An alternative 'Artisan'

The Cherry Street Artisan in Downtown Columbia creates a fun, intimate and entertaining setting for listening to music, grabbing a snack or light meal, or just cozying up with a warm drink on a cold night. One of the most charming things about the Artisan is its drive and purpose to be an independently owned, locally driven place with a complete absence of commercialization. In a time where it seems like there are half a dozen chain stores or restaurants on every street, this is a welcome sight.

Starbucks has nothing on this place. Instead of generic "coffee shop" music playing on some dinky overhead speakers, the Artisan frequently features talented local musicians playing a mix of blues, jazz, and folk music. Even if you aren't a fan of these genres, their energy and stage presence has the potential to blow you away. Although there is a small floor-level stage set up in the center of the Artisan in close proximity to several tables, on one night a folk band decided instead to serenade the entire room, with patrons literally inches away from a band of fiddlers and trumpeters.

The Artisan features a menu filled with sandwiches, salads, desserts, pastries, and of course dozens upon dozens of beverage options. You can’t really go wrong with anything you order, and almost all items are prepared freshly and quickly. Whether you come for the food and stay for the music or come for the music but stay for the food, the Cherry Street Artisan is one place in Columbia everyone should check out.