Tony's Pizza & Subs in South Carolina — What to Order and Where to Find Them

Tony's Pizza & Subs serves thin-crust pizza and Italian sandwiches across South Carolina, with locations in Columbia, Charleston, and the Midlands

Tony's Pizza & Subs operates as a regional chain focused on two things: pizza made with a thin, crispy crust and Italian cold-cut sandwiches built on fresh bread. The restaurants are casual counter-service spots where you order at the register, grab a number, and wait for your food. Most locations have a handful of tables and are built for takeout and delivery as much as eating in.

The menu stays simple and doesn't chase trends. You'll find standard pizza toppings, specialty pies with set combinations, and a lineup of subs named after Italian regions or family members. Prices run moderate for the portion size — a large pizza typically costs between $12 and $16 depending on toppings, and subs run $7 to $10. Many locations offer lunch specials on weekdays.

Key Takeaways

• Tony's thin-crust pizza is baked in a deck oven and comes out crispy rather than chewy, which appeals to people who prefer New York or New Jersey style over thick pan pizza.
• The Italian subs use cold cuts sliced to order and come dressed with oil, vinegar, lettuce, tomato, and onion unless you ask for changes.
• Most Tony's locations accept phone orders for pickup and work with delivery services, so you don't have to eat in the restaurant.
• Lunch specials on weekdays often bundle a slice or small pizza with a drink at a lower price than ordering separately.

What the Thin Crust Means for Taste and Texture

Tony's pizza crust is rolled thin and baked hot, which creates a crispy exterior and a base that doesn't sag under toppings. This style differs from the thick, airy crusts you get at chains like Domino's or Papa John's, and it also differs from the heavy pan pizzas served at some local pizzerias. If you've eaten pizza in New York or New Jersey, Tony's crust will feel familiar.

The thinness means the toppings matter more — the cheese and sauce aren't buried under bread. A pepperoni pizza at Tony's will taste like pepperoni, cheese, and crust in equal measure rather than like bread with toppings on top. This also means the pizza cools faster and is easier to eat standing up or while driving, which is why thin-crust places have always been popular for takeout.

If you prefer a thicker, breadier crust, Tony's may not be your first choice. But if you've been looking for that style in South Carolina and haven't found it, Tony's is worth a trip.

The Sub Menu and How to Order Customizations

Tony's subs come on a long roll, typically 6 or 12 inches, and are built with cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables. The standard dress is lettuce, tomato, onion, oil, and vinegar, but you can ask for changes at the counter. Common requests include no onion, extra cheese, hot peppers, or mayo instead of oil and vinegar.

Named subs like the Tony Special or the Italian combine several meats — usually ham, capicola, salami, and provolone — and come ready to eat. If you want to build your own, you can pick the meat, cheese, and toppings. The staff will slice the cold cuts fresh rather than using pre-sliced meat, which makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.

Subs are filling enough to be a full meal, especially the 12-inch size. Many people order a sub and a drink and skip the pizza, or split a large pizza and a sub between two people.

Locations and Hours in South Carolina

Tony's operates multiple locations across the state, with the largest concentration in the Midlands and Charleston areas. The Columbia location on Main Street is one of the oldest and busiest. Charleston has at least one location that serves the downtown and nearby neighborhoods. Hours vary by location but most open for lunch around 11 a.m. and close by 9 or 10 p.m.

Before you visit, check the specific location's hours online or call ahead, especially on Sundays or holidays when some locations may close early or stay closed. If you're ordering for delivery, confirm that your address is within the delivery zone — not all locations deliver to all neighborhoods.

Ordering Ahead and Delivery Options

Most Tony's locations take phone orders for pickup, which cuts your wait time if you call 15 to 20 minutes before you plan to arrive. You can also order through third-party delivery apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats at many locations, though the app price may be higher than the in-store price due to platform fees.

Pickup is usually faster and cheaper than delivery. If you're ordering for a group or a party, calling ahead is especially important — the kitchen needs time to make multiple pizzas, and showing up without warning can mean a 30-minute wait.

What Pairs Well with Tony's Pizza and Subs

Tony's doesn't serve alcohol, so you're bringing your own drink or buying from a nearby store. A cold soda or iced tea is the standard pairing. If you're eating in, most locations have a small cooler with bottled drinks for sale.

Sides are minimal — you might find breadsticks or garlic knots at some locations, but the focus is on the pizza and subs themselves. Dessert isn't part of the menu, so plan accordingly if you want something sweet after your meal.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch rush runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., especially on weekdays when office workers and students come in. If you want a quick meal without waiting, go early in the lunch window or after 1:30 p.m. Dinner is busier on Friday and Saturday nights, particularly after 5 p.m.

The dining room is casual and not designed for lingering. Tables turn over quickly, and the atmosphere is more grab-and-go than sit-and-relax. If you want to eat in, expect a simple, no-frills experience — the appeal is the food, not the ambiance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my pizza with toppings not on the menu?

Yes. You can add or remove any topping, and the staff will build it to your order. Unusual combinations may take longer to prepare, so mention them when you order. Prices may vary if you add premium toppings like extra cheese or meat.

Do Tony's locations offer gluten-free crust?

This varies by location. Some Tony's locations offer gluten-free pizza, but not all do. Call ahead to confirm whether your nearest location has it in stock before you visit.

What's the difference between a Tony's sub and a sub from a chain like Subway?

Tony's uses cold cuts sliced fresh to order and focuses on Italian meats like capicola and salami, while chains use pre-sliced meat and emphasize customization. Tony's subs are also typically dressed with oil and vinegar rather than mayo-based sauces.

How long does a pizza take if I order ahead?

A single pizza usually takes 10 to 15 minutes from the time you order. Multiple pizzas take longer — a group order of four or five pizzas may take 25 to 35 minutes. Calling ahead gives the kitchen time to prepare.

Is Tony's Pizza & Subs a chain or a local business?

Tony's operates as a regional chain with multiple locations across South Carolina, but it's not a national franchise. Each location is independently operated or part of a small family-owned group, which means service and menu details can vary slightly between locations.