old train station. The food never disappoints! I got my favorite the California Dreaming salad!

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  8. Debra

    South Carolina9 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 8, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food was amazing as always, and we were taking care of

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  9. Ken

    South Carolina4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on June 7, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great food, service and ambiance. First time dining there and very impressed. Very busy place. Make reservations in advance.

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  10. Lorraine

    Asheville / Western North Carolina1 review

    1.0

    Dined on June 5, 2025

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 3
    We wanted to celebrate our daughter’s birthday, it was noted in the reservation. No acknowledgement of that and I guess they don’t sing happy birthday or bring a slice or ice cream. The burger I ordered was made with cheap meat, no taste to it, very bland, barely ate it. Each of us agreed, it was ok but not great. The prices are very high for what you get. It just felt like a place to take and give orders, not an experience of great food, great service with good vibes. Just overpriced, in and get you out quick. For the food, service, price, just not worth it. Underwhelming.

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FAQs

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

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating is rated 4.3 stars by 2731 OpenTable diners.

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

  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. South Carolina
  4. Columbia
  5. Columbia

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 45 times today
Google Map for California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Hours of operation
    Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • 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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