Za's on Devine: Thin-Crust Pizza and Roasted Wings in Columbia's Five Points

What Za's on Devine Serves

Za's on Devine is a casual pizzeria in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood that focuses on thin-crust pizza and roasted chicken wings. The restaurant operates from a storefront on Devine Street and builds its menu around two core offerings: pies with a crispy, charred crust and wings tossed in house-made sauces. The space itself is informal—counter service, limited seating, the kind of place where you order at the front and wait for your number to be called.

The pizza comes in standard sizes and can be ordered with traditional toppings or as specials that rotate. The wings arrive roasted rather than fried, which gives them a different texture and flavor profile than the deep-fried versions you'll find at most sports bars. Both items are designed to be eaten fresh and hot, so Za's works best as a grab-and-go stop or a quick meal in the neighborhood rather than a destination for a long sit-down dinner.

Key Takeaways

• Za's on Devine specializes in thin-crust pizza and roasted wings, both made to order and served hot.
• The restaurant is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Five Points, a walkable neighborhood with other shops and restaurants nearby.
• Service is counter-based, so you order at the front and pick up when your number is called.
• The casual format and quick turnaround make it well-suited to takeout or eating at one of the limited tables inside.

The Five Points Location and Neighborhood

Devine Street runs through the heart of Five Points, one of Columbia's oldest and most active commercial districts. The neighborhood sits just north of downtown and has become known for its mix of independent restaurants, vintage shops, bars, and galleries. Walking Devine on a weekend afternoon, you'll pass vintage clothing stores, coffee shops, and other casual eateries—the kind of area where people linger and move between stops.

Za's sits within this foot traffic, which means parking can be tight during peak hours. Street parking is available but fills quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you're planning to visit during dinner rush, arriving earlier or being prepared to circle a few blocks is realistic. The Five Points location also means you can combine a pizza run with browsing nearby shops or grabbing a drink at one of the neighborhood bars.

Thin-Crust Pizza and How It Differs

Thin-crust pizza relies on a dough that's rolled or stretched thin before topping and baking, which creates a crust that's crispy and often charred rather than soft and pillowy. The thinner base means the toppings and sauce play a bigger role in the overall flavor—there's less bread to carry the meal. When done well, thin crust should still have some chew and structure; it shouldn't be brittle or cracker-like.

Za's approach emphasizes the crust itself, which means the oven temperature and bake time are critical. A properly fired thin-crust pizza develops spots of char and browning that add flavor and texture. This style is common in New York and New Haven pizzerias, though regional variations exist. If you're used to thicker, doughier pizza, Za's thin crust will feel noticeably different—lighter, less filling, and more about the quality of the individual components.

Roasted Wings and the Cooking Method

Roasting wings in an oven rather than frying them in oil produces a different result. Roasted wings develop a crisper skin through dry heat, and the meat inside stays more tender because it's not submerged in hot oil. The cooking method also means less grease overall, though roasted wings won't have the same golden, glossy appearance as fried ones. Za's tosses the roasted wings in house-made sauces, so the flavor comes from the seasoning and sauce rather than from a deep fry.

Roasted wings take longer to cook than fried wings, so expect a slightly longer wait if you order them. The payoff is a cleaner taste and a texture that appeals to people who find fried wings too heavy or greasy. Za's likely offers a few sauce options—ask what's available when you order, since house-made sauces change based on what the kitchen is making that day.

Hours, Payment, and What to Expect

Za's operates as a casual counter-service spot, which means you walk in, order at the register, pay, and then wait for your food to be prepared. Most pizzerias of this type accept both cash and card, though it's worth confirming when you call ahead. The restaurant is closed on certain days of the week—typical for independent pizzerias—so checking their hours before you go prevents a wasted trip.

Wait times depend on how busy the kitchen is. During lunch or early evening, you might wait 10 to 15 minutes for a pizza. During peak dinner hours on Friday or Saturday, expect 20 to 30 minutes or longer. Calling ahead to place an order can cut down on wait time, and some pizzerias hold orders for a set period so you can pick up without standing in line. Ask if that's an option when you call.

Nearby Alternatives in Five Points

If Za's is full or you want to compare options, Five Points has other pizza and casual food spots within walking distance. The neighborhood's density means you can try a few places in one outing. Other pizzerias in the area offer different styles—some thicker crust, some with different sauce profiles—so if thin crust isn't what you're after, you have choices nearby.

Five Points also has non-pizza options: sandwich shops, taco stands, burger joints, and ethnic restaurants. The neighborhood's appeal is partly that variety, so a trip to Za's can easily become a broader Five Points food crawl if you have time and appetite.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead by phone?

Most pizzerias accept phone orders to reduce wait time. Call ahead to place your order, confirm they can hold it, and ask how long the wait will be. This is especially useful during dinner rush hours when the walk-in line is long.

Do they deliver or offer takeout only?

Za's operates as a counter-service restaurant, so at minimum you can order for takeout. Whether they deliver depends on their current operations—call to ask. Many Five Points restaurants use third-party delivery apps as well, though ordering directly often gets you fresher food faster.

What if I don't like thin-crust pizza?

Za's specializes in thin crust, so that's the main offering. If you prefer thicker, softer pizza, other pizzerias in Five Points or elsewhere in Columbia may be a better fit. But if you're open to trying it, thin crust is worth experiencing at least once.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options?

Pizza is naturally flexible—you can order with vegetables only, no meat, or specific toppings removed. Ask what's available when you order. Roasted wings are meat-based, so vegetarian diners would focus on the pizza side of the menu.

Is there seating inside, or is it takeout only?

Za's has limited seating inside, so it works best as a takeout or quick-eat spot. If you want to sit down, expect a small number of tables or counter seating. During busy times, takeout is the more realistic option.