Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria - Stone-fired Pizza

Brick storefront restaurant in Congaree National Park, with cars parked in front and a wooden deck beside the trail.

Stone-fired crust crackles with a smoky char as the White Pie glistens with truffle oil. The Philly Cheesesteak delivers tender beef and molten cheese, while Gorgonzola Potato Chips snap with tangy, crispy edges. It’s a casual, lively pub scene where gluten-free options and a full bar keep the energy up.

Quick facts

Cuisine Type: american
Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Stone-Fired Pizza; White Pie; Philly Cheesesteak; Gorgonzola Potato Chips
Local Specialties: Stone-fired pizzas; White Pie; Gorgonzola Potato Chips

What to order

Cuisine Type: american
Meals Served: Lunch
Dinner
Signature Dishes: Stone-Fired Pizza; White Pie; Philly Cheesesteak; Gorgonzola Potato Chips
Local Specialties: Stone-fired pizzas; White Pie; Gorgonzola Potato Chips
Popular Items: White Pie; Philly Cheesesteak; Gorgonzola Potato Chips; BBQ Chicken Sandwich
Menu Recommendations: White Pie with truffle oil drizzle; Philly Cheesesteak; BBQ Chicken Sandwich; Gorgonzola Potato Chips
Dietary Options: Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten-Free

Prices & reservations

Price Specifics: Small Pizza: $11.25; Large White Pie: $18.50; Gorgonzola Potato Chips: $9.50; French Fries: $5.75; Coffee: $3.00
Reservations Policy: Accepted, but availability uncertain; walk-ins common before events.
Typical Wait Times: 20-minute wait on a Friday at 8 PM; 15-minute waits noted in other reports.
Payment Methods: Debit Card
Credit Card
Cash
Cash Only: 0

Hours & seating

Operating Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Closed Days: Mondays
Outdoor Seating: Yes
Parking Details: Street parking and nearby lots; parking can be challenging, especially on event days.

Visit strategy

Best For: Casual dinners
Date nights
Pre/post arena events
Group hangouts
Not Ideal For: Quiet, upscale-dining-only visits
Service Type: Table service
Service Speed: Moderate; varies with crowds
Vibe: Casual
Old-school pub vibe
Lively
College-bar energy
Noise Level: Loud, but conversation-friendly.
View Type: Urban streetscape views
Busiest Times: Game days and evenings; around Colonial Life Arena events
Best Visit Times: Before or after events; off-peak hours
Tips Advice: White Pie with truffle oil drizzle is a must.
Arrive before/after arena events to beat the line.
Try the Gorgonzola Potato Chips and ask about gluten-free crust options (rice/cauliflower) and allergen accommodations.

More details

Park Area: Columbia, SC
Takeout Available: 1
Delivery Available: 0
Dress Code: Casual
Beverage Program: Full bar with local craft beers, wines, and cocktails
Local Beers: Local craft beers
Signature Cocktails: Seasonal cocktails
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; high chairs likely available; moderate noise
Age Restriction: All ages welcome
Bar Seating: 1
Live Music: Trivia nights
Special Events: Trivia nights and arena-related events
Has Gift Shop: 0
Unique Factor: Stone-fired pizza and pub fare in a high-energy college-bar near the arena
Nearby Facilities: Near Colonial Life Arena; street parking and nearby lots
Best Time To Visit: Before or after Colonial Life Arena events; off-peak hours on weekdays (11:00 AM–2:00 PM and 7:00–9:00 PM generally calmer).
The Order Strategy: Skip the dry meatballs; get the White Pie with truffle oil; for a drink, order a local craft beer or a signature cocktail.
The Vibe Check: Busy, casual pub energy with a college-bar crowd; great for groups before games.
The Crowd Factor: Game-day crowds; lines can form; arrive early or sit at the bar for speed.
Eat Here If Skip If: EAT HERE IF: You want big American pub fare before a sports event; SKIP IF: You crave quiet, fine-dining ambiance.
Distance From Park: approximately 22 miles from park entrance
Review Summary: Pizza crusts vary—crisp on some pies, gooey cheese on others; tender beef in Philly Cheesesteak; some meatballs reported as dry; arena crowds drive energy.