Frankie's NY Pizza in South Carolina: Where to Find Authentic New York Slices

What Frankie's NY Pizza offers and where to find it

Frankie's NY Pizza brings New York–style pizza to South Carolina with thin crust, proper fold, and toppings that don't overwhelm the dough. The chain operates locations across the state, each one built around the same formula: a wood-fired or gas deck oven, a menu that sticks to what works, and a casual counter-service setup where you order at the register and eat at a table or take your pizza to go.

The signature item is the slice—sold by the piece or as a whole pie. A typical New York slice at Frankie's is about 18 inches across, cut into eight pieces, with a thin crust that holds its shape when you fold it. The cheese is mozzarella, the sauce is tomato-based and lightly seasoned, and the toppings stay in the background rather than piling up. You'll find pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, and onions on the standard menu, with seasonal or location-specific variations.

Current Frankie's locations in South Carolina include spots in the Midlands, the Lowcountry, and the Upstate. Hours and exact addresses vary by location, so check the restaurant's website or call ahead before you go. Most locations are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, though some close between lunch and dinner service.

Key Takeaways

• Frankie's serves New York–style pizza by the slice or whole pie, with a thin crust and restrained toppings that let the dough and sauce shine.
• The chain has multiple locations across South Carolina, each with similar menus and casual counter-service ordering.
• Slices are typically sold individually, making it easy to grab one or two pieces without committing to a whole pie.
• Most locations offer dine-in seating, takeout, and sometimes delivery through third-party apps, though options vary by site.

The New York pizza style and how Frankie's does it

New York pizza has specific rules. The crust is thin but not cracker-thin—it should have some chew and structure, not snap when you bite it. The dough is usually made with a mix of flours and a small amount of sugar, fermented for at least a day, and stretched by hand or machine into a large, even circle. The oven is hot, around 500 to 600 degrees, and the pie cooks fast—usually three to five minutes.

Frankie's follows this template. The crust arrives with a slight char on the bottom, a little bubble and rise at the edge (called the cornicione), and enough structural integrity that you can fold a slice in half without it folding back on itself. The sauce-to-cheese ratio is balanced; you taste both, and neither drowns out the other. Toppings are distributed evenly and don't create wet spots or grease pools.

This approach differs from Sicilian pizza (thicker, rectangular, more bread-forward), Detroit pizza (rectangular, crispy edges, cheese to the rim), and Neapolitan pizza (thicker crust, fewer toppings, often cooked in a wood-fired oven at extreme heat). If you're used to thick-crust pizza from a chain, Frankie's will feel lighter and less filling—which is partly the point. The idea is that you can eat more than one slice without feeling overstuffed.

Menu items beyond the basic cheese slice

Beyond cheese, Frankie's offers classic toppings: pepperoni (usually cupped, which creates little grease reservoirs), Italian sausage (crumbled or in chunks), mushrooms, green peppers, onions, and sometimes fresh basil or garlic. Many locations let you build your own pie or order a half-and-half if you and a friend want different toppings on the same pizza.

Most Frankie's locations also carry sides: garlic knots (small, twisted dough baked with garlic and oil), wings, salads, and sometimes calzones or stromboli. Beverages typically include soda, bottled water, and sometimes beer or wine, depending on the location's license. Desserts are usually limited—maybe cookies or a brownie—because the focus is on the pizza.

Prices vary by location and current market conditions. A single slice usually costs between $2 and $4, and a whole pie between $12 and $20, depending on size and toppings. Some locations offer lunch specials or combo deals (slice plus drink plus side). Check the specific location's menu online or by phone for current pricing.

How to order and what to expect when you arrive

Most Frankie's locations work the same way: you walk in, look at the menu board or display case, and order at the counter. If you want a slice, point to what you want or tell the staff the topping. If you want a whole pie, you order it and wait—baking time is usually 10 to 15 minutes. If you're ordering slices, they're often already made and ready to go, so you can eat almost immediately.

Seating is typically casual: a few tables, maybe some counter space, and a trash can near the door. You eat there or take your pizza with you. Some locations offer delivery through apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though the pizza quality can suffer during transport, so pickup or dine-in is usually better if you have the time.

Peak hours are usually lunch (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.), especially on weekends. If you want to avoid a wait, go mid-afternoon or early evening on a weekday. Most locations are cash-friendly but also take cards and mobile payments.

Frankie's in South Carolina's pizza landscape

South Carolina has a mix of pizza styles: chain restaurants (Domino's, Pizza Hut), local independent pizzerias, and newer concepts like Frankie's that focus on a specific regional style. Frankie's fills the New York pizza niche—the style that's common in the Northeast but less common in the South, where thick-crust and pan pizza have traditionally dominated.

The appeal of Frankie's is consistency and authenticity without pretension. You're not paying fine-dining prices, and you're not waiting 45 minutes for a wood-fired Neapolitan pie. You're getting a straightforward, well-made slice that tastes like what you'd buy from a corner pizzeria in Manhattan or Brooklyn. For people who grew up eating New York pizza or who want to try that style, Frankie's is a reliable option.

Other South Carolina pizzerias offer different styles—some focus on Neapolitan, some on Detroit, some on local or creative interpretations. If you're exploring pizza across the state, Frankie's is worth visiting as a reference point for how New York style works, and then comparing it to other local options to see what you prefer.

Tips for getting the most out of your visit

Order a slice or two first if you're new to the place. This lets you taste the baseline—the cheese pizza—without committing to a whole pie. The quality of the crust, sauce, and cheese on a plain slice tells you a lot about the kitchen's fundamentals.

If you're ordering a whole pie, ask the staff what's fresh that day. Some toppings are prepped in the morning and sit; others are added to order. Pepperoni and sausage are usually fine, but mushrooms or peppers can vary in quality depending on how long they've been sitting.

Fold your slice in half lengthwise before eating—this is the New York way, and it helps contain the toppings and makes the slice easier to hold. If the slice doesn't fold without breaking, the crust might be too thick or too thin for the style.

Bring cash if you're ordering just a slice or two. Some locations have a card minimum, and cash speeds up the transaction at the counter. If you're ordering a whole pie for a group, call ahead so it's ready when you arrive, especially during busy hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a whole pizza for delivery?

Most Frankie's locations offer delivery through third-party apps or directly through the restaurant. Call your nearest location to confirm delivery availability and fees. Keep in mind that pizza quality can decline during delivery, so pickup or dine-in is often a better choice if you're nearby.

What's the difference between Frankie's pizza and regular chain pizza?

Frankie's uses a thinner crust, a higher-quality cheese blend, and a more balanced sauce-to-topping ratio than most chain restaurants. The dough is usually fermented longer, which develops more flavor. The result is a lighter, more flavorful slice that tastes less greasy and more like what you'd find in New York.

Do I need to order a whole pie, or can I just get slices?

You can order individual slices at most Frankie's locations. Slices are usually available throughout service hours, and you can grab one or two without waiting for a pie to bake. Whole pies are also available if you're feeding a group or want a specific combination of toppings.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. You can order a cheese pizza (vegetarian) or ask for a pie with vegetables only—mushrooms, peppers, onions, basil, garlic. Vegan options depend on whether the location carries vegan cheese; call ahead to confirm. Most staff can accommodate dietary requests if you ask.

What time should I go to avoid a long wait?

Mid-afternoon (2 to 4 p.m.) and early evening (4 to 5 p.m.) are usually slower than lunch and dinner rush. Weekday visits are typically faster than weekends. If you're ordering a whole pie, call ahead so it's ready when you arrive, regardless of the time.