Two New Restaurants in Columbia, TN, Add Flair to Local Food Scene
Craving a great meal in Columbia, Tennessee? While it has the charm of a small town, Columbia is quickly becoming a vibrant hub for creativity and new experiences, especially in its growing downtown area. This new energy is perfectly captured by a wave of innovative entrepreneurs, and nowhere is this more visible than in the local food scene. Two new restaurants in Columbia, TN, in particular, stand out — in just one year, they’ve introduced bold flavors and fresh ideas, becoming instant favorites for locals and a symbol of the region’s exciting next chapter.
Prime & Pint
Just off the downtown square, tradition meets innovation at Prime & Pint. Opened in spring 2024 by Gabe Howard, Prime & Pint quickly drew attention for its scratch kitchen and high-quality cuts of beef, bison and lamb.
Inside, guests are welcomed by rustic charm and a sense of craftsmanship that pays tribute to Tennessee’s culinary roots. Howard’s vision was to blend the timeless art of Old World butchery with a modern, community-driven dining experience. By combining a traditional butcher shop with a full-service kitchen and public house, the team has created a space that’s becoming a cornerstone of Columbia’s food scene.
At the helm of its kitchen is Executive Chef Brian Baxter, whose dedication to quality and craftsmanship shapes the restaurant’s identity. With an in-house butcher shop and a focus on locally sourced ingredients, Baxter ensures every cut meets exacting standards – fresh, flavorful and expertly prepared.
The restaurant sources beef from Bear Creek Farm, bison from Bullbourne Bison, lamb from Baa Baa Blacksmith and additional meats from KLD Farm. These partnerships allow Prime & Pint to offer some of the freshest, thoughtfully sourced meats in the region.
Guests don’t just enjoy high-quality meals; they get a front-row seat to the craft behind them. Locals frequently praise the steaks as the absolute best in town, but the menu offers so much more. The prime burger is a fan favorite, and regulars rave about the meaty crab cakes, shrimp and grits, and rotating seasonal pasta specials that showcase the kitchen’s creativity.
With its warm, welcoming atmosphere and focus on authenticity, Prime & Pint delivers a dynamic experience that feels both elevated and down-to-earth, where tradition and innovation come together at the table.
Whiskey Alley Saloon
In April 2020, Brandt Archer and his wife, Julia, relocated to Columbia from Houston, joining Julia’s father, Ralph Terry. While they fell in love with the area, they missed the robust food community they’d left behind. Terry purchased Southern Tré Steakhouse in 2019. Then, inspired by his love of classic Western saloons, he and the family set out to create something new.
That vision came to life in November 2024, when Whiskey Alley Saloon opened its doors. A modern take on the old Western saloon, the space blends rugged charm with Southern flair. Executive Chef Damien Boggs has developed a menu that’s casual yet refined, focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and hearty meals that satisfy without weighing you down.
“Everybody eats, and we want you to feel good after you eat,” Archer says.
Here, sourcing is personal. Chef Boggs meets directly with farmers to ensure the highest quality ingredients and to build lasting relationships with partners across the region. While they prioritize Tennessee producers, the team also looks to neighboring Kentucky, sourcing lamb from Freedom Run Farm and beef from Black Hawk Farms.
The menu draws on Mediterranean flavors with a distinctly Southern twist. Though it shifts with the seasons and availability, that core concept remains the foundation. Standout dishes include the saloon smash burger, stacked with kofta and wagyu patties, smoked gouda, and chimichurri, and the birria po’boy, a nod to Boggs’ Louisiana roots. Archer recommends the roast beef debris frites: hand-cut fries topped with tender braised beef and a rich beer cheese sauce. Guests are encouraged to pair their meal with a pick from the saloon’s extensive wine and spirits list.
It may not be traditional, but Whiskey Alley Saloon is secure in its identity – a lively blend of old Western spirit, Southern flair and modern culinary vision.
“We wanted to make our own favorite place,” Archer says. “And I think we accomplished that.”
Whether you’re new to Maury County or just visiting, these Columbia, TN, restaurants offer not only a great meal but also a taste of the region’s small town charm and fresh energy.
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