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2
Tue, 3/19
8:00 PM

Ratings and reviews

Travelers' Choice2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere

Details

PRICE RANGE
$30 - $30
CUISINES
American, Seafood
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
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meals, features
Reviews (1,535)
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1,516 results
Traveler rating
805
457
178
53
23
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LanguageEnglish
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Traveler rating
805
457
178
53
23
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All reviews crab cakes salmon firecracker shrimp fries fried green tomatoes key lime pie steak salad cheesecake pimento cheese seafood restaurant vista area orleans server collards charleston downtown
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Reviewed 2 weeks ago

Not my first choice of restaurant in downtown Columbia, SC. But, parking and metering limited where I could go as being an out-of-towner. I luckily found a parking spot without restrictions and metering near the Blue Marlin. I decided to go in and eat dinner....Well, because I was solo I was seated at one of those irritating booths for one or two on the main isle. First strike. My server was very pleasant but was very over stretched with the number of tables they had to cover. Strike two. I had to ask about any specials on the menu because my server didn't tell me. No one came and refilled my glass of water. Strike three. My dinner was good and cooked to perfection, but the management needs to get more wait staff to make this restaurant a great restaurant. I was NOT impressed.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed 4 weeks ago via mobile

When I visit Columbia, I always make a dinner reservation at this place. Delicious food, comfortable atmosphere, great service. Every time I visit, I try a different dish, never disappointed.

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed February 2, 2024

Wanted to love it, but was average. She crab soup coagulated by the time it got to us. Fried green tomatoes were pretty, but lacked seasoning. We waited for salt and pepper and never got any. Shrimp and grits were average. I guess we expected...so much more because they advertise award winning. It wasn’t bad food, but wasn’t above average either.More

Date of visit: February 2024
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Reviewed January 21, 2024 via mobile

Restaurant got good reviews, building was nice, very full 15 minutes after it opened. All seemed like a good sign. Then the heat was broken and it was cold! That was the best part of our experience. Bloody Mary was awful, food worse. Everything was...too much: too much garlic, too much fried batter, too much cheese. I couldn’t eat mine but it went unnoticed when I was asked if everything was”ok”. With my plate and bloody full, I responded yes, it was just okay. And that was as that. We got the billMore

Date of visit: January 2024
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed January 14, 2024

Used to be better. Went with work group. Many of guest were from out of state and wanted to order shrimp and grits, which menu said they see creek shrimp (which should mean fresh and local, NC,SC,Ga) especially when in season which are still available....These were not local and they were small farm raised import, that were precooked and not even cooked in the sauce. Sad, especially when the SC Senete right up the street is considering a bill to fight against price dumping of Asian Farm raised shrimp. Eat local. I’d go to Mr Freindly’s for a better meal.More

Date of visit: January 2024
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Reviewed December 28, 2023 via mobile

Our Anniversary meal was less than special. The old fashioned mixed drink - $12 - was served with a spoiled cherry as if no one was paying any attention or cared that the drink was being served with spoiled fruit. The Bread was good. The...Vista Chicken was served overcooked, dry and inedible as if it were forgotten in a pan from the lunch menu and then served as an afterthought - slightly warm and very dry. Again no one at the restaurant was paying attention. Though I was not charged for the meal, the manager took over 30 minutes to replace the meal and there was no explanation for the delay or the lack of effort. Again, no one cared or paid any attention. The Water glass was never refilled during the meal. The Server never returned after the Vista Chicken was served inedible and taken away. The bill was $90 for a very disappointing evening.More

Date of visit: December 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed December 14, 2023

Sat at the bar as it was SO busy. Lots of energy for a midday Wednesday. Great service from the bartender who had recommendations. Crab cake salad and gumbo were perfect. I will go back again the next time I am in town.

Date of visit: December 2023
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Reviewed November 10, 2023 via mobile

Fantastic food. Nice atmosphere. Pesto spinach mushroom ravioli was very tasty. Not a huge portion but perfect for me. Magi fish was awesome too. We ordered the complimentary collards and LOVED them. I loved the mocktail option. Bread was also warm and fresh.

Date of visit: November 2023
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Reviewed August 9, 2023

We wanted to stay close to the State House in Columbia, and Blue Marlin was our hotel's recommendation for a classy dinner. Ambiance was terrific. Best of all, I tried the she-crab soup for the first time (we're native Californians). It was fabulous! Tried it...in two other restaurants during our Low Country vacation, but Blue Marlin's soup was the best!More

Date of visit: May 2023
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Reviewed July 8, 2023 via mobile

My wife and I took an older friend for lunch and we enjoyed this. Our server was fine and we enjoyed a bottle of Chardonnay although they were out of our first choice. They were also out of crab cakes, but we were ok with...that. The servers were slammed and it took extra time but again, we were ok with this. The gumbo was superb and the salads were excellent. We will return again.More

Date of visit: July 2023
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Reviewed June 21, 2023

Nice & clean. Server Avery J couldn't keep up. My husbands $28.95 ribeye was terrible. I had the chicken vista which was good but its in alot of restaurants. Didn't like the back table where all the servers where in & out.

Date of visit: June 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed June 13, 2023 via mobile

Sat at the bar. Bartender was very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed the atmosphere. Had the small shrimp and grits that was very good and the Caesar salad that was just good. Would definitely go back.

Date of visit: June 2023
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Reviewed May 25, 2023

Fantastic lunch ! Salmon and Shrimp & Grits. Very reasonable pricing and the best service possible. Will be back next week. Can hardly wait.

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?1  
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Reviewed May 10, 2023 via mobile

Wine by the glass is just fine! Maim course enjoyed the blackened mahi mahi. Service and food is good. The place is crazy busy get a reservation!

Date of visit: May 2023
Helpful?2  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Reviewed March 23, 2023 via mobile

We stopped here for a late Sunday lunch. Two of us had the crab cake salad and I opted for their signature shrimp and grits everyone said their dis was delicious. The shrimp and grits had a slight “kick” but not too spicy

Date of visit: March 2023
Helpful?1  
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Questions & Answers
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BackPacker79175
August 13, 2021|
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Response from DaddyOBest | Reviewed this property |
They always serve lunch on Sunday. Be sure to ask for collards with your meal as they are gratis.
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Breezie304
March 13, 2019|
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Response from WHA1017 | Reviewed this property |
Yes
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Mike H
September 30, 2018|
AnswerShow all 8 answers
Response from kimfarrelly | Reviewed this property |
Just casual
1
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BLUE MARLIN, Columbia - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Reservations - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Blue Marlin

Yes, Blue Marlin offers takeout services.

Blue Marlin is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers:
  • Food: 4.5
  • Service: 4.5
  • Value: 4
  • Atmosphere: 4