Dining

Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub

DiningOPERATIONAL★ 4.4
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.

Location

Caprese salad with tomato, mozzarella, and basil drizzled in balsamic on a white plate in Congaree National Park.Interior of a pub-style restaurant in Congaree National Park with wooden tables and patrons.

Frequently asked questions

Is gluten-free crust available?

Yes; pizzas can be made with rice or cauliflower crust; cross-contamination precautions.

Is takeout available?

Yes; takeout is available; delivery not listed.

Is there outdoor seating?

Yes; a covered, dog-friendly patio with fans, heaters, and closable walls.

Should I reserve a table?

Reservations are accepted, but availability is uncertain; walks-ins are common before events.

Do you offer vegan options?

Yes; vegan dishes are part of the menu.

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Sources

Editorial review: YourNPGuide Editorial Team. Information is compiled from official sources, verified traveler reviews, and editorial research; no firsthand visit is implied unless explicitly documented. Learn how YourNPGuide works.

Last updated February 2026. Report an issue.