If you want to ring in 2020 at one of the most-popular fine dining locations around, Als’ Upstairs, Black Rooster, and Terra in West Columbia are taking reservations.

And this year, compared to last year, there is much more free parking in the State and Meeting Street area of West Columbia. There is the city’s parking garage with an entrance on Court Avenue, just off of State Street. The Interactive Art Park, behind Terra offers multiple parking spaces, as does the Carraway Community/Enabling Park on Hudson Street, just across from the Riverwalk Amphitheater.

For dining, Als’ Upstairs at 304 Meeting St. offers “a romantic evening set against the skyline of Columbia,” according to Al Loftis, owner.

At Al’s, patrons can dine on fine Italian cuisine by some of the best chefs. The restaurant has been providing specialty Italian cuisine since 1979. And Al’s has New Year’s Eve packages, but a reservation is required. There is limited seating.

The New Year’s Eve menu includes an appetizer and an entree choice. Some of the options are: eggplant parmigiana; chicken Charleston, veal saltimbocca; mushroom ravioli and filet mignon. And a dessert tray will be presented afterward.

Black Rooster
This New Year’s Eve will be the first for the new Black Rooster. Offering magnificent views of the Columbia nighttime skyline, the French bistro-themed restaurant opened in August, by premier Chef Kristian Niemie at the corner of Alexander Road and Meeting Street. A reservation is required for the pre-priced package.

Black Rooster has a special New Year’s evening planned with two dinner seatings. The first is for those planning to celebrate the stroke of midnight elsewhere, but would like to enjoy an dinner experience at Black Rooster beforehand. The second seating is for those who would want to stick around and watch the midnight fireworks from the rooftop while sipping a cocktail after enjoying dinner.

The first Seating Dinner begins at 6, with cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres on the rooftop from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Dinner includes wine, beer, and select cocktails.

The Second Seating Dinner begins at 9 p.m, with cocktails and light hors d’oeuvres on the rooftop from 8 p, to 9 p.m. It includes “after party” on roof to watch fireworks at midnight as well as additional drinks til 12:30 a.m.

The seating begins with an appetizer course and salad. The main course includes choices of: Filet Mignon with Foie Gras Butter and Mushroom Bordelaise; Seared Duck Breast with Sour Cherry Demi Glacé; Grilled Wester Ross Salmon with Sauce Bearnaise; and Farro and Winter Squash-stuffed Portobello with Herb Beurre Blanc.
The dessert course offers a choice of: Nutella Torte; Vanilla & Chocolate Rice Pudding; or Lemon Posset with Gran Marnier Berries.

Terra is another possibility on New Year’s Eve.
For New Year’s Eve at Terra, a reservation is required. The popular restaurant is at 100 State Street in West Columbia, and also offers a spectacular view of the Columbia skyline.

“Terra is excited to ring in the new year with their guests. Offering their seasonal, a la carte menu, guests can enjoy shareables, like the Lamb Mac or Braised Duck and Ginger Dumplings, or indulge in large, dinner entrees, such as the Seared Snapper or Grilled Carolina Heritage Farms Pork Chop,” said Katelyn Hudson, Terra spokeswoman. “Limited reservations remain, so reserve your spot now by calling the restaurant directly at (803) 791-3443.”

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year at Terra.
Mike Davis, Terra owner and chef is well-versed in Southern style food preparation. Throughout the years he has refined his passion for using fresh ingredients from local producers.