A new beach-themed bar and restaurant, Downtown Beach Bar and Grill, is scheduled to open on March 14 at 918 Gervais Street in Columbia's Vista neighborhood. The venue aims to transport visitors to a coastal escape with tiki decor, sand-covered outdoor areas, and a menu blending local favorites with international beach-inspired dishes. It replaces the former Social Bar and Lounge and is part of Curated Hospitality Group's portfolio.
Downtown Beach Bar and Grill occupies the space previously held by Social Bar and Lounge, which featured a late-night club atmosphere. Executive Chef and partner Andrew Gajadhar, a co-founder of Curated Hospitality Group, explained the vision behind the transformation. “I want them to feel transformed, like they've stepped out of Columbia,” Gajadhar said during a visit to the venue, where beach music played in the background.
The group also operates Ambrosia and The Joint, with a consistent goal of creating welcoming environments. “We want people, whenever they step in any of our locations, to feel like that,” Gajadhar added. “They're not around the mundane. They're not around the norm, so to speak, they're in an environment that's welcoming and that they can just enjoy themselves and feel the vibes.”
Managing partner Jay Floyd described the inspiration drawn from coastal bars in Florida to Mexico. “Everybody loves each other, and doesn't matter where you come from, just sit down, have a drink, get some good food and hang out,” Floyd said. The interior includes colorful lights, coastal signs, a tiki room with dried palm leaves and a surfboard-adorned stage for Monday karaoke, and personal touches like diving equipment. The women's bathroom features flamingo paintings.
Gajadhar crafted the menu to evoke global beaches, incorporating South Carolina influences alongside Hawaiian, New Zealand, and Florida elements. Offerings include jerk chicken tacos, a Hawaiian hot dog, and a fried shrimp po' boy. Drinks feature a Pineapple Upside Down cocktail, Hemingway Daiquiri, and pitchers like the DT Beach Bar Margarita or Huger Rum Runner.
Spanning three floors, the space offers distinct areas: a dining room with tables and TVs, a main bar, the tiki room, an enclosed balcony, and an outdoor deck with sand, beach umbrellas, a boardwalk, and its own bar. Each area has separate sound systems and can be rented for events. “What other place in Columbia can you go five different nights in the week and get five different experiences?” Floyd asked.
Curated Hospitality Group plans a founding membership for 100 people starting March 14, providing access to exclusive events such as shuttles, book clubs, and food tastings. Public events will include Taco Tuesdays and potential bar olympics with team competitions. The venue aims to serve as a versatile spot for pre-gaming, live music, or watching games.
“They don't have to travel all the way to the beach to dig their toes in the sand, or to get a good cocktail or to just be in a cool environment where you can just relax,” Gajadhar said. Initial hours will be 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, with future lunch service planned. The opening coincides with St. Pat’s in Five Points.