Columbo's Pizza in South Carolina — What to Order and Where to Find Them

What Columbo's Pizza serves and where to go

Columbo's Pizza operates locations across South Carolina, serving New York-style pizza by the slice and whole pies, along with wings, sandwiches, and salads. The chain is known for a thin crust, generous toppings, and straightforward Italian-American fare. Most locations are casual counter-service spots where you order at the register, grab a number, and eat in or take out.

The main Columbo's locations in South Carolina are in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. Each location keeps its own hours, so calling ahead or checking online before you go prevents a wasted trip. Many locations close by 10 p.m. on weeknights and stay open later on weekends.

Columbo's competes with national chains and local pizzerias by keeping prices moderate and focusing on speed. A large pie typically runs between $15 and $25 depending on toppings, and slices sold individually cost $2 to $4 each. The appeal is consistency — you know what you are getting, the pizza arrives hot, and the portions are substantial.

Key Takeaways

• Columbo's serves New York-style thin-crust pizza by the slice or whole pie, plus wings and sandwiches at most locations.
• Most South Carolina Columbo's locations are in Columbia and the surrounding Midlands, with some presence in the Lowcountry.
• Prices are moderate — large pies range from $15 to $25, and individual slices cost $2 to $4 depending on toppings.
• Columbo's is a counter-service operation, so expect to order at the register and wait a few minutes for your food.
• Hours vary by location, so call or check online before visiting to confirm they are open.

Popular menu items and what to order

The cheese pizza is the foundation — a thin, crispy crust with a balanced sauce-to-cheese ratio that lets you taste the dough. Most people order it as a baseline and add toppings from there. Pepperoni is the most common addition, but Columbo's also offers sausage, mushrooms, onions, peppers, and olives.

The wings are a strong secondary order. They come tossed in sauce — typically mild, medium, or hot — and arrive crispy rather than soggy. A half-pound or pound order works as an appetizer or side to share, and the price is competitive with dedicated wing places.

Sandwiches at Columbo's lean toward Italian classics: meatball, sausage, and eggplant parmigiana are standard. These are hearty, messy in the best way, and meant to be eaten fresh. Columbo's does not position itself as a gourmet spot, so do not expect artisanal bread or house-made mozzarella — the appeal is straightforward, filling food at a fair price.

When to go and what to expect

Lunch and dinner rushes are predictable: noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. most nights. If you want to avoid a line, go mid-afternoon or after 9 p.m. (if the location is still open). Weekends are busier overall, especially Friday and Saturday nights when Columbo's becomes a casual hangout spot rather than a quick grab-and-go.

The atmosphere is casual and unpretentious. Seating is usually limited to a few tables and counter space, so many customers take their order to go. The staff moves quickly during busy times, and the kitchen is visible from the ordering area — you can watch your pizza go into the oven and come out.

Columbo's attracts a mix of students, families, and working professionals. It is the kind of place where you do not dress up, you do not linger for hours, and you do not expect table service. The draw is speed, value, and consistency.

How Columbo's fits into South Carolina's pizza landscape

South Carolina has a strong local pizza culture, especially in college towns and urban centers. Columbo's occupies the middle ground between national chains like Domino's and Pizza Hut and independent pizzerias that focus on wood-fired ovens or Neapolitan technique. The chain appeals to people who want quality above fast-food level but do not want to pay premium prices or wait 45 minutes for a brick-oven pie.

In Columbia, Columbo's competes directly with other established pizza spots and has maintained a loyal customer base for years. The consistency of the product — the same crust, the same sauce, the same execution at each location — is part of the appeal. You know what you are getting, which matters when you are hungry and in a hurry.

Columbo's also serves as a reliable option in areas where independent pizzerias are sparse. In smaller towns or strip malls where a dedicated pizza restaurant might not survive, Columbo's provides a familiar alternative that does not require a road trip to the nearest city.

Ordering and payment options

Most Columbo's locations accept cash and card at the register. Some have moved to online ordering through their website or third-party apps like DoorDash or Grubhub, though availability varies by location. Calling ahead to place a large order is still common and often faster than ordering in person during peak times.

Delivery is available at some locations through third-party services, though the markup and delivery fee add to the final cost. Pickup is usually cheaper and faster, especially if you are nearby. Many regulars call in their order and pick it up 15 to 20 minutes later.

Columbo's does not typically offer dine-in reservations or group catering through a formal process, but calling the location directly to discuss a large order is worth doing. They can often accommodate groups if you give them notice.

Dietary considerations and customization

Columbo's is a traditional pizza place, so vegetarian options are straightforward — order any pizza without meat, or choose from veggie toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, and olives. Most locations can make a vegetarian pizza without issue.

Vegan options are more limited. The cheese is standard dairy, and most locations do not stock vegan cheese. You could order a veggie pizza without cheese, but that is not the intended product. If vegan pizza is important to you, call ahead to ask whether the location has vegan cheese or can accommodate that request.

Gluten-free crust is not standard at most Columbo's locations. Some have added it in response to demand, but you should call your local spot to confirm. If gluten-free is essential, do not assume — verify before you go.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Columbo's deliver?

Some locations offer delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash and Grubhub, but not all do. Call your nearest Columbo's or check their website to see if delivery is available in your area. Pickup is usually faster and cheaper.

Can I order online?

Many Columbo's locations have online ordering through their website or third-party delivery apps. Availability depends on the specific location. Calling ahead is still a reliable option and often the fastest way to place a large order.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by location. Most open for lunch and close by 10 p.m. on weeknights, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. Call your nearest location or check their website for exact times.

Do you have gluten-free or vegan options?

Vegetarian pizza is available at all locations. Gluten-free crust and vegan cheese are not standard, but some locations may have added them. Call ahead to ask what your local Columbo's can offer.

How long does it take to get my order?

During slow times, expect 10 to 15 minutes. During lunch or dinner rush, it can stretch to 20 to 30 minutes. Calling ahead to place your order can cut wait time significantly.