Christina's Pizza and Subs in South Carolina — What to Order and Where to Find Them
Christina's Pizza and Subs serves Sicilian-style pizza and Italian sandwiches across multiple South Carolina locations
Christina's Pizza and Subs is a regional chain with several locations throughout South Carolina, known for thick-crust Sicilian pizza and hearty Italian submarine sandwiches. The restaurant operates as a casual counter-service spot where you order at the register and pick up your food, making it a quick option for lunch or dinner. Each location maintains the same menu and pricing structure, so the experience is consistent whether you visit a Charleston-area location or one in the Upstate.
The chain has built its reputation on straightforward Italian-American fare — pizza by the slice or whole pie, subs loaded with cold cuts and cheese, and sides like garlic knots or wings. Christina's doesn't position itself as fine dining or artisanal; it's neighborhood food at neighborhood prices, the kind of place where regulars know what they're ordering before they reach the counter.
Key Takeaways
- Christina's serves Sicilian-style pizza with a thick, airy crust, available by the slice or as a whole pie with traditional toppings.
- The sub menu features Italian cold cuts, cheeses, and hot options like meatball or sausage sandwiches on fresh bread.
- Most locations operate as counter-service restaurants where you order and pay at the register before receiving your food.
- Christina's has multiple South Carolina locations, each with the same menu, so you can expect consistent offerings regardless of which one you visit.
The Pizza: Sicilian Style and Slice Options
Christina's pizza follows the Sicilian tradition — a rectangular pie with a thick, pillowy crust that's crispy on the outside and soft inside. This style differs from the thin New York slice or the thin-crust Neapolitan pizza you might find at other South Carolina pizzerias. The dough is given time to rise, which creates those characteristic air pockets and gives the crust its distinctive texture.
You can order a whole pie or grab individual slices from the display case. The topping list sticks to classics: cheese, pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and combinations like the "works" or house specials. Christina's doesn't offer gourmet toppings or seasonal menus; the focus is on doing the fundamentals well and keeping the ordering process simple. Whole pies typically come in one or two standard sizes, and pricing reflects the casual, no-frills approach.
Submarine Sandwiches and Hot Sandwiches
The sub menu is where Christina's shows its Italian-American roots. Cold subs stack Italian cold cuts — usually combinations of ham, capicola, salami, and provolone — on a long roll with lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil-and-vinegar dressing. These are the kind of sandwiches you'd find at a traditional Italian deli, built to order and wrapped for takeout.
Hot sandwiches round out the offering: meatball subs, sausage subs, and chicken options. These come with marinara sauce and melted cheese, served on the same sturdy roll as the cold subs. Portion sizes are generous — a single sub is often a full meal. Most locations also offer sides like garlic knots, wings, or salads to round out your order.
Ordering and Pickup Process
Christina's operates on a straightforward counter-service model. You walk in, look at the menu board or the pizza display, and order at the register. For slices, the staff will box them up immediately. For whole pies or subs, there's usually a short wait — typically 10 to 15 minutes depending on how busy the location is and what you've ordered.
Most locations do not have extensive seating, so many customers order for takeout or eat standing at a high counter. Some locations may have a few tables, but Christina's is designed more for grab-and-go than lingering. If you're planning to eat there, call ahead during peak hours (lunch and dinner rush) to avoid a long wait, or order online if that option is available at your location.
Pricing and Value
Christina's positions itself as affordable casual dining. Pizza slices typically cost a few dollars each, and a whole Sicilian pie runs less than you'd pay at upscale pizzerias. Subs are similarly priced for the portion size — a full sandwich usually costs between $8 and $12 depending on the filling and location. Sides like garlic knots or wings add a dollar or two to your order.
The value proposition is straightforward: you're paying for quantity and consistency, not for rare ingredients or culinary innovation. This makes Christina's a practical choice for families, groups, or anyone looking for filling food without spending a lot. Specials or combo deals may vary by location, so it's worth asking what's available when you order.
Finding a Christina's Location Near You
Christina's has multiple locations across South Carolina, with concentrations in the Charleston area and the Upstate. The exact number and addresses of locations change over time, so your best approach is to search online for "Christina's Pizza and Subs near me" or check the restaurant's website or social media pages for the current list. Most locations are in strip malls or standalone buildings in residential or commercial neighborhoods rather than in downtown entertainment districts.
Hours typically run from late morning through evening, with some locations staying open later on weekends. Many locations are closed on Sundays or have limited Sunday hours, so if you're planning a visit on a weekend, confirm the hours first. Calling ahead is always a safe bet, especially if you want to order a whole pie or if you're visiting during a busy time.
What Sets Christina's Apart from Other South Carolina Pizza Spots
South Carolina has no shortage of pizza options — from national chains to independent pizzerias to wood-fired spots in Charleston and Greenville. Christina's occupies a specific niche: the affordable, no-nonsense Italian-American neighborhood pizzeria. It's not trying to be trendy or experimental. It's not competing on ingredient sourcing or chef credentials. Instead, it delivers consistent Sicilian pizza and Italian subs at prices that work for regular customers and families.
This approach has kept Christina's relevant across multiple decades and multiple locations. In a state where pizza ranges from Domino's to upscale Neapolitan, Christina's serves the middle ground — better than chain pizza, more accessible than fine-dining pizzerias, and familiar enough that you know what you're getting before you walk in the door.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Christina's pizza online or by phone?
Many locations accept phone orders, and some may offer online ordering through their website or third-party delivery apps. Call your nearest location directly to confirm what ordering methods they support. Delivery availability varies by location and may depend on distance from the restaurant.
Does Christina's offer gluten-free pizza or subs?
Most traditional Christina's locations do not advertise gluten-free options, but policies vary by location. Call ahead to ask whether your nearest Christina's can accommodate dietary restrictions or if they have alternative options available.
Are there vegetarian pizza or sub options?
Yes. You can order cheese pizza or a vegetarian sub with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese. Most locations will customize a pizza or sub with whatever toppings or fillings you want, so ask what's available when you order.
How long does a whole pizza take to prepare?
Whole pies typically take 10 to 15 minutes during normal hours, though wait times can stretch longer during lunch or dinner rush. Calling ahead to place your order can reduce your wait time significantly.
Do Christina's locations have seating for groups?
Most locations have limited seating — a few high-top tables or counter space rather than a full dining room. If you're bringing a large group, call ahead to confirm seating availability or plan to order for takeout.