Landmark Pizza in Columbia — Thin Crust, Thick History

What Landmark Pizza is and where to find it

Landmark Pizza is a thin-crust pizzeria in downtown Columbia that has operated since 1989, located at 2013 Greene Street. The restaurant is known for its New York–style pizza cut into large slices, made with a crispy, charred crust and topped with traditional ingredients. It operates as a casual counter-service spot where you order at the register, grab a table or take your order to go, and eat quickly or linger over a slice and a drink.

The space itself reflects its age and neighborhood — exposed brick, vintage signage, and a no-frills interior that feels more like a local institution than a designed experience. Landmark sits within walking distance of the South Carolina State House and the arts district along Main Street, making it a natural stop for people working downtown, visiting museums, or exploring the neighborhood on foot.

Key Takeaways

• Landmark Pizza serves thin-crust New York–style pizza by the slice or whole pie, with a menu that includes traditional toppings and a few house specials.
• The restaurant is cash-friendly and has operated continuously since 1989, making it one of Columbia's older pizza establishments.
• Located on Greene Street in downtown Columbia, it is walkable from the State House, Main Street galleries, and nearby offices.
• Hours and daily specials vary, so calling ahead or checking their posted hours before visiting is worth doing, especially on weekends.

The menu and what to order

Landmark's menu is straightforward: cheese pizza, pepperoni, sausage, and combinations, plus a rotating list of specials that change by day or season. The crust is the signature — thin enough to fold, crispy on the outside, and charred in spots from a hot oven. A single slice is large and substantial, and most people order two or three slices with a drink rather than a whole pie, though whole pies are available for groups or takeout.

The restaurant does not attempt modern toppings or gourmet combinations. If you are looking for burrata, truffle oil, or arugula after baking, Landmark is not the place. What you get instead is a pizza that tastes like it was made the same way thirty years ago — which, for many regulars, is exactly the point. The sauce is tangy, the cheese is melted through, and the pepperoni cups slightly in the heat.

Drinks include fountain sodas, beer, and sometimes wine, depending on the day. The space is small enough that you will likely eat standing at a high counter or at one of a handful of tables, and the pace is fast — most customers are in and out in fifteen minutes.

Why Landmark matters to Columbia's food culture

Landmark Pizza opened in 1989, a time when downtown Columbia was less developed than it is now and fewer restaurants operated in the neighborhood. It has remained in the same location through decades of change — the rise of the arts district, the renovation of Main Street, the opening of new office buildings and apartments. That continuity matters to people who work or live downtown; Landmark is a landmark partly because it has simply stayed put.

The restaurant also represents a particular style of pizza — New York thin-crust, made quickly, sold by the slice — that was common in American cities but has become less common as pizza culture has shifted toward Neapolitan wood-fired ovens and artisanal sourdough crusts. Landmark does not chase trends. It makes the pizza it has always made, which appeals to people who want that specific thing and to people who value consistency and history in a restaurant.

Hours, payment, and what to expect

Landmark operates during lunch and dinner hours on weekdays and has limited weekend hours; exact times vary by day. The restaurant accepts cash and card, though cash has historically been preferred and may still be the faster payment method at the counter. There is no table service — you order and pay at the register, then find a seat or take your order with you.

The space is small and can get crowded during lunch rush, especially on weekdays when downtown workers stop in. If you arrive between noon and 1 p.m. on a Tuesday or Wednesday, expect a line. Early morning, late afternoon, and evening are quieter. Takeout is straightforward and fast; the staff will box your pizza and have it ready within minutes of ordering.

Parking and neighborhood context

Street parking is available on Greene Street and nearby blocks, though it can be tight during business hours. A parking garage sits one block away on Main Street if street parking is full. The area is walkable — if you are visiting the South Carolina State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, or browsing galleries and shops on Main Street, Landmark is a short walk away and a logical lunch or dinner stop.

The neighborhood around Landmark has changed significantly since 1989. The arts district has grown, new restaurants and bars have opened, and the area draws more foot traffic than it did decades ago. Landmark's presence in that changing landscape — unchanged itself — has made it a reference point for people who remember the neighborhood before the recent growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a whole pizza ahead of time?

Yes, whole pies are available for takeout. Calling ahead is a good idea, especially during lunch or dinner rush, so the kitchen can have your order ready when you arrive. Phone numbers and hours are posted on the storefront and online.

Is Landmark Pizza good for groups or parties?

The space is small and designed for quick service rather than lingering, so it works better for small groups or solo diners than for large parties. If you are feeding a group, ordering ahead and taking the pizza elsewhere is often easier than trying to eat in the restaurant itself.

What makes Landmark different from other pizza places in Columbia?

Landmark's thin crust, New York style, and decades of consistency set it apart from newer pizzerias that focus on wood-fired ovens or artisanal techniques. It is a straightforward, no-frills pizza place that has remained largely unchanged since 1989.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan options?

Cheese pizza and vegetable toppings are available, though the menu is limited. Call ahead if you have specific dietary needs or restrictions to confirm what is currently offered.