Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub
A lively pub and pizzeria offering custom stone-fired pizzas and elevated pub fare, perfect for game days and casual nights out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A lively pub and pizzeria offering custom stone-fired pizzas and elevated pub fare, perfect for game days and casual nights out.
"The atmosphere is great and the pizza is amazing with a perfect crust, toppings, and sauce!"
Visit before Arena Events
Arrive before events at Colonial Life Arena to avoid large crowds and ensure a table.
Consider Outdoor Seating
Enjoy the atmosphere on the covered patio, but be mindful of occasional cleanliness concerns.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pizza, American Pub Food
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Custom Stone-Fired Pizzas
Create your own delicious pizza with a wide selection of fresh toppings and a perfectly crisp crust.
Vibrant Sports Bar Atmosphere
Catch the game on multiple TVs while enjoying great food and drinks in a lively setting near the arena.
Pet-Friendly Patio Dining
Bring your furry friends to enjoy a meal on the covered outdoor patio, perfect for a casual outing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit before Arena Events
Arrive before events at Colonial Life Arena to avoid large crowds and ensure a table.
Consider Outdoor Seating
Enjoy the atmosphere on the covered patio, but be mindful of occasional cleanliness concerns.
Try Happy Hour Specials
Filet Mignon sliders are a happy hour exclusive, available Monday-Friday.
Ask for Crispy Pizza
If you prefer a crispier crust, ask for your pizza to be left in the oven a bit longer.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit before Arena Events
Arrive before events at Colonial Life Arena to avoid large crowds and ensure a table.
Consider Outdoor Seating
Enjoy the atmosphere on the covered patio, but be mindful of occasional cleanliness concerns.
Try Happy Hour Specials
Filet Mignon sliders are a happy hour exclusive, available Monday-Friday.
Ask for Crispy Pizza
If you prefer a crispier crust, ask for your pizza to be left in the oven a bit longer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thirsty Fellow offers a lively atmosphere and customizable stone-fired pizzas that are a hit with many diners. The convenient location near Colonial Life Arena makes it a popular spot for pre- and post-event gatherings. While the pizza and pub food generally receive positive remarks, some reviewers note inconsistencies in food quality and preparation, with occasional complaints about greasiness or lack of flavor in certain dishes.
"Philly steak tacos a must! Hoagie sandwich was delicious. Meatball sub was good but meatballs were little on dry side. Good taste over all. Friendly servers."
Maree Taylor
"It was good. The fish didn’t have as much flavor as I would have liked. The chips had good flavor though. The sausage pizza had good flavor and was a good size. The service was okay.
Overall, it wasn’t a bad experience but I can’t say I’m in a rush to go back. If I’m back in Colombia, I would eat elsewhere. But I’m not sad I ate there."
Megan Yem
"Thirsty Fellow was pretty good! I'd say the two best things about Thirsty Fellow were definitely the atmosphere, and its proximity to Colonial Life Arena. It's a really convenient place to walk to after a game or event at CLA, and I loved how dimly-lit and relaxed it was, while still maintaining an old-school cool type of feel.
As for the food, I'd say that it was "good." My pepperoni pizza and fries were above average, yet nothing particularly special.
All-in-all, I would definitely recommend Thirsty Fellow, and I'll definitely be back in the future, probably during football season or after another event at Colonial Life!"
John Doe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Thirsty Fellow is known for its numerous TVs and is a popular spot to watch games, especially with its proximity to Colonial Life Arena.
Yes, Thirsty Fellow is pet-friendly and welcomes dogs on their covered outdoor patio.
Custom stone-fired pizzas and the Carolina Chicken Sandwich are frequently recommended.
The restaurant can get very crowded before and after events at the nearby Colonial Life Arena.
Filet Mignon sliders are available during happy hour, Monday-Friday from 5-8 PM.
While not explicitly stated, many pizza places offer takeout. It's best to call ahead or check their website.
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Best of Columbia 2020: Clubs and Bars
Maybe y’all voted Thirsty Fellow as the best sports bar because there are often ballgames playing on their many TVs as you enjoy their delicious pizzas and partake from the bar’s deep selection of drinks. But we’re guessing you are likely giving it a nod as a sports bar in a more direct sense: Thirsty Fellow, situated just steps from Colonial Life Arena, has become a go-to spot for basketball fans before and after University of South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball games. Honorable Mentions: Village Idiot, Hickory Tavern
Where to stay in Columbia (Lexington, Liberty: hotels, safe area, restaurants) - South Carolina (SC) -Columbia - Lexington - Irmo
The restaurants in the area are Thirsty Fellow, Longhorn Steakhouse, Five Guys Burgers, Monterrey Mexican, Liberty Tap Room, Blue Marlin, Mojito's, Motor Supply, Wild Hare, Ruth's Chris, The Mamas and the Tapas, the Flying Saucer, Nonnah's, Salsaritas, Restorante Devino, Jason's, Jillian's, Wet Willie's, Le Peep, Jimmy John's, Taco Shushi, Saki Tumi, M Vista, some wings restaurants, M Grille, Cola's, IHOP (if the new store is open by then - should be), Tsunami, World of Beer, Palmetto Pig (bar-b-q), etc.
5 of the Best Pizza Joints in Columbia, SC
All sorts of upscale eats are available at Thirsty Fellow, but not much can top the stone-fired pizza available on their menu. They let you get a pizza that’s custom-made to your order, with your choice of veggies, proteins, additional cheeses, and finishing oils to drizzle on top. This spot also caters for private parties, making them the perfect choice to turn your next event into an unforgettable pizza party.
Top 10 Pet-friendly Restaurants in Columbia, SC
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly dining experience in Columbia, SC, Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub is the perfect spot. Located at 621 Gadsden Street, they welcome pets on their outdoor patio, allowing you to enjoy a meal with your furry friend by your side. Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub is known for its delicious pizza, but their menu offers more than just that.
Chicken Sandwiches around Columbia SC
When you’re not in the mood for pizza, a solid go-to at Thirsty Fellow in the Vista is the Carolina Chicken Sandwich. Now they’re chicken tenders are great as is, but throw them on a hoagie roll with provolone cheese, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato and chipotle sauce for an added zing and you may have a new menu favorite.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Columbia, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (256 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.5/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: American, Bar- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 621 Gadsden St, Columbia, SC 29201-5239- Read more on Tripadvisor. You may also like: Most common domestic destinations from Columbia Metropolitan Airport
10 Best Restaurants in Columbia for Every Taste and Occasion
The Thirsty Fellow is boisterous, welcoming – and pretty much always crowded. The creative menu and high quality burgers and pub food keep people coming back for more. While the crowd here often overflows and there is usually a wait for a table, the convivial atmosphere and substantial, hearty fare makes it worth it.
Column: 6 perfect pizza places to visit in Columbia
Located by Colonial Life Arena, Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub is a dog-friendly restaurant for customers who want to bring their furry friends along for a slice. It has a spacious outdoor patio that offers plenty of seating and reasonably priced pizzas that will pair nicely with their pub food specials.
Best Pizza in Columbia, SC
Address: 621 Gadsden Street, Columbia About: Here you will find a comfortable atmosphere, large menu (including pizza, of course), and full bar. Thirsty Fellow also offers a ton of TV’s making it a great place to meet up with family and friends!. Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria & Pub
20 Best Restaurants in Columbia, SC for 2025 (Top Eats!)
621 Gadsden StColumbia, SC 29201(803) 799-1311 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Thirsty Fellow Pizzeria and Pub, established in 2009, is one of the eateries situated in the University of South Carolina. It also has a full bar with televisions for sports events.
Best Brunch Spots in Columbia, SC
Thirsty Fellow is in the best location if you are going to take in a baseball or basketball game early on a Sunday. With a smaller yet appropriate menu, you won’t be disappointed. Try one of their signature pizza’s or the Shrimp and Grits, made with Adluh grits of course.
Outdoor Dining Near the CMCC | Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center
Thirsty Fellow boasts the coldest beer in town, but locals love it for the covered patio and laid-back attitude. Their patio is kept warm with heaters and sidewalls for those unusually chilly spring days.
Columbia, SC Trip - Fun things to do
I like Menkoi Ramen House, Pearlz Oyster Bar, Kaminsky’s Dessert Cafe, Mellow Mushroom, and Thirsty Fellow. You’ll find lots of good options in that area in all price points.
Best restaurants in Columbia Riverfront Park
Discover Gervais & Vine: A vibrant tapas bar and wine club in Columbia, SC, offering exquisite small plates and an extensive selection of fine wines.
Try these dog-friendly restaurants and bars in Columbia
The pizzeria can be found at 621 Gadsden Street in the Innovista area. It too includes an outdoor patio that will accommodate dogs.
A guide to Columbia's pizza scene
Il Focolare Pizzeria is owned by the City Grit Hospitality group — the James Beard Award Nominee | Photo by @ilfocolarepizzeria
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