The Gourmet Shop

Category:	Gourmet Grocery Store
Address:	724 Saluda Ave, Columbia, SC 29205, USA
Phone:	+1 803-799-3705
Site:	thegourmetshop.net
Rating:	4.2
Working:	9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 9AM–6PM 10AM–5PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 10

Benjamin Harley

Had this place only failed in either food or service, I wouldnt have bothered to leave a review; however, since this place failed spectacularly in both categories--leaving me feeling cheated out of money--I feel the need to post about it. I went there and ordered some soup--at least that is what they called it. The swill they pass off as soup is simply noxious, boiling fat covered in salt in a sad attempt to mask its own disgrace. I didnt have more than two bites of the soup, but I did eat my bread. My dining companion ate her meal, and then our waitress came over. Seeing that my soup had neither been eaten nor enjoyed, the waitress did not ask if everything was okay, she did not ask if she could get me something else; instead, she simply asked if I were finished. I said yes, and assumed that I could talk to the cashier about the horrendous dish I had been served. Sadly, the slack-jawed pubescent at the register simply took my receipt, put his hand out for my money, and bid me a good day. This experience did irritate me, but what is worse is what it says about the Columbia culinary scene. That anyone eats here, gives them their money, and then suggests it to friends is abhorrent. Why do people continue to frequent and recommend such abysmal businesses? Are the blinded by names, reputations, or friendships? Are they simply to naive to realize the dreck they are being served? I do not know, but this establishment and all that it symbolizes about Columbia make me sad.

Tee Jay

Ive both eaten there and picked up from the deli counter. And I gotta say, this is one of my favorite places in five points. So why only 4 stars? The breakfast options are few. Though for me, what they have I loved! But friends and family who didnt like the French gourmet presentation of breakfast found it tough to eat there. So its just not for everyone. But ... I loved the rhubarb preserves and warm brie. Youve gotta try it! Honestly ... just but a jar. Its great on croissants with goat cheese. Also, one bad experience with a long hair in my food. That kind of stuff worries me because I would think hair nets are a must???. Im not what happened there. But they were really gracious about it. So, I was glad for that. Overall...everyone is really nice and service was great. And if youre lazy, the deli counter is a great option for bbqs, picnics, or potlucks. Its five points, so parking is frustrating. I would go more if it wasnt. But summer months are less packed when students are away. Avoid during lunch time though. Its madness. So ... plan well and youll enjoy it.

A Private User

I was excited to go here after reading the great reviews. My fiancee and I went for a sunday brunch. We got the breakfast panini ($9.95) and I got a blueberry scone ($2.25). The breakfast panini was served on thin slices of lackluster bread, dry as a bone egg that appeared microwaved, with a couple of slivers of red pepper and a small slice of cheese. A lifeless soggy fruit salad was served as a side. This was surprising as they appeared to have several loaves of bread behind that counter that looked artisan quality and the with high number of customers, I would have expected a fresher fruit salad. The panini was not worth the price. The scone was a tasty treat that tasted even better with a swig of coffee. We wont return. Instead try Carolina Cafe downtown or the Original Pancake House on forest drive.

A Private User

I liked the Gourmet Shop until a staff member walked up to a perfectly innocent African American woman and told her that she looked "suspicious." Why? Because she had a book bag. I find this odd as the business is located 10 minutes from the University of South Carolina and half of its business probably comes from professors and grad students. She was just standing near a bunch of jars of sauce, doing what every one else in the store does. Its a little hard to explain how absurd this all was. Here Ive got a scraggly beard and am congenitally incapable of tucking my shirt in, and a staff member walks up to a friendly African American woman in a nice outfit and tells her she looks "suspicious." I guess its not the proprietors fault that their business exists in a messed up society.

Amanda Philpot

This place is an epicurian paradise! Not only do they have excellent food, but if your interests lie in cooking and youre a foodie youll love all the wonderful speciality items and imported goods they carry in the store portion of the shop! Im so glad we went here during our stay for the solar eclipse! It was truly a great experience. Families with small children beware, however! There are no high chairs, and there isnt a whole lot of space for a stroller. Its pretty tight quarters inside, but we still had a wonderful time there with our 11 month old, and I definitely still recommend it highly!

R. Singletary

They have a great wine selection but some of the workers need attitude adjustment. Last time I was there I requested the sales associate to change gloves she was using to clean with before preparing my food. She tells me “If it will make you happy I will change them. I’m not touching the food with my bare hands. For your information everyone here is food certified.” Who uses dirty gloves to touch any food with that has chemicals on it? I was so disappointed because this was the first time I receive that type of treatment here.

Victoria

Food is pretty okay, especially for the cheap price. Its one of the only quaint places you can sit outside on the sidewalk cafe style in Columbia, hence why I frequent it a couple times a month. You can also sit inside amidst designer kitchen supplies, a great wine selection, and a cheese case. The staff is less than friendly. I get it; the checks are low and its more of a turn and burn place, but as someone that works in the industry I would hope for better customer service.

Mandy Valentine

Very rude staff. I came in the other week and the lights were on and I saw a guy walk in as I followed him in I was very rudely stopped and told I needed to leave because they werent open yet. They said they opened in 2 minutes and I couldnt stay I needed to leave. I will just let you know that I will never be coming to this place again, and as I was leaving i could overhear the staff members LAUGHING AT ME. I will never be coming back

William Mancke

I am all for Gourmet Shop. A great place for brunch or lunch any time. I always try to get seating outside as it gets a little cramped inside. The food is always good and they have an excellent store attached with cookware, foods, a dedicated cheese and meat section and a dedicated wine shop. The only drawbacks are the fact that it gets really crowded and it is a difficult place to take little children.

Debby Harden-Bumgarner

Overpriced sandwich shop (dive) - trying to pass themselves off as upscale dining - complete with obnoxious, pretentious management - and rude waitstaff...Apparently owners dont care enough about their operation and have allowed inexperienced, arrogant management and kitchen staff to run roughshod over customers and vendors....I can not, in good conscience, support this business....Dodge this bullet.