Apollo's House of Pizza in South Carolina — Wood-Fired Pies and Italian Classics
What Apollo's House of Pizza Serves
Apollo's House of Pizza makes Neapolitan-style pizzas in a wood-fired oven, with a menu that reaches beyond pizza to include Italian pasta dishes, calzones, and appetizers. The restaurant focuses on traditional techniques — hand-tossed dough, imported ingredients, and the char that comes from high-heat brick ovens. Most locations also serve beer and wine to pair with the food.
The pizza menu rotates seasonally and includes both classic combinations and house specials. You'll find Margherita alongside options with Italian meats, fresh vegetables, and regional cheeses. Pasta dishes typically feature house-made or imported sauces, and the kitchen can accommodate dietary requests when you call ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Apollo's serves wood-fired Neapolitan pizza alongside pasta, calzones, and Italian appetizers at multiple South Carolina locations.
- The restaurant uses hand-tossed dough and imported ingredients, with a menu that changes with the seasons.
- Beer and wine are available at most locations, and the kitchen can work with dietary restrictions if you notify them in advance.
- Reservations are recommended for groups or weekend dining, especially during peak dinner hours.
Where Apollo's Locations Are in South Carolina
Apollo's House of Pizza operates multiple locations across South Carolina, with restaurants in Charleston and the surrounding Lowcountry region. Each location maintains the same wood-fired oven approach and core menu, though some may feature slightly different appetizer or wine selections based on local sourcing.
The Charleston location sits in a neighborhood with other restaurants and shops, making it easy to combine a meal with browsing nearby. Parking varies by location — some have dedicated lots, while others rely on street parking or shared lot arrangements. Calling ahead to confirm hours and current specials is worth the minute, since seasonal menus and special events can shift what's available on any given night.
What to Order and How Pricing Works
Pizzas are priced individually, with most falling in the mid-range for wood-fired establishments — expect to pay more than chain pizza but less than fine-dining Italian restaurants. A large pizza typically feeds two people as a main course, or three to four if you're adding appetizers or pasta. Calzones and pasta dishes are priced separately and come in portions sized for one or two diners.
The menu lists prices, but calling the restaurant directly gives you the most current information, especially if you're planning a larger order or asking about daily specials. Many locations offer beer and wine by the glass or bottle, with markups typical for restaurants. Takeout is available at most locations, though wood-fired pizza travels better than some dishes — ask whether they recommend eating in or if your order will hold well during transport.
Timing Your Visit and Making Reservations
Dinner is the primary service time at Apollo's, with most locations opening in late afternoon and staying open into the evening. Lunch service varies by location, so check before planning a midday visit. Weekends draw larger crowds, particularly Friday and Saturday evenings, and the wood-fired oven has a natural capacity limit — once it's full, you may wait for a table even with a reservation.
Calling ahead to reserve a table is the best approach, especially for groups of four or more or if you're visiting on a Friday or Saturday. Walk-ins are often accommodated during slower hours, but you risk a wait during peak times. If you're bringing children, mention that when you call — the restaurant can let you know about seating arrangements and whether the noise level and pace suit your group.
Dietary Needs and Special Requests
The kitchen can prepare pizzas without cheese, with vegetable-only toppings, or with gluten-free crust at some locations — call ahead to confirm what your specific location offers. Pasta dishes can often be made with olive oil instead of butter, and the restaurant can separate sauces or modify dishes when you explain your needs before ordering.
Shellfish and nut allergies should be mentioned to your server or when you call to reserve, since the kitchen handles multiple ingredients and cross-contamination is possible in any busy restaurant. The staff can tell you which dishes are safest for your situation and what precautions they take. If you have severe allergies, speaking directly with a manager before you order gives you the most reliable information.
What the Atmosphere Is Like
Apollo's locations typically feature the wood-fired oven as a visual centerpiece, with open kitchen design that lets you watch pizzas being made. The dining room is casual to moderately upscale depending on the location — comfortable for families and groups, but also suitable for a date night or small business meal. Noise levels are moderate during slower hours and can rise during peak service, which is normal for a busy restaurant.
The decor often includes Italian touches — tile work, warm lighting, and sometimes a bar area where you can sit and watch the kitchen. Most locations have both table and bar seating, and some offer outdoor seating when weather permits. The overall feel is neighborhood Italian restaurant rather than formal fine dining, which means the focus stays on the food and the experience of watching it cook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation, or can I just walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome during slower hours, but weekend evenings and peak dinner times often have waits. Calling ahead to reserve is the safest approach, especially for groups. If you're visiting on a weeknight during off-peak hours, you're more likely to get a table without waiting.
Can Apollo's accommodate large groups or private events?
Most locations can handle groups with advance notice, though the wood-fired oven's capacity means very large parties may need to split across multiple seatings. Call the restaurant directly to discuss your group size and what arrangements they can make for your specific date and time.
Is there parking at Apollo's locations?
Parking depends on the specific location — some have dedicated lots, while others rely on street parking or shared arrangements. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website to learn what to expect at the location you're visiting.
What's the difference between Apollo's pizza and regular pizza?
Apollo's uses a wood-fired oven that reaches much higher temperatures than standard ovens, creating a charred crust and different texture. The dough is hand-tossed and often made with specific Italian techniques, and imported ingredients give the toppings a different flavor profile than chain restaurants.
Can I order Apollo's pizza for delivery?
Takeout is available at most locations, though you should call to confirm. Delivery may be available through third-party apps depending on your location. Wood-fired pizza is best eaten fresh, so ask about timing when you order — the restaurant can tell you how long it will hold well.