South Carolina’s sandwich scene is full of hidden treasures that locals protect like precious family secrets. From Columbia’s bustling lunch counters to Charleston’s beloved delis, these spots have earned their place in the hearts of regulars who return week after week. Whether it’s a perfectly smoked pulled pork sandwich or an overstuffed hoagie piled high with fresh ingredients, each location offers something special that keeps the community coming back for more.
No Name Deli
Driving past this humble Columbia spot at lunchtime means witnessing a local ritual. Cars slow down just to check the line snaking out the door, and more often than not, drivers pull in to join the crowd. The simple façade hides what regulars already know: cult-level sandwiches await inside.
Their chicken salad commands serious respect among Columbia residents. Each sandwich arrives overstuffed with generous portions that make napkins a necessity. The combination of flavors and textures has created devoted fans who plan their lunch breaks around peak hours.
Newcomers often wonder what the fuss is about until they take their first bite. Then they understand why locals guard this spot so fiercely, returning again and again to their favorite counter seat.
Palmetto Pig
That bright turquoise roof stands out like a beacon for those who know. Inside this modest Columbia building, pulled pork reaches near-perfection with just the right balance of tang and smoke. Every bite delivers tender meat that practically melts on your tongue…