Reopening has been a long time coming, and West Columbia residents are glad to see it. 

Kim Odom was at Nick’s House of Pizza, Tuesday, with her mother Grace Caldwell. Both of them live in West Columbia. The two sat on the screened porch at Nick’s to dine.

“This is the first time we’ve been out to eat since the coronavirus lockdown,” said Odom. I’m really proud of the way everyone has handled it, and it’s great to get out and enjoy lunch.”

Nick’s owner Nick Gabriel said his restaurant was not fully open for inside dining, Tuesday, but it was open, following all coronavirus safety protocols, Wednesday. 

While Nick’s is getting back into the swing of things, Bricks and Stones Pizza Company will continue to provide take-out for a few more weeks.

Bricks and Stones will not reopen its dining room until June 2. 

The restaurant will be working on new processes and procedures to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy. The restaurant will also add “boneless wings with some amazing new wing sauces,” according to owner Bob Close.

Compton’s Kitchen on B Avenue in West Columbia opened for inside dining, Monday, at reduced capacity in accordance with state rules.

Waitress Theresa Hutto said Compton’s had twice as many diners Tuesday as the restaurant had on Monday. 

“Some of them have had to wait, said Hutto, because of reduced capacity. “But they say they are happy to be able to come in and eat again.”

Compton’s Owner Martha Cook said her staff is following all CDC and DHEC guidelines, sanitizing tables, chairs, check trays and even sanitizing the pen used to sign the check.

On Tuesday, West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles came into Compton’s and sat down at a table with former West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton. 

“This is the first time I’ve been out since the restrictions on inside dining were lifted,” said Miles. “It really feels good.” 

Horton welcomed the lifting of inside dining restrictions, too.

“It’s been a long wait,” he said. “I’m really glad to be able to sit down and enjoy a meal here.”

George Xanthakof was also at Nick’s Tuesday to enjoy his first meal of the reopening. He was meeting Nick, the owner.

“I’m glad to be able to go out, sit down and enjoy lunch,” he said. 

“Cheers and welcome back” was the message from Terra on State Street. The restaurant reopened Tuesday.

Terra is taking safety precautions and space is very limited. Reservations are encouraged. Terra will also take reservations for courtyard dining, weather permitting. 

Grecian Gardens, on Sunset Boulevard, is anxious to reopen its dining room. As of Wednesday, the restaurant is still offering curbside service, takeout and catering.

Grecian Gardens will announce when “dine-in” goes into effect as soon as the restaurant has all the supplies required, as well as the procedures in place to open dine-in service safely.

Other restaurants:

WECO Bottle and Biergarten on Meeting Street is open

Zesto in Triangle City has reopened its dining room at reduced capacity. But the restaurant is encouraging its customers to continue to get takeout. 

DeLucca’s Italian Grill on Sunset Boulevard is open for inside dining, with limited seating.

Cafe Strudel in West Columbia opened Monday with 50 percent inside dining. 

“We can’t wait to see everyone,” said Cafe Strudel owner Trip Turbyfill.  The restaurant also offers outside dining and takeout orders. 

Primal Gourmet, on Meeting Street, is open for inside dining, in addition to pick-up and take out. 

True Barbecue on D Avenue in Triangle City is open Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. 

Palate on State Street is open for curbside pick-up, but not inside dining, currently. 

Ariana’s Restaurant, on Sunset Boulevaard. is open for take-out only.  
Black Rooster, as of Tuesday evening, had not reopened, for on-premise dining, or take-out.

Al’s Upstars, at State and Meeting streets, is closed, but is anticipating reopening as soon as possible.