For late-night food cravings, head to Five Points for calzones

So what’s good here?

The name says it all: calzones. New York-style dough is stuffed full of ingredients like chicken, beef, pork, pepperoni, veggies and more.

Some calzones have basic names that convey the obvious: Philly steak has steak, green peppers, onions, mozzarella and American cheese. Others sport clever identities: Three Pigs has ham, bacon, sausage, Italian spices and mozzarella. The Gamecock is stuffed with a burger, taco seasoning, cheddar cheese, onions, hot sauce and banana peppers.

On the lighter side, there are veggie calzones – even a Low-Cal, with “lots” of broccoli.

For those who cannot decide from the extensive list of calzones, there a build-your-own calzone has a choice of five ingredients.

Dessert calzones are apple pie or cheesecake, with a choice of fruit or Nutella. The only other selections at this calzone-focused establishment are fries, tater tots, mozzarella sticks and wings.

How did Eddie’s Calzones get its start?

Late-night studying and partying prompted the opening of three Eddie’s Calzones in college towns: Athens, Georgia; Auburn, Alabama; and Columbia.

The goal is to offer always-fresh, never-frozen, filling food all day and into the wee hours. Customers can eat in, carry out, or request delivery until 4 a.m.

What does the place look like?

The garnet and black colors are an obvious sign that we’re in Gamecock country.

Interior booths, tables, and a narrow bar provide seating for around 30, while a patio seats another 10 or so, weather permitting.

Large signage touts: “Columbia Loves Calzones” and “Your Calzone Hookup.” The menu is a banner hanging from the ceiling. Eddie’s Calzones T-shirts are for sale at the cash register, and televisions blare movies or sports.

Who eats here?

Primarily college students, but professors, USC staff, white- and blue-collar workers, and some Five Points shoppers also enjoy Eddie’s.

Deena C. Bouknight, Special to Go Columbia

This story was originally published November 2, 2016 at 5:00 PM with the headline "For late-night food cravings, head to Five Points for calzones."