5 stars because it is the only of its kind in Columbia, SC. Well-established vegan restaurant that throws countless LGBTQ events?! In the South?! I am not a vegetarian but even I was impressed by their sandwiches, and their seitan tenders are quite tasty! Service is good. Building has a somewhat awkward setup but that's ok. read more

The Hoot is a chill local hangout spot. They host events throughout the week. The food is good- they have weekly specials and do any form of potato really well. It's LGBTQIA+ friendly. Just do the thing and try it. read more

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The Hoot has turned into one of my go-to Columbia spots! I've been about four times now (last visit was takeout only) and the food was always good, but so is the vibe. As one of the only vegan dedicated places in Columbia, it's such a boon. My first visit I just needed some time to myself. It was about 4pm'ish, I barely ate all day, and I just wanted to absorb this book. I got a nice corner seat at the bar, ordered a delicious amber beer and the cheesy fries, and had a nice hour + just chilling. My barkeep could tell not to bother me, but didn't ignore me...it was perfect. My second visit was slightly later in the day and the place was busier, but you could still find a little spot to yourself if needed. Had the special for the day - the Chik'n Caesar Wrap and the tots - a great comfort meal, and a hard cider. I'm at or near Rosewood pretty often at different times of day, so I'm glad The Hoot is a viable option. My only gripe is that it's a bit difficult to find. I wish they had better signage on Rosewood, and below, that the entrance is in the parking lot below/behind the block. I parked down there and didn't even see it! read more

The Hoot - Chikn Caesar Wrap with Tots - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

I am stopping in South Carolina for a day and stopped by this vegan restaurant. The staff was friendly and accommodating. They answered all of my questions and made suggestions based on what I like. The food was really good! I got the Philly and Tofu Nugs. I am thinking about stopping by again before I leave to try the patty melt! Someone else was eating it while I was there and it looked so good! read more

Super friendly service! We stopped in on a Sunday afternoon and just *happened* upon a drag show. I drank a chai-tini and had biscuits and gravy. Drink was lovely, better than an espresso martini. Fun Halloween decorations in a dive-y space. Can't wait to come back! read more

The Hoot - Chai-tini - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Rosewood's area number one vegan spot opened about two years ago. It's an incredibly comfortable environment with couches and dim lighting decorated with what else many owls . I'm not a vegan but I enjoy eating here and having a drink for happy hour. Cool place for brunch on Sunday's. read more

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The Hoot sandwich with tots is so good! Friendly staff each time I've visited. Would recommend.

This is my Sunday go to spot. The food is tasty and hot. I love that fact that they serve alcoholic vegan beverages. The service is amazing. The place reminds you of a cabin or a grandma house. It's clean, comfortable, and cozy. They also have game night.. read more

This was our first time visiting the Hoot! It was actually a great experience on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. There is plenty of free parking in the back of the restaurant. There were games for customers to enjoy The Hoot is a vegan restaurant. This reminded me of a dive bar- a cozy coffee shop due to the ambience. Ordering from the bar was really convenient, no waiting on a waitress. All the staff at the Hoot were very accommodating. The food came out in a timely manner and the food was very tasty. This was a great spot for brunching in the Rosewood area. read more

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When recently in town for a family function, I discovered this plant-based/vegan restaurant & bar via the HappyCow app. Upon arriving at the restaurant, hubby and I were immediately drawn in enter the restaurant & bar by the sign before the double door entrance. Upon arriving, we were relaxed by the cool music playing into the restaurant, seeing a pinball machine and appreciated seeing a variety of seating options including short and long tables, booths, and outdoor seating. After reviewing the menu, hubby and I approached the bar to order and hubby informed the employee of his nut allergy which let to her asking kitchen staff what menu items contained nuts. The employee quickly returned and informed us that menu items that included nuts were the boiled peanuts and the kale salad. Having reviewed the menu, we decided to order hush puppies with chipotle-brown sugar butter (which I haven't had since I became vegan in 2009,) a "Philly Sando" with french fries for me, a "Burger Bob" burger with tater tots for hubby, and an order of "Shroom Mac & Cheez" to spilt. While waiting for our to go order to be completed, we decided to enjoy two non-alcoholic mocktails on a "Haystack" for me and a employee create drink called "A Pocket Full of Sunshine." As I sat at a table and enjoyed my mocktail, hubby had fun playing the "Swords of Fury" pinball machine. In less than ten minutes, our drinks were finished and to go order was delivered to us. Upon returning to our rental condo, we opened up food boxes and we delighted by what we saw. The hush puppies were perfectly crispy on the outisde and moist on the inside. Although I was expecting for the butter dipping sauce to be overpowering, it provided the perfect amount of heat to the hush puppie's sweetness. The Philly sando was flavorful and the fries were hot and crispy. Hubby raved about the Burger Bob and said the tater tots were were done. The shroom mac & cheez had a good balance of flavor and cheeziness however, I would have loved it to have had even more mushrooms (but that's cause I really love mushrooms.) After such a delightful to go dining experience, the next time we're in the area, we will definitely plan to have a dine in experience to better enjoy the chill atmosphere, electic decor, delicious food, and friendly staff. read more

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My sister is vegetarian so we decided to try out The Hoot while visiting USC when it popped up as a vegan option in the area. This place was a bit hard to spot because the entrance is on the back of the building. It's got sort of a dive bar or speakeasy feel at nighttime with dim lights and some pale blue light bulbs. The food was amazing! My mom and sister both had the Veg-Fil-a sandwich. I chose the Hoot sandwich which was delicious!! It was a cold citrus marinated tofu and red cabbage slaw on hot Texas toast. The tater tots were awesome! Service was very friendly, and quick! read more

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I was surprised at the number of people in this alternative lifestyle-friendly bar on a weeknight. I guess you can find hippies anywhere, but I don't know where they went before this place opened as it is relatively new I think, and South Carolina is not exactly a vegan food paradise. I ordered at the bar and was served quickly, but chose outdoor seating; while this place is at the rear of a building and doesn't offer any great views or anything, it was a nice night. My gingery non-alcoholic beverage was refreshing, but the star of the show was a sandwich. I used to really want to keep tofu for Asian-style dishes served with noodles or white rice, but their sandwich is impressive, not so much for the tofu itself, but for the zingy slaw in the middle and the satisfying Texas Toast on the outside. It was a distinctively Southern preparation. I was a little irked they charge extra for kale salad, but I still probably did myself a favor ordering that over a more typical side. There were other appealing options on the menu, and the one I ordered was about as delicious as I could have hoped. read more

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Went for family brunch on Sunday and it was amazing! From the food to the ambience everything was great! Service was impeccable as were the drinks and food. We had the rosewood bowl potatoes were delicious and crunchy 10/10. My kids really enjoyed the pancakes and ate the entire plate! Overall a great experience , will definitely be back! read more

The Hoot - Delicious season drink and draft beer - great selection! - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

This was my first vegan restaurant and it was a great experience. Cozy and inviting atmosphere. Great service. Ordered off of the brunch menu. Started with an apple harvest mimosa which was good. For food ordered the peanut butter banana French toast from the brunch special with a side of grits and the chikn biscuit with potatoes. The chikn was breaded perfectly and was very flavorful. Potatoes were good and crispy. Grits were seasoned and had the consistency I like. The French toast was a nice finish to a great meal. Not overly sweet. I would definitely return to try other items on the menu. read more

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We really enjoyed the service and the food was delicious. We will return again. The ambience was very cozy and eclectic. The staff was very courteous and friendly. I even enjoyed the cocktail special. The food was so filling and satisfying to our palate. My husband and I both had burgers and fries and we enjoyed two different appetizers, the fried mushrooms and the hush puppies. read more

The Hoot - Strawberry daiquiri - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Great vegan food, friendly staff, cozy vibes. The brunch food & mimosas were perfect.

"A vegan bar with cozy vibes offering southern-inspired dishes like hush puppies". This is a more than an apt description. This place is located on the lower level of the building and is easily accessed from the parking lot in the rear. It's dark inside, but not too dark. It's a small space but they have carved out part of the dinning area for a DJ table and runway....they mentioned that they have a drag show later in the evening on the Friday I was there. Good times! I tasted the Philly Sando, fries, hush puppies, Veg Fil A chicken sandwich, and tots. Everything was really good and really fried. And I don't mean this in a negative way. Having a vegan lifestyle does not preclude one from eating some fried food from time to time. It's nice to have the option. I enjoyed this place and think you will too...vegan or not. read more

The food is amazing! We got the Hoot Sandwich and Shroom Mac with fried tofu and everything was so outstanding. Service was kind and speedy and the whole place has wonderful ambience. It was a lovely stop on our roadtrip and we can't wait to go back :) read more

We were invited to the hoot with some friends for a queer trivia, and even though seating was limited, we still enjoyed our time there. The ambience and the decor is very beautiful. Though it was a little noisy, so trivia was hard to hear. We enjoyed some great cocktails, and a few dishes. I got the Prosecco with cream de violet and it was very delicious. We got to order a boil peanuts, but they were ice cold and not really salty so we sent them back. We order the hush puppies and the mac & cheese. Let me just say the hush puppies are amazing with the butter I will be back for them even if ordering just to pick up, the mac & cheese I understand this is a vegan restaurant, but that was not mac & cheese. BUTTTT LET ME TELL YOU IT WAS STILL PHENOMENAL. IT HAD THE FLAVOR OF MAYBE TRUFFLE PASTA, AND A SAUCE THAT WAS COOKED ALL DAY. IT TASTED LIKE A WARM STICK TO YOUR BONES. TYPE OF MEAL WAS REALLY AMAZING WHEN DIPPING THE HUSH PUPPIES IN TO THE SAUCE. read more

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I've been here twice now (both times forgot to get food pics!). Love the decor, love the staff! I've had the hush puppies twice and they were out of this world! I tried the Mac and cheese. Not the greatest but still good. Got the nachos on my second visit and my friend and I absolutely cleaned the plate they were so amazing! Cocktails have been wonderful also! Will definitely be going back. read more

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Good food, drinks were bitter. Good atmosphere, the service was good and the staff was friendly.

Hoot? You should give one. Are you looking for a place to hang with friends? A new date spot with dim lighting? Maybe you want to try your hand at some pinball? Or simply want some delish vegan food that has you questioning why you need meat? This place has it all. Was visiting town and a friend suggested this place. We had no idea it was vegan and typically I'm skeptical, but loved every dish! We tried the hush puppies (that'll make you want to do anything but), the mac and cheese, tots, and the beans and rice bowl. All dishes had loads of flavor and the portion sizes were great for the price. Service was awesome and the staff was very helpful to some newbies. Loved the local draft beer I had as well. Overall great spot and would definitely go back again when I visit Columbia. read more

The Hoot - Hush puppies and the end of a plate of mac and cheese - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Cool little spot that's new to Columbia, definitely a hipster vibe and as much a bar as it is a restaurant. You seat yourself and you have to order everything at the bar. They give you a number and bring out your food. The place is very loud due to the low ceilings and hard surfaces, they tried to help the noise with some acoustic panels but it is still loud even when half full. The wait / bar staff doesn't know much about the food or the menu. I asked about several items and how they were served and the waitress bartender didn't have a clue. She was willing to ask the kitchen but after several attempts I stopped asking and just ordered. The chard pita was a bit disappointing but the black-eyed hummus was very tasty. The hush puppies were delicious and I really enjoyed the spin they put on traditional honey butter by making it spicy brown sugar butter instead. The tots were cooked perfectly but again the bread on both the hoagie and the Texas toast was a bit too much and distracted from the wonderful flavors inside the sandwiches. I could eat the spicy chili ginger spread and red cabbage slaw all by its self as a side if it was offered that way. The Seitan "chicken" Philly was really good and I enjoyed all the flavors and texture of the sando! Will definitely come back for more. The back patio will be an excellent place to sit when the weather warms up some to escape the noise. Next time we will ask for the bread items to be less toasted. Overall a great experience read more

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Hi. An awesome vegan restaurant! Awesome friendly helpful attentive staff! Food is wonderful! Tonight I enjoyed my second visit and ordered black beans and rice bowl! Just yummy! I'm not vegan per se but can live without meat! Ambience is upscale with relaxed atmosphere! Last nite I had the boiled peanuts, house salad, hushpuppies and " spring in a jar". Here's some pics of everything but beans & rice which was the best! 5 stars!! read more

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We ordered the pancakes with potatoes and the breakfast sandwich with potatoes. The food was awesome! The pancakes were light fluffy and full of flavor. The breakfast sandwich was very filling along with the seasoned potatoes. The apple mimosa was yummy. We ordered at the bar area and when the food was ready, it was delivered to our table hot fresh and ready to be eaten. The atmosphere is comfortable, laid back warm and inviting. This is a must go to for a great meal with an amazing atmosphere that is easy and comfortable. read more

So much fun here!!! Food is amazing and crowd is fun too. Great service and so much fun playing music bingo read more

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First of all the ambiance inside was cozy and quirky. The food was absolutely delicious. I had the burger bob with tater tots, my significant other had the veg-fil-a and fries, then we shared the nachos and hush puppies. All were very tasty! Super savory. Great experience and service. The bartender was so friendly and nice. The drinks were delicious too. We had the Hoot old fashioned and a garden party. Would definitely be coming back here! read more

A cool, maximalist-ly decorated spot that feels warm and intimate with a delicious menu. Definitely try the Hoot Sandwich and Philly Sando with tater tots. I washed mine down with The Garden Party, which was, well--beautifully botanical. It feels like a cozy little neighborhood spot, where on our first trip we already saw several people we know. I'm looking forward to stopping in and sitting a spell again. read more

Absolutely fantastic food! I am not vegan but my wife has dietary restrictions and we both loved the mac and cheese and hush puppies. Even the Kale salad was perfect and tender! Staff was friendly and enthusiastic. Atmosphere was cozy and beautiful. We will definitely be back frequently! read more

Everything a bar should be. Reasonable prices, good food, cool barkeeps, great music. I was there for music bingo night. I'll go back.

We really enjoyed this place! The food and service were excellent, and it's a very peaceful and welcoming environment. They even got me to eat, and enjoy, pickled okra! Vegan and vegetarian-friendly, and a real customer-oriented attitude. Definitely coming back! read more

Super cozy neighborhood bar serving elevated vegetarian bar food. In the heart of Rosewood, Hoot delivers on charm and ambiance. read more

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Huge fan of The Hoot! Love that everything on the menu is vegan. I had the Hoot sandwich and Kale salad. Delicious! I'm looking forward to eating my way through the menu. I'm thinking hushpuppies and nachos next. You order at the bar for food and drinks. Food is delivered to your table. And they have a neat water on draft self serve area. Also, love that they have prosecco on tap and just added weekly drink discounts. And outdoor seating if you wanted to bring your pup. Wonderful addition to the Columbia food scene! read more

The hush puppies are a 10 they sold this review. The kale salad was a good side to my "Hoot Sandwich". The place has low lights and it's not that big however the staff was very friendly. You order at the bar and they bring the meal to your table. Nice vegan place for lunch. read more

The Hoot - Hush puppies - Bars Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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The food was great my favorite was the dip that came with the pretzels. Service was quick and everyone is very friendly. read more

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Just found out about this place and had to try it out the same day. The ambiance was an entire vibe. The food was really awesome. We had The Hoot sandwich and shroom Mac and cheese. My husband enjoyed his dessert and the drinks! To top everything off, we had this jewel of a bartender named Alyssa. She made us feel welcome, her drinks were good and she was very attentive. I'd definitely come back again! read more

I never leave reviews, but this place is just too good to not share. The drinks are unique and delicious (My favorite is the Island Boi, or the Orange Creamsicle one, or maybe the Coco Loco one ). And the food is incredible! I've never had anything there that I didn't love. My favorites are the hush puppies, hummus, Veg Fil A sandwich, and the rice and beans bowl. This time when we went, the chef added protein crumbles, nacho cheese, and green onions on top and it was even better. My son loves the Hoot sandwich and he's 10 years old and usually non-vegan....so that's a huge compliment to the flavor of that sandwich. On top of all this, the place is just cool. The atmosphere is so comfortable and inviting, like I could stay all night if I didn't have to put my kid to bed! I just really love this place and I'm so glad to see it added to our neighborhood!! I almost forgot the Tator Tots!!! They are the perfect way to get all their delicious homemade sauces into your mouth! read more