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Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC
Al's Upstairs, West Columbia, SC

Al's Upstairs

4.8
4.8
1196 Reviews
$31 to $50
Italian
Top Tags:
-Window seat requests are not guaranteed on the weekends or holidays

-Please, no children under 6 years old on the weekends.

-Private dining rooms available, please call 803-920-9406

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:15 pm
  • Phone number
    (803) 794-7404
  • Website
    http://alsupstairsitalian.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Michael Wright
  • Location
    304 Meeting St., West Columbia, SC 29169
  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Parking details
    There is additional parking for Als Upstairs located behind our property at the Egg Roll Station.
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine

What 1,196 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.6Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Columbia

    Best Overall

  • Columbia

    Best Food

  • Columbia

    Best Service

  • Columbia

    Best Ambiance

  • Columbia

    Best Value

  • Columbia

    Great for fine wines

  • Columbia

    Romantic

  • Columbia

    Good for special occasions

1,196 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I took my friend to Al’s Upstairs Italian Restaurant for her birthday celebration. Everything was wonderful! The staff were attentive and very helpful, and the food was exquisite and the atmosphere was peaceful. Many thanks!

    Is this helpful?

  2. JoeFirm

    Charleston

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome as always. We're going to miss Als. Good luck on your retirement.

    Is this helpful?

  3. JeannetteP

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Al’s is a classic. Sorry to see it close but we wish Al all the best in his new chapter. So thankful we were able to get one more meal there even if we did drive in from Greenville. Delicious food and ambience like no other place has. Thank you.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Rick

    Charleston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always exceptional. Our favorite restaurant in Columbia. We will miss you. Good luck, Al.

    Is this helpful?

  5. OpenTable Diner

    Western NC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The wait staff was excellent. Provided choices & his eyes lit up when he talked about the food choices & the staff he worked with. That goes a long way.

    Is this helpful?

  6. JeffS

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hate to see it end Al! Thanks for the Meals and great times.

    Is this helpful?

  7. TroyT

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Perfect portions. Awesome service. They will be missed.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best spots in Columbia. Truly sad that it is closing.

    Is this helpful?

  9. CamdenSC

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love this place! We went for our anniversary earlier this year but Al’s will be gone when January comes back around. We enjoyed the place both times. I hope we can get in one more time before they leave.. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

    Is this helpful?

  10. MikeG

    Charleston

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on November 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Many enjoyable years eating at Al’s Upstairs. Will be missed. Wonderful food and wait staff.

    Is this helpful?

  11. SteveC

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Al’s was our go to for special occasions and always trust in the care, quality, and service given to be exemplary! We will miss having this experience available to us! Enjoy your meal before they close and are sadly missed!

    Is this helpful?

  12. Loni

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to eat with an amazing view.Food is always good.We wish Al all the best as he retires next month.Hope another good chef takes over this location.

    Is this helpful?

  13. KristiB

    Houston

    38 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    38 reviews

    Dined on November 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have always loved Al’s. It is one of our staples when we are in town. Love the food. Love our favorite waiter MJ. We are so sad they are closing their doors this year.

    Is this helpful?

  14. BenjaminW

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    This was my first visit. I have heard about Al's Upstairs for the 35 years I have been in Columbia. I wish now I had gone long before now. Saddened that they are closing Dec 19. I am glad I got to go at least once.

    Is this helpful?

  15. StanleyS

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful dining experience. I regret they are closing

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A marvelous, delicious and amazing dinner. Food, atmosphere and staff exceptional. 100 stars.

    Is this helpful?

  17. OpenTable Diner

    Alabama

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was amazing as always! Hard to come to terms with Al retiring and bringing an end one of the finest restaurants Columbia has to offer. But we’ll deserved and wish him all the best.

    Is this helpful?

  18. SolomonH

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great restaurant with amazing food. Pasta alla als is the best pasta I've had in a long time

    Is this helpful?

  19. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on November 8, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    All of our food was great except for our desserts. My wife didn’t like the cheesecake, and my chocolate almond torte cake was bitter. View from the tables next to the windows is great. A large party was initially seated next to us and then moved to another location. When they were next to us, the noise level in the room was loud. Definitely not a romantic dining experience at first. Once that party moved, the noise level went down considerably.

    Is this helpful?

  20. RobinF

    Charleston

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on November 4, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful as always. We always try to make in to Al’s when we are in town!

    Is this helpful?

  21. LarryG

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on November 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had a window table with a wonderful view of the Cola skyline reflecting the setting sun. The food and experience was simply great/amazing. Too bad we can’t go there every Friday evening.

    Is this helpful?

  22. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on November 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food. Good service. Best view of downtown Columbia!! I always enjoy a visit to Al’s.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Kendall

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall2food1service2ambience3
    The place was very nice when you walk in and sit down. It wasn’t very busy when we were there, however, we waited 15 minutes to just get waters. As me and my boyfriend are younger, we felt as if we were treated a bit differently than the older folks in there. My food was amazing, but my boyfriends fish was over cooked and not appetizing. It did make him sick after dinner. We did let our waitress know and they did not take it off the check. It’s a shame because I have heard great things about this place.

    Is this helpful?

  24. PaulR

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went to celebrate the wife’s birthday with family and had a very nice time. The reservation was for two hours which is plenty of time to enjoy without being rushed.

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It’s always been a great place. Top notch! We’ll be back.

    Is this helpful?

  26. JohnA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had a wonderful dinner with a friend. The wine was excellent and the menu has great options that should please everyone. This place won't disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  27. PaulP

    Charlotte

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food with Northern Italian flare. Attentive server. Upstairs location in older building added to ambiance.

    Is this helpful?

  28. MrsKF

    Atlanta Metro

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We absolutely love Al's Upstairs! The food is always great here and the waiters are always very knowledgeable and provide excellent service. We had Hailey and she was absolutely amazing. We continue to recommend Al's Upstairs as a go-to romantic restaurant!

    Is this helpful?

  29. DLMurdock

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Delicious food, fantastic service. Once the dining area fills up, it becomes loud from all the conversation, but it is upscale and not rowdy.

    Is this helpful?

  30. PaulE

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were seated immediately on arrival. Our wait person came to our table within a few minutes of our being seated. The order was taken and each course came out in such a way that we could finish each course before the next one arrived. Everyone was pleasant and helpful. It was a great experience. And we did get a window seat as requested!

    Is this helpful?

  31. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was great and the waitstaff was amazing. They made the meal.

    Is this helpful?

  32. CharlesP

    Tampa

    52 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Has become one of our favorites in Columbia. We are from Florida and make it a point to dine here whenever we're in town. Creative menu, good wine list, even better service (that's you, Lilly). Depending on where you're seated, you get some nice views of the Columbia skyline - especially at sunset. We've always had a good experience and a delightful dinner at Al's. We'll keep coming until we're too old to climb the stairs.

    Is this helpful?

  33. JamesB

    Charleston

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on October 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience. Staff was outstanding. Food was excellent. View of city was very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  34. DeannaO

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Every single food item was amazing ! Service was amazing and I will most definitely be back !

    Is this helpful?

  35. MeganC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing food & great service! Great place for a date night!

    Is this helpful?

  36. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience4
    Customer for many years now. $45.00 for 2 Martinis is a bit steep in price. The food and service was as good as always. Don't know if I will return anytime soon.

    Is this helpful?

  37. Nick

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I would recommend this place to anyone. It is absolutely amazing food and the perfect special occasion restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  38. KyleL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    the food & service were very good. it was a little loud, however they were very busy.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Pilgrimgal

    Greater Boston

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding service! The food was phenomenal and the view amazing We will definitely be back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  40. AshleyH

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food. Outstanding service. Al’s never disappoints.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Al's Upstairs offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (803) 794-7404.

Al's Upstairs is rated 4.8 stars by 1196 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 13 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Al's Upstairs

304 Meeting St., West Columbia, SC 29169

Additional information

  • Neighborhood
    Columbia
  • Hours of operation
    Dinner Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–8:15 pm
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Italian
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    There is additional parking for Als Upstairs located behind our property at the Egg Roll Station.
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Michael Wright
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wine
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