Johnson's Restaurant

5.0 (26 reviews)

InexpensiveBarbeque, Burgers

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Johnson's Restaurant - Best Burger in Columbia! Get the cheese burger basket - great fries too! - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Johnson's Restaurant - Menu - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Richard B.

This is the top hole in the wall place in Columbia! Mainly take but there is a bar (not drinks) and a table. There are about 10-15 people waiting on their meals so that all seats are about taken. They have a fantastic homemade single burger that your mouth is not big enough to take the first bite. Really great tasting and lots of toppings. I foolishly ordered the onion rings and thus was overwhelmed by the food. The onion rings, I don't believe were homemade, were excellent without dripping in grease. In total I ordered a cheeseburger, onion rings, slaw is included and a bottled water plus a bottled sprite. Total bill including tax was $10.10. You ain't going to beat that price!!! I will be back. BTW, that is Johnson in a picture and he was extremely friendly!

OMG this place is a hidden gem! The burger was huge and good. I had to get a knife to cut it in half to eat it. The customer service was wonderful. I will definitely be back very soon!!!!

Justin B.

Found this place on Yelp when searching for burgers for lunch in the North Main area. There were not many reviews but I decided to chance and am glad I did. I got the cheese burger (single) and fries. The burger was huge and had great flavor, and the fries were well seasoned too.

Keith R.

Amazing good ole bbq food! We stopped in just to quickly grab n go. AMAZING. So worth the stop. If your in the area you have to stop. Burger was juicy and not salty. Fried okra you could tell they freshly dropped them in the fryer and it paid off!

Best Burger in Columbia! Get the cheese burger basket - great fries too!

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Della L.

Elite 26

78

418

2477

3 years ago

After hearing and see people compliment the burgers here I was excited to try them! This business is clean and welcoming extremely clean! Parking was accessible. I placed my order quickly and had about a 15 min wait. Mr Johnson was extremely nice. This is literally one of the biggest dine just right old school burgers you can get! And the price was great! The fries were amazing! Seasoned well and crispy! The chicken liver were delicious as well! I can't wait to return to try some other items! read more

Johnson's Restaurant - the inside of the restaurant - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - shelves of food and beverages - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - a van parked in front of a building - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Helpful 6

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Gee W.

0

60

20

2 years ago

I'm shocked that I've missed this place all these years. I saw the reviews and decided to go . I ordered a hamburger and wings. Mr. Johnson was very polite and kind. Food was made fresh. I thoroughly enjoyed my food. The hamburger was juicy, and the wings were cooked to my liking. I will be back! read more

Johnson's Restaurant - Hamburger all the way. - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Wings - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Helpful 1

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Dwayne A.

Elite 26

18

241

519

4 years ago

What a great value. The burgers here are massive and remind me of the burgers that momma used to make. The fries are delicious and well seasoned. This is neighborhood home cooking at its finest. The chicken sandwiches are stuffed with juicy meat. The chili dog was amazing. The owners are wonderful and everyone who walked in was made to feel at home. I'm definitely making a return trip. read more

Johnson's Restaurant - Chicken Sandwich - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Chili dog - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Cheeseburger - it's massive!! - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Ethan S.

631

12

1

2 years ago

Nestled in the northern heart of Columbia, SC, lies a fountain of culture and culinary dedication rivaled by very few. Johnson's provides we, the people, the opportunity to exchange $10 cash for a massive cheeseburger and scoop of fries. For an additional couple bucks, you can even wash it down with a sweet tea. The gentleman taking your order, and the woman in the back were kind, and almost as sweet as that tea. Johnson's is a welcoming place for all, but if you're looking for fancy schmancy, in house seating, or anything other than greasy good food, you're the wrong kinda person in the wrong kinda place. read more

Helpful 1

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Richard B.

Elite 23

3

121

467

4 years ago

This is the top hole in the wall place in Columbia! Mainly take but there is a bar (not drinks) and a table. There are about 10-15 people waiting on their meals so that all seats are about taken. They have a fantastic homemade single burger that your mouth is not big enough to take the first bite. Really great tasting and lots of toppings. I foolishly ordered the onion rings and thus was overwhelmed by the food. The onion rings, I don't believe were homemade, were excellent without dripping in grease. In total I ordered a cheeseburger, onion rings, slaw is included and a bottled water plus a bottled sprite. Total bill including tax was $10.10. You ain't going to beat that price!!! I will be back. BTW, that is Johnson in a picture and he was extremely friendly! read more

Johnson's Restaurant - Exterior - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Cheeseburger - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Mr Johnson - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

Johnson's Restaurant - Front - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Helpful 6

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Candi T.

197

8

0

2 years ago

The Burger was Huge and very Tasty. Even the Lemonade and Sweet tea. I would highly recommend. Didn't realized the served other food until I got there read more

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Stacy P.

74

7

19

3 years ago

Johnson's is definitely a hole in the wall spot! It's amazing and don't let the location fool you.. the food and service is there! I had a hamburger w/ bacon basket and my boyfriend had 2 chili dogs. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING!! My burger was SO BIG! It definitely could be split 2 ways and the chili dogs were good besides the chili it was a bit sweet kind of like a marinara.. but We loved it and will be back to explore their full menu. It's also very good pricing. For our food + 2 drinks was $18 read more

Helpful 5

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Paramveer C.

0

20

7

2 years ago

Wonderful people and amazing food! Cheeseburger basket and hot dog was amazing! Glad I tried this place I will be back!

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Morgana W.

0

6

0

2 years ago

The place is so run down, no a/c...who cares? The people there are lovely and the food is amazing. Place your order by phone for take out and bring cash. There's an ATM machine there if you need it. The burgers are huge and they do chicken wings in a variety of sauces. A huge burger and an order of 8 teriyaki wings for under $20. Love it! read more

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Jim L.

0

15

0

3 years ago

Outstanding burgers at a surprisingly good price. Varied menu, takeout primarily. Open Thursday - Saturday. Highly recommended!

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open c.

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2

0

3 years ago

Real good service is A1 I'm goin today to get a burger 1-27-2024 I'm on the way right now lol

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wonda b.

27

11

26

3 years ago

This place was awesome! I just left and I had the hamburger and it was GIANT. Cooked to perfection. Everyone there was super friendly and. You can't beat the price. I'm just sad I am on a road trip and not a local because I'd go to Johnson's at least once a week. Wear elastic pants. Great! 5 stars! On the freeway???? Pull over!!! read more

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Lisa H.

0

28

54

4 years ago

If you go here, plan on having time. Orders are cooked to order. Burgers are hand made and huge!! Well worth the 1hr wait.

Helpful 2

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Stacey H.

11

2

0

4 years ago

Good burger for a decent price great mom and pop vibe!they are really big and juicy so come hungry.

Helpful 1

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Dana S.

0

2

3

4 years ago

OMG this place is a hidden gem! The burger was huge and good. I had to get a knife to cut it in half to eat it. The customer service was wonderful. I will definitely be back very soon!!!! read more

Johnson's Restaurant - Cheeseburger Basket! - Barbeque Near Me - Columbia, South Carolina

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Justin B.

5

38

4

8 years ago

Found this place on Yelp when searching for burgers for lunch in the North Main area. There were not many reviews but I decided to chance and am glad I did. I got the cheese burger (single) and fries. The burger was huge and had great flavor, and the fries were well seasoned too. read more

Helpful 4

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Keith R.

114

4

2

8 years ago

Amazing good ole bbq food! We stopped in just to quickly grab n go. AMAZING. So worth the stop. If your in the area you have to stop. Burger was juicy and not salty. Fried okra you could tell they freshly dropped them in the fryer and it paid off! read more

Helpful 3

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Oh no 1

Carlos T.

0

1

0

4 years ago

2023 and my (and my wife's) entire meal was $21... enough said there; Burger was HUGE and tasted great. The Fries were fire as well, and the grilled cheese my wife had was amazing. Best meal from my trip from FL to NC and back. read more

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James J.

0

60

0

4 years ago

I went to Johnson's because of what I saw on the Yelp app the hamburger/cheeseburger was exactly what you saw in the picture it was a huge cheeseburger juicy all the way through I would highly recommend others to go and enjoy the food at Johnson's. I will be going back there to try other things on the menu. read more

Helpful 1

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S M.

1

141

0

4 years ago

Ordered a double cheese burger, fries and onion rings and i was warned that the burger was massive. I did not heed the advice and when i got this amazing cooked and seasoned perfectly huge burger i couldn't finish it never mind touch the fries or rings. You really have to go and try Johnson's and my next time i want to try the hotdog and a couple of other items on the menu. read more

Helpful 1

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Andrew R.

1

11

9

8 years ago

Best burger in Columbia! We've been there plenty of times and the food is always great tasting and a great value! Best to call ahead then pickup. read more

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Kimberley S.

4

3

0

7 years ago

Best hidden Gem in Columbia SC!! A franchise burger couldn't touch this place at all!!! May not be some cup of tea because of the location but you get the best food great customer service. Burgers are HUGE!! BEST TASTING BURGERS IN COLUMBIA!!! I can't say it enough read more

Helpful 4

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Spencer M.

0

6

0

7 years ago

The double cheeseburger is the biggest burger I have ever seen/will ever see in my life. It was really good too!

Helpful 1

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Teresa T.

4

5

0

7 years ago

The best food around the burgers are to die for and the best customer service i am going today and get me a barbecue sandwich

Helpful 1

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Vee F.

4

54

28

8 years ago

Oh my Gosh! You have not had a burger until you have had a Johnson's Burger. I heard about the burgers on Facebook, so I could not wait to try it. My daughter and I were debating whether we wanted to share one, so glad we decided against it. The Johnson's burger is a 1/2 pound of beef, seasoned to perfection (not salty) cooked well-done (no pink for me) with the juices flowing through it. With every bite we would look at each other and say, "THIS is a good burger". I'm embarrassed to admit I ate the whole thing, the young one could not hang, but did finish it up the next day. These burgers exceeded my expectations. Can't wait to visit them again! Oh yeah, the lasagna and cinnamon rolls are delicious too! read more

Helpful 3

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Aviance J.

0

6

4

7 years ago

BEST BURGERS IN COLUMBIA SC HANDS DOWN!!! A lot to choose from the menu also with a good variety of drinks. Fried onion rings french fries chili cheese hotdogs nachos pork chop sandwiches everything!!!! read more

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More info about Johnson's Restaurant

5200 Monticello Rd
Columbia, SC 29203
Directions
(803) 735-1622
Call Now

Full menu

Hours

What time does Johnson's Restaurant open?

Johnson's Restaurant opens at 10:00 AM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

What time does Johnson's Restaurant close?

Johnson's Restaurant is closed on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday.Johnson's Restaurant closes at 7:00 PM on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mon-Wed, Sun ClosedThu-Sat 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Food & Alcohol

Does Johnson's Restaurant serve alcohol?

Yes, Johnson's Restaurant serves alcohol.

Indoor Amenities

Does Johnson's Restaurant have TVs?

Yes, Johnson's Restaurant has TVs.

Outdoor Amenities

Does Johnson's Restaurant have parking?

Yes, Johnson's Restaurant has parking options.

Other Amenities

Does Johnson's Restaurant have free WiFi?

Yes, Johnson's Restaurant has free WiFi.

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Good food. Friendly staff, and the best bartender anyone could ask for. Always enjoy stopping in.read more

Peanut Butter Fudge Pie (5/5): The best part of the meal. The crumbly crust was delicious and the…read morepie itself tasted like a Reese's cup. Buttermilk Fried Chicken (4/5): Decent fried chicken. I didn't expect it to be a boneless breast. Dark meat would've given it more flavor. The potatoes were flavorful and creamy. The collard greens were too acidic for me. Cornmeal Fried N.C. Catfish (3/5): The catfish wasn't anything special but the grits were very good. Lots of flavor and good texture. The collard greens were too acidic for me. Fried Adluh Yellow Grit Cakes (3/5): Would've been a lot better if it was fried more and had a crispier exterior. The herb goat cheese was good, but there was a little too much of it. Loved the roasted garlic (great for spreading on the complimentary bread!) Buttermilk Fried Shrimp (2/5): Only came with 4 shrimp. The shrimp itself wasn't very meaty and it also wasn't fried long enough. RATING SYSTEM 5 - Great (Need to get this again) 4 - Good (Would get this again) 3 - Ok (Might give this another shot) 2 - Not Good (Won't get this again) 1 - Bad (Telling people to avoid this)

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Big Bull's Bang'n BBQ and Southern Comfort Food

Staff is helpful and informative, explaining their menu so you make the choice that will please…read moreyour palate! Food is delicious!

Phenomenal food. Probably the best BBQ we have had since we moved here. The staff is also…read moreincredibly friendly. It was an all around great experience. I recommend getting 1 or 2 entrees and splitting them. It was an enormous amount of food. 10/10 would recommend.

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Front area

Ribs, brisket sandwich, green, beans, potato salad, and pulled pork.

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Outside

Drip

This place is amazing!!! I live in New Hampshire, and I want to bring this place home with me. The…read morevegan breakfast sandwich with vegan sausage is inexpensive but chef's frickin kiss. The Vader Leia is outstanding. And the staff, vibe, and decor is wicked alt chic. LOVE!!!!

The coffee here is not for beginners or lightweights. It is strong with a caffeine punch that will…read moreleave you buzzing for hours. Classic college town coffee spot. Dark vibe, male baristas who take their coffee seriously. Tables are occupied by students with their laptops escaping the confinements of their dorm rooms. Packed with students ready for their next fix. Parking is typically a challenge in this part of Five Points. Arrive with patience.

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Iced Honey Habanero Latte

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Diana G.

Elite 26

219

73

67

2 years ago

This little burger joint is a haven for those seeking a taste of home-cooked comfort. With just one table, it's easy to overlook, but trust me, you don't want to miss out. The staff here are friendly, greeting you with warm smiles and genuine hospitality. Despite the snug quarters, they make sure you feel right at home from the moment you walk in. Now about the food. While the burgers steal the show with their massive, juicy patties that evoke memories of grandma's kitchen, the rest of the menu is a true taste of the South. From the big ol burger, to a classic bologna sandwich, to crispy fried gizzards, just set your diet aside for the day. So, if you're craving a meal that's hearty, comforting, and utterly delicious, look no further. Bring cash, take your food to go, and grab lots of napkins! read more

Myke B.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Best place around. I had a turkey salad for lunch and it was fresh. No one can beat the quality around here. Definitely a hidden gem. They sell sauces spices along with many other things as well. Service 100% very friendly. Will be a lifetime customer. Ill post pictures next time i visit. read more

Ronnie C.

0

7

2

6 years ago

Excellent food! The burgers are great, I can never finish it in one sitting. The other food on the menu is great as well and the service is good. The people are nice. I would definitely recommend eating here. read more

Tina B.

4

5

2

1 year ago

ITS AN ABANDONED BUILDING. No one was there on a Saturday. Looks like it's been that way for years

Ben B.

Elite 25

90

293

1

3 years ago

Went back today and no change. This place is still messing up people's diets. Yeah I'm going back. read more

Irlene M.

0

5

0

3 years ago

Johnson is a high school restaurant that I went to when I was a kid and I love it then and still do

Johnson's Restaurant - bbq - Updated August 2026

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Big Bull's Bang'n BBQ and Southern Comfort Food

Drip

6 Johnson's Restaurant reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

6 reviews that are not currently recommended

Johnson's Restaurant - bbq - Updated August 2026

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