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California Dreaming Restaurant in Columbia Celebrates 40 Years at Historic Union Station

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Columbia, SC — June 25, 2024 — California Dreaming, an iconic fixture in Columbia’s dining scene, is thrilled to announce its 40th anniversary. Located in the heart of historic Union Station, the restaurant has been serving exceptional food and unforgettable dining experiences since 1984, with a focus on fresh ingredients and made-from-scratch recipes.

For four decades, California Dreaming has been a beloved destination in Columbia, celebrated for its welcoming atmosphere, house-made food, and friendly service, perfect for any occasion. The restaurant’s menu, offering a mix of American classics and original dishes, has consistently delighted guests, making it a favorite dining destination for locals and visitors alike. Signature items such as the namesake California Dreaming Salad paired with honey-butter croissants, thick-cut steaks, and hearty seafood dishes have become staples that keep guests coming back.

“We are incredibly grateful to our loyal guests and dedicated staff who have made these 40 years possible,” said Karen Hall of California Dreaming, Columbia. “Our journey from opening day to becoming a cherished part of the community has been remarkable. We look forward to many more years of serving the Columbia community with the same passion and commitment that has brought us here today.”

Honoring the restaurant’s vibrant atmosphere, the signature frozen drink, “Cali Crush,” will be featured on the menu all summer long, offering a refreshing toast to four decades of excellence. As California Dreaming celebrates this milestone, the restaurant invites guests to share pictures and stories from the past on social media.

A Rich History at Union Station

California Dreaming is housed in the historic Union Station, a landmark that dates back to 1902. Originally built as a passenger station for the Southern Railway, the building has a storied past, having played a significant role in Columbia’s transportation history. The station’s architectural beauty, characterized by its grand façade and intricate details, provides a unique and charming backdrop for the restaurant’s contemporary dining experience.

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Post & Courier | Cali D Columbia

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Thank you Post & Courier for featuring us in your roundup of “Where to Go for Spritz Cocktails in #Columbia“.

read more >

Father’s Day at California Dreaming

Fathers Day Reservations

Father’s Day favorites, right this way

Sunday, June 16 | Open 11AM
Reservations recommended for lunch & dinner


Augusta: 706-860-6206 | reserve online

Charleston: 843-766-1644 | reserve online

Columbia: 803-254-6767 | reserve online

Greenville: 864-234-9000 | reserve online

Spanish Fort: 251-626-9942 | reserve online

Surfside Beach: 843-215-5255 | reserve online

Mother’s Day at California Dreaming

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Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12 | Open at 11am

Join us for a royal treatment (pictured) or for another spring cocktail, California Dreaming’s menu is in full bloom.

Reservations recommended for lunch & dinner

Augusta: 706-860-6206,  ReserveCharleston: 843-766-1644,  Reserve

Columbia: 803-254-6767,  Reserve | Greenville: 864-234-9000,  Reserve

Spanish Fort: 251-626-9942,  Reserve | Surfside Beach: 843-215-5255,  Reserve

 

Mother’s Day To Go orders may be placed 7 days in advance at most locations. Order online >


Masters Week in Augusta | 4.7 to 4.14

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Masters Week at California Dreaming!

Join us from April 7 – 14 as we partner with @Chophouse47 to feature USDA Prime Steaks and additional fairway favorites, exclusively for Masters Week in Augusta.

Drinks
WhistlePig PiggyBack (2oz)
6 year 12.95 | 10 year 18.95 | 15 year 38.95

Azalea 11.95
Vodka, pineapple, lemon juice, grenadine

Peachtree Old Fashioned 12.95
Wild Turkey 101, simple, peach, bitters

Cabernet Sauvignon
Round Pond Kith and Kin 17.95
ZD 20.95
Robert Craig Affinity 23.95

Prime Steaks
Hand-cut by Stockyard Chicago

Filet 8oz. 56.95
NY Strip 16oz. 58.95
Bone-in Ribeye 22oz. 68.95
Served with loaded potato and house salad

Dessert
Georgia Peach Ice Cream & Cookie 9.95


We’re serving our Azalea cocktail at all California Dreaming locations!

Easter Wishes from Cali D

Easter
Celebrate Easter Sunday, March 31 with your peeps at California Dreaming

Open from 11 a.m. | Reservations recommended

Augusta, GA: 706-860-6206, Reserve online | Charleston, SC: 843-766-1644, Reserve online

Columbia, SC: 803-254-6767, Reserve online | Greenville, SC: 864-234-9000, Reserve online

Surfside Beach, SC: 843-215-5255, Reserve online | Spanish Fort, AL: 251-626-9942, Reserve online

Easter To Go orders may be placed 7 days in advance. Order online >

Easter egg

California Dreaming Spanish Fort

Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday, March 30 at 8:30am

with Brunch, Easter Bunny & Cookie Decorating $15

Reservations Recommended: 251-626-9942, Reserve online

Charleston | Oyster Roasts, March 21 & 28

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OYSTER ROASTS on the ASHLEY
March 21 & March 28, 5-8PM

Double the shuck, double the fun! Dive into two unforgettable Oyster Roasts on the scenic Ashley River Patio at California Dreaming in Charleston on March 21st and March 28th. Dive into the freshest oysters while soaking up the scenic riverside vibes. Don’t miss out on this shell-ebration!

$25 BUCKS a bucket, served with homemade hushpuppies, cocktail sauce and garlic butter.
Full menu and cocktails available

*Weather Permitting | Walk-in only


The Ashley Patio at California Dreaming 
1 Ashley Pointe Dr | Charleston | 843.766.1644

Limited-edition fish feature

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Limited-edition Features Available Daily from Feb 14 – March 31

Crispy Atlantic Flounder Sandwich– Texas toast, dill and fried caper mayonnaise, homemade pickles, shredded lettuce and red onion. (Available in Charleston, Spanish Fort & Surfside)

Blackened Mahi Sandwich– Toasted brioche, lemon arugula, ripe tomato, curry mayonnaise, homemade pickles. (Available in Augusta, Charleston, Columbia & Greenville)


To reserve a seat: Augusta: 706-760-8606, Reserve online | Charleston: 843-766-1644, Reserve online | Columbia: 803-254-6767, Reserve online | Greenville: 864-234-9000, Reserve online | Surfside Beach: 843-215-5255, Reserve online | Spanish Fort: 251-626-9942, Reserve online

Sending love from California Dreaming

Valentines

Limited Edition Valentine’s Feature & our Full Menu
Saturday, Feb. 10 – Wednesday, Feb. 14

Serving two 3oz Filet Medallions + Crab Cake with Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli + a House Salad
Charleston: Filet, 6oz + Crab Cake with Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli + a House Salad
+Add Crab Cake to any entree


Dine-in reservations recommended | To Go available

Augusta: Reserve online, call: 706-760-8606 | Charleston: Reserve online, call: 843-766-1644

Columbia: Reserve online, call: 803-254-6767 | Greenville: Reserve online, call: 864-234-9000,

Surfside Beach: Reserve online,  call: 843-215-5255 | Spanish Fort: Reserve online, call: 251-626-9942

Happy New Year from CD!

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