Santino's Pizzas & Subs: Thin Crust, Fresh Toppings, and Italian Subs in South Carolina
What Santino's Offers
Santino's Pizzas & Subs is a casual pizzeria focused on thin-crust pies and made-to-order Italian submarine sandwiches. The menu centers on two things done well: pizza with a crispy, charred crust and subs built on fresh bread with quality cold cuts and cheeses. You order at the counter, and the kitchen works quickly—most pizzas come out in under 15 minutes.
The pizza dough is rolled thin and cooked hot, which means the crust stays firm enough to hold toppings without going soggy. Toppings run standard (pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, peppers, onions) and can be layered however you want. The subs come on Italian bread that arrives fresh daily, and the fillings—Italian meats, provolone, roasted peppers, lettuce, tomato—are assembled fresh to order. Prices sit in the mid-range for casual dining: a large pizza typically runs $12 to $16 depending on toppings, and subs are $8 to $12.
Key Takeaways
- Santino's specializes in thin-crust pizza and Italian subs, both made fresh to order and ready quickly.
- The thin crust is cooked at high heat, creating a crispy base that holds up to toppings without becoming limp.
- Subs are built on fresh Italian bread that arrives daily, with cold cuts and toppings assembled in front of you.
- The restaurant operates as a counter-service spot, so expect to order at the register and pick up your food when called.
- Pricing is moderate for casual pizza and sub dining, with large pizzas and full-size subs both under $20.
The Pizza: Thin Crust and High Heat
The defining feature of Santino's pizza is the crust. It arrives thin enough to see light through, with a charred bottom and a slight crispness that doesn't crack when you bite. This style works best when the oven runs hot—the dough spends less time cooking, so the inside stays tender while the outside browns. If you prefer a thicker, chewier crust, this may not be your spot; Santino's is built for thin-crust lovers.
Toppings are applied generously but not buried. A pepperoni pizza will have enough slices to cover most of the surface, and a vegetable combination won't leave you hunting for mushrooms or peppers. The cheese melts evenly, and the sauce—a simple tomato base—doesn't overwhelm the other flavors. You can order a plain cheese pizza or load it with six or seven toppings; the kitchen handles both equally well.
The Subs: Italian Meats and Fresh Bread
Santino's subs are built on Italian bread that comes in daily, which makes a real difference. The bread has a crispy exterior and an airy crumb inside—it holds up to the weight of cold cuts and toppings without falling apart, and it doesn't dry out the way day-old bread does. The classic Italian sub comes with a mix of Italian cold cuts (usually capicola, salami, and ham), provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a light oil-and-vinegar dressing.
You can customize any sub: swap the meat, add roasted peppers or hot peppers, request extra cheese, or go vegetarian with just cheese and vegetables. The staff will build it in front of you, so you see what goes on. A full-size sub is substantial—it easily feeds one person as a meal or two people as a light lunch. Half-size subs are also available if you want something smaller.
Ordering and Timing
Santino's operates as a walk-up counter restaurant. You step up to the register, look at the menu board, and order. Payment happens at the counter, and then you either wait at a table or stand by the pickup window. Most pizzas are ready in 10 to 15 minutes; subs are faster, usually 5 to 10 minutes. During lunch or dinner rush, wait times can stretch longer, but the kitchen keeps moving.
The space is small and casual—a few tables, maybe a bench or two. It's not a destination for lingering; it's a grab-and-go spot or a quick sit-down meal. If you're ordering for a group, call ahead; the kitchen can handle it, but a heads-up helps them pace the work.
What to Order and What Works Best
If you're new to Santino's, start with a plain cheese pizza or a simple pepperoni to taste the crust. The quality of the dough and the cooking method are what set this place apart, so a basic pizza lets you experience that without distraction. The Italian sub is the signature sandwich—it's a reliable choice that shows off the fresh bread and quality meats.
Specialty pizzas and loaded subs are worth trying once you know what you like. Some locations offer seasonal toppings or specials, so ask what's available. Pair a pizza with a sub if you're feeding a small group; both travel well and reheat reasonably, though they're best eaten fresh.
Location and Hours
Santino's has multiple locations across South Carolina, so check which one is nearest to you. Hours vary by location but typically run lunch through dinner, six days a week, with some locations closed Sundays or Mondays. Call ahead or check online to confirm hours before you go, especially if you're planning an evening visit.
Most locations are in strip malls or small shopping centers, with parking nearby. The restaurant is easy to find and easy to get in and out of, which is part of its appeal as a casual neighborhood spot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Santino's pizza for delivery?
Delivery varies by location. Some Santino's locations offer their own delivery or work with third-party apps; others are pickup or dine-in only. Call your nearest location to ask, or check their website or social media for current delivery options.
Do you offer gluten-free crust or vegan options?
Most Santino's locations do not offer gluten-free crust or vegan cheese as standard menu items. Call ahead to ask if your location has made any accommodations for dietary restrictions, or order a vegetable sub without cheese if you need to avoid animal products.
What's the difference between Santino's and other local pizza places?
Santino's focuses on thin crust cooked at high heat, which creates a crispy, charred base. If you prefer thick, doughy crust or Sicilian-style square pizza, you'll want to try other spots. Santino's is the choice for thin-crust fans who also want quality Italian subs in one place.
Can I order a half-and-half pizza with different toppings on each side?
Most pizzerias can do this, and Santino's is no exception. Order it at the counter and specify which toppings go on which half. The kitchen will build it that way, though it may take a few extra minutes.
Is Santino's good for a large group or party order?
Yes, but call ahead. Santino's can handle group orders, but the kitchen works better when they know it's coming. Give them a heads-up on the size of your order and your preferred pickup time, and they'll make sure everything is ready when you arrive.