This Restaurant In Columbia Might Be The Best-Kept Secret In South Carolina

The Rockaway Athletic Club in Columbia is the very essence of a "hidden gem" restaurant in South Carolina – for starters, its name, followed immediately by its location gives off zero levels of restaurant vibes. It's been around long enough, though, that word has gotten around a bit, especially about its bar and a particular menu item! But if you haven't heard of it yet, that's because it still is a pretty well-kept secret, aka, hidden-in-plain-sight kind of place, all things considered.

Also known as Rockaway's, this mysterious bar and grill is found in downtown Columbia on Rosewood in an anonymous-looking industrial-styled brick building with large black shutters. There is no signage identifying the building.

The simple, plain feel of the building ends the moment you step into the casual, fun atmosphere inside. The bar, known as the "South Carolina Liquor Library," offers one of the largest selections of liquor in the southeast, as well as a huge selection of beer and wine.

The place was opened in 1982 by four guys who were kicked out of all the other places in town. They needed a refuge, and what started as a small beer hall has grown into much more.

With arcade and other types of games and a pool table, it feels frozen in time.

And you never know what kind of special event might be happening, such as a pop-up art gallery ...

... or a hat contest!

Even Zoltar participated, but he got disqualified as a restaurant "employee"!

And the winner was ... Roxy Mockabee! (Photographed with the judge, Bruce Chavious.) That is some hat there, Roxy. Impressive!

The pimento cheeseburger at Rockaway Athletic Club is the star of the menu, named the best burger in South Carolina by Food & Wine magazine and eaten by President George W. Bush when he stopped in after addressing state legislators in April of 2005.

You can enjoy your meal at this under-the-radar-famous Columbia restaurant on its charming patio if you'd prefer a bit of fresh air while you eat.

You'll need a place to stay after leaving, at least for the evening. How about a stylish downtown Columbia suite with free parking, a gym, and within walking distance of other Capital City attractions? Before leaving town, you'll want to check out the gorgeous riverwalk trail leading to an island.

Have you heard of this great restaurant spot before? If so, how did you first hear about it? Have you eaten there?