Business Details
23 Years
experience
Welcome to Square Market & Cafe - Columbia's Premier Restaurant
Since 2003, Square Market & Cafe has been a cornerstone of Columbia, Tennessee's culinary scene, offering a warm, inviting atmosphere and a menu crafted to satisfy diverse tastes. Our downtown location on Public Square provides a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort, with outdoor patio seating that invites both locals and visitors to linger over meals. We specialize in handcrafted sandwiches, award-winning soups, and gourmet entrees like grilled salmon and USDA choice steaks, complemented by an extensive wine list and full bar. Our commitment to quality extends to catering services for private events, with a dedicated team ensuring every occasion is memorable.Family-friendly with a children's menu and pet-friendly patio, we strive to make every guest feel like part of our community. With decades of combined experience in hospitality, our staff takes pride in creating memorable dining experiences rooted in Southern tradition but with a contemporary flair. We maintain rigorous quality standards through regular menu updates and sourcing of fresh, local ingredients. Our reputation as a trusted gathering place is built on consistent service excellence and a dedication to evolving with our customers' needs while preserving the warmth that defines us.
Services
Catering Services
Private Parties
Gourmet Truffles
Full Bar
Gift Cards
Outdoor Seating
Weekend Specials
Children's Menu
Sandwiches
Award-Winning Soups
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We've served Columbia's community since 2003 with consistent quality
- Award-winning soup selections crafted daily
- Family-friendly environment with dedicated children's menu
- Pet-friendly outdoor patio with prime downtown location
- Full-service catering for private events and office functions
Services
Catering Services
Our full-service catering division delivers restaurant-quality cuisine to corporate offices and private events throughout Columbia. With decades of experience in event planning, we offer customizable menus ranging from casual buffets to formal plated dinners. Our team handles all aspects from setup to cleanup, ensuring seamless execution for gatherings of 10 to 200 guests.
Private Parties
The restaurant's private dining room accommodates special occasions with capacity for 50 seated guests. We provide tailored menus, dedicated service staff, and customizable decor options for weddings, anniversaries, and business functions. Our team works closely with clients to create memorable experiences matching their vision and budget.
Gourmet Truffles
Handmade in-house daily, our gourmet truffles feature premium Belgian chocolate and fresh cream fillings. Available in seasonal flavors and gift-ready packaging, these desserts serve as perfect take-home treats or corporate gifts. The Sweete Shoppe section offers additional confections including artisanal chocolates and specialty desserts.
Full Bar
Our bar program features 16 rotating draft beers, an extensive wine list with 30+ selections, and classic cocktails made with premium spirits. The bar area offers casual seating and TV viewing while maintaining focus on quality mixology. Special drink menus accompany weekend dinner specials and seasonal events.
Outdoor Seating
The front patio with wrought iron fencing provides al fresco dining overlooking Public Square. Heated in cooler months and shaded by awnings in summer, this pet-friendly space accommodates 20 tables with full menu availability. The location offers prime people-watching opportunities and visibility during Columbia's seasonal festivals and parades.
Questions
What are Square Market & Cafe's operating hours?
We're open Monday-Thursday 10:30 AM-4:00 PM, Friday 10:30 AM-7:00 PM, Saturday 10:30 AM-6:00 PM, and closed Sundays except for special holidays.
Do you offer catering services for corporate events?
Yes, we provide full-service catering for office functions and business meetings with menu options serving 10-200 guests. Our team handles all event logistics.
Is outdoor seating available for diners with pets?
Our front patio welcomes pets during operating hours. The pet-friendly area includes dedicated seating space while maintaining separation from indoor dining.
What private event options do you provide?
We host private parties in our dedicated dining room for up to 50 guests, offering customizable menus and event planning assistance for weddings, birthdays, and business functions.
Are gift cards available for purchase?
Yes, we offer physical gift cards in any denomination at our front counter. Gift cards work toward all food, drinks, and Sweete Shoppe purchases.
What makes your soups award-winning?
Our daily-made soups use family recipes and fresh ingredients, featuring classics like New England Clam Chowder and seasonal specialties that have earned local culinary awards since 2003.
Reviews (6)
R. B.
May 25, 2022
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Wow! The Reuben sandwich and eggplant panini were fantastic. The Reuben had a generous portion of meat and it was just fantastic. Highly recommend this place.
Tim S.
May 17, 2022
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Came in at 3pm, requested to sit outside was informed by server that we weren't allowed to sit outside because they closed in an hour and had one server. It was nice out and we wanted to sit outside. This place is very small and there was only one other table seated. Not exactly sure as to the logic behind letting a potential $45 tab walk out the door over something that to me seems trivial but alas I am eating lunch OUTSIDE somewhere else. Looking back, this place is over rated for the price, especially since they cant be bothered to walk an extra 10ft. Bizarre.
Ruth McIver
May 05, 2022
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This wonderful restaurant is one of our favorites. The service and food is excellent. We love the consistency and quality. We always know our meal will be good. It is a cozy, comfortable space where you are able to carry on a conversation! We highly recommend it. UPDATE 5.16.22- I have been going to this restaurant since they opened. I always go back because the food is excellent and is consistently good.
We have always had wonderful service. I know they, like many others, have had challenges with staffing during these crazy times, but when they do, they change their hours to make sure they have the staff to take care of their customers. Loretta waited on my friend and myself today and she was simply a joy. I highly recommend.
We have always had wonderful service. I know they, like many others, have had challenges with staffing during these crazy times, but when they do, they change their hours to make sure they have the staff to take care of their customers. Loretta waited on my friend and myself today and she was simply a joy. I highly recommend.
Suzanne Paquette SuzTheAdviceLady
Apr 28, 2022
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The food here is very good and a great price. The staff is great! All the servers are sweet, attentive and kind. I love their main dishes and they have a full bar. Seating inside and outside and right on the square. Never a bad meal or bad service. Best deal in Columbia Tennessee for location and food.
Jakob Stafford
Jan 06, 2022
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The Tennessee hot brown is quite good, no wonder it's one of their signature dishes. The capacity is on the smaller side so going during lunch rush can result in long waits for tables and service so get there early or go later. On that note it's worth the wait if you have the time, plus there's plenty to look at and browse while you wait at the square.
Cole Hood
Dec 12, 2021
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Worst restaurant I ever eaten at I would rather lick the floor in Waffle House bathroom got the complete opposite soup from what I ordered and it was horrible it was so nasty I almost threw up. I would not recommend this place 0 stars horrible food and horrible staff Can not get a simple soup order right. I have also just had a dental procedure done and can only eat soft foods but since I have no soft foods at my house so I cannot eat tonight
