Sbarro in South Carolina: Where to Find New York-Style Pizza
Sbarro locations and what to order
Sbarro is a New York-style pizzeria chain with a presence in South Carolina, primarily in shopping malls and travel centers. The chain is known for its thick, rectangular Sicilian-style pizza sold by the slice or whole pie, along with calzones, stromboli, and pasta dishes. If you're looking for Sbarro in South Carolina, you'll find it most often in major malls and airport terminals rather than as a standalone restaurant.
The signature item is the square Sicilian pizza, which has a thicker, airier crust than typical thin-crust New York pizza. Sbarro also serves Italian sandwiches, meatballs, and salads. Prices run higher than independent pizza shops—expect to pay $4 to $7 per slice depending on toppings, or $15 to $25 for a whole pie. The chain caters to people shopping or traveling, so hours align with mall or terminal hours rather than traditional restaurant schedules.
Key Takeaways
- Sbarro operates in South Carolina primarily inside shopping malls and travel centers, not as standalone locations.
- The chain specializes in thick, rectangular Sicilian-style pizza sold by the slice, along with calzones and Italian sandwiches.
- Hours depend on the host location—mall hours for mall locations, terminal hours for airport locations.
- Prices are higher than independent pizza shops, reflecting the premium mall or airport location rent.
Finding Sbarro in South Carolina malls
Sbarro has appeared in major South Carolina shopping centers, though specific locations change as malls evolve. The chain typically occupies food court space in regional malls rather than street-level storefronts. Before driving to a specific mall, call ahead or check the mall's directory online, because Sbarro locations close and relocate as mall traffic patterns shift.
Malls with food courts in the Midlands and Lowcountry are your best bet—these tend to have higher foot traffic and more vendor variety. If you're in a smaller town or rural area, you're unlikely to find Sbarro; the chain concentrates in population centers where mall traffic justifies the rent.
Sbarro at South Carolina airports and travel stops
You're most likely to encounter Sbarro at Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) or in travel plazas along I-95 and I-26. Airport locations operate during terminal hours, which means early morning through evening, seven days a week. Travel plaza locations stay open as long as the plaza itself does, often 24 hours.
Airport and travel stop Sbarro locations serve a different purpose than mall locations—they're designed for people in transit who want a quick meal. Expect shorter menus, faster service, and higher prices than you'd pay at a mall location. If you're catching a flight or passing through on a road trip, this is convenient; if you're planning a sit-down pizza dinner, a standalone pizzeria will give you more space and a better experience.
How Sbarro's Sicilian pizza differs from other styles
Sbarro's signature pizza is Sicilian-style, which means a thicker, rectangular crust with more air pockets than New York thin-crust or Neapolitan pizza. The dough is often brushed with olive oil before baking, giving it a richer flavor and crispier exterior. The cheese and toppings sit on top of the dough rather than sinking into it, so each slice has distinct layers.
This style originated in Sicily and became popular in New York's Italian neighborhoods. It's heavier and more filling than thin-crust pizza—one or two slices can be a full meal. If you prefer lighter pizza or are used to thin crust, Sicilian pizza may feel dense; if you like substantial, doughy pizza with a crispy bottom, it's worth trying.
Pricing and what to expect when you order
A single slice of Sbarro pizza typically costs $4 to $7, depending on whether you choose cheese or toppings. A whole 16-inch pie runs $15 to $25. Calzones and stromboli cost $8 to $12. Sides like meatballs, garlic knots, or salad add $3 to $6. Drinks and desserts follow standard food court pricing—$2 to $4 for beverages, $3 to $5 for dessert.
Sbarro accepts cash and card at most locations. Mall locations may require you to order and pay at the counter, then pick up your food; airport locations often work the same way. There's usually no table service—you carry your tray to a nearby seating area, which may or may not belong to Sbarro itself.
Alternatives if Sbarro isn't nearby
If you can't reach a Sbarro location, South Carolina has plenty of independent pizzerias that serve similar styles. Charleston has numerous wood-fired and brick-oven pizza shops in the historic district and surrounding neighborhoods. Columbia's Five Points and Vista districts have several pizza-focused restaurants. Greenville's downtown has grown its pizza scene in recent years.
Local pizzerias often charge less per slice, offer more seating, and give you a sense of the community you're visiting. If you're specifically craving Sbarro's Sicilian style, search for "Sicilian pizza near me" or "square pizza" in your area—many independent shops offer similar products without the mall or airport markup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I order Sbarro online for delivery in South Carolina?
Most Sbarro locations in South Carolina are in malls or airports and do not offer delivery. Some may partner with third-party delivery apps if they're in a high-traffic mall, but this varies by location. Call the specific Sbarro location to ask whether delivery is available.
Does Sbarro have vegetarian or vegan pizza options?
Yes. You can order cheese pizza or customize with vegetable toppings like peppers, onions, mushrooms, and olives. Vegan options are more limited—ask whether the location has dairy-free cheese or can make a pie with just sauce and vegetables.
How long does it take to get food at Sbarro?
Expect 10 to 15 minutes for a slice if it's already made, or 15 to 25 minutes if you order a whole pie. Airport and travel stop locations may be faster during off-peak hours. Mall locations can have longer waits during lunch and dinner rushes.
Is Sbarro pizza good for takeout on a road trip?
Yes, if you're eating it within an hour or two. Sbarro pizza travels well in a box and tastes acceptable at room temperature. If you're driving more than two hours, the pizza will cool and the crust may become chewy. For longer trips, eat it fresh or wait until your next stop.
What's the difference between Sbarro and a New York pizzeria?
Sbarro serves Sicilian-style pizza, which is thicker and more rectangular than traditional New York thin-crust. New York pizzerias typically serve thinner, triangular slices. Both are legitimate New York pizza styles—Sicilian is just the heavier, more filling version.