California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

Name: California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating
Address: 401 Main St, Columbia, SC, United States, 29201-4147
Telephone: (803) 254-6767
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.4

4.4

2606 Reviews

$30 and under

American

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 58 times today

Good for special occasions
Good for groups
Lively

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
American, Seafood, Steak
Hours of Operation
Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(803) 254-6767
Website
http://www.californiadreaming.rest/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147
Neighbourhood
Columbia
Parking details
Public Lot
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

She Crab SoupUS$8.94
A rich and creamy Charleston classic
Steamed Peel & Eat ShrimpUS$10.95
(9) Old Bay boil, served with cocktail sauce
Fried Crab ClawsUS$15.95
Served with spicy cocktail sauce. Llimited availability
BBQ Chicken NachosUS$14.95
Smoky BBQ sauce, red onions, house-made chips, cheese sauce
Seafood NachosUS$16.95
Spicy shrimp, salmon, red onions, house-made chips, cheese sauce and lobster cream sauce with dill
Tijuana Chicken WingsUS$15.95
Marinated in hot pepper sauce, fried crispy, with bleu cheese dip
Our Famous Croissants (5)US$6.95
Topped with honey-butter
Baked Potato SoupUS$7.95
Creamy soup, scallions, cheese, ham, bacon

Entrees

Chicken Tenders PlatterUS$16.95
Fried chicken tenderloins, served with house-made honey BBQ sauce and french fries
Blackened Chicken PastaUS$17.95
Alfredo, scallions, tomatoes, with romano cheese
BBQ ChickenUS$15.95
Double breast of chicken basted with BBQ sauce, with side item
Knob Hill ChickenUS$17.95
Topped with ham and monterey jack cheese, with side item
Crispy Shrimp Tacos (3)US$15.95
Jicama slaw, chipotle mayo, tomatoes, pickled onions, scallions, queso fresco

Seafood Favorites

Shrimp San FranciscoUS$17.95
Mushrooms, garlic cream, white wine, served over pasta, topped with romano cheese
Roasted SalmonUS$24.95
Encrusted with rosemary and thyme, with side item
Carolina TroutUS$24.95
Grilled with arugula and lemon

Fried Seafood Platters

ShrimpUS$20.95
OystersUS$24.95
FlounderUS$20.95
All ThreeUS$26.95
Served with french fries

Salads

California DreamingUS$13.95
Mixed greens, ham and turkey, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, egg, tomatoes, almonds topped with warm ham and bacon, house dressing
Roasted Salmon or ChickenUS$16.95
Mixed greens, bacon, egg, avocado, tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette
- SalmonUS$16.95
- ChickenUS$15.95
CaesarUS$14.95
Crisp romaine, grated romano cheese, croutons
- Chicken or Fried ShrimpUS$14.95
- Fried OystersUS$17.95
Chicken ClubUS$15.95
Mixed greens, fried chicken strips, avocado, bacon, egg, tomatoes, house-made ranch dressing

Steaks, Chops + Ribs

Aged USDA Choice | Served with a house or caesar salad and side item

Pork ChopUS$26.95
16oz. double bone, frenched chop, peach jalapeno jam
Marinated SirloinUS$24.95
10oz. CAB sirloin marinated in fruit juices, garlic, soy sauce and spices
Steak + ShrimpUS$25.95
Two 3oz. filet medallions, crispy fried shrimp
RibeyeUS$35.95
14oz. hand cut
Filet MignonUS$37.95
8oz. barrel cut
Baby Back RibsUS$20.95
Danish full-flavored ribs, grilled with a charred exterior, basted with BBQ sauce, with side item
- One RackUS$20.95
- Two RacksUS$29.95

Burgers

Served with french fries

AmericanUS$12.95
Lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles and Duke's® mayo
VeggieUS$13.95
Beyond Burger®, sweet soy, Duke's® mayo, monterey jack cheese, lettuce, pickle, tomato and red onions

Sandwiches

Served with french fries

Spicy ChickenUS$14.95
Crispy fried chicken, american cheese, jicama slaw, pickles, chipotle mayo
ClubUS$13.95
Thinly sliced turkey, ham, bacon, cheddar and monterey jack cheeses, lettuce, tomato and mayo on toasted sourdough
ChickenUS$14.95
Broiled, topped with jack cheese, bacon, arugula, tomato and honey mustard
BBQ PorkUS$12.95
Pulled pork, pickles, red onion and cole slaw
New Orleans Po' BoyUS$14.95
Flounder, Fried Shrimp or Oysters with lettuce, tomato and tartar sauce on french bread
SteakUS$17.95
Two 3oz. filet medallions, lettuce, mayonnaise, tomato, and jack cheese

Sides

French FriesUS$5.95
Seasonal VeggieUS$5.95
Mashed PotatoesUS$5.95
Creamy Cole SlawUS$5.95
Baked PotatoUS$6.95
after 4pm

Desserts

Chocolate BrownieUS$8.94
Apple Walnut CobblerUS$8.94
Croissant Bread PuddingUS$7.95
CheesecakeUS$9.94

What 2,606 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.4

4.4 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.5Service
4.5Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

South Carolina
Most Booked
Columbia
Good for groups
Columbia
Neighbourhood gem
Columbia
Most Booked

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

California Dreaming in Columbia offers a lively dining experience, often bustling with a vibrant crowd due to its popularity. Guests appreciate the "great food and great service," with standout dishes like the She Crab Soup and California Dreaming Salad. The historic train station setting adds to its charming atmosphere. However, expect occasional delays in seating, even with reservations. The attentive staff consistently receives praise for their friendly service, making it a memorable spot for special occasions.

2,606 Reviews

A
ALYSIA
Unspecified
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Had a good server! The food came out very fast and fresh. Drinks also great! Worth every penny! I will be back soon!
Is this helpful?
D
Devin
Charleston
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 1
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
We came on Sunday around 6:30pm. The server let us know that several items were sold out on the menu all pasta was sold out including some of the fried options on the menu. It was very disappointing. I requested an item to be added to my order and never received during my meal. The server still charged our bill and she had to remove it from our ticket. Overall, our server was nice, however we feel that it was a inconvenience to be very limited on what we could order on the menu.
Is this helpful?
L
LaTina
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Mother's Birthday lunch with family Food,service and atmosphere was amazing as always. Waiter was friendly and attentive.
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T
Trey
Charleston
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Wait for a table was entirely too long. When we arrived we were told they were just starting to seat people with reservations 30 mins prior to ours and with a toddler was hoping “priority seating” would be somewhere where the wait wouldn’t cause fussiness. Food was good but being overbooked & too crowded caused the service to become delayed
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T
Theresa
VIP
Orlando
8 reviews
2.0
8 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 2
2. Food 2
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
My husband and I had a reservation last Saturday for 6 pm, and we checked in at 5:55. We'll 45 minutes later I went to the hostess desk to find out just how much longer we would be waiting. The hostess says well you know it's not an actual reservation, it's just first priority seating. This is news to me because when I booked online, it clearly said RESERVE!! Regardless, they should stop overbooking with "priority seating " because the wait time is just RIDICULOUS!!!
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B
Bill
Jacksonville
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Host table played favoritism. Waited 40 mins w a reservation for table while others w later reservations, same quantity, seated sooner!! Otherwise excellent food
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J
Julie
Charleston
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an awesome experience this time around for dinner! The Resturant was so busy with folks but able to accommodate and provide incredible service and a delicious meal. Our server was Tyler J. He did a fantastic job as he was hustling all night! We were politely greeted and offered time to get appetizers and enjoy our meal. The Fried Shrimp Po Boy and She Crab Soup were just on point! The service was so quick -yet thorough. Tyler kept our drinks refreshed and anything we needed he was on it right away, with a smile. Our food was delicious and hot. Our reservations were honored and we used our generous gift card to enjoy our meal. We sure did enjoy ourselves. We were able to have fun, stay on time -and make both the Gamecock baseball and basketball games Saturday night! Thank you again for an amazing dinner experience!
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D
Desiree
Charleston
15 reviews
4.0
15 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Some of the food at the table didn’t come out from the kitchen as hoped. The server did a great job of attempting to remedy the situation. The salad with the house dressing is always on point.
Is this helpful?
T
Trey
Charleston
6 reviews
4.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Busy but good. Was seated about 15 minutes after reservation time but a nearby baseball game likely increased the crowd rush after the game.
Is this helpful?
S
Shannon
Charlotte
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Exactly what we anticipated, an excellent dinner at a place that feels like home.
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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 4.4 stars by 2606 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Feb 25, 2025

7:00 p.m.

Booked 58 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201-4147

Additional information

Neighbourhood
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

Website
http://www.californiadreaming.rest/
Phone number
(803) 254-6767

California Dreaming - Columbia - Priority Seating

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Steak

Our Famous Croissants (5)