Since it’s a town for college kids and gourmets alike, Charleston’s got more pizza places than San Francisco’s got hills and Nashville’s got hits. Find enough topping varieties to shake a mozzarella stick at, find prices to fit budget. Pizza can be a grease-soaked cardboard box, but it can also be a candlelit affair. So how to pick? Fortunately, here’s a little graphic (with some tips) to help decide what pies to try.



Norm's: Probably the fastest downtown delivery, and no gourmet frills either; this family-owned joint has had only classic pies since the ‘70s. (843) 723-0506



Sabatino's: On the chariot race of Calhoun Street is the best deal in town: two slices of classic New York-style pie and a soda for $7. It’s open late (2:30 a.m.) on weekends for frugal food cravings. (843) 577-8861



Monza: Imported San Felice wheat. Natural Neopolitan yeast. Everything else comes from around the area. All of Monza’s creatively topped pies are named after famous dead Italian racecar drivers, like the Campari (mozzarella, eggplant, red pepper, olives, capers and goat cheese) or the Ronnie Peterson (chicken, artichoke, arugula pesto and ricotta). Mike Lata loves their pizzas with fried eggs on top.



Andolini's: These are all over the Charleston area, and Andolini’s is a chain for people who don’t like chains. The brightly colored downtown one is the most well known, with pies in the window and Elvis paraphernalia plastered all over. If you don't like pizza (you ought to reconsider that), Ando's also has calzones the size of pedicabs. Please share. (843) 722-7437



Pizzeria Di Giovanni: Three dollar foot-long (of pizza that is) slice. It’s in the center of Market Street by all of the clubs and bars. Advice: Get there right before the bars close at 2: everyone and their grandmother ends up there. (843) 727-6767



D'Allesandro's: If a trip into Elliotborough (or drink deals or games) doesn't sound grand, you can have The Get Gnarly (spinach, balsamic chicken, bleu cheese) or The Beetnick (bacon, golden beets, rosemary) delivered. Order 21st century pizza the 21st century way: online. (843) 853-6337 or 229pies.com

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Gilroy's: What exactly makes an Irish Pizza pub? Find out at this seedy fixture in Charleston's late-night dining scene that's open 24 hours and has a “manager's special” that's an urban legend in the College of Charleston vernacular. (843) 937-9200



Mellow Mushroom, Avondale: A converted theater that looks straight out of a Tarantino movie offers build-your-own-pie options with more autonomy and choice than anywhere else. For a more psychedelic experience (wink wink), the downtown one's planted on King Street and has trivia on Sunday nights at 8:30.



EVO Pizzeria: About as local as you can get: this Park Circle pizza parlor is worth the drive. It’s sourcing is good for the Charleston community, and with options like Swiss chard and goat cheese, it's also good for you. With a diverse wine selection and bands, EVO also makes a great date night.



Park Pizza: A relative newcomer to Park Circle (and brought to you by former employees at A.C.'s) is different because of a traditional oven and huge, funky menu with options like the B.S.T. (bacon, spinach, tomato) or Chicken Chili (with a white bean paste). There are few decisions as difficult as picking one pie.

(843) 225-7275



La Pizzeria: You’re more likely to find pad thai than tourists at this Mt. Pleasant gem. It may close early (10 p.m.) and on Mondays, but house specialty dishes and pies make for a secluded and quiet evening. La Pizzeria also does take out, but no delivery. (843) 375-4607

Brixx Wood Fired Pizza: The pear and gorgonzola with walnuts is like a dessert and a menu highlight in this family (and vegan)-friendly and fun-flavored franchise. No delivery or take-out.