The Original House of Pizza in Columbia: A South Carolina Institution Since 1969

What The Original House of Pizza Is and Where to Find It

The Original House of Pizza is a family-owned pizzeria in Columbia that has operated continuously since 1969, making it one of South Carolina's longest-running pizza restaurants. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, in a building that has become as much a landmark as the food itself. It remains independently owned and operated by the same family that opened it more than five decades ago.

The space itself reflects its age and history—exposed brick, vintage signage, and a casual dining room that feels like stepping into a different era. This is not a chain location or a modern franchise; it is a standalone restaurant that has survived economic shifts, changing neighborhoods, and the rise of national pizza brands by staying consistent with what it does.

Key Takeaways

• The Original House of Pizza has operated in downtown Columbia since 1969 under the same family ownership.
• The restaurant is known for traditional pizza styles and a menu that has remained largely unchanged over decades.
• The dining room and bar reflect the restaurant's age, with vintage décor and a neighborhood feel rather than a polished modern interior.
• The location on Main Street makes it accessible for both casual lunch visits and evening dining in downtown Columbia.

The Menu and What to Order

The Original House of Pizza serves traditional pizzas with a straightforward approach: quality ingredients, hand-tossed dough, and combinations that favor simplicity over novelty. The menu includes classic options like cheese, pepperoni, and sausage, along with combination pizzas that layer multiple toppings. Specialty pizzas reflect the restaurant's long history—some have been on the menu since the 1970s and remain popular with regulars.

Beyond pizza, the restaurant offers calzones, stromboli, and pasta dishes. Appetizers include garlic bread, wings, and salads. The bar serves beer, wine, and mixed drinks, and many customers order a drink while waiting for their pizza. Portion sizes are generous, and prices reflect the restaurant's age and independent status rather than modern inflation—a meal here typically costs less than comparable pizza at newer establishments.

The restaurant does not publish a detailed menu online, which is typical for older, neighborhood-focused pizzerias. Calling ahead or visiting in person gives you the full picture of what is available on any given day.

Dining Experience and Atmosphere

The Original House of Pizza is casual and unpretentious. The dining room has a bar along one side, booths and tables throughout, and walls decorated with photographs, newspaper clippings, and memorabilia from decades of operation. The lighting is warm but not dim, and the noise level is typically moderate—it is a place where conversation happens naturally.

Service is friendly and efficient without being formal. Staff members often recognize regulars and remember their usual orders. The restaurant attracts a mix of longtime customers, families, and people exploring downtown Columbia's dining options. It is the kind of place where you might sit next to a couple celebrating an anniversary and a group of coworkers on a lunch break.

Parking is available on the street and in nearby lots. The restaurant is accessible by foot if you are staying downtown or working in the area. Hours are typically lunch and dinner, seven days a week, though it is worth calling to confirm before a visit.

Why The Original House of Pizza Matters to Columbia

The Original House of Pizza is one of the few restaurants in downtown Columbia that has remained in the same location and under the same ownership for more than fifty years. In a city where neighborhoods change and businesses close, this restaurant represents continuity and community. It has fed generations of Columbia residents—people who ate there as children now bring their own children.

The restaurant is also a physical marker of downtown Columbia's history. Its presence on Main Street connects the current downtown to the era when Main Street was the center of the city's social and commercial life. Food historians and local culture writers often mention it as an example of how independent restaurants preserve a city's character in ways that chains cannot.

Getting There and Planning Your Visit

The Original House of Pizza is located on Main Street in downtown Columbia. If you are driving, street parking is available nearby, and several public parking lots serve the downtown area. The restaurant is within walking distance of other downtown attractions, including the South Carolina State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the Congaree River boardwalk.

If you are planning to visit during peak hours—typically Friday and Saturday evenings—expect a wait. The restaurant does not take reservations for most parties, though calling ahead to ask about current wait times is reasonable. Takeout is available and popular, especially for families ordering pizza for home delivery or pickup.

The restaurant is open year-round and does not close for major holidays, making it a reliable option whether you are visiting Columbia in summer or winter, or stopping by on a holiday when other restaurants may be closed.

What Sets It Apart from Newer Pizza Places

The Original House of Pizza competes not by chasing trends but by maintaining what it has always done. It does not offer wood-fired ovens, craft toppings, or Instagram-worthy presentations. It does not have a website with online ordering or a social media presence. What it offers instead is consistency, history, and the knowledge that thousands of people have eaten there before you and will eat there after you.

This approach appeals to people who value authenticity over novelty, and who understand that a restaurant's age and unchanging nature are features, not bugs. In a food landscape dominated by new concepts and viral trends, The Original House of Pizza represents a different kind of value: the value of a place that has earned its reputation through decades of showing up and doing the same thing well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do they take reservations?

The Original House of Pizza typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis for most parties. Calling ahead to ask about current wait times is a good idea, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. Large groups may be able to arrange something by calling directly.

Can I order online or get delivery?

The restaurant does not maintain an online ordering system or partner with third-party delivery services. You can call to place a takeout order for pickup, or dine in at the restaurant. This is consistent with how the restaurant has operated for decades.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on Main Street and surrounding blocks. Several public parking lots serve downtown Columbia and are within a short walk of the restaurant. Parking is typically easy to find except during peak downtown events.

What are the hours?

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner most days of the week. Hours vary by day and season, so calling ahead or checking by visiting is the most reliable way to confirm. The restaurant is typically closed only for major holidays.

Is it a good place for families with kids?

Yes. The Original House of Pizza is family-friendly, with a casual atmosphere and a menu that appeals to children. Families make up a significant portion of the customer base, especially during lunch and early evening hours.