Andy's Delicatessen: A Charleston Sandwich and Charcuterie Landmark

What Andy's Delicatessen Offers

Andy's Delicatessen is a family-run deli in Charleston that has built its reputation on house-made sandwiches, cured meats, and European charcuterie. The shop sources quality ingredients—many imported—and constructs sandwiches to order rather than pre-made. You walk in, tell the counter staff what you want, and watch them slice, layer, and build it in front of you.

The menu leans toward classic deli fare with a European bent: Italian cold cuts, German wursts, Spanish jamón, and French pâtés sit alongside American standards. Sandwiches are built on fresh bread, often with house-made spreads or aiolis. The shop also sells prepared foods, sides, and a rotating selection of imported goods—cheeses, oils, vinegars, and specialty items you won't find in a typical grocery store.

Key Takeaways

• Andy's makes sandwiches to order using imported and domestic cured meats, so you can customize what goes between the bread.
• The deli stocks European charcuterie and specialty foods, making it a destination for ingredients beyond what you'd find in a supermarket.
• The shop is small and counter-service only, so expect to order at the counter and eat at a few tables or take your meal elsewhere.
• Hours and location vary, so call or check their current details before making a trip, especially on weekends or holidays.

The Sandwich Menu and Ordering Process

Andy's does not hand you a laminated menu with preset combinations. Instead, you describe what you want or ask the staff for a recommendation. They'll suggest a pairing—say, prosciutto di Parma with fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers on ciabatta—or build something custom if you have a specific craving. The counter staff know their inventory and can tell you what's fresh that day.

Sandwiches are priced by weight and the quality of the meat you choose. A sandwich with house-made pâté and imported ham will cost more than one with domestic turkey. Most sandwiches fall in a moderate price range for Charleston, though specialty imported meats push the bill higher. The shop also makes hot sandwiches if you ask—grilled options are not always on the board but are possible.

Cured Meats and Charcuterie Selection

The deli's strength is its charcuterie counter. You'll find Italian prosciutto, Spanish serrano and jamón ibérico, German and French sausages, and house-made pâtés and terrines. Many items are imported directly, which means the selection changes with seasons and availability. The staff can explain the origin and flavor profile of each meat, which helps if you're building a board or trying something unfamiliar.

Andy's also sells whole cuts and larger quantities if you're planning a charcuterie board, a party, or a special meal at home. They can slice to your thickness preference and wrap it to travel. This makes the shop a resource for home cooks and entertainers, not just people grabbing lunch.

Imported Goods and Specialty Foods

Beyond the deli counter, Andy's stocks shelves with imported cheeses, oils, vinegars, crackers, and prepared foods. You might find French cornichons, Italian antipasti, Spanish conservas (tinned seafood), and hard-to-find condiments. The inventory shifts, so regular customers often discover something new on each visit.

The prepared foods section includes items like marinated vegetables, house-made salads, and ready-to-eat sides. These are useful if you want to build a meal without ordering a full sandwich, or if you're shopping for ingredients to take home and cook with.

Location, Hours, and Parking

Andy's Delicatessen is located in downtown Charleston, in a small storefront that reflects the shop's intimate, neighborhood feel. Street parking is available but can be tight during peak lunch hours and weekends. The shop itself is compact—a few tables inside and standing room at the counter—so it's designed more for takeout than lingering.

Hours vary by season and day of the week. The shop is typically closed on Sundays and Mondays, and may have limited hours on Saturdays. Call ahead or check their current schedule before making a trip, especially if you're visiting from out of town or planning a special order.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch is the busiest time, roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. If you want to avoid a line and have time to chat with the staff about options, come earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon. The shop moves quickly even when busy, but a wait is common during peak hours.

Andy's is a cash-friendly business, though many delis now take cards. Confirm payment methods when you call. If you're ordering a large quantity—a board for a party, a bulk order of a specific meat—call ahead so they can prepare it and have it ready when you arrive.

Why Andy's Matters to Charleston's Food Scene

Andy's represents a kind of neighborhood business that has become less common: a place where someone with real knowledge of food runs a small counter, sources carefully, and builds things by hand. In a city with many casual chains and tourist-focused restaurants, Andy's serves locals and visitors who want authentic deli work and European ingredients without pretension.

The shop is also a bridge to European food culture. For people learning to cook with imported ingredients, or building a charcuterie board for the first time, the staff's willingness to explain and recommend makes the shop educational as well as transactional. That combination—quality, knowledge, and approachability—is what keeps people returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a sandwich ahead of time?

Call the shop directly to place a large order or a special request. For a single sandwich, it's usually faster to walk in and order at the counter, since they make it fresh while you wait. If you're ordering for a group or need something specific, calling ahead ensures they have the ingredients ready.

Do you sell whole cured meats or just sliced?

Andy's sells both. You can buy sliced meat for a sandwich or ask for a whole cut or large quantity for a board or home cooking. They'll slice it to your preferred thickness and wrap it for travel. Pricing depends on the meat and quantity.

What's the difference between the imported and domestic meats?

Imported meats—especially Italian prosciutto and Spanish jamón—are aged longer and have more complex flavor than most domestic options. They also cost more. The staff can recommend which is worth the price difference for what you're making, or suggest a mix of both.

Is there seating, or is it takeout only?

There are a few tables inside, but the shop is small and designed mainly for takeout. You can eat there if you prefer, but many customers take their sandwich elsewhere—to a nearby park, their office, or home.

What if I'm vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

The deli's focus is cured meats and charcuterie, so vegetarian options are limited. Call ahead to ask what's available that day—they may have cheese-based sandwiches, prepared vegetable sides, or imported cheeses you can build with. The staff will work with you if you explain what you're looking for.