LUNCH Charleston Style

A guide to the Lowcountry’s best midday bites

by Liesel Schmidt

Alvin Ord’s

Known for their toasted sandwiches, Alvin Ord’s offers the perfect break in your day—plus their quick, friendly service is ideal when you have one eye on the clock. Leading the lineup is The Salvation, a muffaletta-style sandwich piled with ham, salami, mortadella, cheese, and veggies. Reuben lovers should try their take on the classic, stacked with four cheeses, or opt for the turkey-forward Rachel. Other favorites include the French Dip and the Club.

At Alvin Ord’s, it’s the freshly baked, round bread that really sets the menu apart. The recipe was created by its founder in the ‘70s, who mysteriously disappeared one day. After finding out he’d run off to become a Trappist monk, his nephews named the business after him and turned him into the shop’s mascot (a monk holding up a platter of sandwiches). The secret bread recipe is taught to each baker with strict adherence to its original quality. It’s made from scratch daily with four simple, natural ingredients.

Located at 2875 Ashley River Road, West Ashley & 1291 Folly Road, James Island. @alvinordsCHS

Talucci’s Bakery & Deli

Whether you need to hurry back to the office or have time to linger, Talucci’s offers an unparalleled level of quality with authentic taste. Everything is made fresh daily, delivering flavor that’ll make them a go-to, even when you’re in a pinch for time.

A favorite of the busy lunchtime crowd is their Pinsa pizzas—a Talucci’s signature, where their housemade dough uses a proprietary blend of imported Italian flours and a long fermentation process. “They are unique in that they are lighter, crispier, and more digestible than traditional pizza—making them perfect for lunch,” says Jacklyn Talucci, who owns the restaurant with her husband and chef, Charles Talucci. “It’s flavorful without being heavy, so guests can enjoy a satisfying meal and still get back to their day. Many guests rotate through the pizza options because they are filling but never overwhelming.”

Sandwiches are another standout—a credit to the fresh-baked bread made in-house, with the Italian and the lobster roll as clear best-sellers. Still hungry? Peruse their bakery’s extensive selection of freshly made pastries, cakes, and pies for something to satisfy your post-lunch sweet tooth or get you through the mid-day slump. Talucci’s proves that a quick lunch doesn’t have to mean cutting corners—it means knowing exactly where to go.

Located at 145 Central Avenue, Summerville. @taluccis_bakery

Bohemian Bull

Bohemian Bull delivers a full-service experience without the wait, making it ideal for anyone needing to get back to the office on time. Burgers reign supreme here, made with a house-ground mix of Black Angus chuck and brisket, and topped with house-made ingredients that give diners a range of options. Another favorite is the Cuban sandwich, featuring authentic Cuban bread, slow roasted pork, ham, mustard, pickles, and homemade Mojo sauce. “The fact that we make everything from scratch makes all of our food delicious,” says founder Chad Biel.  

Start off your meal with wings, fried mac and cheese bites, or fries—truffle, sweet, or regular—then check out non-burger entrées like the ahi tuna bowl, steak frites, or a giant burrito. Lighter eaters will enjoy their salads and wraps, and sandwiches include cheesesteaks, Reubens and black bean burgers.

 “Come to Bohemian Bull for lunch if you’re looking for delicious food at a fair price in a fun and lively atmosphere,” says Biel. 

Locations in James Island, Mount Pleasant, and Murrells Inlet. @bohemianbullchs 

East Bay Deli

Quality is a top priority at East Bay Deli, but not at the expense of time—which is great when yours is limited. The deli offers fast, reliable service with a menu of hearty sandwiches alongside lighter options such as freshly made salads and wraps.

“If there’s one lunch dish that truly represents us, it’s The Citadel,” says assistant marketing director Sydney Krauze. It’s made with oven-roasted turkey, ham, crispy bacon, Swiss and cheddar cheeses, fresh lettuce, tomato, and finished with their signature honey mustard dressing on toasted wheat, making it their version of the classic club sandwich—but with a sweet and savory twist. ‘It’s a nod to Charleston’s history and one of its most iconic institutions,” Krauze says. 

Born in the Lowcountry, East Bay Deli has been a local favorite for over two decades, from a daily breakfast menu to lunch and dinner. 

Sink your teeth into The Carolina sandwich, featuring white meat turkey, avocado spread, tomato, sprouts, bacon, and Swiss cheese on toasted wheat—or lighten up with options like the Chicken Caesar Wrap or the salad bar (available at select locations). Heartier eaters will love the Ultimate Spud: a giant baked potato loaded with fried chicken, diced tomatoes, ranch dressing, melted cheddar, and bacon bits. Krauze sums the restaurant up simply: “We serve delicious menu items and tasty desserts, with a side of nostalgia.”

Locations in North Charleston, Charleston, West Ashley, Moncks Corner, Summerville, and Mount Pleasant. @eastbaydeli

Legend Deli

Whether you order online or at the counter, Legend Deli pairs fresh food with fast, friendly service. Hitting the top of the charts is the G.O.A.T., made with Boar’s Head peppermill turkey, whipped goat cheese, onion jam, roasted red pepper mayo, and arugula piled on Normandy Farms sourdough. For anyone with analysis paralysis, Rain the Funk offers the perfect solution: a “chef’s choice” option that takes the decision out of your hands. “We create you a sandwich that is off-menu and legendary,” says owner Chaz Wendel.

Each menu item is the result of crowdsourcing—the culmination of 13 weeks of pop-ups at local restaurants and bars before the brick-and-mortar location opened. Clearly, nothing hits the menu without being given rigorous taste testing. “What you see is what the locals chose as their favorites during those weeks,” says Wendel.

Small in size but big on personality, the restaurant shows its character through décor and their creatively named sandwiches. It’s part of what makes them unique—a culture that Wendel says is an intentional way of making everyone feel like a regular. “As soon as you walk in the door you feel legendary,” he says. “Service is our number one priority, and we have the best team in the city. Come by, say hi, and eat like a legend.”

Located at 41-A George St, Charleston. @legenddeli_chs

Smashley’s Burger Bar

Smashley’s serves the fast-casual lunch crowd with a focus on quality and efficiency that makes them a great addition to your lunch hour rotation. A top recommendation from the staff—and an obvious crowd pleaser—is the O.G. Smashley, (the burger that started them) made with caramelized red onions, cheddar, and burger sauce on a brioche bun.

Other fan favorites of their award-winning burgers include the Bleu Corvette with sliced bleu cheese, house-made tomato jam, truffle mayo, and bacon, and Hey Zeus featuring whipped feta, slow-roasted tomatoes, “carmies,” and house-made tzatziki. Non-burger options include the Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowl, the Crispy Chicken Rice Bowl and the Dr. Pepper and PBR braised Chicken Empanadas. For anyone craving spice, Smashley’s has a hot Asian Chicken Sandwich that lets you choose your heat level, from 0 to 7. Levels 5 to 7 require a signed waiver, but there are also bragging rights: “If you eat the whole thing, you get your polaroid on the Hot Chicken Wall of Fame,” says owner Victor Valdivieso.

Lunch goers can enjoy a weekday special for $14: Monday, Wednesday or Friday, choose any burger with a side and a drink; Tuesdays and Thursday, chose your option of rice bowl along with a side and a drink.

Located at 5401 Netherby Lane, North Charleston. @smashleysburgerbar