Local Biz Spotlight: Village Idiot

This week’s spotlight is Village Idiot- the ultimate pizza, drink, and sports bar.

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Village Idiot, my favorite spot for pizza, drinks, and catching a game all in one. Let’s dive into why this place takes the cake.

Village Idiot first opened in Five Points and has since expanded to two more locations near Olympia Mills and Forest Acres. But honestly, the original Five Points location is still the place to be. The energy is always buzzing, especially when there’s a Carolina sports game on. The place fills with excitement, and it quickly becomes the heart of the neighborhood. If you’re in the mood for a pizza experience that’s truly top-notch, Village Idiot is the place. Trust me—once you try their mouthwatering pizza and incredible drink deals, you’ll never look at pizza the same way again.

Positives:

Village Idiot is like a circus of fun every single night of the week, with events that keep the energy high. From percentage nights to trivia showdowns and even bingo battles, there’s never a dull moment. Back in my freshman days at Women’s Quad, Tuesday nights were always the highlight. My friends and I would race down the Bull Street hill to join the crew for trivia night at Village Idiot—and we never missed it.

Now, let’s talk pizza. Village Idiot doesn’t mess around with their toppings. Whether you’re building your own masterpiece or diving into a signature creation like “The Village Special” or “The Godfather,” they’ve got something for everyone. And you can’t forget about the legendary “Freshman 15”—trust me, it’s worth every calorie. But the fun doesn’t stop there. They also offer crispy mozzarella sticks, wings, salads, and the classic chicken fingers and fries. And, the pizza by the slice? It’s practically the size of a small child—no joke.

If you’ve ever had a drink so good you wish you could have more, Village Idiot has you covered with pitchers of your favorite beer, mimosa, mixed drink, or just a glass of wine. The spot is perfect for watching your favorite sports games, especially during college football and NFL seasons. Whether you grab a seat at the bar or hang out at one of the huge tables for your group, the atmosphere is always buzzing with excitement. With TVs everywhere, you’ll never miss a minute of the action!

Negatives:

Village Idiot truly excels at catering to large groups, offering a fun atmosphere with delicious food and drinks. It’s a go-to spot, especially for students, and can fill up quickly—sometimes reaching capacity, meaning there might be a line outside. But trust me, it’s worth the wait, especially if you’re looking to catch a live game.

Despite the crowds, the staff does an amazing job ensuring quick service. I’ve never had to wait long for my food, even during peak hours. Big shoutout to their waitstaff for keeping everything running smoothly. A couple of things to keep in mind: the Five Points location has a steep staircase, so be careful, especially after enjoying one of their pitchers of beer. Also, they’re closed on Mondays, just a heads-up. But other than that, I’ve got no complaints!

Honorable mentions:

One thing you have to try at Village Idiot: Pizza fries. I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure at first, but after my friend insisted, I can’t imagine starting a meal here without them. These rosemary fries, smothered in red sauce and melted mozzarella, are an absolute game-changer. Trust me, you won’t regret trying them.

Now, onto the pizza. While I’m a “keep it simple” kind of girl and always go for the classic cheese with pineapple (I know, I know, it’s a controversial choice), my friends swear by the specialty pizzas, and their reviews are nothing short of glowing. And of course, you can’t go to Village Idiot without indulging in a pitcher. Personally, I’m hooked on the “Adios MOFO”—it’s blue, bursting with flavor, and packed with all the sugary goodness you could want. And a whole pitcher for just $15? That’s a steal in my eyes. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Would I recommend and who should come here:

Village Idiot is your go-to spot for laid-back weekend afternoons when all you crave is comforting food, quality time with friends, and catching your favorite sports game. The weekends are buzzing with the energy of college students and locals alike, creating the perfect atmosphere to relax and enjoy a slice or two. But it’s not just about the weekends—popping in for a casual bite on quieter evenings is always a great option. Plus, if you’re hosting a gathering or need to feed a crowd, their pizza is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making takeout and catering a breeze.

I’ll never forget the vibe at Village Idiot during one of the Women’s South Carolina Basketball Final Four games. The place was packed, and as we all belted out “Sandstorm” in unison, it felt like we were right there on the court. Village Idiot has an incredible way of bringing people together, sparking laughter, and creating unforgettable memories with friends. Whether you’re craving great pizza, looking for a lively night out, or just in the mood for a drink at the bar, Village Idiot has you covered. Trust me, you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for good times and great food.