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Mr Friendly's New Southern Cafe Mr Friendly's New Southern Cafe
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Business Details
31 Years
experience
Authentic Southern Cuisine in Columbia, SC
Established in 1995, Mr Friendly's New Southern Cafe has redefined Southern cuisine in Columbia, SC, by blending traditional flavors with modern culinary techniques. Our commitment to sourcing ingredients from local farms ensures every dish showcases the region's freshest produce, seafood, and meats. With a wine list featuring over 300 selections and a menu that includes innovative meat dishes, fresh seafood specials, and house-made desserts, we offer a dining experience that balances sophistication with approachability.

Our team of seasoned professionals, including co-owners Ricky Mollohan and Harold Ham, brings decades of hospitality expertise to create an environment where exceptional food, service, and ambiance converge. Recognized for our dedication to quality and community, we remain a cornerstone of Columbia's dining scene.
Services
Southern Cuisine Wine Pairing Private Dining Catering Takeout Wine Club Gift Certificates Charity Events Local Sourcing Seasonal Menus
Details
  • Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
  • We source ingredients from local farms and purveyors weekly
  • Our 300+ bottle wine list features extensive domestic selections
  • Award-winning chefs with decades of Five Points culinary experience
  • Historic Five Points location with sophisticated yet casual ambiance
  • Innovative menu combining traditional Southern flavors with modern techniques
Update Listing
Services
Southern Cuisine
Our New Southern Cuisine combines traditional Lowcountry flavors with modern techniques using locally sourced ingredients. Executive Chef Robb Cobb crafts daily menus featuring fresh seafood, wild game, and house-made specialties. Dishes like our famous French Quarter Filet and Low Country Brined Pork Chop highlight regional ingredients with contemporary presentations. The rotating seasonal menus ensure optimal ingredient quality year-round.
Wine Pairing
With over 300 wine selections, our program emphasizes domestic varietals and includes rare reserve bottles. Wine Director Laurel Jeffries curates weekly half-price wine nights featuring premium vintages. The list spans Napa Valley Cabernets, Oregon Pinots, and Southern-focused labels. Staff sommeliers provide expert pairing recommendations for multi-course meals.
Private Dining
Host special occasions in our sophisticated Five Points venue with capacity for 12 guests. Reservations available via phone or online through Resy.com. Ideal for business dinners, family celebrations, or wine-pairing events. Full menu and wine list available with personalized service from our experienced staff.
Catering
Our catering team delivers signature Southern flavors to off-site events. Menu options include Lowcountry boil stations, carved meats, and seasonal vegetable platters. Available for corporate functions, weddings, or private parties. Custom wine pairings and service staff available for complete event management.
Local Sourcing
We maintain relationships with over 50 regional farms and producers for daily fresh ingredients. Weekly specials highlight seasonal produce, seafood, and meats. Partnerships ensure sustainable practices and support for local agriculture. This commitment creates ever-changing menus reflecting South Carolina's agricultural calendar.
People
Ricky Mollohan
Co-Owner
Co-owner Ricky Mollohan oversees daily operations with 25+ years in hospitality. A Columbia native, he balances restaurant management with family life and Braves fandom. His leadership maintains the cafe's community-focused ethos since acquiring it in 1995.
Harold Ham
Co-Owner
Co-owner Harold Ham brings decades of restaurant expertise to strategic operations. While less visible than Ricky, his financial acumen and industry knowledge ensure the business's continued success in competitive Five Points.
Blake Justice
General Manager
General Manager Blake Justice leads with 12 years of experience since joining from Solstice Kitchen. A wine enthusiast and family man, he manages staff operations while maintaining hands-on guest relations. His leadership ensures consistent service excellence.
Robb Cobb
Head Chef
Head Chef Robb Cobb has defined our culinary direction since 2009. With Five Points experience since 1999, his creations like the French Quarter Filet showcase Southern innovation. An Atlanta native, he balances kitchen leadership with musical pursuits.
Laurel Jeffries
Wine Director
Wine Director Laurel Jeffries manages our 300+ bottle program with expertise developed over 15+ years. A self-proclaimed 'wine geek,' she curates weekly half-price selections and trains staff on pairings while balancing motherhood and beach vacations.
Questions
What Southern specialties should I try at Mr. Friendly's?
Our signature dishes include Low Country Seafood Cakes, French Quarter Filet, and Peach Mustard BBQ Salmon. Daily specials feature fresh local ingredients.
Do you offer wine pairings with meals?
Yes, our 300+ bottle wine list emphasizes domestic selections with weekly half-price wine nights featuring premium vintages.
Can I make reservations for dinner?
Reservations are available via phone or online through Resy.com for dinner service seven nights a week.
Are catering services available for private events?
Yes, we offer full-service catering with Southern-inspired menus and wine pairings for off-site events and parties.
What payment options do you accept?
We accept major credit cards, Venmo for wine orders, and DoorDash for takeout service during specified hours.
Do you source ingredients locally?
Yes, we partner with over 50 regional farms and purveyors for daily fresh ingredients in our ever-changing seasonal menus.
Reviews (6)
Frankie Fort
Jan 01, 2022 Report
Perfect service, wonderful meal! We were able to acquire last-minute reservations into our surprise the table we were sat at is the table we had our first date there! The fried chicken was hot, crispy and the best comfort food, the short ribs were delicious, tender and the Demi glac with mushrooms was heavenly! Its a do again every time!
Ross Eison
Dec 15, 2021 Report
Haven't been to Mr. Friendly's in over 10 years--it's just as good, if not *better*.
Fried oysters starter = awesome.
Mahi Mahi and Atlantic Permit specials = fantastic. Key lime pie = wonderful. Service = excellent.
Jerry Grimes
Dec 01, 2021 Report
Ive loved this place since first moving to Columbia in 1997. Thoughtful, original fare thats always perfectly prepared backed by excellent service. The cocktails are also excellent. Lately, theyve struggled to keep enough staff for expanded hours. But I was told tonight they will soon be opening again for lunch at least a couple days a week and reopening Mondays as well. Its a charming spot that has to be at the top of your list for date night.
Schan Ellis Robinson
Sep 20, 2021 Report
The ambiance and and service was relaxed, laid back, and friendly! I also loved the art decor on the wall from a local art gallery. Now to the food. Our oysters on the half shell and seafood chowder was delicious. One of the best chowders weve had. My husband loved his Ribeye steak dinner, paired with roasted garlic mash and yellow squash. My pork tenderloin with bacon jam was good, but came with an unexpected ingredientnuts! This made me not care for the dish as much although the pork was cooked to perfection. The collard greens were also a surprise delight. They were cooked with tomatoes
J. G.
Sep 18, 2021 Report
Showed up with no reservation and the host had us a nice outdoor table within 15 minutes. The seasonal soup special was delicious, fried okra was fresh and very favorable and the okra that came with my catfish meal was the best Ive ever had. Oh and the apple bread pudding thing with toasted marshmallow was a perfect end to a wonderful meal. Thanks !
TakeyouforGranite
Aug 20, 2021 Report
Despite its appearance as a hole-in-the-wall, trendy establishment, I can safely say that Mr. Friendly's is more of a malignant tumor jutting from the bloated corpse of another restaurant than a hip, out of the way eatery. I had the misfortune of eating the Buttermilk fried chicken for dinner tonight, paired with garlic mashed potatoes, ham gravy, and ham-soaked collared greens as sides, alongside a Shirley temple to drink. While the food got out quickly enough, I found the chicken horribly dry with a crust that crumbled into ashen-tasting dust in my mouth and potatoes that tasted only slightly