14 South Carolina Sandwich Shops Worth The Drive, With One Charleston Favorite At No. 1

A sandwich has to be pretty special before anyone starts measuring the distance to it in miles instead of minutes.

South Carolina, fortunately, has plenty that qualify.

Across the state, little delis, neighborhood counters, and old-school sandwich shops are stacking lunches capable of turning an ordinary drive into a food mission. There are cheesesteaks dripping with melted cheese, Italian subs packed until the bread can barely contain them, pastrami piled high, freshly baked bread, and sandwiches so large that eating one neatly becomes an unrealistic goal.

Some hide in shopping centers. Others sit on small-town streets you might normally drive straight through.

A few have loyal regulars who already know what they are ordering before they reach the counter.

That is usually a very good sign.

We found 14 South Carolina sandwich shops where the bread matters, the fillings are generous, and taking the long way to lunch suddenly makes perfect sense.

But save some appetite for No. 1.

That Charleston favorite has enough personality, flavor, and local love to make the final few miles feel very short.

1. Brown Dog Deli, Charleston

Calling Brown Dog Deli just a sandwich shop is like calling a fireworks show a few sparks. This Charleston favorite earns the No. 1 spot by turning lunch into a full-blown party.

Board games hang on the walls and cover the tables, ’80s memorabilia pops up everywhere, and a courtyard waits for sunny afternoons.

The menu reads like a mixtape of bold ideas. The Fried Green Tomato BLT is a Southern classic with a crunchy twist, while Apple Butter Jeans proves vegetarians deserve fun names too.

Wes’ French Onion Grilled Cheese, The Devil Wears Burrata, and a hearty Pastrami Reuben all fight for your attention.

Sides are no sidekicks here. The loaded baked potato salad is a must, Sidewinder Fries are fully vegan, and deli dogs round out the lineup.

Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean everyone at the table wins.

Families will love the kids’ menu, high chairs, and changing tables, and pups are welcome inside and out. Hours run 9 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday and 9 AM to 4 PM on Sunday.

Afternoons get busy and parking can be tricky, so arrive early.

Find it at 225 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29401, where most meals land between $10 and $20.

2. Harry’s Hoagie Shoppe, Greenville

Philadelphia called, and it wants its hoagies back. Too bad, because Greenville is keeping them.

Harry’s Hoagie Shoppe brings authentic Philly-style sandwiches to the Upstate, and it does so with serious love for the craft.

Meats are sliced fresh, the bread is just right, and the cheese melts like it has somewhere important to be. Mike’s Classic Cheesesteak is the headliner, but the Italian sub has a loyal fan club that calls it the best in town.

The Porchetta and The Mortadella give adventurous eaters something to brag about.

Vegetarians are covered with a Classic Cheese Hoagie, and the Classic Italian Tuna Salad is a sneaky favorite. Save room for dessert, because the Ricotta Pie and Classic Cannoli are little Italian love letters.

A side of macaroni salad completes the picture.

The staff are warm, quick, and clearly proud of every sandwich they wrap. Lines can form, especially on Saturday afternoons, but service moves fast.

Outdoor seating helps on nice days.

Hours are short, so plan ahead: 11 AM to 2 PM on Monday and Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 11 AM to 4 PM Friday and Saturday. Visit 1700 E North St, Suite A, Greenville, SC 29607.

3. Manny’s Deli & Subs, Myrtle Beach

Bring both hands and maybe a friend. The subs at Manny’s Deli & Subs are so big they practically need their own parking spot.

This NY-style deli in Myrtle Beach proves that beach towns can do more than funnel cakes and saltwater taffy.

Everything starts with the rolls, which are super fresh and pleasantly chewy. Meat gets piled high, then topped with just the right amount of lettuce, tomatoes, and seasoning.

Sausalito turkey is a standout, and the Reuben is a must for anyone who loves a classic.

Signature deli salads round out the meal, and the potato salad deserves its own fan club. It is creamy, comforting, and the perfect partner for a giant sub.

Grab a container to share, or don’t. No judgment here.

The vibe is welcoming from the moment you open the door, and service is quick and friendly. It works great as a fast lunch between beach sessions or a relaxed dinner after a long day of sun.

Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 4 PM on Sunday. Free parking makes life easy.

Head to 5702 S Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29575.

4. Andy’s Deli, Columbia

Since the 1970s, Andy’s Deli has been feeding Columbia with the steady hand of a family that knows its way around a sandwich. Walking in feels a bit like stepping into a favorite old photo album.

The vibe is cozy, old-fashioned, and full of hometown charm.

The star of the show is the Andy’s Special. Picture hot turkey, roast beef, Swiss cheese, and bacon all snuggled together, served with a pickle, chips, and a dipping sauce.

It is the kind of sandwich that makes you lean back and smile.

Beyond the Special, the menu offers hearty subs, salads, and soups. The staff are patient and friendly, and they go out of their way to handle dietary needs.

For anyone craving a true deli experience in the capital city, this is the spot.

Free Wi-Fi makes it handy for a working lunch, and takeout, pickup, and delivery are all options. Tuesdays and Friday afternoons can get busy, so time your trip wisely.

Hours are 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday and 10 AM to 7 PM Friday and Saturday, with Sunday off. Swing by 2005 Greene St, Columbia, SC 29205.

5. The SamMitch Shop, Spartanburg

Sandwich, sammich, SamMitch. However you say it, this Spartanburg gem says it best.

The SamMitch Shop is a locally owned spot serving gourmet sandwiches and homemade soups with a side of genuine kindness.

Fresh ingredients lead the way here. Expect creative combos featuring things like spinach, broccoli, and meatballs, all stacked with care.

E’s Turkey and Cheese is a comforting classic, while The Stella gives plant-based eaters a fully vegan option that does not feel like an afterthought.

The sides are where things get extra cozy. Tomato bisque soup pairs perfectly with any sandwich on a chilly day, and the chickpea salad brings a light, fresh crunch.

Healthy options sit right next to comfort food, so you can pick your mood.

Staff are attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere is calm enough for a quiet solo lunch. Kids are welcome with high chairs available, and dogs can join you at the outdoor seats.

Parking is usually plentiful, which is always a treat.

Hours run 11 AM to 9 PM Monday through Friday and 11 AM to 3 PM Saturday, closed Sunday. Find it at 201 Wall St, Suite D, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

6. Sister Sister Deli & Market, Beaufort

Cute shop, serious sandwiches. Sister Sister Deli and Market in historic Beaufort pairs a charming little storefront with some of the most creative sandwiches on the coast.

It is the kind of place that makes you want to snap a photo before your first bite.

The chicken is sliced thin, tender, and packed with flavor. The beef brisket is rich and so tender it practically falls apart on its own.

Every sandwich arrives with care, and the hand-cut fries are crispy little treasures you will not want to share.

Coffee lovers are in luck, since the coffee here gets high marks. A full vegetarian menu, halal options, and small plates mean the whole crew can find something they love.

Service is quick, so you can get back to exploring Beaufort’s oak-lined streets.

Families will appreciate the kids’ menu and high chairs, and dogs can hang out at the outdoor seating. Parking is usually easy to find, which feels like a small miracle in a historic downtown.

Plan your trip for Tuesday through Saturday, 11 AM to 4 PM, since it is closed Sunday and Monday. Visit 403 Carteret St, Beaufort, SC 29902.

7. Just Julie’s Sandwich Shop, Aike

People cross state lines for a sub from Just Julie’s, and honestly, that tells you everything. Folks hop over from Augusta just for the roast beef.

This locally owned deli in Aiken has built a reputation on fresh, made-to-order sandwiches that are piled high and full of flavor.

Meats are cut fresh, and the steak and cheese and pastrami subs are crowd favorites. Julie’s Cheese Steak, the Chicken Philly, and the Crab Sub all have their own loyal fans.

Feeling wild? Try the Cheeseburger Quesadilla or a classic Patty Melt.

The house-made salads are some of the best in town, and the Chef Salad is a fresh, filling pick. Dessert is non-negotiable, because the Homemade Banana Pudding tastes like a Sunday dinner at grandma’s house.

Full vegan and vegetarian menus keep everyone included.

Service is quick and the staff are friendly, giving the place a one-of-a-kind feel. Kids get their own menu, and dogs can relax outside.

Parking is easy, too.

Hours are generous: 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Friday, 10 AM to 8 PM Saturday, and 11 AM to 6 PM Sunday. Head to 951 Pine Log Rd, Aiken, SC 29803.

8. Alvin Ord’s Of Bluffton, Bluffton

Follow your nose. The smell of fresh-baked bread drifting out of Alvin Ord’s of Bluffton could guide you there with your eyes closed.

This charming shop proves that great sandwiches start long before the fillings show up.

The homemade bread is the true hero, soft inside with a crust worth writing home about. On top of that, you get hearty fillings and sandwiches with fun names.

The Salvation Sandwich and Ham Salvation are local legends, while the French Dip and BLT keep things classic.

Here is a fun bonus: there is even a Thursday Ham Sandwich, so mark your calendar. Full vegan and vegetarian menus mean nobody misses out on that famous bread.

The shop is not fancy, and that is part of the charm. Staff greet you warmly, service is speedy, and online orders come out right.

A cute screened-in patio lets you enjoy Bluffton’s breezes without the bugs, and dogs are welcome.

Hours run 10:30 AM to 4 PM Monday through Thursday and Sunday, and 10:30 AM to 6 PM Friday and Saturday. Parking is plentiful.

Stop by 1230 May River Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910.

9. Sully’s Steamers, Greenville

Ever had a bagel take a sauna? At Sully’s Steamers, bagels get steamed until they are hot, soft, and ready to hug whatever you pile inside.

This downtown Greenville staple has made steamed bagel sandwiches its signature move.

You can build your own or pick a house favorite. The Hulk stacks turkey, pepperoni, provolone, and a dressing that people rave about.

The Vulcan, the Meat Head, and the Reedy Reuben bring even more personality to the lineup.

Breakfast fans can grab a BF Breakfast Bagel with coffee, and the Smoked Salmon is a morning treat. Vegetarians and vegans have full menus, with options like the El Camino and Nacho Maximus.

Want something sweet? The Sticky Fingers Bagel is calling your name.

Here is a fun fact: on Fridays and Saturdays, Sully’s stays open until 3 AM, making it a late-night lifesaver. Other hours are 7 AM to 8 PM Monday through Thursday and 8:30 AM to 3 PM Sunday.

The crew is young, quick, and friendly, and the outdoor seating is great for people-watching. Parking can be tricky downtown.

Find it at 6 E Washington St, Greenville, SC 29601.

10. Toffino’s Italian Bakery Deli Pizzeria, Myrtle Beach

Bakery, deli, and pizzeria walk into a building. The result is Toffino’s, and nobody is complaining.

This beautiful Italian spot in Myrtle Beach’s upscale Market Common area does three jobs and nails every one.

The Legendary Italian Hoagie is the number one seller for good reason. Its bread has a crisp crust and a pillowy soft center that makes every bite sing.

The roast beef sandwich with shredded lettuce, thin red onions, banana peppers, and Italian dressing is another winner.

Hungry for more? The Meatball Parmigiano and the Cheesesteak with the Works bring big comfort.

Starters like Fried Ravioli and Topher’s Cheese Sticks make great sharing plates for the table.

Then comes the pastry case, and good luck walking past it. Chocolate Shell Cannoli, Key Lime Pie, and Carrot Cake are all top-notch, and the coffee pairs perfectly.

A short wait is totally worth it.

Kids get their own menu, and there is plenty of free parking. Friday and Saturday evenings stay busiest.

Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM Tuesday through Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday. Visit 550 Farrow Pkwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.

11. Enzo’s Delicatessen, Columbia

Authenticity is the secret ingredient at Enzo’s Delicatessen. This Columbia deli sources its meats, cheeses, and flavors as close to the real deal as possible.

The result is a New York-style sandwich that tastes like it took a shortcut from Little Italy.

Sandwiches here are huge, so come hungry. The Sosa is a standout, and the Turkey Pesto offers a lighter, herby option.

Chicken vodka also earns plenty of love from regulars who keep coming back for it.

Wash it all down with a classic Dr. Brown’s Black Cherry soda, a deli tradition that brings instant nostalgia. For dessert, grab a Black and White Cookie, the iconic half-chocolate, half-vanilla treat New Yorkers swear by.

Before you leave, browse the imported Italian groceries for pantry goodies to take home. The spacious dining area out front gives you room to relax, and the outdoor seating is great on mild days.

Orders come out quickly, and the service is always friendly.

Hours run 11 AM to 6 PM Monday through Saturday, with Sunday off. On-site parking makes visiting simple.

Find it at 612 Whaley St, Columbia, SC 29201.

12. Deli Korner, Spartanburg

Guten Tag, Spartanburg! Deli Korner is a longtime, family-owned market and sandwich shop that serves German, Swiss, and American favorites.

It is a little slice of Bavaria tucked into the Upstate, and it is wonderful.

The Reuben is a must, and its cousin the Rachel swaps in turkey for a lighter twist. Pastrami sandwiches are another highlight, stacked generously and full of flavor.

For a true taste of Germany, the Bratwurst Plate is hearty and satisfying.

Do not skip the potato salad, especially the warm German-style version that tastes like a cozy kitchen. A Bavarian Pretzel makes a perfect snack, and the Chef Salad offers a fresh option.

Daily lunch specials keep things exciting.

Fun bonus: there is a small shopping area where you can pick up authentic goodies to take home. The staff are friendly, the atmosphere is cozy, and a 20-ounce sweet tea keeps it Southern.

Curbside pickup and delivery are available, too.

Plan around weekday hours, 10 AM to 4 PM Monday through Friday, since it is closed weekends. Wednesdays get busiest.

Head to 1445 Fernwood Glendale Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29307.

13. Porchetta Shop, Charleston

Porchetta is an Italian roast pork tradition, slow-cooked with herbs until the skin turns crackly and the meat stays juicy. Porchetta Shop in Charleston has made it the star, tucking it into thick slabs of house-made focaccia.

Simple idea, unforgettable result.

The Porchetta sandwich is the obvious first pick, but the menu has plenty of other heroes. Mortadella, Prosciutto Italiano, Hot Soppressata, and Chicken Milanese all bring big Italian energy.

The Greatest Show on Focaccia lives up to its circus-worthy name.

Morning people get a treat here, too. The shop opens at 8 AM, and the Extra Virgin Olive Oil Morning Cake pairs nicely with a cup of coffee.

Smoked Salmon makes a lovely early bite as well.

Sandwiches are big, ingredients are fresh, and service is friendly and fast. There is no table service, so order at the counter and dig in.

Delivery and takeout are handy if you want a picnic.

It is open daily from 8 AM to 6 PM, with weekday afternoons busiest. Parking can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes.

Visit 109 President St, Charleston, SC 29403.

14. Berkeley’s, Charleston

Dogs, sandwiches, and sunshine make a pretty perfect trio. Berkeley’s is a casual neighborhood restaurant in Charleston where four-legged friends are welcome and the sandwiches steal the spotlight.

Signature cheesesteaks lead the menu, but the variety keeps you coming back. The eggplant parm sandwich is outstanding, and the turkey club is a timeless winner.

Many locals claim the classic chicken cutlet sandwich is the best in town, and one bite explains why.

Every sandwich comes with house-made chips that are crispy without being greasy. Other favorites include the French Dip, the Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, and lighter picks like the Beet Salad, Greek Salad, and Burrata and Tomato.

Smoked Salmon Dip makes a great starter to share.

Seating is mostly outdoors, and the space can feel snug, which only adds to the lively, friendly vibe. Staff are attentive and quick.

Kids have their own menu, including a plain turkey sandwich with fries, and high chairs are available.

Unlike many shops on this list, Berkeley’s accepts reservations. It is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM, and Sundays stay busy.

Parking can be tough. Find it at 624 1/2 Rutledge Ave, Charleston, South Carolina 29403.