A tale of music, energy, and sloppy disco fries (IYKYK).
Standing on the street corner at Ninth and Broadway, you see — and feel — downtown Columbia’s boundless energy. The air buzzes with a circulation of gossip, grievances, and nostalgia from conversations flowing from the open doors of packed restaurants. There’s something both new and familiar about the downtown vibe. The first clue? The line of vehicles entering the parking garage is a reminder that a new semester has started, with students again transforming Columbia into College Town.
The city’s nightlife awaits.
On nights like this, Columbia reveals its true character. It’s a place that balances small-town charm with the vibrancy of a larger city, and nowhere is this more apparent than the diverse array of alluring businesses and people ready to experience it all.
The Warm Welcome at 44 Canteen
Your first stop is 44 Canteen, a cozy yet bustling spot that has become a staple in Columbia’s sparkling food scene. Lively conversation spills out onto the street, mingling with the occasional notes of a street musician playing nearby. The host greets you with a friendly smile, but the wait is forty-five minutes — a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. No matter. This just gives you time to grab a drink and soak in the atmosphere from one of the outside benches.
The 44 Canteen drink menu offers a well-curated list of craft beers, inventive cocktails, and a selection of wines that cater to every palate. You decide on the Tepache Agrio, a cocktail described as a sour but sweet take on a traditional Mexican beverage. It’s made with tequila, pineapple juice, and a peach and habanero shrub — an intriguing mixture of flavors that leaves you curious for more. As you sip, the sounds of Columbia at night surround you — snippets of dialogue, the occasional burst of laughter, and the regular hum of cars going by.
Finally, you’re ushered inside to the warm, inviting interior where soft lighting casts a golden glow over the rustic wooden tables and modern industrial décor. The menu is a mouthwatering array of small plates and hearty dishes, but there’s one dish that stands out above the rest: the sloppy disco fries. If you know, you know — these fries are legendary in Columbia. They’re a decadent combination of crispy fries smothered in rich gravy, gooey cheese, and a medley of toppings that make each bite an explosion of flavor.
It’s the kind of dish that defines comfort food.
For those who aren’t ready for the full disco fry experience, the sweet potato wedges offer a lighter, vegetarian-friendly alternative. But for the main course, there are a few top contenders: the chicken and cheese tostada, Valentina fried chicken taco, Korean bacon burger, and the double cheeseburger. (Feeling extra indulgent? Order the burger with a fried egg.)
After finishing your meal and leaving the buzzing atmosphere, walk two doors to the left to find yourself in front of The Blue Note, a Columbia institution known for hosting an eclectic taste of bands that draw the entertainment crowd. Tonight’s show features a band from the Kansas City area — the Danielle Nicole Band — taking center stage with her left-handed electric guitar.
The Electric Atmosphere at The Blue Note
As a sidebar, the first time I walked into The Blue Note, I was 16 years old, invited to a Dr. Zhivegas concert. It was my first taste of live music at the Blue Note, and it left a lasting impression. Music, after all, has the beauty of never aging, and I find myself returning to The Blue Note time and again for that same rush of excitement. Before the calendar turned to October 2024, I was back for another Dr. Zhivegas show, a tribute to Prince — a night that promised to be just as unforgettable as my first. Tonight, the energy outside The Blue Note is diverse and wholesome. The crowd is a collection of regulars and first-timers, all eagerly waiting for the show to start.
The bar manager hands you a special wristband that grants access to a new VIP section that offers a heightened view of the stage, which the Blue Note named the Rock Box. The venue underwent a slight renovation to build the Rock Box earlier in the year. As you enter, the front-of-house manager, Will, gives a nod of recognition. The new seating section, he explains, was designed to provide a premium, unique experience — a space that combines comfort with an intimate view of the performance.
It’s a cozy area but with enough room to feel exclusive. The lights dim, and the first notes of the opening song fill the space.
Danielle, the lead vocalist and guitarist, steps into the spotlight with a half dozen shiny, vibrantly colored left-handed electric guitars stationed behind her. She’s a sight to behold — confident, poised, and entirely at ease in front of the crowd. Her husky voice is a perfect match for the bluesy numbers she’s about to perform. There’s a moment in the set line-up when the drummer and pianist step back, leaving just Danielle and her husband — also her guitarist — on stage. They launch into a soulful cover of Etta James’ “I’d Rather Go Blind.” The room seems to shrink around them, drawing everyone into the intimate performance.
Their chemistry is endearing, especially during a song about a love story set under a willow tree — a song that feels like it was written for this moment. There’s something about how she plays and sings; it’s clear this is what she was born to do.
“I feel fortunate enough to pluck strings and sing songs for a living,” she says between songs.
Hopefully, we all find that privilege of doing what we love.
A Nightcap
As the night draws to a close, you step back outside; again, greeted by the warm summer air. The streets are still busy, with people spilling out of bars and restaurants, all caught up in the magic of a Friday night in downtown Columbia. You can’t go wrong with making a final pit stop at Sparky’s Homemade Ice Cream shop, where everyone is welcome, and your quirkiness is embraced. (Look around. The walls are adorned with quirky, creative artwork that adds to the inviting atmosphere.)
Looking for a crowd-pleaser? Try the Oreo Speedwagon. This decadent treat features a rich blend of Oreos, chocolate, and a subtle hint of espresso. It’s the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
With its blend of small-town charm and big-city excitement, Columbia has once again proven that it’s a place where memories are made, whether it’s the taste of those unforgettable sloppy disco fries, the sound of Danielle’s vocals, or a reminder that when we step outside and enjoy the talents of our local community, it’s always a sweet experience.
As you make your way home, you can’t help but feel fortunate to have been a part of a night that captured the essence of Columbia. It was a night of seamless moments strung together like the notes of a well-played song. And you know your soul will soon be ready for a repeat performance. CBT
