Columbia Eats: Drakes Duck-In

Sometimes (actually, more often then not) the best places to eat are the most unexpected locations. Drake's Duck-In, lovingly referred to as "Ducks" by fellow comrades and myself, may be the best bang for your buck anywhere in the downtown area, but one glance at it may be a bit of a turnoff. Compared to the lavish-looking Gotham Bagel down the street, or the Main St. stockpile of restaurants, Ducks is most likely not the average pick for a first-timer in the area. Those in the know, however - like their next door neighbors in the Free Times building - know that Ducks contains some of the best burgers, sandwiches, and chicken in area - all for well under the six dollar average for downtown eateries.

Open early for breakfast up to 5:30 in the evening, Ducks features a fairly extensive menu of classic fast food items. The morning items are standard fair: biscuits, or a host of sandwich options with any combination of sausage, bacon, egg, and cheese. The great part is they don't have the plastic, processed taste of McDonalds, making for a much more appealing start to the day. Things aren't all rosy though: the sausage sandwich with toast, for example, was a bit on the greasy side.

The real reason to come to Ducks doesn't begin till lunch time, when the colossal chicken sandwich becomes available. I remember reading in the Free Times that Columbia chose Chick Fil' A as the best chicken sandwich in town. These folk have obviously never been to Ducks. Juicy, and twice the size of any Chick Fil'A sandwich they can muster up, Duck's chicken sandwich simply annihilates the competition. Best grabbed at the peak of lunch hour when things are flying fast and furious off the grill, the chicken sandwich easily is the number one reason to come to this local establishment. Be wary about eating it at the crazy off hours of the day when the grill starts cooling down the back though. It can get a little on the dry side then, but is still impressive nonetheless.

While the chicken sandwich reigns supreme in my book, the rest of the menu doesn't disappoint. The cheeseburger, though simple in looks, gets a generous thumbs up thanks to its special slaw/mustardy/mayonnaise spread. The menu also features some pretty decent fried chicken and a vinegary barbeque sandwich that definitely stands out as being a little different from the norm. Sides include fries - never too salty, and always hot and fresh - and coleslaw, which I have come to believe may be the best in town for its light, sweet bite.

Last, but not least, there's the desert. Besides the ice cream (oh, they serve ice cream by the way!), tucked away in the back are some fantastic slices of New York style cheesecake and lemon meringue pie that you will not want to miss out on. If you have room for a taste, don't be afraid to take it. The lemon pie has a remarkably fresh bite that will surely liven your senses for the rest of the afternoon.

No Reservations, The Shakedown on Duck's
Atmosphere: Fast food casual.
Cost: Like highway robbery. $3-6.
Must Try: The Chicken Sandwich. A Duck's signature.
Don't: Forget about the rest of the menu either.
Lots of fast food comfort to choose from.

The Final Verdict
For only around five bucks, and at about ten times the quality of any average fast food joint, you simply can't go wrong with Drakes Duck-In. While the menu may not be the most 'health friendly', if your looking for quality fast food (yes, there is such a thing) in the downtown area, look no further. You'll come hungry, but unlike Wendy's or McDonalds, you'll leave happy.

Columbia Eats: Blue Cactus Cafe

Few places are like the Blue Cactus Cafe in Columbia, SC. Just minutes from the University of South Carolina, the restaurant has been serving up authentic Korean cooking with a Southwest twist since the mid-90s.

The first thing you can't help noticing before hitting the menu is the unusual setup of the cafe. Set in almost a pueblo-like room, it certainly separates itself from the rest of the Five Points establishments from the get-go. The walls are littered with local artwork and fan mail from past years. A hot sauce cabinet divides the seating area with the kitchen front (all of which are of course available to any daring customers).

While the menu is loaded with a great variety of choices that includes southwest cooking to the Korean stir-frys and stews, there's no doubt that the first thing that came our group's mind the moment we sat down was the Bee Bim Bob. Covered with five different Korean vegetables and choice of meat along with a fried egg on top, it's the staple dish of the restaurant and a surefire choice anyone who is hungering for some authentic Korean. If you've never had it before, grab a spoonful of the red pepper paste given to you on the side with the dish and mix well!

Stir-frys like the Bee Bim Bob are definitely your best bet at Blue Cactus. Packed with veggies and served with a variety of special sauces, each and every one seems to the fit the bill every time I've come. For a stranger-then-average pick, the stir-fried squid comes loaded with the main item in a rich, spicy/sweet sauce. A very filling seafood choice for the adventure seeker. Anyone looking for a strong, spicy dish to liven the palette should look towards the Kim Chi items which definitely bring the heat. Be wary of the Pork and Kim Chi dish though: it packs an extremely loaded flavor that could overwhelm timid eaters. Kim Chi lovers will rejoice, but those looking for a more subtle dish should look elsewhere.

Vegetarians will find themselves knee deep in some of the best vegetarian food around. Almost every entree on the menu can be substituted with tofu, and there are even some vegetarian specialties on the list itself that would even peek the interest of meat-lovers. The stews are usually slightly lacking in my book. The mondo and rice cake stews in particular don't hit the spot the way the stir-frys do. For a powerful dish in the category though, once again look no further then the Kim Chi, the Kim Chi Stew that is, a spicy, savory dish that will surely warm you up on those rare winter days in Columbia. The pork is a nice addition if you are pining for some meat in the dish. For anyone looking to steer away from the usual rice entrees and something a bit cooler then a stew, the clear noodle stir fry is a unique choice that will satisfy both one's curiosity and stomach. Another one of those textury kind of meals, it's basically a gloppy pile of noodles stir-fried with tons of veggies. Trust me when I say it is better then the description sounds!

The appetizers pack some interesting choices, the standout surely being the Korean dumplings. Deep-fried wontons stuffed with cabbage, beef, and onions, they make for a fantastic start to any meal. Definitely take them over the krab puffs if you had to choose. Light eaters looking for a quick bite may even be satisfied with just an order of these. The Kim Bob is other star of the show. Basically a poor man's sushi, these vegetarian bites are a great way to keep things light without having to sacrifice any satisfaction. The Kim Chi plate was a bit of a disappointment as you could get the same with the Bee Bim Bob, but those looking just to sample can definitely do so here.

No Reservations, The Shakedown on Blue Cactus
Atmosphere: Pure crazy casual between the Mexican/Korean mix.
Cost: Fair. $7-10.
Try: The Bee Bim Bob for the heads-on cultural experience.
Don't: Plan on going for the stews.
Quality is in their amazing stir-fries.
Consider: A cup of green bean ice cream on the way out.
A mellow touch after a great meal.
Expect: A long wait. Blue Cactus is serious about slow cooking folks.

The Final Verdict
Blue Cactus is easily one of the my favorite restaurants in Columbia, and one of the best in the USC area. Featuring a menu full of traditional favorites from both sides of the family-owned restaurant, everyone who comes is sure to find something that suits their tastes. Those willing to go for the more authentic dishes should surely get their hands on the Bee Bim Bob if they haven't yet. Those not interested in straying too far from the border can enjoy their just as authentic and delicious southwest entrees. Make sure you bring lots of change for the parking meter if you plan to eat in though. They are devoted members of the slow-cook movement, and will take all the time they need to get your order just right. Make sure you also keep tabs on their website if you plan to eat there since they often close for family vacations, especially during the summer and winter breaks at USC.

Columbia Eats: Egg Roll Chen's

If I were a betting man, I would guess that there were more Chinese fast food joints in Columbia then fried chicken stops. Between the number of Yummy Yummy restaurants, four million versions of China Hut and everything in between, it can be hard to pick out the good from the bad. For me, Egg Roll Chen stands as one of the very best in the Columbia area. Not only do they serve up all the usual favorites, but they also feature a special menu full of interesting picks that are found no where else in town.

My usual standby at the restaurant is the Taiwanese Yen Su Jee. Hot off the special menu, the Yen Su Jee is a heaping pile of fried chicken tossed in chili pepper, green onions, and hot oil served on top of their fried rice - arguably the best in town. It definitely serves as a great guilty pleasure after a long, hard day of whatever the heck you've had to deal with. The Yen Su Jee, along with the Beef Noodle Soup are easily the two favorites among local natives. Unlike other Chinese fast food locations, Egg Roll Chen's is the only place where you can constantly find actual Chinese natives coming in and out with orders of these two dishes and more on a daily basis - a great sign that the place knows what their doing. The Beef Noodle Soup is worth mentioning: a nice, chewy noodle in a sweet, savory broth, it makes for a nice pick-me-up on a cold winter day and is an interesting option for anyone looking for something a little different from the norm. The beef can be a little on the poor side though, on occasion spot on and on occasion slightly undercooked.

For anyone looking to stick to the original Americanized Chinese fast food, you'll most definitely find something to satisfy your taste. A word to wise though: while Egg Roll Chen features an expansive menu, find what you like and learn to love it - this definitely is a hit-and-miss sort of location despite the praise. The Rice Noodle Soup, for example came completely bland and devoid of any real interest to support even a second chance. The Spicy Taiwan Beef also failed to impress due to its gloppy sauce and poor quality beef.

No Reservations, Egg Roll Chen
Atmosphere: Bustling, but homey. Lots of Chinese regulars.
Cost: Fantastic. $5-7.
Try: The Yen Su Jee. Spicy, salty, and beautifully
crispy chicken on top of quality rice. None of that soggy stuff.
Don't: Rice noodle soup. It looks interesting, but the lack
of flavor makes it a bit of a bummer.

The Final Verdict
There are many admirable qualities about Egg Roll Chen that sets it apart from the rest. A large, bustling sit-in area already makes it feel more expansive, and the special Chinese menu definitely gets a thumbs up for those looking for some more offbeat - and even authentic - picks done the fast food way. The prices are also quality, with everything hitting the five-to-six dollar region. While you may not love everything that comes out of the kitchen, you're sure to find something that makes you come back for more. Everyone - though perhaps not on the first or second try - generally finds a dish that hits the spot. Give the place a couple of chances and you'll be sure to find yours.

Columbia Eats: The Other Store

I honestly wasn't sure what to expect upon entering The Other Store. Tucked deep within the back streets of Forest Acres, I've amazingly lived within minutes of the store for the past five years, but only now have taken a peek inside to see what lies beyond its unassuming doors. Formerly a gas station from the looks of it, The Other Store has since become simply a convenience store - at least on the surface. Walking in, you don't get a strong first impression, what with the unlit refrigerators and ancient shelves of common goods, some less familiar then others. In the back, however, was the deli - a brightly lit and welcoming contrast to the front, it quickly lured me away from the suspect and raised my spirits as I sat down to order.

The menu was surprisingly eclectic, featuring a variety of deli sandwiches and salads that were a little different from the norm. The Jamaican sandwich first caught my eye, with its mix of jerk chicken and shrimp, but I soon opted for the 'Original Greek Turkey' along with a side of pasta salad. Boy did I make the right decision. Stuffed with olives, feta, a cucumber salad along with a tangy, sweet dressing, the Greek Turkey definitely fit the bill. At first glance, it looked like it would be a bit dry, but it shocked and surprised on first bite, actually being moist and flavorful thanks to the fantastic dressing and cucumbers. The Greek Turkey definitely gets the thumbs up for its layers of depth and satisfaction.

The pasta salad also gets a seal of approval. Bits of finely chopped celery and onion gave the side a bit of a crunch, and a light dressing accentuated the flavor of the pasta nicely. It's not often that I approve of pasta salad, but this is certainly an exception.

No Reservations, The Shakedown on The Other Store
Atmosphere: It's essentially in a gas station. How crazy is that?
Cost: A touch high, around $7-8.
Try: The Original Greek Turkey. Average looking on the menu,
beautifully rewarding in your mouth.
Don't: Underestimate places in the middle of nowhere.

Final Verdict: Anyone who manages to wander onto this side of town will find few deli options better the Other Store. While the prices may be a bit hefty (the Greek Turkey, side of pasta salad, and bag of Lays chips ran me just under $9), the end product is well worth the visit. Also worth checking out is the faithful recreation of van Gogh's Starry Night on the back of the store. If you're fortunately enough to eat here on a nice, cool South Carolina day - a rarity, for sure - take a spot on the back porch and enjoy. Family run and locally supported, the Other Store may be one of my new favorite places in Columbia, SC.

Columbia Eats: Eastern Buffet

I hate buffets. Few things are as bad in my humble opinion. Between the caloric disaster and overpriced/undercooked food, buffets rarely make the cut in my book as the place to eat. That being said, coming from a family that enjoys torturing me by venturing into even the most nightmarish of Chinese buffets, I've learned to cope and become somewhat of an aficionado at the job, spotting the best and worse in the business the moment I hit the line. While most Chinese buffets in Columbia get the thumbs down, Eastern Buffet stands as one of the better, if not best, around town.

If you're looking for something truly different that sets Eastern Buffet apart from any other of its size, you'll be somewhat disappointed. In the grand scheme of things, Eastern is your run-of-the-mill buffet featuring all the Chinese fast-food favorites. The difference here compared to others in town is the quality. While nothing stands out as legendary, everything stands out just enough to satisfy everyone's taste buds. The soups are fairly edible and always hot, and the typical millions of variations on chicken usually meet up to standard - not life-altering, but satisfiable. For those looking to get the upper hand, however, you'll want to look for the latest items to hit the line. The fresher the better should be your motto here, and at any other buffet you ever go to. I was fortunate enough to get some newly-made General Tso's Chicken on my latest visit. Hot, crunchy, and with a light, spicy kick, the chicken was one of best fast-food versions of the dish I've had in ages. If you see one of their many workers pouring out something new, make sure you hurry over and take advantage for the best possible bite.

Eastern also sports a sushi line filled with both the usual options and on occasion some various oddballs that may catch your eye. Bacon - a constant theme that seems to be turning up in our weekly stops - was also one of the oddball picks that stood out of the ordinary. Personally, as a rule of thumb I tend to steer away from sushi at Asian buffets as they usually aren't made in capable hands. If you are in the mood, however, the usual suspects are available.

No Reservations, The Shakedown on Eastern
Atmosphere: Standard Chinese buffet with a bit of a military crowd.
Cost: Fine for lunch($8), a bit high for dinner ($11).
Try: Anything that comes piping hot of the kitchen.
Don't: Look for sexy sushi.

Final Verdict: For anyone desperately in search of Chinese food - and lots of it - in Columbia, look no further then Eastern. They've got a nice, clean facility along with a generous side buffet that is sure take care of most's deepest desires. There are a few drawbacks though. The price is a bit higher then the norm (around $12 for dinner with a drink, and $8-9 for lunch), and the overall quality has been wavering between edible and slightly underwhelming over the past few months. That being said, 'edible' is still a hell of a lot better then most places in town when it comes to this category of dining.

Columbia Eats: Roly Poly

It may not be completely local, but seeing as there's only two in the state and a handful nationwide, Roly Poly and its unique selection of wraps, sandwiches, and salads are - in my book - enough to the fit the bill for a Columbia Eats segment.

Established in 1996, Roly Poly started out in Atlanta, Georgia, later spreading out into Florida and the New England area. Company owners Linda Wolf and Julie Reid soon decided to take the business to new heights with their 'taste' for success, marketing and promoting their creative sandwich shops around the entire East Coast.

To say that Roly Poly is a little different from the ordinary sandwich shop is an understatement. Featuring specials like 'Thanksgiving' - a turkey wrap stuffed with actual stuffing and cranberry sauce - and the 'Nut and Honey' - a cream cheese wrap with a variety of healthy nuts seeds and veggies - you're bound to find anything and everything you could possibly want on their sprawling menu. Vegetarians will also feel quite at home with the many options including salads, hummus wraps, and more.

Restaurants could easily buckle under a vast menu, but not Roly Poly. Their consistent wraps are sure to delight and surprise the pickiest of eaters. The 'Turkey Applejack' is a savory mix of turkey, bacon, mushrooms, a smattering of sauces including apple butter and basil mayo all topped off with gooey jack cheese. The 'Peachtree Melt' may be one of my favorites: a ham wrap smothered in swiss and brie, it comes with a sweet and tangy peach spread that provides a good kick thanks to some added heat. With a menu filled to the brim with other classy choices like the 'Pesto Chicken' or the 'French Twist' - a spin on the French omelet - you're sure to spend months tossing and turning in the options.

Each wrap comes with a side of either chips, pasta or potato salad. Do yourself a favor and stay far away from the pasta salad, but consider the potato. A nice, cool salad packed with bacon and herbs, it serves as a nice addition to the hot pressed wraps on the menu.

No Reservations, The Shakedown on Roly Poly
Atmosphere: Downtown casual.
Cost: A little steep at $7 considering quantity.
Try: The Peachtree Melt. A sweet, savory, and salty attack on the palate.
a fantastic first wrap to check out.
Don't: Touch that pasta salad. The potato salad is worth a go though.

Final Verdict: All-in-all, Roly Poly's fresh and creative choices serves as a solid alternative to the major chains in the downtown area. A short walk off campus, it makes for a great lunch locale for any student looking to get away from the crowd and taste something a little different from the norm. Be wary of prices though: a half combo will set you back $7, a bit steep for the average USC student - one of the few setbacks of an otherwise satisfying establishment.

Columbia Eats: Yesterdays

Few restaurants in Columbia are more well-known then Yesterday's. Located in the heart of Five Points, this unmistakable Columbia landmark has been serving up traditional Southern favorites to locals and for over thirty years.

While Yesterday's features a menu that is sure to satisfy anyone's appetite, their specials are certainly the celebrities. First is the confederate fried steak, a huge breaded monstrosity smothered in white gravy that is sure to fill the hungriest of eaters. Though a special of the restaurant, it can vary in saltiness - make sure you grab some sides that will compliment it.

Though the confederate steak is sure to satisfy, the meatloaf - of all items - may be the shining star of the menu. This half pounder is a surefire winner in my book; well-seasoned and topped with mouth-watering gravy, it takes away the 90s stigma of the dreaded meatloaf and makes you wonder how you could have even entertained the idea of avoiding it all your life. Other favorites in the menu include: Southern fried chicken, a large choice of burgers - a standout being the 'The Big One', a massive half-pound angus burger - a laundry list of sides such as spiced apples or traditional picks like mashed potatoes and mac n' cheese, and of course desert, featuring all the favorites including apple pie, banana pudding, and strawberry shortcake.

No Reservations, The Shakedown on Yesterday's
Atmosphere: Local to the bone.
Cost: Average downtown prices. $8-12.
Try: The meatloaf. A Yesterday's special for sure.
Don't: Make the mistake of putting three fried things together.
Make sure you pick sides that cut some of the salt.

Final Verdict: While they may not be the culinary champions of Columbia, the Southern homecooked favorites, relaxed, conversation-friendly atmosphere, and local crowd makes Yesterday's a must-stop for anyone who wants to taste a real slice of Columbian life. If you are visiting town, make sure you stop by this local establishment to dig into some of your soon-to-be favorites and catch a picture with the man in the tub.

Thanks to Yesterday's official site for the photo.