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American restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina
What should I order at California Dreaming?
What to order
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🥇
Croissants
Mentioned repeatedly as a standout item: warm, soft, addictive, and often described as a must-have or the perfect start to the meal.
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🥈
She-Crab Soup
Praised for being rich, flavorful, and delicious, with multiple reviews calling it an excellent choice to start the meal.
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🥉
House Salad
Recommended for its quality and especially the house dressing, which was highlighted as a favorite and a reason to order it.
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4
California Dreaming Salad
Specifically called out as great and highly recommended, with reviewers praising it as a reliable and enjoyable choice.
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5
Cali Bowl
Described as a favorite meal by one reviewer and praised again for being great overall, with the chicken and miso salmon version especially recommended.
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6
Ribeye
Strongly recommended because it was cooked perfectly and described as one of the best steaks a reviewer had ever eaten.
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7
Steak and Shrimp
Frequently praised for being cooked to perfection, tender, flavorful, and consistently exceeding expectations.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
About California Dreaming
Relaxed restaurant & bar chain serving steak & seafood, plus signature nachos, sandwiches & pasta.
Amenities
Service options
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upscale
Crowd
- College students
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked
What is California Dreaming known for in Columbia, SC?
It is especially known for she crab soup and its warm croissants, including honey butter croissants, which reviewers repeatedly call a highlight. Guests also mention seafood nachos and steak and seafood plates as reasons they return.
What dishes are most recommended at California Dreaming?
Reviewers most often recommend the she crab soup, croissants, seafood nachos, steak and shrimp, ribeye, and the Cali Bowl with chicken or miso salmon. The house salad with honey mustard and hot bacon dressing also comes up as a strong pick.
What is the atmosphere like at California Dreaming?
The restaurant has a casual but upscale feel inside a historic old train station, and reviewers describe it as beautiful, cozy, and welcoming. It works well for dinner dates, groups of friends, and solo dining, especially when you want a relaxed meal with a bar and sports on.
Is California Dreaming good value, and what is the price range?
The listed price range is $20 to 30, and reviewers often say the food and service make it worth the cost. Several mention that the portions and quality, like steak, shrimp, salads, and soups, feel like good value for Columbia dining.
Do you usually need a reservation at California Dreaming?
Reservations are accepted and dinner reservations are recommended, because the restaurant is often busy and usually has a wait. Reviewers also note that seating can be prompt when a reservation is in place, especially for dinner.
Is parking available at California Dreaming?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does California Dreaming have vegetarian options?
Yes, California Dreaming offers vegetarian options.
Is California Dreaming kid-friendly?
Yes, California Dreaming is good for kids.
