We have been coming here for some time now and I have been meaning to write this review. There is a very creative chef in the back and this review is for a special he did some time back but it gives you an idea of the thinking going on back in the kitchen. One World Trade Center - jerk seasoned flank steak with black beans, coconut rice and chimichurri served with a side salad. First off..... Jerk seasoning always gets my attention. I do find some places get carried away with this blend of spices. Not so here. There was just the right amount of kick. The chimichurri is an Argentinean sauce. Look it up, it's great on steaks and chicken. The coconut rice was spot on as were the black beans. The combination of flavors was fantastic. My compliments to the guy or gal who came up with this one. I'd be happy to guard the recipe for them. This place has great pizza's, sandwiches and the like. Ensure you take a look at the specials sheet. You might find something special!!
(5)
Chris S.
A great lunch spot with a good variety on the menu. Many items are made fresh in-house which I appreciate. I normally stick with either the French Dip or Italian Hoagie sandwiches. Both are great! If you're anything like me, you don't want your french fries to be sweet-tasting. I very much enjoy the sweet potato fries they have, but be sure to request they hold the cinnamon and sugar seasoning on the fries. The fries also come with a very sweet dip which I don't care for, but to each his own. I always ask for no seasoning on my sweet potato fries here and I use the table salt to give them a savory flavor. Go here for lunch one day. You'll be glad you did!
(4)
Matt H.
Based on another tellers suggestion, I grabbed the gorgonzola chips. Wow. I also let the waiter suggest a pie. I got a white pie with prosciutto and basil with a little olive oil drizzle. If you have high blood pressure... May want to double up on your meds before you do get those. A bit salty... But I crave salt. Enjoyed it, by nearly took my entire pie home. The chips did me in. So full. Great service too. Later in the day, but they were quite busy. It was on a Sunday if that helps. Enjoy!
(5)
Brittany B.
This place was a great find after a night of drinking. The atmosphere of the place is neat and is covered with books. They have great lunch specials with their pizzas and the pizza was delicious. We also tried the stuffed banana peppers for an appetizer, which was interesting but would not order again. This would be a great place to watch football, if you are in town. Will go there again!
(4)
Chelsey W.
I've tried dining here once or twice before, but it was always packed (I knew it must be good!). We chose this place because of the pet friendly outdoor patio with plenty of TVs to catch the Carolina game. The service was quick, friendly, and attentive! We didn't order anything special this time, but there will be next time! The whiffs strong pizza aroma we experienced from the tables around us warrants another visit soon.
(5)
Paul G.
Well, this was just a bizarre experience. My group of 4 was seated outside promptly but then introduced to our extremely awkward confused server. Drinks were ordered. Tried to order fried pickles -"sorry we're out". Tried to order my meal, the only thing I came for (BBQ tofu sub) - "sorry we're out". So, I get to sit there and watch everyone else eat. Fun times. The waiter was so awkward I decided to call in and order the sub over the phone. Somehow, magically the tofu sub was available over the phone but not in person. I then asked a 3rd party at the restaurant and they also said they were out. So, I was pretty pissed and annoyed at this time. This place is usually fine, not sure why this experience had to be so terrible and confusing. Bummer.
(1)
Sherry C.
I love coming to this restaurant. Every time we have come, we have not been disappointed. The service is always good, the prices are good, and the atmosphere is good. It's a great place to watch sports, sit at the bar, or have a great meal. The pizza is always wonderful. Never disappointed with that. And I love the Willie Dog. It's always been great with the chili on top. Their chips are totally greaseless. So fresh and crispy. And the French Fries are some of the best in town. I definitely recommend this restaurant. Everything we have tried on the menu has been great.
(5)
Michael Y.
I absolutely love this place! I've tried almost everything on the menu, including the pizza (amazing), sweet potato fries (awesome), Italian meatball sub, Italian hoagie, firecracker shrimp, and many of their daily specials. All of the food is incredible! I will definitely keep coming back here.
(5)
Ann Marie D.
It's been a long time since I dined at Thirsty Fellow, my previous experiences were fine. After the baseball game on Valentine's Day we knew our choices maybe limited. This place is on the way home and we didn't think we'd have to fight hoards of romantics. It was steady when we arrived, and we were told we'd have a 25 minute wait. Turned out to be 5- which was perfect, I was hungry! My sister and I both had a glass of the Freixnet champagne (or really sparkling wine bc it's made in California). Perfect to toast the holiday, and a win for the Gamecocks. We had the house made chips for an appetizer and they were great! Not greasy, not overdone. Exactly what you want in a homemade chip. We both ordered pizza, I had chicken and bacon with light sauce(red pie), and she had sausage, red peppers and pepperoni on a red pie. Both were very good. For dessert we had the fried brownie bites. Those were SUPER yummy! The service was not bad- it was busy, but I could never get my water refilled! I hate that in a restaurant- but everything else was spot on so I shall forgive. I accidentally left my scarf- I had to call back and ask them to look around for it. Which they willingly did. It had fallen off the hooks they have at the tables and onto the floor. On a busy Saturday night they had no problem doing this for me. Kudos. We will be back.
(4)
Monica R.
All the hype is with merit! What an OUTSTANDING little place. Actually it is not so little. Good size with about 7-8 TVs inside and a nice outdoor patio with 3 more TVs. They have a nice decent size bar inside with a pretty good selection of beer. We had to try the pizza so we ordered a simple red with pepperoni and caramelized onions. We also ordered the Carolina chicken sandwich (bf loved it I thought it was meh) and an order of wings. The wings were very good despite not being a fan of real saucy wings. My favorite was the pizza, possibly the best pizza I've had in Columbia so far. Paired it with a Conquest Blonde and I was in heaven. oh and they have the NFL TICKET!!!! THEY HAVE THE NFL TICKET!!! THEY HAVE THE NFL TICKET!!!!!!!!!!! There was a couple that sat next to us who ended up leaving after not being attended for 15 good minutes but they never said anything either. It wasn't terribly busy but there were no waiters just standing around. Just get up and ask politely for your drinks, I know you SHOULDN'T have to but you will really cut yourself short if you skip out on this place because of something like that.
(5)
Kaitlyn B.
I have to say my friends and I came in Sunday night after a long day of recovering from a wedding Saturday night. The bride and groom we're with us and all we wanted was a easy going dinner on the patio. Caroline was our server and she was so sweet, friendly and down for anything, especially when we asked her for random help pulling practical jokes on the newly weds. Overall, pizza was out of this world and the service made the night one for the books. Many laughs we're shared and I'm glad we are dinner here!!!
(5)
Zaida J.
Love this place! My bestie and I went to Columbia two weekends in a row. We tried Thirsty Fellow the first weekend and enjoyed it so much we didn't hesitate to return during our 2nd Columbia trip! The first weekend our server (Jason?!?) was fantastic. We sat outside, beautiful day, and he was on point. Very attentive without being intrusive. We ordered the Gorgonzola chips and enjoyed them so much repeated that choice during trip two. The main foods we tried during both trips were good to excellent and the value was fantastic!! Large portions, quality ingredients, two thumbs up! Wish there was a Thirsty Fellow in Charleston!
(5)
Livvy B.
On vacation from baltimore and came here for a late lunch early dinner! Sat and served very fast! we got the bruschetta, cheese steak and chicken tenders. Everything was very good and freshly made! The fries and sweet potato fries were perfect! Will be back again when we visit Columbia!
(5)
Anna D.
I went here on a sunday without an appetite so really my review is for a few bloody marys and some leftover wings. the bloody marys... well, needless to say, they were good. otherwise i wouldn't have had so many. it's not the best I've ever had but it's nice when it's not watered down and the bartendar listens to you and makes it spicy when you ask him to. there's also a special which i think was $5 for the bloody marys. yeah, definitely can't go wrong there. the hubby ordered some pizza and also some wings. i watched my hubby demolish the pizza and the wings he couldn't bare to finish even though he claimed they were delicious. He ended up taking them home and two days later on a "I'm too lazy to cook" i popped those bad boys in the microwave and needless to say, those wings mustve been super good 2 days before that because when i had it, it was still good and slightly over heated. WOW. that's impressive.
(5)
Will C.
Every single item on this menu is delicious and the pizza is the best I've had since moving down here from New Haven. I lived a couple blocks from this place for a little over a year and made a visit a week or so. I haven't ordered one thing on the menu and been disappointed. The place is huge, and the outside seating is great for the warmer days - they have heaters and mist fans for the cooler and warmer days. You won't ever miss a piece of whatever sports game is on TV because they are all over the place, inside and out. Great food, awesome atmosphere and very friendly waitstaff. Many of them remembered my name and recognized me when I came in, even after winter break! WARNING: It is packed during Carolina gamedays and big sporting events!
I've had Thirsty Fellow twice: brunch and then drinks/pizza for a private event and have had a pleasant time for both. They have their own private lot that fills up quick and you may have to wait for a seat on busy Friday and Saturday nights. Decent sized dining area with casual high top tables and a large bar. Covered outdoor porch as well - dog friendly - and perfect for a beautiful day. Seemed to be about 10 or so beers on tap but I didn't see a list. They nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING. If you're like me and want to load up on the toppings, it costs you. They don't have "specialty" pizzas with fixed prices. Instead, you pay $.50-$1.50 for anything you want on top. You want a burger? That'll cost you extra for cheese. Pretty much the whole menu was like that. Pizza is very tasty. The small is decent sized, perfect to split + app or side to share. The brunch menu was straightforward and plain: waffles, Benedict, French toast etc. We opted not to try a brunch entree because the portions looked small and nothing caught my eye coming out of the kitchen. I can't remember which pizzas I sampled at the buffet event but I remember leaving content. Got a Bloody Mary, small pineapple and prosciutto pizza, and 2 biscuits and gravy on the side. Bloody was strong with Charleston-based Big and Juicy mix. My fave. Both food choices were good, but nothing to swoon over. Prosciutto was not crisp and salty and had hardly any flavorful. Good amount of pineapple and "prosciutto" on the pie and was tasty. The Biscuits and gravy were decent, could tell they used the same Italian sausage in the gravy as they do on the pizzas which was a unexpected and different but tasty. Biscuits did not taste homemade, but you can't expect a pizza place to...I guess. All and all, great casual brunch and fun place to rent out for casual corporate gatherings. Thirsty Fellow is definitely a good college hang out spot to the drink and share conversation over some pretty good pizza but don't expect anything gourmet.
(3)
Scott P.
This place has great food. Their pizza is possibly the best in all of cola. The guy in the kitchen really knows what he's doing. The beer selection is solid, nice upscale brewpub type atmosphere and good service. Also it is a relative bargain comparing quality and portion to price. Oh and did I mention how good the pizza is?
(5)
Preston B.
I was previously a big fan of the establishment. But me and the large group of friends that came the other night will never return. Prior to the big Journey/ Steve Miller Band concert, the person in charge decided to raise all beer prices to $5 and pitchers from $14 to $20. Not only that, but after the concert, when people were looking to wind down with some food - the person in charge decided they would not be serving food to patrons that night. Bad business and desperation. We won't be returning, and I go to some 30+ events at the arena right next door every year.
(1)
Jen S.
Great spot for brunch! Boyfriend did the build your own omelette- it was huge! Stuffed with all kinds of yummy ingredients. I got a biscuit with gravy, side of potatoes and a side of sausage. Everything was delicious! Pitchers of mimosas topped it off. Waitress was very pleasant. Can't beat the location!
(4)
Brittney S.
Has a lot of tv's, so it would be a great place to catch a game and drink. They are very accommodating for large parties, with a ton of room. The server was very nice and helpful when going through the menu. We started out with the gorgonzola potato chips, which were overall very good. There was a ton of gorgonzola sauce on it, so it could be a little messy when sharing with a table. I had the pear salad with chicken. The salad was very fresh, and the nut encrusted goat cheese was to die for. A few of my friends split a pizza (it was basically a supreme pizza), and it looked great. They said it tasted very fresh, and was one of the better pizza's they've had in a while. Will definitely be coming back again.
(4)
Eric W.
I've been here on two occasions now, and I must say that I will be back much more. This place is great! Their pizza is delicious, but the burgers are great too. My personal favorite are the Gorgonzola Chips as an appetizer. Get them and you'll get a taste of heaven. Service has always been pretty good here, too. Lots of draft and bottle beer variety with local and regional craft brews.
(4)
Erin H.
Love this place - especially for a bite or a drink when you're heading to a Gamecock game! Great food, great drinks, friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Never had a disappointing experience.
(5)
Brad T.
Fanatic experience. Helpful server and they have the best homemade chips in town. Hands down dopest chips
(5)
Tarcela M.
First time here. I custom order a white pizza with olive oil, pesto, mozzarella cheese, shrimp, onions, tomato, and feta. It was fabulous!!!! Highly recommend this place.
(5)
Josh S.
Hit this spot every time I'm in Columbia. Pizzas are great, but I always go with the wings. Tough to beat!
(5)
Nick C.
Great food and great atmosphere! One of the guys behind the bar, Alex is always there to recommend great suggestions on what to order and has always made the dining experience that much better!
(5)
Ellen R.
Great place for brunch, lunch, and dinner! Sports fans will love the abundance of TVs throughout the restaurant. Non-sports fans will love that the menu goes beyond the typical 'sports bar fare.' The pizzas are not to be missed as you can select a red pie or a white pie. The calamari and antipasto platter are appetizer favorites of mine. The salads are delightfully tasty as well (I highly recommend the one with goat cheese). Sunday brunch offers up omelets, waffles, eggs Benedict, etc.
(5)
Jackie R.
Fantastic atmosphere especially for the college crowd. Great pizza, salads, and sandwiches
(4)
Andrea R.
Went here for both lunch and brunch. Lunch. I ordered the pinto bean and ham soup along with a medium pizza. The soup was very good, a little to watery for my liking but had great flavor. The pizza was outstanding. I ordered a red pie with pepperoni, onions, mushrooms and green peppers (not on the menu). It was so good! I had a few complaints though, as the green peppers were not on the pizza menu it seemed they just threw them on at the last minute, they were cut too big and not cooked (who likes raw green peppers??). I ended up just picking them off. The pizza is also thin crust, therefore you cannot pick it up and eat it. It is very droopy, I had to be "one of those people" and eat it with a fork and knife. Would be nice if the crust had a little more body! Brunch. I ordered the waffle with extra crispy bacon and a side of scrambled eggs. The waffle was great, it tasted very homemade and had a great crunch to it. The "side" of eggs is HUGE. I think there must have been 7-8 eggs on that plate. I don't know any human that eats that many eggs as a "side." We ended up wasting almost 70%. My husband ordered the shrimp and grits with sausage and a side of biscuits and gravy. The shrimp and grits was AMAZING. We both agreed it was our favorite from the overall meal. They were creamy and cheesy and seasoned just right. The biscuits and gravy in our opinion were bad. It seems they use the same sausage for the gravy sauce that they do on their pizzas...so the gravy has an overpowering pizza flavor. I couldn't eat more than two bites. My husband said it was hard to believe that a fast food chains' biscuits and gravy was much better than theirs. Overall the meal was good. We would return for either pizza or shrimp and grits. However, we rate places based on whether we would bring out of town guests to it and we would not bring anyone to the Thirsty Fellow. The food is good but nothing to rave about and we feel other restaurants offer better tasting food.
(3)
Richard L.
I was looking for a well rated American fare restaurant in Columbia and found the Thirsty Fellow on Yelp. Seated quickly on a weeknight. They had many seating options including an outdoor deck. I was expecting a larger menu like most sit down eateries. Menu was limited because the Thirsty Fellow is essentially a beer and pizza joint, instead of a traditional restaurant. What the menu lacked was more than made up for by an attentive waitress (Meg) quick service and food quality. Pizza was excellent and can be individualized to one's taste. Antipasto for two could feed four. If you are looking for a traditional restaurant for date night or family gathering, then pass. If you want pub food and brews with a buddy (either before or after a game) then this is your place. Prices reasonable, atmosphere casual. Service and food quality excellent.
(4)
Pete S.
I suggested this place to my gf after reading a few yelp reviews. We were both pretty impressed with the place as the food was very good and the prices even better. We ate and drank like royalty (for us). I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a new place to try.
(4)
Joshua R.
Food: 4 Drinks: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Staff: 4 Overall impression: The perfect American restaurant to bring out-of-towners to enjoy. With a classic menu of burgers, salads, and pizzas, you'll find something for everyone. The outdoor seating is preferred because of the space and cover, but the bar is sizable and there are plenty of TVs inside if you're wanting to watch sports. Quick service from a kind wait staff makes the average wait time more than worth it. My wife loves the BLD burger, but our go-to is to split a salad and a pizza.
(4)
Ash V.
I'm originally from Columbia but have been away for quite some time. I found this place using yelp so I could watch the NCAA championship game. Best bet ever. I will always stop here when in town.
(5)
Aleks K.
Solid food for a bar. We shared the pizza special for two which cannot be beat. We got a chicken/pesto/mozz pizza and two side salads. The salads were bigger than you'd expect a side surprisingly. We got a Caesar and a mixed greens. Both great. The pizza was a bit oily as were our fries but overall a good meal at a good price. We paid $17 before tax for the whole shebang.
(4)
Kat W.
Great atmosphere and delicious food! We had the pizza and omelet, everything came out perfect!
(5)
Mitch K.
Funky place just about on the University of South Carolina campus. Large rooms with raw wood sides, beams and trusses, but not too noisy. Lots of outdoor patio seating which must be heavy in the warmer months, esp with the college crowd. Nice menu and large booths. Huge bar, of course, with lots of draft beers and all the other alcohol mixes to do anything ordered. Lots of bustle and the wait staff is up to speed. You sit, get beverages and they are ready for your order. Substitutions and adjustment to menu items seem to be in the norm and no problem. And the wait staff are pretty glib and friendly. I appreciate the absence of "selling" or "promoting" items. Just order what you want, the way you want it. Will be back. Just seems right to leverage warm weather on their patio sipping a brew ski...or two.
(4)
Carrie C.
We were looking for a good lunch spot after the zoo and we certainly found it. The food was great and our server too.
(4)
Jeremy K.
This place used to be a favorite of mine, but recently the food and service has gone downhill. This review is sparked by my most recent visit. The bartender messed up my drink (poured the wrong type of liquor altogether, so it was pretty easy to tell that it wasn't right). This should have been a quick fix, but her response was "I'm not making you another one" and walked away. I've never had a server or bartender anywhere be so belligerently rude. Her coworker was much more pleasant and fixed the situation a few minutes later. Just to clarify, this was my second drink of the night. I saw she had some drunk customers, but that was no reason to treat everyone badly.
(1)
Lindsay K.
I've only been here a few times but every time has been delicious. If you haven't had the Gorgonzola chips, you must. I always want to venture out and try something new but the pizza is so good I can't pass up the opportunity to get it. Besides, who can say no to fried eggplant on a white pizza?!
(4)
Adam B. J.
Food is good, beer is better. They have the best pizza in the area.They have a great beer selection which keeps me coming back with decent pitcher prices. Nice deck too in the spring/fall which is pet friendly.
(4)
James L.
Awesome first time there for me and my wife it was great food and beer at a good price. Very much enjoyed will be going back soon.
(5)
Ashley S.
My sister and I were really happy with brunch here. It was a pretty nice day (a little chilly), but they had the heaters going on the porch, so we were able to sit outside. I got a medium pizza, which is definitely big enough to split. The ingredients were fresh (I got green pepper and mushroom), and it was delicious! My sister got the Philly cheesesteak with their tasty fries. Their food is reasonably priced, and if I wouldn't have felt so groggy from tailgating the whole day before for the USC vs. Clemson game, I might have tried one of their $5 mimosas which comes with a free refill...maybe next time.
(4)
Lexa S.
I feel bad not giving it an amazing review but got a few appetizers and their calamari wasn't that good in my opinion. Also a little pricey. Good otherwise though. Will go back for a second chance and more food
(3)
Allison H.
LOVED the food, love the beer (THOMAS CREEK: local AND good!! Greenville, what up?!), the love the vibe - wish there was more seating on the patio, though, since I always seem to miss out on that. The service is always impeccable, helpful, friendly, quick. I wish we had a Thirsty Fellow where I live!
(4)
Wardlaw F.
I have been here multiple times including customer luncheons and just with friends. Every time I have went they seemed short staffed, also the bartender is potentially the best waiter in there lol. The food is pretty decent, the beer selection is great. Their knowledge of beer is awesome.
(3)
Gerardo G.
The white pizza is an excellent choice. The small pizza can definitely feed two people if they are not starving. The toppings were fresh on the red pie. The crust was a little too thick for my liking it but was still a great pizza. A awesome beer to go with the pizza is the Grolsch. Not strong and balances the flavor of the pizza. The beer was priced a little high it's cheaper to get a pitcher. Also if you don't want pizza the menu has many different item from salads to fish and chips.
(4)
John C.
My wife and I went here on both Friday and Sunday nights before the lady Gamecocks played in the NCAA tournament at the CLA. The convenience and free parking and walking distance to the CLA were the why but we also discovered a great sports bar with a good beer selection and good pub food. Friday she had the fish and chips and I had the Philly. Both were good portions - her fish was light and flaky and my Philly was just like Philadelphia, made with Cheez Wiz. Sunday we had to find a spot at the bar - took about 30 minutes but the wait for a table would have made us late for the game. I had a chicken sandwich made from chicken fingers, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles; she had the 1/2 pound burger both with homemade chips. We came back after the game for desert - she had the red velvet cheesecake and I had the fried brownie bites over vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Needless to say it topped off a great game weekend - oh and the Wells Double Chocolate Stout went great with the brownies!
(4)
Brooke W.
Been here several times. Good sports bar with lots of TVs. Food is good, but pretty average. Brunch menu is better than normal lunch/dinner in my opinion.
(4)
Elyn B.
This is a great spot for happy hour drinks after work. They have some tasty beers on tap and the service is pretty solid. It helps that there is actually somewhere to park (unlike spots in the Vista and Five Points.) The food I've tried has been good and they have a real variety on the menu. Everything from salads, to brats, to pizza. Prices are a little higher than standard bar fare but the portions are big and the quality is higher so you get what you pay for.
(4)
Cheryl A.
The atmosphere here was very loud but clean and inviting. They have a lot of outdoor seating available, but we got there later in the evening and it was a bit too chilly to sit there. My husband and I were going to split the mixed greens salad and when it came to the table it seemed to be really small - we found out later on our bill that they only gave us a side salad - but it was still a good salad. Pizza was really good and I appreciated the variety of toppings that were available. If we were local we'd probably return to this place.
(4)
Jessica K.
I love the food at Thirsty Fellow! Their white pies and amazing. The Gorgonzola chips are out of this world. If you go you must get them and add bacon, then dip in ranch for the full effect. They have a pretty good variety of beer and liquor. The only down side is that it is only so big and if you want to go on a Friday/Saturday evening after around 4pm plan on waiting and dealing with a lot of noise/smells. If you are on the patio during this time, good luck.
(3)
Sarah M.
Went for Sunday brunch. Very friendly staff. Had the shrimp and grits which was tasty. Another had the Philly Cheese Steak which had some spice and was delicious. We arrived and were seated right away but there was a long wait when we were leaving.
(5)
Brent W.
This place rocked. We were greeted at the door by a friendly guy who gave us a realistic expectation of when we would be seated, and they beat that estimate, which is always points in my book. Pizza was out of this world, the crust gave it an amazing texture and I felt like I could eat it all night...and they have Shiner Bock. Lots of TVs. Even though it was packed and a little loud, you could still carry on a conversation. Parking is not bad at all. The service was pretty good, our waitress was chatty, but not annoying - could have stood for her to do a beverage check a little more often. Would not have known about this place but for the friends that we were out with. If I'm in Columbia again, I will definitely go here.
(5)
Larry B.
Great place for good food and drinks with friends. I had a small white pizza with spinach, artichoke and mushrooms. Great crust and garlic flavor. I had my shiner beer from Texas and was completely satisfied.
(4)
Josh R.
Don't sit by the bathroom. Just like my cell phone signal, you get little to no service. The table is wobbly as well. The house fries were good, I added some malt vinegar, like I usually do. (There wasn't a bottle of malt vinegar on the table, our waitress forgot to bring it the first time I asked. Had to ask twice.) The French dip sandwich was ok. The Au Jus was not all that great, it just made the sandwich soggy. I'll order something diff next time.
(3)
Joe M.
The food is terrific. The pizzas, both white and red, are very tasty and filling; the breakfast burger was great too. The beer list had something for everyone. However, it's the ambiance that make Thirsty Fellow a five. It's a relaxing friendly pub, there's sports nuts sitting right next to parents with children. The wait staff and hosts are very friendly and helpful. It's a favorite of the locals, and it obvious why.
(5)
April C.
Try the gorgonzola potato chips. OH.MY.GOODNESS. They are incredibly light, delicate chips with this amazing sauce over the top. Truly decadent but totally worth it. We also split a small pizza which was more than enough for two people (probably even three with an appetizer). Good crust! Good happy hour drink specials!
(4)
James N.
Good casual atmosphere and a solid, upscale take on bar food. Always check out the specials for the day. Good draft beer selection and good deals on shots and macro beers. I typically go for the pizza special with a salad or a burger.
(4)
Eric G.
Great place to watch a game. We're from out of town and they were gracious and accommodating. Excellent food too.
(5)
Leigh-Ann F.
Pizza is incredible, my family and I have been going here for several years while my brother and I have been in school. Great place to watch games or just enjoy a great meal.
(5)
James G.
Had lunch on a rainy Saturday with my long time friend visiting from Myrtle Beach. We were seated in less time than we were told to expect and they quickly gave us another table when we asked for a different spot to sit. The lunch special of one small pizza and two salads was excellent and a very reasonable price! I have always loved Thirsty Fellow's pizza... Some of the best around! Overall food, service, and experience was very good and glad I brought my pal here for a taste of Columbia.
(5)
Ryland C.
First time going here. Decided to try something new in town, but turned out we want to go back. Place is decorated pretty cool, real open. Waiter was nice and worked pretty hard. Our dinner salads came out after the entree so that was one set back. French dip is definitely the best, house chips are killer (ask for some ranch). Overall, pretty good experience and will be going back
(4)
Greg W.
I had lunch here the other day and, based on reviews, asked if they had chili available. They did, so I ordered a Willie dog (alone) and an order of the stuffed banana peppers. Now... I'm quite experienced in the world of hot dogs; so much so that, for more than 12 years, there have been running jokes amongst my friends regarding my passion for them. I've taken that love for the dog international, even. So I was really looking forward to what was coming as those minutes ticked away between visits from my waiter. I couldn't wait! The reviews had me expecting one of the best dogs of my life, and... ...is that it? I mean no disrespect but, really... This is what y'all were raving about? It was ok, but nothing exceptional. Not even above-average. I had to douse the chili in Tobasco to get any flavor from it, and then it was just a slightly spicy chili dog. As for the banana peppers, I think they're slightly under-represented on the menu. They're not just sausage-stuffed banana peppers. They're ginormous banana peppers stuffed with sausage, then deep fried and covered in chunky tomatoes and a bit of mozzerela cheese. Unfortunately, as good as that sounds (and looked), the peppers were tough and difficult to cut through/chew, and the sausage was sorely bland. I give this dish an A for effort, though, as it was really quite unique. I just wish it tasted as good as it looked. With a little tweaking I think they could make this something that, on it's own, would draw people in.
(3)
holly g.
I just can't get over how much better my michelob ultra was from their cool chamber, than any other restaurant. Having a beer served to me 22 degrees cold is heaven. Even if I ordered just an ultra. Not only was their service great, but their food was great!!
(5)
Jessica B.
First of all, the food and wait staff are FABULOUS. My boyfriend and I use to go here for brunch and it's always great but last weekend we went around at 1:55 (I know exactly when bc there was a discrepancy) and we were told that the kitchen closed at 2 and opened back up at 3. We were really irritated and left. Then today we went back for brunch at 1 and were told that there was a 45 minute wait and since the restaurant closed at 2 they wouldn't be seating anymore people but we could come back at 3. We were furious. We noticed when we walked in that the hostess was speaking to the owner (who is always standoffish and looks annoyed.) We are positive that he was telling her not to seat any of the people that just walked in. We looked around and saw numerous open tables. Very annoyed and will not be going back.
(2)
Madeleine C.
Great service, great food, and great beer! I love coming here.
(5)
Swetha G.
I was looking forward to trying a new place for brunch in Columbia but unfortunately Thirsty Fellow just didn't cut it. Before I say anything about the food, I will say that the patio outside is great, and that's where we were seated. I liked the atmosphere. A couple of people brought their dogs with them (I'm a HUGE dog person!) and it was cool to be dining at a place that's pet-friendly. Ok, just wanted to bring that up before I talk about the food. Now for the food!, sadly, it was just, bad. I asked our server what she recommended between the eggs benedict and the French toast and without hesitation she said the eggs benedict. When it was brought out, it was probably the driest eggs benedict I've ever had. I've never had to ask for extra hollandaise sauce but I did at Thirsty Fellow because as it was, there was no flavor and it was too rubbery and bland. Even with the extra hollandaise sauce, it didn't improve the taste. I was engrossed in a conversation with my friend or I would've said something about the food, but the coffee was good and it did fill me up, so that countered the below-average meal. Also the side fruit and granola was good. Service was ok. I'd go back and give the place another try, it could've just been an off day for the kitchen, but if the food is the same the next time around, that may be my last time at TF :(
(2)
Jonathan Z.
This was a nice surprise. My wife and I went here on the recommendation of her hairdresser. Based on the location and name, I had visions of a college bar with undergrads puking and stumbling around. Not what we experienced at all. It is a very nice environment with a beautiful bar, great beer selection, very comfortable, nice staff, etc. We had the sausage stuffed banana peppers, 2 large deep fried mildly spicy peppers stuffed with decent sausage and cheese, covered with a slightly sweet tomato sauce. My wife loved them, I was lukewarm. For lunch, they have a special for 2 with house salads and a 12" pizza (around $11-12, its a steal). The salads were fresh and good, the pizza crust is good though it was overly sauced. Overall, we were happy for the price. WIth 2 beers, lunch, and the app, I think we came in at around $35 including 20% tip. We'll be back.
(4)
Dave M.
Great place for food or drinks near USC. Tasty food and good portions. Perfect before or after basketball or baseball games but likely crowded. Good Sunday brunch too.
(5)
Crystal C.
Stopped by with my daughter when we were to see a show in the area and we were both starving. The food was great, the place was hopping even in the early evening, the wait staff was very cool. The atmosphere is kind of a mix of pub/sports bar but with a professional waitstaff style. My daughter gave a big thumbs up on her dinner, and I had to second it with my own. Very good!
(4)
Jane D.
Great atmosphere, a place to get food while you drink beer not a place to get beer while you eat. Flat screen TVs show sports. Outside deck.
(3)
Donna W.
Our office picked up lunch from here today. I ordered the Pizza, red sauce, and ham, pineapple and mushrooms. It was good. It was pretty as well as tasted good. They had a wide variety of pizzas and other foods. Worth trying.....reasonably priced too.
(3)
Tate B.
Stopped in for a bite and beer after working in Columbia. The guy at the Hotel recommended this place. It all starts with the management/ownership. Chuck Belcher is one of them and he is a solid guy at that. He recommended one of the local IPA's and Pizza. Both were excellent. The pizza had high quality ingredients, and the crust was a perfect combination of crispy, chewy, with the right thickness. (not too thick)The place was busy, and the staff was very friendly. I'm going back, and I'll recommend this place to others.
(5)
Deborah B.
I've been here twice. Once was for a planned small gathering of friends prior to the check-in for our, gasp, 25th year high school reunion from Dreher. (Woot woot - GO BLUE DEVILS!!!) A small, but awesome group of us had several drinks and shared many appetizers at one of the inside tables. Everything was as it should have been and I was very pleased with the service. The second time was for an impromptu, VERY unplanned gathering (AFTER the the reunion check-in) of my small group from earlier in the evening plus about 30 others that we collected along the way. This time we were on the deck. There were already gobs of people out there enjoying the game. We took over a corner and the servers kept us in control with a steady stream of food and beverage. We aren't the easiest crowd to please and this establishment managed to do it not just once, but twice. Kudos to them.
(5)
Sean A.
The service left something to be desired on a Sunday brunch, but the waffle and biscuits were delicious.
(4)
Dog F.
You know how you know a hot dog is good? When it goes away, people still talk about it. They talk about it so much you get sick of it. So what you do you do? You "resurrect it" as Willie Durkin said. And that's what they have done at Thirsty Fellow. Thirsty Fellow is relatively new to the entertainment area that's nestled amongst the Carolina Coliseum, the Colonial Center and USC's Greek Village, just a short jaunt by car or foot from Columbia's bustling Vista district. It's the new home of the Willie dog, a hot dog that once graced the menu at Durkin's, a long-time private Five Points club no Dog Fighters were privy to. We're Stale House kind of people. The Willie dog has been gradually perfected over more than 25 years. It started at Shannon's, a late-night 80's dive down near the fairgrounds. You know the place the bar staff head when the bars close. Willie says you can still see part of the old Shannon's sign on the corner where the old Havird Tire place once was. (We'll check on the way to the fair next Friday.) The Willie dog is sort-of on the menu at Thirsty Fellow. It's available if Willie feels like making chili. No chili, no Willie dog. It's that simple. The Willie dog is an all beef dog on a toasted bun topped with chili, onions and cheese. You can choose a side of house chips or mixed greens. Get a dog and chips for $5 or get your Willie sideless for $3.50. Willie suggests if you don't like chili on your hot dog, just forget the Willie dog. It's a waste of time without its not-so-secret keystone ingredient: Willie's homemade chili. The chips on the side are the thin, crispy raw-fry type, not the kind that come out of a plastic bag from a food distributor. Thirsty Fellow is apparently well known for pizza, too. A simple, satisfying meal was just what special guest Eaton Wright, longtime mystery food critic for The State newspaper, needed. He removed his trademark tan fedora and replaced it with an icepack as he tried to erase last night's red wine overindulgence. We were also joined by Holly, Dean's lovely expecting wife who said she was craving hot dogs. We secretly suspect she wanted to ensure Dean didn't pull a five-dog lunch again (see the Jimmy's Mart review). But enough of the blah-blah-blah, you know what we're here to talk about. How the Dog Fight went down. Andrew Dogs 1 and 2: Willie dog Jeff: Dogs 1 and 2: Willie dog Julie: Dog 1: Willie dog Dean: Dog 1: Willie dog Dog 2: Naked dog (ketchup, mustard) Holly: Dog 1: Willie dog Eaton Wright: Dogs 1, 2 and 3: Willie dog The Dogs Nathan's devotee Andrew threw down the gauntlet first declaring the Willie dog great even though it was not a Nathan's dog. None of the Dog Fighters disagreed as they picked every shred of chip, bun flake and chili blop off their plate. In fact, as lunch was drawing to a close, Julie noticed that Eaton left one bite of a Willie dog and promptly snapped it up. Even good cold, she noted. The Toppings Eaton agreed with Willie that the chili does, in fact, make this dog. So did Jeff, Andrew, Dean and Holly. Jeff worshipped the chili's deep, meaty flavor and excellent consistency. Holly longed for a side of chili to go with her Willie. The other things that sold Eaton? The lightly toasted bun, the melted cheese (sharp cheddar he wondered?) that held the chili in line so none of it got away and the fact that it made his head feel better almost instantly. Andrew appreciated Willie's attention to detail: crisp onions, toasted buns, quality dog and excellent chili. He felt that you could taste the pride in the Willie dog and that made it taste even better. At first, we were missing the slaw. We like slaw. But after eating a few of these meaty delights, we figured out there was a reason there was no slaw. Jeff said none of the flavors took away from each other. It was the perfect storm of hot doggity goodness just like it was. The Verdict Our Dog Fight fans were right. That Willie dog is a mighty fine hot dog. According to Jeff, Dog Fight Director of Math and Spreadsheet Maintenance, Thirsty Fellow vaulted into second place with a score of 26.13 out of 30. The bottom line? Grab a Willie over at Thirsty Fellow whenever you have the chance. Get the chips, too. They were light and crispy with a hint of sweetness that caught Eaton so off guard he dropped some chili on his trenchcoat. Worth noting: If your heart is set on a Willie dog, call first to see if there is chili. If there's no chili, there are no Willie dogs. There's always pizza though. And pizza is always good, right? If you want to see all reviews with pictures check out facebook.com/theadamsgro… and click the Dog Fight Tab.
(4)
Adam B.
Went to this place to grab some pizza and a brew tonight for dinner- and I was not disappointed! Of course with something like pizza, there's always the matter of personal preference. People like different kinds of pizza, but for me, this is by far the best money can buy in columbia. And to complement that, they have a hefty beer selection. The atmosphere is solid as well for a pub type restaurant like this. I highly recommend it.
(5)
Matt N.
Great food and service!
(5)
Vieve L.
A favorite local spot. Plenty of good beer. Delicious pizza. I also like the spinach salad with bacon dressing. Nothing beats the deck on a warm evening with friends, not too loud, can watch the game or just chill.
(4)
Andrew C.
The beer selection was nice and reasonably priced. The food appears to be very solid. It is in the parking lot for the Colonial Life Arena so I see this place developing into a great location.
(4)
Patrick D.
My new favorite place! Excellent draught beer selection for $3 a pint all the time!!! The pizza is awesome. The giant stuffed banana peppers are awesome (and quite spicy). Above-average service, especially for a pub. It can get crazy when it's crowded with pre- or post-event drinkers, but that's to be expected with their location. Huge deck for nice weather days too. I'll be back for sure.
(5)
sarah p.
It is so hard to find good pizza in Columbia! This is one of the only places in Columbia I will eat pizza. I would not recommend their pizza with fresh tomatoes, they don't drain/dry the tomatoes and it makes the pizza soggy. But the other toppings are quite good. I have tried a couple other items on the menu and they have all been very good. They have a great beer and drink selection. They also have a wonderful brunch on Sundays. I was pretty impressed by the brunch, and hey the 2 for 1 mimosas weren't bad either.
(4)
Marcus B.
nice laid back sports bar has NFL Sunday ticket and some good gourmet sandwiches, apps and pizza. place is a bit dark inside though. decor is like that of a study or library.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Sam C.
We have been coming here for some time now and I have been meaning to write this review. There is a very creative chef in the back and this review is for a special he did some time back but it gives you an idea of the thinking going on back in the kitchen. One World Trade Center - jerk seasoned flank steak with black beans, coconut rice and chimichurri served with a side salad. First off..... Jerk seasoning always gets my attention. I do find some places get carried away with this blend of spices. Not so here. There was just the right amount of kick. The chimichurri is an Argentinean sauce. Look it up, it's great on steaks and chicken. The coconut rice was spot on as were the black beans. The combination of flavors was fantastic. My compliments to the guy or gal who came up with this one. I'd be happy to guard the recipe for them. This place has great pizza's, sandwiches and the like. Ensure you take a look at the specials sheet. You might find something special!!
(5)Chris S.
A great lunch spot with a good variety on the menu. Many items are made fresh in-house which I appreciate. I normally stick with either the French Dip or Italian Hoagie sandwiches. Both are great! If you're anything like me, you don't want your french fries to be sweet-tasting. I very much enjoy the sweet potato fries they have, but be sure to request they hold the cinnamon and sugar seasoning on the fries. The fries also come with a very sweet dip which I don't care for, but to each his own. I always ask for no seasoning on my sweet potato fries here and I use the table salt to give them a savory flavor. Go here for lunch one day. You'll be glad you did!
(4)Matt H.
Based on another tellers suggestion, I grabbed the gorgonzola chips. Wow. I also let the waiter suggest a pie. I got a white pie with prosciutto and basil with a little olive oil drizzle. If you have high blood pressure... May want to double up on your meds before you do get those. A bit salty... But I crave salt. Enjoyed it, by nearly took my entire pie home. The chips did me in. So full. Great service too. Later in the day, but they were quite busy. It was on a Sunday if that helps. Enjoy!
(5)Brittany B.
This place was a great find after a night of drinking. The atmosphere of the place is neat and is covered with books. They have great lunch specials with their pizzas and the pizza was delicious. We also tried the stuffed banana peppers for an appetizer, which was interesting but would not order again. This would be a great place to watch football, if you are in town. Will go there again!
(4)Chelsey W.
I've tried dining here once or twice before, but it was always packed (I knew it must be good!). We chose this place because of the pet friendly outdoor patio with plenty of TVs to catch the Carolina game. The service was quick, friendly, and attentive! We didn't order anything special this time, but there will be next time! The whiffs strong pizza aroma we experienced from the tables around us warrants another visit soon.
(5)Paul G.
Well, this was just a bizarre experience. My group of 4 was seated outside promptly but then introduced to our extremely awkward confused server. Drinks were ordered. Tried to order fried pickles -"sorry we're out". Tried to order my meal, the only thing I came for (BBQ tofu sub) - "sorry we're out". So, I get to sit there and watch everyone else eat. Fun times. The waiter was so awkward I decided to call in and order the sub over the phone. Somehow, magically the tofu sub was available over the phone but not in person. I then asked a 3rd party at the restaurant and they also said they were out. So, I was pretty pissed and annoyed at this time. This place is usually fine, not sure why this experience had to be so terrible and confusing. Bummer.
(1)Sherry C.
I love coming to this restaurant. Every time we have come, we have not been disappointed. The service is always good, the prices are good, and the atmosphere is good. It's a great place to watch sports, sit at the bar, or have a great meal. The pizza is always wonderful. Never disappointed with that. And I love the Willie Dog. It's always been great with the chili on top. Their chips are totally greaseless. So fresh and crispy. And the French Fries are some of the best in town. I definitely recommend this restaurant. Everything we have tried on the menu has been great.
(5)Michael Y.
I absolutely love this place! I've tried almost everything on the menu, including the pizza (amazing), sweet potato fries (awesome), Italian meatball sub, Italian hoagie, firecracker shrimp, and many of their daily specials. All of the food is incredible! I will definitely keep coming back here.
(5)Ann Marie D.
It's been a long time since I dined at Thirsty Fellow, my previous experiences were fine. After the baseball game on Valentine's Day we knew our choices maybe limited. This place is on the way home and we didn't think we'd have to fight hoards of romantics. It was steady when we arrived, and we were told we'd have a 25 minute wait. Turned out to be 5- which was perfect, I was hungry! My sister and I both had a glass of the Freixnet champagne (or really sparkling wine bc it's made in California). Perfect to toast the holiday, and a win for the Gamecocks. We had the house made chips for an appetizer and they were great! Not greasy, not overdone. Exactly what you want in a homemade chip. We both ordered pizza, I had chicken and bacon with light sauce(red pie), and she had sausage, red peppers and pepperoni on a red pie. Both were very good. For dessert we had the fried brownie bites. Those were SUPER yummy! The service was not bad- it was busy, but I could never get my water refilled! I hate that in a restaurant- but everything else was spot on so I shall forgive. I accidentally left my scarf- I had to call back and ask them to look around for it. Which they willingly did. It had fallen off the hooks they have at the tables and onto the floor. On a busy Saturday night they had no problem doing this for me. Kudos. We will be back.
(4)Monica R.
All the hype is with merit! What an OUTSTANDING little place. Actually it is not so little. Good size with about 7-8 TVs inside and a nice outdoor patio with 3 more TVs. They have a nice decent size bar inside with a pretty good selection of beer. We had to try the pizza so we ordered a simple red with pepperoni and caramelized onions. We also ordered the Carolina chicken sandwich (bf loved it I thought it was meh) and an order of wings. The wings were very good despite not being a fan of real saucy wings. My favorite was the pizza, possibly the best pizza I've had in Columbia so far. Paired it with a Conquest Blonde and I was in heaven. oh and they have the NFL TICKET!!!! THEY HAVE THE NFL TICKET!!! THEY HAVE THE NFL TICKET!!!!!!!!!!! There was a couple that sat next to us who ended up leaving after not being attended for 15 good minutes but they never said anything either. It wasn't terribly busy but there were no waiters just standing around. Just get up and ask politely for your drinks, I know you SHOULDN'T have to but you will really cut yourself short if you skip out on this place because of something like that.
(5)Kaitlyn B.
I have to say my friends and I came in Sunday night after a long day of recovering from a wedding Saturday night. The bride and groom we're with us and all we wanted was a easy going dinner on the patio. Caroline was our server and she was so sweet, friendly and down for anything, especially when we asked her for random help pulling practical jokes on the newly weds. Overall, pizza was out of this world and the service made the night one for the books. Many laughs we're shared and I'm glad we are dinner here!!!
(5)Zaida J.
Love this place! My bestie and I went to Columbia two weekends in a row. We tried Thirsty Fellow the first weekend and enjoyed it so much we didn't hesitate to return during our 2nd Columbia trip! The first weekend our server (Jason?!?) was fantastic. We sat outside, beautiful day, and he was on point. Very attentive without being intrusive. We ordered the Gorgonzola chips and enjoyed them so much repeated that choice during trip two. The main foods we tried during both trips were good to excellent and the value was fantastic!! Large portions, quality ingredients, two thumbs up! Wish there was a Thirsty Fellow in Charleston!
(5)Livvy B.
On vacation from baltimore and came here for a late lunch early dinner! Sat and served very fast! we got the bruschetta, cheese steak and chicken tenders. Everything was very good and freshly made! The fries and sweet potato fries were perfect! Will be back again when we visit Columbia!
(5)Anna D.
I went here on a sunday without an appetite so really my review is for a few bloody marys and some leftover wings. the bloody marys... well, needless to say, they were good. otherwise i wouldn't have had so many. it's not the best I've ever had but it's nice when it's not watered down and the bartendar listens to you and makes it spicy when you ask him to. there's also a special which i think was $5 for the bloody marys. yeah, definitely can't go wrong there. the hubby ordered some pizza and also some wings. i watched my hubby demolish the pizza and the wings he couldn't bare to finish even though he claimed they were delicious. He ended up taking them home and two days later on a "I'm too lazy to cook" i popped those bad boys in the microwave and needless to say, those wings mustve been super good 2 days before that because when i had it, it was still good and slightly over heated. WOW. that's impressive.
(5)Will C.
Every single item on this menu is delicious and the pizza is the best I've had since moving down here from New Haven. I lived a couple blocks from this place for a little over a year and made a visit a week or so. I haven't ordered one thing on the menu and been disappointed. The place is huge, and the outside seating is great for the warmer days - they have heaters and mist fans for the cooler and warmer days. You won't ever miss a piece of whatever sports game is on TV because they are all over the place, inside and out. Great food, awesome atmosphere and very friendly waitstaff. Many of them remembered my name and recognized me when I came in, even after winter break! WARNING: It is packed during Carolina gamedays and big sporting events!
(5)Rick T.
All the pizzas I have had with friends and family have been great to eat in a large setting. I love the beers and bartenders that seem to enjoy working here! The outside are is really nice and covered on a nice deck with plenty of TVs. Brunch I could take it or leave it, depending on the special items which are better than the normal fare. Best item I have had for brunch was their étouffée which was outstanding and pleaded with them to keep it on the menu. Parking is kinda of is a hassle but when good pizza and beer are involved it's well worth the hassle involved. So The Rick says come here after work eat your fill of pizza and have a good time.
(4)Lea L.
I've had Thirsty Fellow twice: brunch and then drinks/pizza for a private event and have had a pleasant time for both. They have their own private lot that fills up quick and you may have to wait for a seat on busy Friday and Saturday nights. Decent sized dining area with casual high top tables and a large bar. Covered outdoor porch as well - dog friendly - and perfect for a beautiful day. Seemed to be about 10 or so beers on tap but I didn't see a list. They nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING. If you're like me and want to load up on the toppings, it costs you. They don't have "specialty" pizzas with fixed prices. Instead, you pay $.50-$1.50 for anything you want on top. You want a burger? That'll cost you extra for cheese. Pretty much the whole menu was like that. Pizza is very tasty. The small is decent sized, perfect to split + app or side to share. The brunch menu was straightforward and plain: waffles, Benedict, French toast etc. We opted not to try a brunch entree because the portions looked small and nothing caught my eye coming out of the kitchen. I can't remember which pizzas I sampled at the buffet event but I remember leaving content. Got a Bloody Mary, small pineapple and prosciutto pizza, and 2 biscuits and gravy on the side. Bloody was strong with Charleston-based Big and Juicy mix. My fave. Both food choices were good, but nothing to swoon over. Prosciutto was not crisp and salty and had hardly any flavorful. Good amount of pineapple and "prosciutto" on the pie and was tasty. The Biscuits and gravy were decent, could tell they used the same Italian sausage in the gravy as they do on the pizzas which was a unexpected and different but tasty. Biscuits did not taste homemade, but you can't expect a pizza place to...I guess. All and all, great casual brunch and fun place to rent out for casual corporate gatherings. Thirsty Fellow is definitely a good college hang out spot to the drink and share conversation over some pretty good pizza but don't expect anything gourmet.
(3)Scott P.
This place has great food. Their pizza is possibly the best in all of cola. The guy in the kitchen really knows what he's doing. The beer selection is solid, nice upscale brewpub type atmosphere and good service. Also it is a relative bargain comparing quality and portion to price. Oh and did I mention how good the pizza is?
(5)Preston B.
I was previously a big fan of the establishment. But me and the large group of friends that came the other night will never return. Prior to the big Journey/ Steve Miller Band concert, the person in charge decided to raise all beer prices to $5 and pitchers from $14 to $20. Not only that, but after the concert, when people were looking to wind down with some food - the person in charge decided they would not be serving food to patrons that night. Bad business and desperation. We won't be returning, and I go to some 30+ events at the arena right next door every year.
(1)Jen S.
Great spot for brunch! Boyfriend did the build your own omelette- it was huge! Stuffed with all kinds of yummy ingredients. I got a biscuit with gravy, side of potatoes and a side of sausage. Everything was delicious! Pitchers of mimosas topped it off. Waitress was very pleasant. Can't beat the location!
(4)Brittney S.
Has a lot of tv's, so it would be a great place to catch a game and drink. They are very accommodating for large parties, with a ton of room. The server was very nice and helpful when going through the menu. We started out with the gorgonzola potato chips, which were overall very good. There was a ton of gorgonzola sauce on it, so it could be a little messy when sharing with a table. I had the pear salad with chicken. The salad was very fresh, and the nut encrusted goat cheese was to die for. A few of my friends split a pizza (it was basically a supreme pizza), and it looked great. They said it tasted very fresh, and was one of the better pizza's they've had in a while. Will definitely be coming back again.
(4)Eric W.
I've been here on two occasions now, and I must say that I will be back much more. This place is great! Their pizza is delicious, but the burgers are great too. My personal favorite are the Gorgonzola Chips as an appetizer. Get them and you'll get a taste of heaven. Service has always been pretty good here, too. Lots of draft and bottle beer variety with local and regional craft brews.
(4)Erin H.
Love this place - especially for a bite or a drink when you're heading to a Gamecock game! Great food, great drinks, friendly staff and fun atmosphere. Never had a disappointing experience.
(5)Brad T.
Fanatic experience. Helpful server and they have the best homemade chips in town. Hands down dopest chips
(5)Tarcela M.
First time here. I custom order a white pizza with olive oil, pesto, mozzarella cheese, shrimp, onions, tomato, and feta. It was fabulous!!!! Highly recommend this place.
(5)Josh S.
Hit this spot every time I'm in Columbia. Pizzas are great, but I always go with the wings. Tough to beat!
(5)Nick C.
Great food and great atmosphere! One of the guys behind the bar, Alex is always there to recommend great suggestions on what to order and has always made the dining experience that much better!
(5)Ellen R.
Great place for brunch, lunch, and dinner! Sports fans will love the abundance of TVs throughout the restaurant. Non-sports fans will love that the menu goes beyond the typical 'sports bar fare.' The pizzas are not to be missed as you can select a red pie or a white pie. The calamari and antipasto platter are appetizer favorites of mine. The salads are delightfully tasty as well (I highly recommend the one with goat cheese). Sunday brunch offers up omelets, waffles, eggs Benedict, etc.
(5)Jackie R.
Fantastic atmosphere especially for the college crowd. Great pizza, salads, and sandwiches
(4)Andrea R.
Went here for both lunch and brunch. Lunch. I ordered the pinto bean and ham soup along with a medium pizza. The soup was very good, a little to watery for my liking but had great flavor. The pizza was outstanding. I ordered a red pie with pepperoni, onions, mushrooms and green peppers (not on the menu). It was so good! I had a few complaints though, as the green peppers were not on the pizza menu it seemed they just threw them on at the last minute, they were cut too big and not cooked (who likes raw green peppers??). I ended up just picking them off. The pizza is also thin crust, therefore you cannot pick it up and eat it. It is very droopy, I had to be "one of those people" and eat it with a fork and knife. Would be nice if the crust had a little more body! Brunch. I ordered the waffle with extra crispy bacon and a side of scrambled eggs. The waffle was great, it tasted very homemade and had a great crunch to it. The "side" of eggs is HUGE. I think there must have been 7-8 eggs on that plate. I don't know any human that eats that many eggs as a "side." We ended up wasting almost 70%. My husband ordered the shrimp and grits with sausage and a side of biscuits and gravy. The shrimp and grits was AMAZING. We both agreed it was our favorite from the overall meal. They were creamy and cheesy and seasoned just right. The biscuits and gravy in our opinion were bad. It seems they use the same sausage for the gravy sauce that they do on their pizzas...so the gravy has an overpowering pizza flavor. I couldn't eat more than two bites. My husband said it was hard to believe that a fast food chains' biscuits and gravy was much better than theirs. Overall the meal was good. We would return for either pizza or shrimp and grits. However, we rate places based on whether we would bring out of town guests to it and we would not bring anyone to the Thirsty Fellow. The food is good but nothing to rave about and we feel other restaurants offer better tasting food.
(3)Richard L.
I was looking for a well rated American fare restaurant in Columbia and found the Thirsty Fellow on Yelp. Seated quickly on a weeknight. They had many seating options including an outdoor deck. I was expecting a larger menu like most sit down eateries. Menu was limited because the Thirsty Fellow is essentially a beer and pizza joint, instead of a traditional restaurant. What the menu lacked was more than made up for by an attentive waitress (Meg) quick service and food quality. Pizza was excellent and can be individualized to one's taste. Antipasto for two could feed four. If you are looking for a traditional restaurant for date night or family gathering, then pass. If you want pub food and brews with a buddy (either before or after a game) then this is your place. Prices reasonable, atmosphere casual. Service and food quality excellent.
(4)Pete S.
I suggested this place to my gf after reading a few yelp reviews. We were both pretty impressed with the place as the food was very good and the prices even better. We ate and drank like royalty (for us). I would definitely recommend this place to anyone looking for a new place to try.
(4)Joshua R.
Food: 4 Drinks: 4 Atmosphere: 4 Staff: 4 Overall impression: The perfect American restaurant to bring out-of-towners to enjoy. With a classic menu of burgers, salads, and pizzas, you'll find something for everyone. The outdoor seating is preferred because of the space and cover, but the bar is sizable and there are plenty of TVs inside if you're wanting to watch sports. Quick service from a kind wait staff makes the average wait time more than worth it. My wife loves the BLD burger, but our go-to is to split a salad and a pizza.
(4)Ash V.
I'm originally from Columbia but have been away for quite some time. I found this place using yelp so I could watch the NCAA championship game. Best bet ever. I will always stop here when in town.
(5)Aleks K.
Solid food for a bar. We shared the pizza special for two which cannot be beat. We got a chicken/pesto/mozz pizza and two side salads. The salads were bigger than you'd expect a side surprisingly. We got a Caesar and a mixed greens. Both great. The pizza was a bit oily as were our fries but overall a good meal at a good price. We paid $17 before tax for the whole shebang.
(4)Kat W.
Great atmosphere and delicious food! We had the pizza and omelet, everything came out perfect!
(5)Mitch K.
Funky place just about on the University of South Carolina campus. Large rooms with raw wood sides, beams and trusses, but not too noisy. Lots of outdoor patio seating which must be heavy in the warmer months, esp with the college crowd. Nice menu and large booths. Huge bar, of course, with lots of draft beers and all the other alcohol mixes to do anything ordered. Lots of bustle and the wait staff is up to speed. You sit, get beverages and they are ready for your order. Substitutions and adjustment to menu items seem to be in the norm and no problem. And the wait staff are pretty glib and friendly. I appreciate the absence of "selling" or "promoting" items. Just order what you want, the way you want it. Will be back. Just seems right to leverage warm weather on their patio sipping a brew ski...or two.
(4)Carrie C.
We were looking for a good lunch spot after the zoo and we certainly found it. The food was great and our server too.
(4)Jeremy K.
This place used to be a favorite of mine, but recently the food and service has gone downhill. This review is sparked by my most recent visit. The bartender messed up my drink (poured the wrong type of liquor altogether, so it was pretty easy to tell that it wasn't right). This should have been a quick fix, but her response was "I'm not making you another one" and walked away. I've never had a server or bartender anywhere be so belligerently rude. Her coworker was much more pleasant and fixed the situation a few minutes later. Just to clarify, this was my second drink of the night. I saw she had some drunk customers, but that was no reason to treat everyone badly.
(1)Lindsay K.
I've only been here a few times but every time has been delicious. If you haven't had the Gorgonzola chips, you must. I always want to venture out and try something new but the pizza is so good I can't pass up the opportunity to get it. Besides, who can say no to fried eggplant on a white pizza?!
(4)Adam B. J.
Food is good, beer is better. They have the best pizza in the area.They have a great beer selection which keeps me coming back with decent pitcher prices. Nice deck too in the spring/fall which is pet friendly.
(4)James L.
Awesome first time there for me and my wife it was great food and beer at a good price. Very much enjoyed will be going back soon.
(5)Ashley S.
My sister and I were really happy with brunch here. It was a pretty nice day (a little chilly), but they had the heaters going on the porch, so we were able to sit outside. I got a medium pizza, which is definitely big enough to split. The ingredients were fresh (I got green pepper and mushroom), and it was delicious! My sister got the Philly cheesesteak with their tasty fries. Their food is reasonably priced, and if I wouldn't have felt so groggy from tailgating the whole day before for the USC vs. Clemson game, I might have tried one of their $5 mimosas which comes with a free refill...maybe next time.
(4)Lexa S.
I feel bad not giving it an amazing review but got a few appetizers and their calamari wasn't that good in my opinion. Also a little pricey. Good otherwise though. Will go back for a second chance and more food
(3)Allison H.
LOVED the food, love the beer (THOMAS CREEK: local AND good!! Greenville, what up?!), the love the vibe - wish there was more seating on the patio, though, since I always seem to miss out on that. The service is always impeccable, helpful, friendly, quick. I wish we had a Thirsty Fellow where I live!
(4)Wardlaw F.
I have been here multiple times including customer luncheons and just with friends. Every time I have went they seemed short staffed, also the bartender is potentially the best waiter in there lol. The food is pretty decent, the beer selection is great. Their knowledge of beer is awesome.
(3)Gerardo G.
The white pizza is an excellent choice. The small pizza can definitely feed two people if they are not starving. The toppings were fresh on the red pie. The crust was a little too thick for my liking it but was still a great pizza. A awesome beer to go with the pizza is the Grolsch. Not strong and balances the flavor of the pizza. The beer was priced a little high it's cheaper to get a pitcher. Also if you don't want pizza the menu has many different item from salads to fish and chips.
(4)John C.
My wife and I went here on both Friday and Sunday nights before the lady Gamecocks played in the NCAA tournament at the CLA. The convenience and free parking and walking distance to the CLA were the why but we also discovered a great sports bar with a good beer selection and good pub food. Friday she had the fish and chips and I had the Philly. Both were good portions - her fish was light and flaky and my Philly was just like Philadelphia, made with Cheez Wiz. Sunday we had to find a spot at the bar - took about 30 minutes but the wait for a table would have made us late for the game. I had a chicken sandwich made from chicken fingers, buffalo sauce, blue cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles; she had the 1/2 pound burger both with homemade chips. We came back after the game for desert - she had the red velvet cheesecake and I had the fried brownie bites over vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Needless to say it topped off a great game weekend - oh and the Wells Double Chocolate Stout went great with the brownies!
(4)Brooke W.
Been here several times. Good sports bar with lots of TVs. Food is good, but pretty average. Brunch menu is better than normal lunch/dinner in my opinion.
(4)Elyn B.
This is a great spot for happy hour drinks after work. They have some tasty beers on tap and the service is pretty solid. It helps that there is actually somewhere to park (unlike spots in the Vista and Five Points.) The food I've tried has been good and they have a real variety on the menu. Everything from salads, to brats, to pizza. Prices are a little higher than standard bar fare but the portions are big and the quality is higher so you get what you pay for.
(4)Cheryl A.
The atmosphere here was very loud but clean and inviting. They have a lot of outdoor seating available, but we got there later in the evening and it was a bit too chilly to sit there. My husband and I were going to split the mixed greens salad and when it came to the table it seemed to be really small - we found out later on our bill that they only gave us a side salad - but it was still a good salad. Pizza was really good and I appreciated the variety of toppings that were available. If we were local we'd probably return to this place.
(4)Jessica K.
I love the food at Thirsty Fellow! Their white pies and amazing. The Gorgonzola chips are out of this world. If you go you must get them and add bacon, then dip in ranch for the full effect. They have a pretty good variety of beer and liquor. The only down side is that it is only so big and if you want to go on a Friday/Saturday evening after around 4pm plan on waiting and dealing with a lot of noise/smells. If you are on the patio during this time, good luck.
(3)Sarah M.
Went for Sunday brunch. Very friendly staff. Had the shrimp and grits which was tasty. Another had the Philly Cheese Steak which had some spice and was delicious. We arrived and were seated right away but there was a long wait when we were leaving.
(5)Brent W.
This place rocked. We were greeted at the door by a friendly guy who gave us a realistic expectation of when we would be seated, and they beat that estimate, which is always points in my book. Pizza was out of this world, the crust gave it an amazing texture and I felt like I could eat it all night...and they have Shiner Bock. Lots of TVs. Even though it was packed and a little loud, you could still carry on a conversation. Parking is not bad at all. The service was pretty good, our waitress was chatty, but not annoying - could have stood for her to do a beverage check a little more often. Would not have known about this place but for the friends that we were out with. If I'm in Columbia again, I will definitely go here.
(5)Larry B.
Great place for good food and drinks with friends. I had a small white pizza with spinach, artichoke and mushrooms. Great crust and garlic flavor. I had my shiner beer from Texas and was completely satisfied.
(4)Josh R.
Don't sit by the bathroom. Just like my cell phone signal, you get little to no service. The table is wobbly as well. The house fries were good, I added some malt vinegar, like I usually do. (There wasn't a bottle of malt vinegar on the table, our waitress forgot to bring it the first time I asked. Had to ask twice.) The French dip sandwich was ok. The Au Jus was not all that great, it just made the sandwich soggy. I'll order something diff next time.
(3)Joe M.
The food is terrific. The pizzas, both white and red, are very tasty and filling; the breakfast burger was great too. The beer list had something for everyone. However, it's the ambiance that make Thirsty Fellow a five. It's a relaxing friendly pub, there's sports nuts sitting right next to parents with children. The wait staff and hosts are very friendly and helpful. It's a favorite of the locals, and it obvious why.
(5)April C.
Try the gorgonzola potato chips. OH.MY.GOODNESS. They are incredibly light, delicate chips with this amazing sauce over the top. Truly decadent but totally worth it. We also split a small pizza which was more than enough for two people (probably even three with an appetizer). Good crust! Good happy hour drink specials!
(4)James N.
Good casual atmosphere and a solid, upscale take on bar food. Always check out the specials for the day. Good draft beer selection and good deals on shots and macro beers. I typically go for the pizza special with a salad or a burger.
(4)Eric G.
Great place to watch a game. We're from out of town and they were gracious and accommodating. Excellent food too.
(5)Leigh-Ann F.
Pizza is incredible, my family and I have been going here for several years while my brother and I have been in school. Great place to watch games or just enjoy a great meal.
(5)James G.
Had lunch on a rainy Saturday with my long time friend visiting from Myrtle Beach. We were seated in less time than we were told to expect and they quickly gave us another table when we asked for a different spot to sit. The lunch special of one small pizza and two salads was excellent and a very reasonable price! I have always loved Thirsty Fellow's pizza... Some of the best around! Overall food, service, and experience was very good and glad I brought my pal here for a taste of Columbia.
(5)Ryland C.
First time going here. Decided to try something new in town, but turned out we want to go back. Place is decorated pretty cool, real open. Waiter was nice and worked pretty hard. Our dinner salads came out after the entree so that was one set back. French dip is definitely the best, house chips are killer (ask for some ranch). Overall, pretty good experience and will be going back
(4)Greg W.
I had lunch here the other day and, based on reviews, asked if they had chili available. They did, so I ordered a Willie dog (alone) and an order of the stuffed banana peppers. Now... I'm quite experienced in the world of hot dogs; so much so that, for more than 12 years, there have been running jokes amongst my friends regarding my passion for them. I've taken that love for the dog international, even. So I was really looking forward to what was coming as those minutes ticked away between visits from my waiter. I couldn't wait! The reviews had me expecting one of the best dogs of my life, and... ...is that it? I mean no disrespect but, really... This is what y'all were raving about? It was ok, but nothing exceptional. Not even above-average. I had to douse the chili in Tobasco to get any flavor from it, and then it was just a slightly spicy chili dog. As for the banana peppers, I think they're slightly under-represented on the menu. They're not just sausage-stuffed banana peppers. They're ginormous banana peppers stuffed with sausage, then deep fried and covered in chunky tomatoes and a bit of mozzerela cheese. Unfortunately, as good as that sounds (and looked), the peppers were tough and difficult to cut through/chew, and the sausage was sorely bland. I give this dish an A for effort, though, as it was really quite unique. I just wish it tasted as good as it looked. With a little tweaking I think they could make this something that, on it's own, would draw people in.
(3)holly g.
I just can't get over how much better my michelob ultra was from their cool chamber, than any other restaurant. Having a beer served to me 22 degrees cold is heaven. Even if I ordered just an ultra. Not only was their service great, but their food was great!!
(5)Jessica B.
First of all, the food and wait staff are FABULOUS. My boyfriend and I use to go here for brunch and it's always great but last weekend we went around at 1:55 (I know exactly when bc there was a discrepancy) and we were told that the kitchen closed at 2 and opened back up at 3. We were really irritated and left. Then today we went back for brunch at 1 and were told that there was a 45 minute wait and since the restaurant closed at 2 they wouldn't be seating anymore people but we could come back at 3. We were furious. We noticed when we walked in that the hostess was speaking to the owner (who is always standoffish and looks annoyed.) We are positive that he was telling her not to seat any of the people that just walked in. We looked around and saw numerous open tables. Very annoyed and will not be going back.
(2)Madeleine C.
Great service, great food, and great beer! I love coming here.
(5)Swetha G.
I was looking forward to trying a new place for brunch in Columbia but unfortunately Thirsty Fellow just didn't cut it. Before I say anything about the food, I will say that the patio outside is great, and that's where we were seated. I liked the atmosphere. A couple of people brought their dogs with them (I'm a HUGE dog person!) and it was cool to be dining at a place that's pet-friendly. Ok, just wanted to bring that up before I talk about the food. Now for the food!, sadly, it was just, bad. I asked our server what she recommended between the eggs benedict and the French toast and without hesitation she said the eggs benedict. When it was brought out, it was probably the driest eggs benedict I've ever had. I've never had to ask for extra hollandaise sauce but I did at Thirsty Fellow because as it was, there was no flavor and it was too rubbery and bland. Even with the extra hollandaise sauce, it didn't improve the taste. I was engrossed in a conversation with my friend or I would've said something about the food, but the coffee was good and it did fill me up, so that countered the below-average meal. Also the side fruit and granola was good. Service was ok. I'd go back and give the place another try, it could've just been an off day for the kitchen, but if the food is the same the next time around, that may be my last time at TF :(
(2)Jonathan Z.
This was a nice surprise. My wife and I went here on the recommendation of her hairdresser. Based on the location and name, I had visions of a college bar with undergrads puking and stumbling around. Not what we experienced at all. It is a very nice environment with a beautiful bar, great beer selection, very comfortable, nice staff, etc. We had the sausage stuffed banana peppers, 2 large deep fried mildly spicy peppers stuffed with decent sausage and cheese, covered with a slightly sweet tomato sauce. My wife loved them, I was lukewarm. For lunch, they have a special for 2 with house salads and a 12" pizza (around $11-12, its a steal). The salads were fresh and good, the pizza crust is good though it was overly sauced. Overall, we were happy for the price. WIth 2 beers, lunch, and the app, I think we came in at around $35 including 20% tip. We'll be back.
(4)Dave M.
Great place for food or drinks near USC. Tasty food and good portions. Perfect before or after basketball or baseball games but likely crowded. Good Sunday brunch too.
(5)Crystal C.
Stopped by with my daughter when we were to see a show in the area and we were both starving. The food was great, the place was hopping even in the early evening, the wait staff was very cool. The atmosphere is kind of a mix of pub/sports bar but with a professional waitstaff style. My daughter gave a big thumbs up on her dinner, and I had to second it with my own. Very good!
(4)Jane D.
Great atmosphere, a place to get food while you drink beer not a place to get beer while you eat. Flat screen TVs show sports. Outside deck.
(3)Donna W.
Our office picked up lunch from here today. I ordered the Pizza, red sauce, and ham, pineapple and mushrooms. It was good. It was pretty as well as tasted good. They had a wide variety of pizzas and other foods. Worth trying.....reasonably priced too.
(3)Tate B.
Stopped in for a bite and beer after working in Columbia. The guy at the Hotel recommended this place. It all starts with the management/ownership. Chuck Belcher is one of them and he is a solid guy at that. He recommended one of the local IPA's and Pizza. Both were excellent. The pizza had high quality ingredients, and the crust was a perfect combination of crispy, chewy, with the right thickness. (not too thick)The place was busy, and the staff was very friendly. I'm going back, and I'll recommend this place to others.
(5)Deborah B.
I've been here twice. Once was for a planned small gathering of friends prior to the check-in for our, gasp, 25th year high school reunion from Dreher. (Woot woot - GO BLUE DEVILS!!!) A small, but awesome group of us had several drinks and shared many appetizers at one of the inside tables. Everything was as it should have been and I was very pleased with the service. The second time was for an impromptu, VERY unplanned gathering (AFTER the the reunion check-in) of my small group from earlier in the evening plus about 30 others that we collected along the way. This time we were on the deck. There were already gobs of people out there enjoying the game. We took over a corner and the servers kept us in control with a steady stream of food and beverage. We aren't the easiest crowd to please and this establishment managed to do it not just once, but twice. Kudos to them.
(5)Sean A.
The service left something to be desired on a Sunday brunch, but the waffle and biscuits were delicious.
(4)Dog F.
You know how you know a hot dog is good? When it goes away, people still talk about it. They talk about it so much you get sick of it. So what you do you do? You "resurrect it" as Willie Durkin said. And that's what they have done at Thirsty Fellow. Thirsty Fellow is relatively new to the entertainment area that's nestled amongst the Carolina Coliseum, the Colonial Center and USC's Greek Village, just a short jaunt by car or foot from Columbia's bustling Vista district. It's the new home of the Willie dog, a hot dog that once graced the menu at Durkin's, a long-time private Five Points club no Dog Fighters were privy to. We're Stale House kind of people. The Willie dog has been gradually perfected over more than 25 years. It started at Shannon's, a late-night 80's dive down near the fairgrounds. You know the place the bar staff head when the bars close. Willie says you can still see part of the old Shannon's sign on the corner where the old Havird Tire place once was. (We'll check on the way to the fair next Friday.) The Willie dog is sort-of on the menu at Thirsty Fellow. It's available if Willie feels like making chili. No chili, no Willie dog. It's that simple. The Willie dog is an all beef dog on a toasted bun topped with chili, onions and cheese. You can choose a side of house chips or mixed greens. Get a dog and chips for $5 or get your Willie sideless for $3.50. Willie suggests if you don't like chili on your hot dog, just forget the Willie dog. It's a waste of time without its not-so-secret keystone ingredient: Willie's homemade chili. The chips on the side are the thin, crispy raw-fry type, not the kind that come out of a plastic bag from a food distributor. Thirsty Fellow is apparently well known for pizza, too. A simple, satisfying meal was just what special guest Eaton Wright, longtime mystery food critic for The State newspaper, needed. He removed his trademark tan fedora and replaced it with an icepack as he tried to erase last night's red wine overindulgence. We were also joined by Holly, Dean's lovely expecting wife who said she was craving hot dogs. We secretly suspect she wanted to ensure Dean didn't pull a five-dog lunch again (see the Jimmy's Mart review). But enough of the blah-blah-blah, you know what we're here to talk about. How the Dog Fight went down. Andrew Dogs 1 and 2: Willie dog Jeff: Dogs 1 and 2: Willie dog Julie: Dog 1: Willie dog Dean: Dog 1: Willie dog Dog 2: Naked dog (ketchup, mustard) Holly: Dog 1: Willie dog Eaton Wright: Dogs 1, 2 and 3: Willie dog The Dogs Nathan's devotee Andrew threw down the gauntlet first declaring the Willie dog great even though it was not a Nathan's dog. None of the Dog Fighters disagreed as they picked every shred of chip, bun flake and chili blop off their plate. In fact, as lunch was drawing to a close, Julie noticed that Eaton left one bite of a Willie dog and promptly snapped it up. Even good cold, she noted. The Toppings Eaton agreed with Willie that the chili does, in fact, make this dog. So did Jeff, Andrew, Dean and Holly. Jeff worshipped the chili's deep, meaty flavor and excellent consistency. Holly longed for a side of chili to go with her Willie. The other things that sold Eaton? The lightly toasted bun, the melted cheese (sharp cheddar he wondered?) that held the chili in line so none of it got away and the fact that it made his head feel better almost instantly. Andrew appreciated Willie's attention to detail: crisp onions, toasted buns, quality dog and excellent chili. He felt that you could taste the pride in the Willie dog and that made it taste even better. At first, we were missing the slaw. We like slaw. But after eating a few of these meaty delights, we figured out there was a reason there was no slaw. Jeff said none of the flavors took away from each other. It was the perfect storm of hot doggity goodness just like it was. The Verdict Our Dog Fight fans were right. That Willie dog is a mighty fine hot dog. According to Jeff, Dog Fight Director of Math and Spreadsheet Maintenance, Thirsty Fellow vaulted into second place with a score of 26.13 out of 30. The bottom line? Grab a Willie over at Thirsty Fellow whenever you have the chance. Get the chips, too. They were light and crispy with a hint of sweetness that caught Eaton so off guard he dropped some chili on his trenchcoat. Worth noting: If your heart is set on a Willie dog, call first to see if there is chili. If there's no chili, there are no Willie dogs. There's always pizza though. And pizza is always good, right? If you want to see all reviews with pictures check out facebook.com/theadamsgro… and click the Dog Fight Tab.
(4)Adam B.
Went to this place to grab some pizza and a brew tonight for dinner- and I was not disappointed! Of course with something like pizza, there's always the matter of personal preference. People like different kinds of pizza, but for me, this is by far the best money can buy in columbia. And to complement that, they have a hefty beer selection. The atmosphere is solid as well for a pub type restaurant like this. I highly recommend it.
(5)Matt N.
Great food and service!
(5)Vieve L.
A favorite local spot. Plenty of good beer. Delicious pizza. I also like the spinach salad with bacon dressing. Nothing beats the deck on a warm evening with friends, not too loud, can watch the game or just chill.
(4)Andrew C.
The beer selection was nice and reasonably priced. The food appears to be very solid. It is in the parking lot for the Colonial Life Arena so I see this place developing into a great location.
(4)Patrick D.
My new favorite place! Excellent draught beer selection for $3 a pint all the time!!! The pizza is awesome. The giant stuffed banana peppers are awesome (and quite spicy). Above-average service, especially for a pub. It can get crazy when it's crowded with pre- or post-event drinkers, but that's to be expected with their location. Huge deck for nice weather days too. I'll be back for sure.
(5)sarah p.
It is so hard to find good pizza in Columbia! This is one of the only places in Columbia I will eat pizza. I would not recommend their pizza with fresh tomatoes, they don't drain/dry the tomatoes and it makes the pizza soggy. But the other toppings are quite good. I have tried a couple other items on the menu and they have all been very good. They have a great beer and drink selection. They also have a wonderful brunch on Sundays. I was pretty impressed by the brunch, and hey the 2 for 1 mimosas weren't bad either.
(4)Marcus B.
nice laid back sports bar has NFL Sunday ticket and some good gourmet sandwiches, apps and pizza. place is a bit dark inside though. decor is like that of a study or library.
(4)