Bess'inc in Charleston: Deli Sandwiches and Lowcountry Flavors

What Bess'inc Serves and Where to Find It

Bess'inc is a casual deli in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood that builds sandwiches around Lowcountry ingredients and techniques. The menu centers on house-made meats, fresh vegetables, and bread baked in-house or sourced from local bakeries. You'll find classics like roast beef and turkey alongside regional specialties—think shrimp salad, pulled pork, and seasonal vegetables prepared in ways that reflect Charleston's food culture.

The space itself is small and unpretentious, designed for quick service and takeout, though there are a few seats if you want to eat there. The counter staff will build your sandwich to order, so you can adjust portions, add or skip ingredients, and customize the bread. Hours tend to run lunch through early evening, but it's worth checking their current schedule before you go, as deli hours can shift seasonally.

Key Takeaways

• Bess'inc makes sandwiches with house-prepared meats and vegetables, reflecting Lowcountry cooking traditions rather than chain-deli formulas.
• The space is small and built for takeout, though seating is available if you prefer to eat on-site.
• You can customize your sandwich at the counter, choosing bread type, meat thickness, and vegetable combinations.
• The location on Upper King Street puts it within walking distance of other Charleston restaurants and shops, making it easy to combine with other stops.

What Makes Bess'inc Different from Chain Delis

Most chain delis rely on pre-sliced meats delivered in bulk and assembled quickly. Bess'inc operates differently: the kitchen prepares roasts, braises, and cures meats on-site, which means the texture and flavor change throughout the day as the meat cools and the flavors develop. A roast beef sandwich at lunch tastes different from one at 5 p.m., and that variation is intentional.

The vegetable selection also shifts with what's available from local farms and suppliers. In summer you might see tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs; in winter, pickled vegetables, roasted squash, and preserved preparations take over. This seasonal approach means regulars have reasons to return—the menu is never quite the same twice.

Sandwich Options and Customization

The core menu includes roast beef, turkey, ham, and house-made preparations like pulled pork or brined chicken. Vegetarian options typically feature combinations of cheese, roasted vegetables, and spreads. Shrimp salad appears seasonally and reflects the Lowcountry's relationship with the coast—it's made fresh, not from a can.

Bread choices usually include a house-made option, a sourdough from a local bakery, and sometimes a whole grain or rye. You can ask for your sandwich toasted, which changes how the bread holds up to warm fillings and how the flavors come together. Spreads range from standard mustard and mayo to house-made aiolis or herb butters.

Parking and Neighborhood Context

Upper King Street has limited street parking, and it fills quickly during lunch hours. There are a few paid lots nearby, and some visitors use the parking garage on King Street itself. If you're coming from downtown or another neighborhood, you might consider walking or biking if the distance works for you—the area is pedestrian-friendly, and you can browse nearby shops while you're there.

The neighborhood around Bess'inc includes other restaurants, coffee shops, and retail stores, so it's common to combine a deli stop with other errands or meals. The area has changed significantly over the past decade, with older buildings converted to new uses, but the bones of the neighborhood—tree-lined streets, mixed-use buildings, local ownership—remain intact.

Price Range and What to Expect

Sandwiches at Bess'inc cost more than a chain deli but less than a sit-down restaurant. You're paying for house-made components and local sourcing, not for table service or ambiance. Most sandwiches fall in the mid-range for Charleston dining—not budget food, but not a splurge either.

The counter staff will tell you what's available that day and can recommend combinations if you're unsure. Because everything is made to order, there's no rush—take time to ask questions about ingredients or preparation if you want to know more.

Hours and How to Check Before You Go

Bess'inc typically opens for lunch and closes in early evening, but hours vary by season and day of the week. Some delis close on Sundays or Mondays, and holiday schedules can shift. Before making the trip, search for the current hours online or call ahead—a five-minute phone call beats arriving to find the door locked.

The deli is popular during lunch rush, so if you prefer a quieter experience, arriving just after opening or in the mid-afternoon usually means shorter lines and more time to decide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or do I have to order at the counter?

Most delis like Bess'inc operate on a counter-order basis, meaning you order when you arrive. Some locations take phone orders for pickup, but this varies. Call ahead to ask whether they take advance orders, especially if you're coming during peak lunch hours.

Are there vegetarian or vegan sandwich options?

Yes, though the focus is on house-made meats. Vegetarian sandwiches typically feature cheese, roasted vegetables, and spreads. Vegan options are less common at traditional delis, but the staff can usually build something with bread, vegetables, and oil or vinegar if you ask.

What if I have a food allergy?

Tell the counter staff about your allergy before they build your sandwich. Because everything is made fresh and to order, they can avoid cross-contamination more easily than a chain deli can. Ask them to change gloves and use clean utensils, and be specific about what you need to avoid.

Is there seating, or is it takeout only?

Bess'inc has a few seats inside, so you can eat there if you want. The space is small, so seating fills up during lunch rush. Takeout is always an option, and many people grab their sandwich and eat elsewhere—nearby parks, offices, or home.

What's the difference between the house-made bread and the bakery bread?

House-made bread is baked fresh in the deli's kitchen and reflects their own recipe and technique. Bakery bread comes from a local supplier and offers a different flavor and texture. Ask the staff which they recommend for the sandwich you're ordering—they know how each bread holds up to different fillings.