Gino's NY Style Pizzeria: Coal-Fired Pies and Thin Crust in Columbia

What Gino's Serves and Where to Find It

Gino's NY Style Pizzeria makes New York–style pizza with a coal-fired oven in downtown Columbia. The restaurant specializes in thin-crust pies with a char and fold that match what you'd find in a New York pizzeria, along with calzones, stromboli, and Italian sandwiches. The space itself reflects that New York sensibility—casual, no-frills, built for eating and leaving or staying to linger over a slice.

The pizzeria sits on Main Street in the heart of Columbia's downtown district, within walking distance of the State House and the Congaree River. Parking is street-level or in nearby lots; the neighborhood fills up during lunch and dinner rushes, especially on weekends. The interior has the feel of a neighborhood spot—exposed brick, a visible pizza counter, and the kind of setup where you can watch your pie go into the oven.

Key Takeaways

• Gino's uses a coal-fired oven to achieve the char and crust texture of authentic New York pizza, which requires higher heat than a standard gas oven.
• The menu includes traditional pies, specialty combinations, calzones, and Italian sandwiches, with options to customize most items.
• Downtown Columbia location means street parking or nearby lots; the restaurant gets busy during lunch (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m.) on weekdays.
• The space is casual and fast-paced, designed for quick meals or casual dining rather than extended table service.

The Coal-Fired Oven and What It Does to the Crust

A coal-fired oven reaches temperatures around 800 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit, far hotter than a conventional gas or electric oven. At that heat, a pizza cooks in two to three minutes, creating a crust that is charred on the outside, crisp at the edges, and soft in the center—the hallmark of New York pizza. The coal also imparts a subtle smoky flavor that gas ovens cannot replicate.

The speed of cooking means the dough doesn't dry out the way it can in a slower oven. The result is a crust that folds without breaking, holds toppings without sagging, and has enough structural integrity to eat by hand. This is why New York pizza is traditionally eaten folded in half: the crust is strong enough to support the weight of the toppings and your hand.

Signature Pies and Customization Options

Gino's menu includes classic combinations like Margherita (tomato, mozzarella, basil), pepperoni, and sausage, as well as specialty pies that rotate or vary by location. Common additions include fresh vegetables, meats, and white pizza (ricotta and mozzarella without tomato sauce). Most pizzerias of this style allow you to build your own pie by selecting a base and adding toppings.

Sizes typically range from small (personal) to large (14 to 16 inches), and prices scale accordingly. Specialty pies cost more than plain cheese or pepperoni. If you're ordering for a group, two large pies usually feed four to six people comfortably, depending on appetite and whether you're also ordering sides.

Calzones, Stromboli, and Sandwiches

Beyond pizza, Gino's offers calzones (folded dough filled with cheese and meat, baked until golden) and stromboli (rolled dough with similar fillings, sliced and served). Both are substantial—a single calzone or stromboli is often a full meal. Italian sandwiches on the menu typically feature cured meats like prosciutto, capicola, and salami, often with provolone and roasted peppers on a crusty roll.

These items are useful if your group has mixed preferences or if you want something other than pizza. Calzones and stromboli also travel well, making them a good choice if you're taking food back to a hotel or office.

Hours, Parking, and Timing Your Visit

Gino's operates during standard lunch and dinner hours, typically opening at 11:00 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. and closing between 9:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on weekdays. Weekend hours may extend later. It's worth checking ahead by phone or online, as hours can shift seasonally or for special events.

Downtown Columbia parking is street-level on Main Street or in nearby municipal lots. During peak lunch hours (noon to 1:00 p.m.) and dinner hours (6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.), spots fill quickly. If you're visiting on a weekday morning or mid-afternoon, parking is easier. The restaurant does not take reservations; you order at the counter and either eat in or take out.

What to Expect When You Order

The ordering process is straightforward: you approach the counter, choose your pizza or other item, specify size and toppings, and pay. The staff will call your name or number when the food is ready. During busy periods, wait times can run 15 to 20 minutes for a pizza to come out of the oven, which is normal for a coal-fired operation.

Seating is limited and casual—a mix of small tables and counter seating. If the restaurant is full, you may need to wait for a table or take your order to go. The atmosphere is lively and informal, especially during lunch and dinner rushes. If you prefer a quieter meal, visiting mid-afternoon or early evening on a weekday is your best bet.

Gino's Place in Columbia's Food Scene

Gino's represents a particular style of pizza—New York–influenced, coal-fired, and focused on the fundamentals of dough, sauce, and cheese rather than elaborate toppings. In Columbia, where pizza options range from chain restaurants to wood-fired Neapolitan spots, Gino's occupies a middle ground: more casual and faster than a sit-down Italian restaurant, but with more craft than a delivery chain.

The downtown location also makes it a natural stop if you're exploring the Main Street corridor, visiting the State House, or spending time near the river. It fits into a day of walking around downtown rather than requiring a separate trip to a suburban location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in an order?

Most pizzerias of this style accept phone orders, which you can pick up at the counter. Calling ahead during peak hours (lunch or dinner) can reduce your wait time. Check the restaurant's phone number online or ask for it when you arrive.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. You can order a cheese pizza or build a vegetarian pie with vegetables like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and tomatoes. Vegan options depend on whether the restaurant offers dairy-free cheese; ask when you order.

Is Gino's good for a large group?

It works for groups if you're comfortable with casual, counter-service dining and don't mind eating in shifts if seating is tight. For a group of eight or more, calling ahead to place a large order is wise so the kitchen can prepare everything at once.

What's the difference between a calzone and a stromboli?

A calzone is folded in half and baked whole; you eat it as one piece. A stromboli is rolled and sliced into sections before serving. Both have similar fillings, but the shape and presentation differ. Taste-wise, they're quite similar.

Do they deliver?

Delivery depends on the restaurant's current operations. Some pizzerias handle their own delivery within a limited radius; others partner with third-party apps. Call or check online to see what's available in your area.