Mack's Cash Grocery

1809 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201, United States
+1 803-779-9858
$$$ Hamburger restaurant , Fast food restaurant
(1071 Reviews)
Price Range $1–10

Mack's Cash Grocery on Laurel Street is one of those spots where the clock feels like it’s paused somewhere in the early '80s. This no-frills hamburger and fast food joint serves up classic Southern-style burgers and hot dogs with a focus on straightforward, satisfying comfort food rather than fancy presentation.

The place operates mostly at the counter, with quick service that works well for grabbing a cheap, hearty meal before or after work, or whenever you’re craving a solid diner-style burger. The menu centers around items like chili cheeseburgers, pimento cheese sandwiches, and slaw dogs, with combos that include fries and a drink to round out the meal. It’s the kind of spot where the chili cheeseburger combo and the chili slaw dog are local staples, especially if you enjoy your food with a little nostalgic kick.

The atmosphere leans into that old-school vibe plenty of locals mention—it’s simple, practical, and a little rough around the edges, with a steady flow of regulars and newcomers alike. Visitors often find the food freshly prepared, though timing your visit to avoid the lunch rush can make a difference; burgers fresh off the grill and onion rings straight from the fryer definitely taste best.

Those who appreciate quick counter service, affordable pricing, and generous portions will find Mack’s a reliable choice. It’s especially well-suited for folks wanting a casual, unpretentious burger or dog fix rather than a sit-down dining experience. Because the crowd can peak around lunch, heading there just before or after busy periods means a fresher, hotter meal and a chance to settle in without a wait.

Overall, Mack’s Cash Grocery serves a particular slice of Columbia’s fast food scene that values speed, familiarity, and those deep, hearty flavors of classic Southern fast food favorites.

Highlights
Has fast service
Has great tea selection
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves food
Quick bite
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Has counter service
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

6:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Tuesday

6:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Wednesday

6:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Thursday

6:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Friday

6:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

1071 Reviews
Tennille Folks

20 Dec 2025

Just went today for the first time. I got there right before lunch rush so some of the food was already cooked. It was still delicious but I'd rather go when they make the burgers hot off the grill and the onions rings right out of the fryer!

Adam Kolkowski

25 Nov 2025

This place is a total vibe. I felt like I walked into 1983 and it was AMAZING. Great burgers, great hot dog… Overall a great experience, definitely going back

Shariyka Romero

18 Nov 2025

I recently visited Mack's Cash Grocery in Columbia, SC, and ordered a bacon cheeseburger with fries and a drink. The meal was incredibly affordable, and I was impressed by how quickly my order was ready—there wasn't a long wait at all. The burger was flavorful, with perfectly crispy bacon, and the fries were hot and fresh. For the price, the quality of the meal exceeded my expectations, making it a great spot for a quick, satisfying bite without breaking the bank.

Kathy Collins

06 Nov 2025

Best hotdogs/slaw dogs in town! Burgers and fries are also great. Quick counter ordering and service.

Dee Gladney

23 Oct 2025

Mac’s Cash Grocery is a true hidden gem! A classic greasy spoon with that old-school charm and even better prices. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the burgers? Hands down some of the best I’ve ever had — juicy, cooked just right, and full of flavor. You don’t find many spots like this anymore. Friendly service, no frills, just good food done right. If you’re looking for a throwback spot with great eats that won’t break the bank, Mac’s is it!

Kay Jay

09 Oct 2025

Been in the area almost 6 years and I finally made it to Mack’s! It’s a small, old school diner but very popular. We walked in to a pretty decent line and customers came in consistently while we ate. I can say that we did not wait long at all. We ordered the cheeseburger and bacon cheeseburger and the both were really good! I’ll have to go back to try the chili dogs next. No complaints on service either.

Bradley Shirer

19 Sep 2025

This place is great! Gives you that lunch counter vibe with fantastic food and service. Staff was very friendly and there were plenty of seats available when I went but the place is small and fills up quickly right around lunch time, obviously. I haven't said enough about the food! My wife and I both had a burger with onion rings as our sides. The burgers were juicy and tender and oh so fresh tasting, served on a sesame seed bun. Onion rings were cooked fresh and tasted like they were battered there, not just frozen onion rings. Fries are straight cut and fairly standard but are delicious all the same. We will definitely be back to try the rest of the menu! The hotdogs and hotdog chilli look amazing and other people I know that have been here all say they are the best in town. Definitely check this place out if you're in Columbia and want that old school lunch counter style meal and vibe.

Joshua Griffin

16 Sep 2025

The building may not look beautiful, but the food sure is. Excellent and friendly service. You go there enough they will know you and your family and ask about them. Good is excellent. Heard many people call it hamburger heaven and I can’t disagree. Fantastic experience.

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