A huge thank you to The Boca Raton Observer for the amazing “Still the One” feature! We’re proud to keep raising the bar as your favorite #Boca steakhouse and grateful to our team and guests who make it all happen.

Read the full story on page 236 of the 100th Anniversary issue of The Boca Raton Observer >

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

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“10 Best Fall Foliage Destinations to Avoid the Crowds”

Men’s Journal, October 2023

Greenville, South Carolina

The biggest sport these days in town is wining and dining. Surf and turfers will gravitate to Chophouse ’47

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Here’s to celebrating 35 years, Charleston!🎉

We’ve thrived in every way thanks to you, our community of loyal guests and dedicated staff. We’re proud to be a local favorite and can’t wait for you all to join in our milestone anniversary by trying our new seasonal cocktails, ordering your favorites dishes, and giving a hello to our team. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Thank you so much for the recognition, Bumble x OpenTable. We look forward to celebrating with you all soon, including the holiday season.

To read more: https://www.opentable.com/…/100-best-spots-business…/us

Here’s to celebrating 35 years, Charleston!🎉

Just a little note to wish our guests past, present, and future a BIG thank you. Our community makes us who we are, and we’ve thrived in every way thanks to our loyal guests and dedicated staff. We’re proud to be a local favorite and can’t wait to hang out with you for plenty more decades to come. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Here’s to celebrating 25 years, #Augusta! 🎉

We’ve thrived in every way thanks to you, our community of loyal guests and dedicated staff. We’re proud to be a local favorite and can’t wait for you all to join in our milestone anniversary by trying our new spring cocktails, ordering your favorites dishes, and giving a hello to our team. Thank you for allowing us to serve you.

Atlanta Magazine
December 2021

“Best Power Lunch”
Joey D’s Oak Room in Dunwoody sets the tone for a power lunch with a bar so impressive it requires the use of a built-in ladder. Dress to impress and enjoy charbroiled oysters, Kansas City strip steak and warm croissants in an elegant setting

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From the Menu Of… Joey D’s, New Orleans Spicy Shrimp

AJC, March 4, 2021
By C.W. Cameron

The sauce that comes with the New Orleans barbecue shrimp appetizer at Joey D’s Oak Room is absolutely divine. It includes a mixture of spices with a smoky taste to it. I would love to have the recipe for that dipping sauce! It would pair well with other fish recipes as well. — Viviana Fernandez, Sandy Springs

This spicy shrimp appetizer has been on the menu at Joey D’s Oak Room since the restaurant opened more than 30 years ago. It’s a classic New Orleans preparation that is messy to eat but worth the mess. This is the first time the restaurant has been willing to share this recipe, so we’re glad to be able to feature it.

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Top 25 Bites

Jezebel Magazine
February, 2020

Joey D’s Oak Room

“Celebrating 30 years, this high energy restaurant, with IG-worthy bar, is a classic that still glows. Start your meal with New Orleans BBQ shrimp, messy but worth it.”

New York Prime, Atlanta

“This USDA prime-only steak joint remains a top pick for the A’s elite. Their noteworthy seafood platter, with overflowing crustaceans, is to be filed under ‘appetizer of our dreams’.”

From the Menu Of… New York Prime Crab Cakes

AJC, August 12, 2020
By C.W. Cameron

The crab cake at New York Prime is amazing. Big lumps of crab, no bready filling, they were just right for this crab lover. What’s their secret? — Deborah Shupert, Atlanta

You can enjoy an amazing steak at New York Prime, but we are betting there are many who go just to enjoy the crab cakes. Chef Robert Kinsella says, “The preparation and minimal ingredients are meant to showcase the crab. Start with quality crab meat and the final product will be a winner.”

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As of March 16, 2020, Chophouse ’47 is an entirely non-smoking restaurant & bar

Dish of the Week, New Orleans Spicy Shrimp

AJC, February 2020
By Henri Hollis

Dunwoody spot’s shrimp are messy, but worth it

The menu at Joey D’s describes the New Orleans spicy shrimp as, “a mess to eat, but worth it!” It’s hard to disagree with that assessment, although it doesn’t do justice to the degree of messiness you’ll experience when you come face to face with this bowlful of crustaceans. And, you will be face to face, because these large, beautiful shrimp are served with heads and shells intact.

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Photo: contributed by Henri Hollis

City Paper, 8/2018

Best Salad – 9 Years Running | California Dreaming, Charleston

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CNBC, 7/2018

Travelers are picking their vacations with their appetite.

Myrtle Beach, SC | Carolina Roadhouse’s “BBQ”

A two-hour drive from Charleston, South Carolina, the town of Myrtle Beach is a seaside resort town known for great beaches, recreation sports like golf and an excellent food scene. Visitors can find an array of seafood restaurants with just-caught fish and fresh-shucked oysters. Seek out raw bars, barbecue joints (like Carolina Roadhouse with its famous “fall-off-the-bone” ribs), pancake houses and casual spots.

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