Empire Deli in Greenville: Sandwiches, Sides, and Upstate Staples

What Empire Deli Serves and Where to Find It

Empire Deli is a sandwich shop in downtown Greenville that builds its menu around hand-sliced meats, fresh bread, and the kind of sides that anchor a lunch counter. The deli sits on Main Street in the heart of the city's walkable core, making it a natural stop between shopping, gallery visits, or work in the surrounding office buildings.

The counter displays cases of turkey, roast beef, ham, and corned beef—the proteins you order by the pound or built into a sandwich. Most sandwiches come with your choice of bread: white, wheat, rye, or a roll. The shop also stocks prepared sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pasta salad, plus a small selection of chips and drinks.

Key Takeaways

• Empire Deli is located on Main Street in downtown Greenville and operates as a traditional counter-service deli with hand-sliced meats.
• Sandwiches can be customized with your choice of meat, bread type, and toppings, and most orders are made to order.
• The deli serves lunch during weekday business hours and is closed on Sundays, so check current hours before visiting.
• Sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and pasta salad are available by the pint or quart for takeout or eating in.

Popular Sandwiches and Ordering

The menu leans toward classic deli sandwiches rather than trendy combinations. A roast beef sandwich with horseradish, a turkey club with bacon and tomato, and a corned beef on rye are the kind of orders that move through the line. You can also order cold cuts by the pound if you're building your own meal or stocking a cooler for an event.

Most sandwiches are built to order, so you can ask for extra meat, light mayo, or no onion without friction. The staff will slice meat fresh from the case rather than pulling pre-made sandwiches from a cooler. Portions are generous—a standard sandwich is substantial enough to be a full lunch on its own.

Seating and Atmosphere

Empire Deli has a handful of tables inside, making it workable for eating in if you're on a lunch break downtown. The space is no-frills: vinyl chairs, simple tables, and the visual focus on the meat case and counter. It reads as a working deli rather than a destination restaurant, which is part of its appeal for people who want lunch without ceremony.

The crowd is mixed—office workers, shoppers, and regulars who have been coming for years. During the lunch rush (roughly noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays), the line can back up, so arriving early or after 1 p.m. means shorter waits.

Pricing and What to Expect

Sandwiches typically run in the mid-range for a deli: a basic sandwich (turkey, roast beef) costs less than a specialty build with multiple meats or premium toppings. Sides are priced by the pint or quart, so a small container of potato salad or coleslaw adds a few dollars to your bill. Most people spend between $8 and $15 for a sandwich, drink, and side.

The deli accepts cash and card. There is no table service—you order at the counter, pay, and either eat at one of the small tables or take your order to go.

Hours and Parking

Empire Deli operates during lunch hours on weekdays and is typically closed on weekends. Hours vary seasonally and by day, so calling ahead or checking their posted hours before your visit prevents a wasted trip. The shop is located on Main Street in downtown Greenville, where street parking is available but can be tight during peak lunch times.

If street parking is full, the nearby parking garages on Main Street and in the surrounding blocks offer paid parking within a short walk. The deli's downtown location also makes it accessible by foot if you're already in the area for other reasons.

What Makes Empire Deli Different

In a city with growing numbers of fast-casual chains and upscale lunch spots, Empire Deli remains a straightforward counter deli—the kind of place where the owner or longtime staff know regular customers by name and order. The meat is sliced fresh, the bread is real, and there are no pretensions about what you're getting: a sandwich built the way you ask for it.

For people who grew up eating at delis or who prefer a no-nonsense lunch, Empire Deli delivers consistency. It is not the place to go for experimental flavors or Instagram-worthy plating. It is the place to go when you want a real roast beef sandwich and you want it now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in my sandwich?

Many delis allow phone orders for pickup, which can save time during the lunch rush. Call ahead to ask if Empire Deli takes orders by phone and whether they can have your sandwich ready when you arrive.

Do you sell cold cuts by the pound for home use?

Yes. You can order turkey, roast beef, ham, corned beef, and other meats by the pound. This is useful if you're planning a picnic, party, or stocking your fridge for the week.

Are there vegetarian sandwich options?

Most traditional delis focus on meat sandwiches, but Empire Deli can build a sandwich with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and other vegetables if you ask. Call or ask the counter staff what vegetarian options are available.

Is there parking nearby?

Street parking is available on Main Street, though it fills during lunch hours. Paid parking garages are within a block or two of the deli if street parking is full.

What time is best to avoid a long line?

The lunch rush typically runs from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Arriving before 11:30 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. usually means a shorter wait.