Bogarts

Sam and Melissa’s Score = 35  B+

(Categories scored out of 5)

Cleanliness:  5
Ambiance:  3.5
Atmosphere: 3.5
Seat comfort: 5 (booth)
Service: 4
Food quality: 5
Food quantity: 5
Price: 4

Notes:

Bogarts offers casual dining in one of the developing shopping areas in West Columbia, South Carolina. Since this area is within five miles of our house, we have been hoping for something more than the fast food, Chinese buffets, and dive bars that dominate the area now.

We stopped by just after 3 o'clock following a day of Christmas and birthday shopping, and unsurprisingly, were the only dine-in customers.

We have mixed feelings about the atmosphere and ambiance. The noise levels of the three TVs and the music were well-balanced, but the décor seemed unfinished. The approximately fifteen tables and eight booths in chic, clean black leather and the canister pendant lights with silver art deco shades sent us back to the '30s, spot on for a place named after Bogey. However the bright blonde rough wood plank wainscoting, trim, and bar pulled us out of the '30s and into a BBQ smokehouse. If you call your place Bogarts, don't go half way.

Our server was friendly and quick, though she could have stopped by our table a little more frequently since we were the only customers. Still she kept our drinks filled and did not hover, letting us evaluate and enjoy our food.

The food made up for any flaw with the décor or service. We ordered the fried mushrooms, split a shrimp Po boy with fresh cut fries and wing chips (a.k.a. raw fries or homemade potato chips). The mushrooms were the perfect temperature--hot, but not mouth scalding. Kudos to a restaurant that lets them sit before serving them. And we were giving the exact right amount of ranch dressing.

The Po boy was the perfect balance of bread, lettuce, tomatoes, shrimp, and remoulade. The shrimp were large and perfectly fried; the batter tasty and crisp. The remoulade was just right spicy. While the bread was not New Orleans quality, it was a good roll and not too big for the sandwich. Though $10.99 is more than we usually pay for a sandwich, it was definitely worth the price.

The fries and chips were some of the best we've had. The chips were golden and crispy. The fries were well-seasoned, not too salty, and not one bite was over- or undercooked. My unsweetened tea was fresh and well made.

In short we had a great late lunch at a new place. So long as the quality stays high, the food is worth it.  Next time we are trying the wings.

Bogarts Restaurant & Catering
2710 Emmanuel Church Road
West Columbia, SC 29170
(803) 791-4617