Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom: Deep-Dish Pies and Local Beers Across South Carolina

What Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom Serves

Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom is a casual dining chain with locations across South Carolina that specializes in deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas alongside a rotating selection of craft beers on tap. The restaurant combines a neighborhood bar atmosphere with full table service, making it a spot where you can order a large pizza and spend an evening without feeling rushed. The menu extends beyond pizza to include appetizers, salads, and sandwiches, but the pizza is the draw—particularly their signature deep-dish style, which arrives in a cast-iron skillet with a thick, buttery crust and generous toppings.

The taproom side is substantial. Old Chicago maintains a beer program that changes seasonally, featuring local South Carolina breweries alongside national craft options. The staff can walk you through what's on draft, and the restaurant often runs beer specials or flight tastings if you want to sample multiple styles without committing to full pints. The space itself is designed for lingering—booths, bar seating, and communal tables create different atmospheres depending on whether you're on a date, with a group, or solo.

Key Takeaways

• Old Chicago's deep-dish pizzas come in cast-iron skillets and take longer to cook than thin-crust options, so plan for a 20- to 30-minute wait during peak hours.
• The taproom rotates its beer selection regularly, so calling ahead or checking their website tells you what's currently on draft before you visit.
• South Carolina locations include Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, each with its own local beer partnerships and seasonal offerings.
• The restaurant accepts reservations for groups, which is useful on Friday and Saturday nights when the bar fills quickly.
• Pricing is moderate for a sit-down restaurant with craft beer—expect to spend $15 to $25 per person for pizza and a drink.

Where Old Chicago Locations Are in South Carolina

Old Chicago operates multiple South Carolina locations, with the most established presence in the Lowcountry and Midlands. The Charleston location sits in a historic building that reflects the city's character, while the Columbia restaurant draws a mix of families and after-work crowds. Greenville has a location that serves the upstate market and connects to that city's growing craft beer scene.

Each location maintains its own hours and may have slight variations in their beer selection based on local distributor relationships and what regional breweries are producing that season. Calling ahead or checking their website confirms current hours, as restaurant schedules shift with seasons and special events. The Charleston and Greenville locations tend to have more evening traffic, while the Columbia spot sees steady lunch business from downtown workers.

Deep-Dish Pizza and How to Order

Old Chicago's deep-dish pizzas are their signature item. The crust is thick, airy, and buttery—closer to a Sicilian or Detroit style than a Chicago deep-dish in the strictest sense, though the name stuck. You can build your own pizza by choosing a crust style (deep-dish or thin), sauce, cheese level, and toppings, or order from their menu of combinations. Popular combinations include the "Numero Uno" (pepperoni and sausage), vegetarian options with roasted vegetables, and seasonal specials that rotate with ingredient availability.

Deep-dish pizzas take 20 to 30 minutes to cook, especially during busy periods, so order early if you're hungry. The thin-crust pizzas cook faster—usually 10 to 15 minutes. Pizzas come in medium and large sizes; a large deep-dish feeds two to three people comfortably. If you're ordering for a group, mixing one deep-dish with a thin-crust pizza keeps the table happy without everyone waiting for the slower cook time.

The Beer Program and Taproom Atmosphere

The beer selection at Old Chicago changes with the seasons and reflects partnerships with South Carolina breweries. You'll typically find 20 to 30 beers on tap at any given time, split between local craft options, regional breweries from neighboring states, and national brands. The staff knows the list and can recommend pairings with pizza—a crisp IPA or pilsner works well with heavier toppings, while lighter lagers pair with vegetarian or seafood options.

The taproom atmosphere is deliberately casual. The bar itself is a social space where solo diners can sit and watch games on overhead screens, while booths and tables accommodate groups. Happy hour specials on beer and appetizers run during off-peak times, usually weekday afternoons and early evenings. The noise level is moderate—you can have a conversation without shouting, but it's lively enough that you don't feel self-conscious about being there to eat and drink.

What Else Is on the Menu

Beyond pizza, Old Chicago serves appetizers designed for sharing: wings, fried cheese curds, nachos, and bruschetta appear regularly. Salads are substantial—the "Grilled Chicken Salad" and "Caprese Salad" are popular options if you want something lighter than pizza. Sandwiches include a meatball sub and Italian beef, though these are secondary to the pizza focus.

Desserts are limited but include items like brownie sundaes or seasonal pies. The menu is straightforward and doesn't attempt to be everything—it's designed around pizza and beer, with supporting items that complement rather than compete. This focus keeps the kitchen efficient and the quality consistent.

When to Visit and How to Plan

Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest times, especially after 6 p.m. If you want a quieter experience or faster service, weekday lunches and early afternoons are ideal. The restaurant fills quickly on game days, particularly during football season, so if you're planning to watch a specific game, arriving early or making a reservation is smart.

Reservations are taken for groups of six or more and are recommended on weekends. Walk-ins are welcome, but expect a 15- to 30-minute wait during peak hours. The bar has first-come seating, so if you're solo or a pair, sitting at the bar often gets you seated faster than waiting for a table. Old Chicago is family-friendly during daytime and early evening hours, though it skews more adult-oriented after 9 p.m. when the bar crowd dominates.

Parking and Accessibility

Each Old Chicago location has its own parking situation. The Charleston location has street parking and a nearby lot; the Columbia restaurant has dedicated parking; the Greenville spot has ample lot parking. All locations are wheelchair accessible with accessible restrooms. If you have specific accessibility needs, calling ahead lets the staff prepare and ensures a smooth visit.

The restaurants are located in walkable neighborhoods, so if you're in downtown Charleston or Greenville, you can often walk from nearby shops or offices. Public transportation access varies by location—the Columbia restaurant is closer to downtown transit options than the others.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a deep-dish pizza take to cook?

Deep-dish pizzas typically take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how busy the kitchen is. Thin-crust pizzas cook faster, usually 10 to 15 minutes. If you're very hungry, ordering a thin-crust pizza while you wait for a deep-dish to cook is a common strategy.

Can I make a reservation?

Yes, Old Chicago takes reservations for groups of six or more. Smaller parties can call ahead to ask about wait times, but walk-ins are always welcome. Reservations are especially useful on Friday and Saturday nights.

Do they have vegetarian pizza options?

Yes. You can build your own pizza with any combination of vegetables, or order from their menu of vegetarian combinations. The staff can recommend which vegetables work well together and which pair best with their sauces.

What's the price range for a meal?

A large pizza runs $18 to $25 depending on toppings, and a beer is typically $5 to $8. A meal for one person with a pizza slice or two and a drink usually costs $15 to $20. Groups splitting a pizza and drinks spend $20 to $30 per person.

Are there South Carolina breweries on tap?

Yes. Old Chicago partners with local South Carolina breweries and rotates their selections. The specific breweries change by location and season, so checking their website or calling ahead tells you what's currently on draft from South Carolina producers.