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Restaurant Reviews List > South Carolina Restaurant Reviews > Columbia Restaurant Reviews > Columbia Restaurant Reviews > Contemporary American Restaurant Reviews

Restaurant Reviews for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Motor Supply Company Bistro reservations Motor Supply Company Bistro

920 Gervais St.
Columbia, SC 29201

Located in the historic Congaree Vista, Motor Supply has been serving the finest and most diverse culinary dishes for over 20 years. Our menu changes daily, allowing us to indulge our diners with something new and delicious every time they come through the door. We offer an eclectic blend of Contemporary American, French, Italian and Asian Cuisine...something for everyone's palate! We are Columbia's foremost "farm to fork" restaurant and use almost exclusively local produce and meats. All our stocks, sauces, butchering, charcuterie and desserts are done in house. Come and taste the difference! The centerpiece of our restaurant is a beautiful early 19th century, solid-Oak Bar with marble columns, imported from Europe. From this bar flow over 180 of the finest wines the world has to offer(Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence,2006-10). We also have an extensive list of imported, domestic and high gravity beers to choose from as well as your favorite cocktail.

Dining Style: Fine Dining
Price: $30 and under
Parking: Valet
Cross Street: Park and Lincoln Sts.
See more Motor Supply Company Bistro details
Average Diner Rating
Overall Rating 4.1 out of 5 4.1 out of 5 (74 Reviews)
Food 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.9 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.2 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)
Summary of Special Features

Diners classify this restaurant as:

  • special occasion (36)
  • fit for foodies (34)
  • notable wine list (27)
  • neighborhood gem (24)
  • romantic (22)
  • great for outdoor dining (14)
  • good for groups (10)
  • hot spot (10)
  • great for brunch (7)
  • great for lunch (3)
  • vibrant bar scene (3)

Motor Supply Company Bistro Reviews List
Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Absolutly fantastic! Best Restaurant in the Vista, no question!"

Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/13/2010
(review submitted 03/15/2010)
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Review 2 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Usually love Motor Supply. Menu this night was not very enticing, although the food we ordered was very good. Worse service we have EVER had here. Server seemed hurried, distracted, definitely didn't "connect" with any of the guests at our table. Really seemed that we were a bother to her. Did not apply our dining credits to Columbia Originals card even though I questioned twice whether it had been done. Will definitely return....just hope there is some turn-over in wait staff. Bartender was great, btw."

Special Features: fit for foodies

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/04/2010
(review submitted 03/10/2010)
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Review 3 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"the entire experience was outstanding! This was our first visit here, after hearing nothing but positive things about the restaurant. From the moment we walked in and our reserved table was already waiting with menus, to the waiter who let us try samples of their unique sauces they were using that evening , to the portion size and flavor of our meal, everything was first rate."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/09/2010)
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Review 4 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Motor Supply is typically very good, and the food was very good on this visit."

Special Features: good for groups

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 03/06/2010
(review submitted 03/09/2010)
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Review 5 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Very nice ,really enjoyed ourselves,excellent waitress. Lamb was melt in your mouth"

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/26/2010
(review submitted 03/02/2010)
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Review 6 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"It was all very good. Not a quiet type scene, busy night. Food was about perfect. Service very good also."

Special Features: special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/27/2010
(review submitted 03/01/2010)
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Review 7 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Small and quaint, this is the perfect date night spot or even for a large get together. The menu changes every day and I am never disappointed! The brunch on Sundays is definitely the best in Columbia! Server seemed a bit overwhelmed with the 14 of us, but apologized when things took too long and was always keeping us up to date on what was coming next during dinner. The wine fire sale was amazing and the dinner entrees were priced appropriately."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/21/2010
(review submitted 02/23/2010)
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Review 8 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"The food was awesome! My wife and I had beef and pork and both were excellent. The wine list was impressive and if we weren't traveling 90 miles afterwards, we would have enjoyed a bottle."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/20/2010
(review submitted 02/22/2010)
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Review 9 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"The ambious was beautiful. The hanging artwork was magnificent and I, nor my husband are drinkers, but the wood structure of the bar was immpeccable. I love this bistro. It was our second time dining and we were equally impressed as the first time. It is very versitale, for a romantic evening to a casual date. Love it! Definitely a keeper on our list. Thanks Motor Supply!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch, hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/20/2010)
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Review 10 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"I really enjoyed the atmosphere. It was very chill but romantic. I do think it is slightly overpriced for the amount of food, but not ridiculously. The food was very good but it could have used a little more flavor."

Special Features: romantic, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/14/2010
(review submitted 02/18/2010)
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Review 11 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"The food was very good, but the service is what made the evening. Top notch server, with great input, and outstanding recommendations. Easy to talk to and very helpful."

Special Features: notable wine list, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/13/2010
(review submitted 02/15/2010)
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Review 12 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"We ordered 2 entrees. The lamb was fantastic, the gnocci left a lot to be desired. It was a shame because my date was looking forward to a good meal. Instead, we felt like we paid $18 for fried mashed potatoes. All in all, I'd still recommend the restaurant, we were just unlucky to experience a miss."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, romantic, hot spot

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/12/2010
(review submitted 02/14/2010)
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Review 13 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"FIRST TIME THERE --
HAD THE BEST ROAST DUCK, I HAVE EVER HAD
MENU -- UNIQUELY VARIED
SERVICE -- EXCELLENT
ENTRANCE WAY HAS A TRICKY THRESHOLD WITH A METAL STRIP ACROSS DOORWAY -- I FELL OVER IT -
NEEDS BETTER MARKING

OTHER THAN THAT -- WAS VERY, VERY IMPRESSED"

Special Features: fit for foodies, kid-friendly, special occasion, hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 02/06/2010
(review submitted 02/08/2010)
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Review 14 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"First time eating at Motor Supply. Atmosphere was nice. Reasonably priced. Food was not what I expected. Service was good. Handwritten menu nice touch a little difficult to read. I would return to try again."

Special Features: notable wine list

Food 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/22/2010
(review submitted 01/25/2010)
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Review 15 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
"Overall the experience was fine. The menu was eclectic and interesting but the execution was lacking. This is the type of restaurant I have been to many times that takes itself too seriously. The food is not as well prepared as they think it is. This is not to say the meal was not enjoyable. Quite the contrary. The cheese plate was a nice combination of Brie, goat cheese, and an interesting cheddar blue mixture with an interesting onion marm. Interesting but it worked well with the goat cheese. The duck was themain course - overcooked and a little dry but pretty tasty. I don't send stuff back and it was completely edible, just not the quality that they try to portray. Overall a nice meal, but I will probably not be back. Again, execution."

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, notable wine list

Food 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/15/2010
(review submitted 01/17/2010)
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Review 16 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
"I cannot understand why so many locals recommended Motor. I thought there was an unpleasant odor on entering, the decor was European bistro meets beatnik garage sale, and the menu was the same as on line the week before. Their meat comes from US Foods. My salad was served without dressing. A bowl of soup was $15 whereas a cup was $3. I will say the wait staff was exceptional, but cannot make up for whatever was going on in the kitchen. My wife and I left to go back to the hotel and order room service. Perhaps it was an "off night", but I will not try them again. The next night we had a splendid dining experience at Saluda's in Five Points. Had lunch at Blue Marlin which was overpriced and marginal. Ask for the free bowl of collards"

Food 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Ambiance 2.0 out of 5 (Fair)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 01/08/2010
(review submitted 01/10/2010)
0 of 6 people found this review helpful.
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Review 17 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Motor Supply Company Bistro is a gem in Columbia the Gem of the South. Plenty of 2010 style food without overtrying. Friendly and competent service without being annoying. Worth a special trip if you are in the area and want a combination of southern cuisine meets today."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/31/2009
(review submitted 01/07/2010)
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Review 18 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"A new menu every night makes dining here an always interesting experience. They use only the freshest ingredients. Excellent preparation and presentation."

Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/29/2009
(review submitted 12/31/2009)
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Review 19 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"Great dining experience as usual. Motor Supply never fails to impress. The menu varies and had a good selection. My favorite restaurant in Columbia, SC."

Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/13/2009
(review submitted 12/15/2009)
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Review 20 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"I must say our first dining experience was well worth the wait the food was outstanding."

Special Features: special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/12/2009
(review submitted 12/14/2009)
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Review 21 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"We had a very nice meal. The variety of offerings and the care put into the preparation of the food combined to make our special occasion truly special. The wait staff was attentive without undue hovering. Portions were generous without being excessive. The wine list and beer lists are extensive. We definitely plan to return."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.0 out of 5 (Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/05/2009
(review submitted 12/07/2009)
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Review 22 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Excellent Shrimp with fennel dish this time. Very good 1/2 crispy duck. Nice menu, well executed (reliable). Some items change daily (check on-line menu around 5 PM). Welcoming ambiance (some recent nice redecorating and new wall art). One of my regular haunts (in my top 10 in Columbia) - have never had a bad meal in 13 years."

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 1.0 out of 3 (Quiet)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/04/2009
(review submitted 12/06/2009)
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Review 23 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Overall highly recommended. Been there for both business and family and all have enjoyed."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, romantic

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 12/02/2009
(review submitted 12/04/2009)
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Review 24 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"In a word YUMMY!! Motor Supply has proven to be a gem in the Columbia restaurant scene."

Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, special occasion

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 3.0 out of 3 (Energetic)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/27/2009
(review submitted 12/03/2009)
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Review 25 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
"One of our favorites. A different menu every night depending on what is fresh. The food and service are always superb!! Don't need to dress up."

Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list

Food 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/25/2009
(review submitted 12/02/2009)
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Review 26 for Motor Supply Company Bistro

Overall Rating 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
"Great wine & I had a delicious crispy fried lobster tail w/sauce that was fantastic!"

Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot

Food 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 4.0 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 5.0 out of 5 (Outstanding)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)

By an OpenTable.com user
who dined on 11/20/2009
(review submitted 11/22/2009)
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Motor Supply Company Bistro Based on the average of (48) ratings-only reviews
Overall Rating 4.1 out of 5 (Very Good)
Food 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Ambiance 3.9 out of 5 (Very Good)
Service 4.3 out of 5 (Very Good)
Restaurant Experience:
Noise Level 2.0 out of 3 (Moderate)
160*600 Advertising Space