This NYC-Style South Carolina Deli Piles Pastrami Sandwiches As Big As Your Head

One sandwich here is called the Arthur Avenue Special, and it arrives stacked with meat and sweet peppers. Some deli sandwiches come in large or huge sizes.

That second option tells you everything about the ambition of this kitchen.

The menu reads like a love letter to New York. Pastrami, corned beef, brisket, and even beef tongue share space with matzo ball soup and chopped liver.

Every sandwich comes with coleslaw and a pickle, which feels like the deli version of good manners.

I like how this spot brings real Big Apple deli culture to a beach town in South Carolina. It has done it for four decades, too.

I can’t imagine a better reward after a morning on a bike trail.

So how exactly do you eat a sandwich taller than your coffee cup? Carefully, with both hands, and probably with a plan.

The Pastrami Here Needs Both Hands And A Strategy

Gruby’s New York Deli builds its reputation on overstuffed pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. These aren’t dainty little lunches meant for polite nibbling.

The menu describes them as piled high, and the photos back that up. Rye bread holds back a mountain of sliced meat like a tiny levee.

Good luck keeping it neat.

Pastrami is the headliner, and it earns the spotlight. Corned beef runs a close second for anyone who likes a slightly different cure.

A classic Reuben also shows up for fans of melted cheese and sauerkraut.

Every sandwich comes with coleslaw and a pickle on the side. That crunchy, tangy pair helps cut through all that rich, savory meat.

Think of them as your sandwich’s supporting cast.

Here’s a smart tip for first-timers. Look at the size options before you order, because some sandwiches come in large or huge.

Large already counts as a serious meal for most people.

Huge is for the brave, the starving, or the people planning to share. Either way, grab extra napkins before you start.

You’ll need them by bite three, guaranteed.

Forty Years Of New York Flavor On A Southern Island

Back in 1986, a slice of New York deli culture set up shop on a South Carolina barrier island. That move sounds bold even now.

Gruby’s New York Deli has served Hilton Head Island ever since. In 2026, that adds up to 40 years of pastrami, bagels, and matzo ball soup.

Plenty of restaurants come and go in beach towns, so that run says a lot.

The goal has always been simple. Gruby’s wants to bring back the feeling of New York’s classic food scene.

It aims for nostalgia you can actually taste.

That idea matters for transplants who miss their old neighborhood deli. It also matters for Southerners who’ve never stood at a counter in Manhattan.

Both groups get the same overstuffed welcome.

Recognition keeps coming, too. Gruby’s won a Silver award for Best Deli on Hilton Head Island in the 2026 Lowcountry’s Best Awards.

Not bad for a place celebrating its fortieth year.

I believe longevity like this comes from consistency. Four decades of serving the same island means people keep walking back through that door.

Sandwiches this big clearly leave a lasting impression.

Meet The Arthur Avenue Special Before It Meets You

Arthur Avenue is a famous Bronx street packed with Italian food shops. Gruby’s borrows that name for one of its most talked-about sandwiches.

The Arthur Avenue Special is known for being stacked with meat. Sweet peppers add a bright, slightly sugary kick to all that savory filling.

It’s a sandwich with Bronx swagger and Lowcountry sunshine.

Like other deli sandwiches here, it comes in a large size and a huge size. Large is already a commitment.

Huge might qualify as a group project.

This one travels well, which makes it handy on Hilton Head Island. Takeout is available, so you can carry it to the beach or a golf outing.

Just plan on finding a sturdy surface first.

The menu also lists other New York favorites worth noticing. Brisket, turkey, salami, ham, and roast beef all appear as deli options.

Beef tongue is there too, for anyone craving an old-school classic.

Indecisive eaters face a real challenge here. So many choices can make the ordering moment feel like a tough exam.

Picking the Arthur Avenue Special at least gives you a confident answer.

Breakfast Starts Early And Comes With Real Bagels

Doors open at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and breakfast is a big deal here.

That makes Gruby’s a solid first stop before a day on the island.

Fresh New York bagels lead the morning lineup. Bagels with lox bring that classic smoked salmon combo straight from a Manhattan Sunday.

It’s a breakfast that feels like a city tradition.

Breakfast sandwiches also get plenty of love. A bacon, egg, and cheese is the kind of order New Yorkers grab without thinking.

Omelets and pancakes round out the morning options nicely.

Here’s a nice bonus for hungry early risers. Breakfast plates come with your choice of home fries or grits.

That grits option is a friendly little nod to South Carolina.

You also pick toast or a bagel to go with your meal. Naturally, the bagel feels like the right call at a New York deli.

Nobody will judge you either way, though.

Keep the schedule in mind. Gruby’s closes at 4 p.m. and stays closed on Sundays.

Plan your bagel cravings for the right days.

Your Grandmother Would Approve Of These Appetizers

Chopped liver on a menu is a clear sign of a serious deli. Gruby’s has it, along with several other old-school starters.

Herring and onions in cream sauce make the list, too. So does smoked whitefish salad, a beloved spread in New York delis.

These dishes might be new to some diners, and that’s half the fun.

Potato pancakes offer an easier entry point for cautious eaters. Crispy potato snacks rarely scare anyone away.

They’re a great way to share something before the big sandwiches land.

Soup also deserves a spot in your order. The deli makes homemade soups, including matzo ball soup.

Few foods feel cozier than a bowl of that on a cloudy island afternoon.

I like how these dishes keep traditional deli culture alive so far from New York. They tell a story about immigrant kitchens and neighborhood counters.

Each bite carries a little bit of that history.

Want a fun challenge? Try one appetizer you’ve never eaten before.

Worst case, you’ve learned something new about deli tradition, and a giant pastrami sandwich is still coming.

Burger Fans Didn’t Get Left Behind

Not everyone in your group will want cured meat on rye. Gruby’s New York Deli has an answer for them, and it’s a burger.

Burgers come with fries, coleslaw, and a pickle. That’s a full plate, not a sad little side order.

Picky eaters can relax and still leave happy.

This makes the deli a handy pick for families. Kids who shy away from pastrami can still grab something familiar.

Adults can go all-in on deli classics without guilt.

Salads and soups also appear on the menu. That gives lighter eaters some choices besides the sky-high sandwiches.

Balance is possible here, even if temptation is everywhere.

A big menu helps when your crowd has very different tastes. Breakfast, sandwiches, burgers, appetizers, and soups all live under one roof.

Nobody has to compromise much.

One fair warning, though. Watching someone else unwrap a towering pastrami sandwich can cause serious order regret.

Your burger may suddenly feel a little short by comparison.

Just remember that a return trip is always an option. A second visit gives you the perfect excuse to try the sandwich next time.

Grab A Seat Inside Or Catch Some Island Air

Casual and comfortable sums up the mood at Gruby’s. It’s a relaxed deli where sandy flip-flops feel perfectly normal.

The space aims to feel warm and welcoming. Friendly staff help set that easygoing tone.

The whole idea is to make you feel at home, New York style.

Seating comes in two flavors. Indoor tables keep you cool on steamy South Carolina afternoons.

Outdoor seating lets you enjoy fresh air with your corned beef.

The patio is a smart choice on pleasant days. Hilton Head Island weather often invites you outside, so why not take advantage?

Just keep a firm grip on your napkins if a breeze rolls through.

The deli is also accessible, which helps visitors of all abilities. Parking is available too, a welcome relief in a busy vacation area.

Fewer headaches mean more energy for eating.

Bigger groups have options here as well. Between indoor and outdoor tables, there’s room to spread out.

Pulling a few seats together turns lunch into a mini family reunion with very large sandwiches.

Finding This Deli Is Easier Than Finishing The Sandwich

Good news for anyone with a bad sense of direction. Gruby’s sits right off one of the island’s main roads.

You’ll find Gruby’s New York Deli at 890 William Hilton Parkway, Suite 85, Hilton Head Island, SC 29928. It’s inside the Fresh Market Shoppes.

That makes it a natural stop during errands or a shopping trip.

William Hilton Parkway is the main route many visitors already drive. So you won’t need a treasure map to locate your pastrami.

Parking is available once you arrive.

The hours are simple to remember. Gruby’s opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

It’s closed on Sundays, so plan around that.

Those hours make it perfect for breakfast or lunch. Dinner isn’t on the schedule here, so think early rather than late.

A midday visit fits nicely between beach time and pool time.

Staying at a resort nearby? This deli makes a great break from hotel food.

A short drive gets you real New York flavor without needing a plane ticket.

Take The Deli To Go Or Feed The Whole Crew

Some vacation days don’t leave room for sitting down. Gruby’s New York Deli keeps things flexible with several ways to get your food.

Dine-in is the classic choice for soaking up the deli mood. Takeout is available for beach-bound or golf-bound appetites.

Delivery is an option, too, for lazy afternoons at the rental house.

Catering might be the most underrated service here. Gruby’s offers it for groups who want deli food at an event.

Picture a family gathering where nobody leaves hungry, because that’s basically guaranteed.

Big sandwiches make big crowds easy to please. Pastrami, corned beef, turkey, and more cover lots of tastes at once.

Add coleslaw and pickles, and the spread practically sets itself.

I can’t imagine a better way to feed a group on Hilton Head Island without cooking. Everyone gets a taste of New York while staying in South Carolina.

That’s a pretty sweet trade.

So whether you’re dining at a table or a picnic blanket, Gruby’s has you covered. Just bring enough hands for all those sandwiches.