The historic 1902 Union Station, in downtown Columbia, SC, offers California Dreaming guests a unique opportunity to feel the grandeur of the past within a comfortable, warm setting. Boasting floor to ceiling windows overlooking the rail tracks from the view of the inactive platform to the main terminal, now foyer with distinct bar and table seating. The vibrant atmosphere and expansive kitchen has a dedicated team cooking everything from scratch daily. Open for lunch and dinner daily including online ordering with curbside pickup and USC CarolinaCard accepted. Awarded Best Salad, 20 years running – Free Times reader survey, 2020.
California Dreaming has proudly served the Columbia community since 1984.
Relaxed restaurant & bar chain serving steak & seafood, plus signature nachos, sandwiches & pasta. Based on 4 reviews, the restaurant has received a rating of 4.2 stars. Price $$
✔️ Dine-in ✔️ Curbside pickup
Address:
401 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: (803) 254-6767
Website:
Social Profile: 
Hours
| Wednesday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Friday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday |
11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday |
11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday |
11 AM–9 PM |
Menu
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Menu Photos
Photo Gallery
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Reviews
Ruoyu Zhang
I had a wonderful experience at this restaurant! It was recommended by a friend, and I was impressed right from the start. The restaurant, formerly an old train station, has ample parking space, and the service was exceptional. The ambiance was delightful, with each table adorned with a small candle. Our order included Fried Crab Claws, Chicken Strips Platter, Chicken Pasta, Baby Back Ribs (one rack), and Fried Seafood Platter. Every dish had the perfect amount of cheese, the fish fillet was wonderfully crispy, and the pasta had the right texture. The only downside was the slow food delivery and slightly delayed plate clearing by the servers.
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Terri Potts
I was excited to visit California Dreaming for the 1st time as the restaurant had several great reviews and was also recommended by my mom. So for the hubs 40th and out anniversary, we made the trip to the Columbia location. I made a reservation 2 weeks before and am glad I did as they were packed. Wasn’t impressed by the layout and the parking for this location is horrible. Anyway the hubs order tacos and a shrimp Po boy which both were delicious. Their Caesar salad is the best that I’ve had and the honey glazed croissants were simply amazing. I ordered the chicken Alfredo and wish I hadn’t. It was the most unflavored, bland, disgusting Alfredo I’ve ever eaten. It tasted like chicken and noodles floating in flavorless cream . I tried adding salt and pepper but it didn’t help at all! I was highly disappointed. On top of that we saw our waiter twice; when he took our order and when we had to stop him and ask for napkins ! While I wasn’t impressed with this location, I will try the Charleston location as it’s supposed to be better and the restaurant sits on the water.
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James Inabinet
Drinks were great, food was great, server was super friendly. The wait despite a reservation was a bit annoying but they were pretty busy. One person with us ordered a salad and that was about 10 minutes later tha anyone else’s food to come out. Price was on point for what you get. Overall good experience with some hiccups, bit worth another shot.
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Lisa Rogers
Everything about California Dreaming was the best. Restaurant was located in an old train station. The architecture was amazing. Our server was top notch! Food was superb!! Can’t go wrong!!
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Grant Bell
Went for lunch and vist was okay. Salad dressing was crazy watered down and not much flavor. Entrées came on 1 minute after they brought the salads so our food was getting cold until we got down with first course. Tacos were great and very spicy but still good. Potato soup was tasty.
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D6loCC Da 6east
Awesome place. Made reservations earlier that week so as soon as we walked it we were seated… Jasmine was a excellent server. Always had a smile on her face and continously checking on my wife and I to make sure we were satisfied. The food was excellent! Definitely going back again soon!
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Nikki Cain (Nikki at Lennar)
It’s Mother’s Day and the hubs thought it would be nice to try this place! Our friends suggested it some time ago and we hadn’t gotten around to it.
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smartdealsbyron
I rarely give ratings less than 5 Stars. However, this 3 Star rating is great considering the bad experience I had last night. The waiter failed to bring the croissants, which comes with the meal. Also, he failed to bring the water I asked for. Furthermore, I also chose to leave when a FLY landed at our table.
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JayJay Buggs
Five stars across the board. I haven’t eaten here in years but it is still just as good. Our server was amazing!
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Rebecca D
I cannot write enough positive things about this place. We came in from out of town and needed a place for Christmas Eve dinner. I’m so glad this was open.
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