Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom

Night view of a brick restaurant exterior near Congaree National Park, with a lit sign and glass doors at street level.

The deep-dish packs a robust crunch with a sturdy hand-tossed crust that stands up to a river of cheese. Juicy toppings meet a snap of crust at the edge, while the grease glints under the dining-room lights. The Buffalo Chicken Rolls bring a sharp brine and heat, and the Italian Nachos crackle with crisp edges. It’s a loud, family-friendly taproom where large groups chase screens and slices—but the texture game is real.

Quick facts

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Deep-dish pizzas (hand-tossed crust); Buffalo Chicken Rolls; Italian Nachos
Local Specialties: Carolina craft beers from River Rat Brewery, Conquest Brewing, and RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Popular Items: Deep-dish hand-tossed pizzas; Buffalo Chicken Rolls; Italian Nachos

What to order

Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Deep-dish pizzas (hand-tossed crust); Buffalo Chicken Rolls; Italian Nachos
Local Specialties: Carolina craft beers from River Rat Brewery, Conquest Brewing, and RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Popular Items: Deep-dish hand-tossed pizzas; Buffalo Chicken Rolls; Italian Nachos
Menu Recommendations: Skip the uncertain thin crust; go for the hand-tossed Deep-Dish Chicago 7. For drinks, lock in a local beer on tap; Buffalo Chicken Rolls as a solid starter.
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Gluten-free (gluten-friendly) with cauliflower crust; cross-contamination risk

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Sandwiches $9.19-$10.99; Specialty Pizzas (Large Tavern Thin) from $17.58; Craft Your Own Pizzas (Large Tavern Thin) from $17.58; Kids Meals $6.98-$8.99
Reservations Policy: Reservations accepted, but availability may be limited.
Typical Wait Times: Inconsistencies in food preparation times can lead to longer waits during peak hours.
Payment Methods: Credit card
Cash
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Seasonal Hours: No seasonal changes reported
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Private parking lot on site; nearby paid parking garages and street parking in downtown Columbia.

Visit strategy

Best For: Families with teens
Sports fans
Groups
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Inconsistent pacing; possible delays at peak times
Vibe: Family-friendly
Casual
Sports-bar atmosphere
Noise Level: Moderate to lively
View Type: View of urban Columbia near Adluh Flour Mill
Busiest Times: Dinner hours and peak weekend periods
Tips Advice: Ask for cauliflower crust if you want a gluten-friendly option, but confirm cross-contamination risk with staff.
For texture, choose the hand-tossed deep-dish (Chicago 7) over the thin crust when you want toppings to stay put.
Reservations help but expect slower pacing during peak hours; consider takeout when the crowd swells.
Pair with local beer on tap—River Rat, Conquest, and RJ Rockers are reliable anchors.

More details

Park Area: Congaree National Park vicinity, Columbia, SC
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 1
Delivery Details: Takeout and delivery via Seamless and DoorDash
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Full Bar with an extensive beer menu and 36 beer taps
Local Beers: River Rat Brewery, Conquest Brewing, RJ Rockers Brewing Company
Tasting Flights: 0
Tours Available: 0
Bottle Sales: 0
Parking Available: 1
Dog Friendly Patio: 1
Wi-Fi Available: 0
Family Friendly: 1
Family Friendly Notes: Kid-friendly with casual, TV-heavy environment; suitable for teens and groups
Bar Seating: 1
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Attractions: Near Adluh Flour Mill; 36 taps; family-friendly, sports-bar vibe
Unique Factor: 36 taps featuring local and international beers; Chicago-style pies with hand-tossed crust
Nearby Facilities: Private parking lot; downtown parking options nearby
The Order Strategy: Skip the generic slice and get the hand-tossed Deep-Dish Chicago 7. For drinks, grab a River Rat or Conquest on tap.
The Vibe Check: Post-dining, sports-bar energy with TVs and casual chatter; family-friendly but not subway-quiet.
The Crowd Factor: Peak line potential during dinner and weekend evenings; reservations recommended; consider takeout to dodge crowd
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: you want Chicago-style deep-dish in a lively, family-friendly setting. SKIP IF: you need a quiet, fine-dining vibe.
Distance From Park: approximately 22 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Crowd rally around the big, hearty deep-dish pies and a robust beer list, but kitchen timing is variable; the experience skews lively and family-friendly rather than refined. Expect texture variety between crust styles and a strong, sports-bar energy that suits groups and fans.