Prince House of Pizza in Charleston: Casual Mediterranean Dining on King Street

What to expect at Prince House of Pizza

Prince House of Pizza is a casual neighborhood spot on King Street in Charleston that serves Mediterranean-style pizza, pasta, and sandwiches in a relaxed, no-frills setting. The restaurant focuses on straightforward Italian and Greek flavors—thin-crust pizzas with traditional toppings, Greek salads, and gyros—without the upscale pricing or formal atmosphere of fancier Mediterranean restaurants nearby. It's the kind of place where you order at the counter, grab a table, and eat quickly, making it practical for lunch, a casual dinner, or takeout.

The space itself is modest and unpretentious. Expect bright fluorescent lighting, simple tables, and a kitchen you can see from the dining area. The focus is on food and value rather than ambiance, which appeals to regulars who come back for consistency and students or workers looking for a quick meal in the King Street corridor.

Key Takeaways

• Prince House serves thin-crust Mediterranean pizzas, Greek salads, gyros, and pasta dishes at moderate prices, with most items under $15.
• The restaurant operates as a counter-service establishment, so you order and pay at the front before sitting down.
• It's located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of shops, galleries, and other dining options.
• The casual, no-frills environment makes it suitable for a quick lunch, takeout, or informal group meals rather than special occasions.

The menu and what to order

The pizza menu includes both traditional combinations and build-your-own options. Signature pies feature Greek-influenced toppings like feta, olives, spinach, and lamb, alongside more conventional Italian choices. Sizes typically run small to large, and prices scale accordingly. The dough is thin and crispy rather than thick and chewy, which aligns with Greek and Mediterranean pizza traditions.

Beyond pizza, the kitchen turns out Greek salads with feta and olives, gyros wrapped in pita, and pasta dishes in light tomato or olive oil-based sauces. Sandwiches—including meatball and Italian options—round out the offerings. Portion sizes are generous relative to the price, and most diners leave satisfied without spending much.

Beverages are standard: soft drinks, bottled water, and sometimes beer or wine depending on current licensing. The restaurant does not position itself as a destination for craft beverages or wine pairings.

Location and hours

Prince House sits on King Street in downtown Charleston's main commercial and cultural corridor. This location puts it near the College of Charleston campus, retail shops, art galleries, and other restaurants, making it convenient for people working or studying in the area. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak hours; a parking garage is nearby if street spots are full.

Hours typically run from late morning through evening, though it closes earlier than many full-service restaurants. Calling ahead or checking their current hours online is wise, as restaurant schedules can shift seasonally or for special events. The restaurant is generally open for lunch and dinner during the week and weekend.

When to visit and what it's good for

Prince House works best for a quick lunch break, casual dinner with friends, or takeout on your way home. It's not the place to linger over a long meal or celebrate a milestone, but it's ideal if you want Mediterranean flavors without the wait or expense of a sit-down restaurant. The counter-service model means you're in and out in 20 to 30 minutes if you eat there, or you can grab a box and go.

Weekday lunch tends to draw office workers and students; evenings and weekends bring a mix of locals and visitors. If you prefer a quieter experience, mid-afternoon on a weekday is your best bet. The restaurant can get crowded during peak dinner hours, especially on weekends.

Parking and accessibility

Street parking along King Street is available but limited and often full during business hours. A municipal parking garage is within a short walk, and several other lots serve the downtown area. If you're driving, arriving during off-peak hours (mid-afternoon or early evening) increases your chances of finding a nearby spot.

The restaurant entrance is at street level with no steps, making it accessible to people using wheelchairs or walkers. The interior is compact, so maneuvering a mobility device requires some care, but entry itself is straightforward. Restrooms are typically small and may be tight for wheelchair access; calling ahead to confirm current accessibility details is recommended.

Price range and payment

Most pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees fall between $8 and $15, with salads and sides in the $5 to $10 range. A meal for one—pizza or sandwich plus a drink—typically costs $12 to $18 before tax. This makes Prince House one of the more affordable dining options on King Street, particularly compared to full-service Mediterranean or Italian restaurants in the same area.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments. Tipping is standard at counter-service establishments; most registers prompt you to add a tip when you pay. No reservations are taken, so you arrive and order when you're ready to eat.

Why it matters in Charleston's food scene

Prince House represents the working backbone of Charleston's dining landscape—affordable, straightforward Mediterranean food that serves locals and visitors alike without pretense. While Charleston has gained attention for high-end restaurants and chef-driven concepts, casual neighborhood spots like this one keep the city livable for people who work downtown and need a quick, reasonably priced meal. It's the kind of restaurant that regulars return to for consistency and value rather than novelty.

The restaurant also reflects Charleston's long Mediterranean and European immigrant heritage, particularly the Greek and Italian communities that shaped the city's food culture. Simple pizza, gyros, and Greek salads are part of that legacy, even if they're no longer novel or trendy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Most counter-service restaurants like Prince House do not take phone orders for immediate pickup, though some accept orders for later in the day. Call ahead to ask about their current policy. If you're ordering for a group or a large quantity, calling to give them a heads-up is courteous and may speed up your order.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Greek salads can be ordered without meat, and you can build a vegetarian pizza with vegetables, feta, and olives. Vegan options are more limited since most dishes include cheese or meat; ask the staff what they can prepare without dairy or animal products.

Is Prince House good for a large group?

It can work for groups of 4 to 8 people, especially if you call ahead so the kitchen knows to expect you. The space is small, so very large groups may feel cramped. For groups over 10, a larger restaurant with table service would be more comfortable.

What's the difference between their pizza and pizza from other Mediterranean restaurants nearby?

Prince House emphasizes thin crust and Greek-influenced toppings at lower prices than sit-down Mediterranean restaurants. Other nearby spots may offer thicker crust, more elaborate sauces, or full-service dining. Prince House is faster and cheaper; other places offer more atmosphere and variety.

Do they deliver or offer takeout?

Most counter-service restaurants offer takeout at the counter. Delivery through third-party apps may be available depending on current partnerships. Call or check online to confirm whether delivery is currently offered and what the fees are.