These South Carolina Sandwich Shops Rival The State’s Famous Shrimp & Grits
When the sun sets over the Lowcountry, the aroma of shrimp simmering in a creamy grits broth drifts from kitchen windows-South Carolina’s beloved evening hymn.
Yet, hidden behind that familiar scent, fifteen sandwich shops are composing a bold counter‑melody that’s catching the ear of every hungry local.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a smoky, maple‑glazed pork belly hero, or a towering “Grits‑Smashed” club where a spoonful of buttery grits meets crisp bacon between toasted sourdough.
These shops blend tradition with innovation, turning the simple sandwich into a fierce contender for the state’s most coveted comfort dish.
Ready to taste the rivalry?
Ted’s Butcherblock — Charleston
Gourmet meets butcher-shop charm at this Charleston gem located at 334 E Bay St.
Ted’s Butcherblock isn’t just about raw cuts and fine meats.
They’ve turned their expertise into a lunch destination where wagyu paninis and rotating BLT builds steal the show.
The quality of the meats here is unmatched.
Each sandwich feels like a mini celebration of craftsmanship, with flavors that are bold yet balanced.
Locals swear by the small-batch feel and the attention to detail in every bite.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch or treating yourself to something elevated, this spot delivers.
It’s one of those places where you taste the difference that quality ingredients make.
No shortcuts, no filler, just pure sandwich excellence that makes you rethink what deli food can be.
Butcher & Bee — Charleston
Chef-driven creativity meets sandwich artistry at 1085 Morrison Dr in Charleston.
Butcher & Bee has built a reputation on seasonal, inventive builds that change with the harvest.
Their house-baked bread alone is worth the visit, but it’s what they pile on top that keeps people coming back.
Roast beef, chicken, and vegetarian options rotate often, ensuring there’s always something new to discover. The flavors are bold, the combinations unexpected, and the execution flawless.
This isn’t your average deli.
It’s a culinary playground where sandwiches are treated like works of art.
If you’re looking for a modern, thoughtful take on handheld food, this is your spot.
Every bite feels intentional, every ingredient purposeful, and every visit memorable.
Brown Dog Deli — Charleston
Eclectic, colorful, and bursting with personality, Brown Dog Deli at 40 Archdale St is a Charleston institution.
This place is packed at lunch for a reason.
The sandwiches are playful, generous, and deeply satisfying in a way that feels both unique and comforting.
Locals recommend it to anyone visiting Charleston’s historic core, and for good reason.
The vibe is fun, the menu is creative, and the portions are nothing short of heroic.
I once stopped in on a whim and ended up chatting with a regular who insisted I try the turkey and brie.
She wasn’t wrong.
Every sandwich here feels like it was made by someone who genuinely loves food.
There’s a warmth to the place that makes you want to linger, even when the line is out the door.
Lewis Barbecue — Charleston
Texas-style smoke meets Lowcountry love at 464 N Nassau St.
Lewis Barbecue is famous for its smoked meats, but the brisket and pulled-pork sandwiches are what locals call the best in the state.
Huge portions and melt-in-your-mouth bark make every bite a revelation.
The meat is tender, the seasoning is perfect, and the smoke flavor is deep without being overpowering.
It’s barbecue done right, and it’s all packed into a sandwich that could easily rival any sit-down plate.
You’ll leave with sauce on your fingers and a smile on your face.
This is the kind of food that makes you want to cancel your afternoon plans and take a nap.
If you’re a barbecue lover, this stop is non-negotiable.
The Caviar Bar At Zero George — Charleston
Elevated, boutique, and unforgettable, this spot at 0 George St redefines what a sandwich can be.
The Caviar Bar at Zero George isn’t a traditional sandwich shop, but their katsu-style wagyu sandwich has become a cult favorite.
The craftsmanship is meticulous, the richness undeniable.
Each bite feels like a special occasion.
The crispy exterior gives way to tender, flavorful beef that’s been treated with the utmost care.
It’s not the kind of place you stumble into by accident.
You go here with intention, knowing you’re about to experience something rare.
Among the most unforgettable sandwiches in South Carolina, this one stands in a league of its own.
It’s proof that sandwiches can be luxurious, refined, and absolutely worth the splurge.
Bodega — Charleston
Fast, fun, and full of flavor, Bodega at 549 King St is where sandwiches become events.
This breakfast-and-lunch spot is known for big, bold deli sandwiches, including pressed paninis and oversized classics.
Even a simple ham and cheese feels like a celebration here.
The energy is upbeat, the menu is approachable, and the quality is consistent.
It’s the kind of place where you can grab something quick without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.
Whether you’re fueling up before exploring Charleston or grabbing a midday bite, Bodega delivers every time.
The portions are generous, the flavors are punchy, and the vibe is welcoming.
It’s a no-fuss, high-reward kind of spot that locals rely on and visitors rave about.
Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop — Beaufort / Port Royal
Old-school charm meets homemade excellence at 822 Paris Ave in Port Royal.
Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop has been a beloved fixture for decades, famous for its homemade bread and consistently stacked sandwiches.
Locals have been going here for generations, and the tradition shows no signs of slowing.
The Salvation sandwich is a must-try.
It’s the kind of build that makes you understand why people drive out of their way for a good sandwich.
There’s something comforting about a place that’s been doing the same thing well for so long.
No gimmicks, no trends, just solid sandwiches made with care.
If you’re in the Beaufort area, this is the kind of stop that feels like a warm hug from an old friend.
Groucho’s Deli — Columbia (and statewide)
A South Carolina institution since 1941, Groucho’s Deli has locations throughout the state, including 611 Harden St in Columbia.
Known for hearty deli sandwiches, signature sauces, and a nostalgic vibe, this place has fed generations of South Carolinians.
Whether you want a simple turkey sandwich or something saucier, Groucho’s delivers.
The menu is straightforward, the portions are generous, and the flavors are familiar in the best way.
It’s the kind of place that feels like home, no matter where you’re from.
I remember stopping at a Groucho’s after a long road trip and feeling instantly better after the first bite. There’s something about their sandwiches that just hits right.
It’s comfort food at its finest, wrapped in tradition and served with a smile.
DiPrato’s — Columbia
A neighborhood fixture at 3953 Forest Dr, DiPrato’s offers an impressive lineup of deli classics and Italian-inspired sandwiches.
Their pimento-cheese specialties are a local favorite, blending Southern tradition with deli innovation.
Always busy at lunchtime, this spot has earned its reputation through a reliable, from-scratch approach.
The ingredients are fresh, the flavors are bold, and the service is friendly. It’s the kind of place where you can tell that care goes into every sandwich.
Whether you’re in the mood for something traditional or something with a twist, DiPrato’s has you covered. The menu is diverse, the execution is consistent, and the atmosphere is welcoming.
It’s a Columbia staple that continues to draw crowds for all the right reasons.
Sully’s Steamers — Columbia
Unique, comforting, and downright addictive, Sully’s Steamers at 930 Gervais St serves hot, steamed bagel sandwiches.
The concept is simple but brilliant.
Bagels are steamed until soft and melty, then loaded with your choice of fillings.
Locals love it for late study sessions, casual lunches, and comfort food cravings.
The sandwiches come out warm, gooey, and incredibly satisfying.
There’s something nostalgic about the whole experience. It feels like the kind of food you’d crave after a long day or during a late-night hangout with friends.
The menu is approachable, the prices are fair, and the results are consistently delicious.
If you’re looking for something a little different, Sully’s is the answer.
5th Avenue Deli — Columbia
A classic deli with a loyal following, 5th Avenue Deli at 4517 Forest Dr serves consistently well-made sandwiches.
Expect big portions, traditional flavors, and a menu that leans into comfort favorites.
This is the kind of place where you know exactly what you’re getting, and you’re always happy about it.
The vibe is unpretentious, the service is quick, and the food is reliable.
It’s a neighborhood staple that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel.
Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
A straightforward, satisfying sandwich that hits all the right notes without any fuss.
Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, you’ll leave feeling like you got your money’s worth and then some.
Harry’s Hoagie Shoppe — Greenville
Hoagie heaven exists at 1025 S Church St in Greenville.
Harry’s Hoagie Shoppe specializes in Philly-style builds, using high-quality meats and rolls that win repeat customers.
Widely considered one of the best hoagie spots in the Upstate, this place knows how to do sandwiches right.
The bread is soft yet sturdy, the fillings are generous, and the flavors are authentic. It’s the kind of sandwich that makes you understand why people get passionate about hoagies.
There’s no pretense here, just good food made by people who care.
The menu is focused, the execution is tight, and the results speak for themselves.
If you’re in Greenville and craving a hoagie, this is the only stop you need to make.
SOCIETY Sandwich Bar & Social Club — Greenville
Trendy, modern, and creative, SOCIETY Sandwich Bar at 28 N Main St is where bold flavors meet thoughtful design.
Their sandwiches are chef-crafted and often layered with unexpected textures and tastes.
It’s the kind of place where you go for the food and stay for the atmosphere.
The menu is inventive, the presentation is Instagram-worthy, and the flavors are on point.
Every sandwich feels like it was designed to surprise and delight.
I once tried a sandwich here that had pickled vegetables and a spicy aioli I’m still thinking about months later. It was one of those meals that sticks with you.
Great food and a great vibe make this a popular hangout for both locals and visitors looking for something fresh and exciting.
Empire Deli — Greenville
Much-loved and consistently excellent, Empire Deli at 1950 W Georgia Rd serves some of the Upstate’s best sandwiches.
Reubens, roast beef, and classic deli fare are the stars here.
Straightforward, satisfying, and always fresh, this spot has earned its loyal following through quality and consistency.
The ingredients are top-notch, the portions are fair, and the flavors are exactly what you want from a good deli.
There’s no need to overthink it.
Sometimes the best sandwiches are the ones that stick to the classics and do them well. Empire Deli is proof of that philosophy.
Whether you’re a deli purist or just looking for a solid lunch, this place won’t let you down.
Las Meras Tortas — Greenville / Taylors
Authentic, affordable, and absolutely loaded, Las Meras Tortas at 2930 Wade Hampton Blvd in Taylors is a torta lover’s dream.
These Mexican sandwiches on soft bolillo rolls are huge, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
The options are authentic, the ingredients are fresh, and the prices are unbeatable.
Each torta is packed with layers of meat, avocado, beans, and all the fixings.
It’s messy in the best way, and every bite is a flavor explosion.
This spot easily rivals any traditional deli in the state, proving that great sandwiches come in all shapes and cultural traditions.
The vibe is casual, the food is serious, and the value is incredible.
If you haven’t tried a torta here yet, you’re missing out on one of the Upstate’s best-kept secrets.