Frank's Deli in Charleston: Sandwiches, Sides, and South Carolina Charm

What Frank's Deli Offers

Frank's Deli, located in Charleston's downtown core, is a neighborhood sandwich shop built on the kind of straightforward formula that works: fresh bread, quality meats, and sides that taste like they were made that morning. The menu centers on hot and cold sandwiches—Italian combos, roast beef, turkey, pastrami—alongside soups, salads, and prepared sides like potato salad and coleslaw. The space itself is small and casual, the kind of place where regulars have their order memorized and newcomers can walk up to the counter and decide in under a minute.

The deli operates as a lunch-focused spot, which means the best time to visit is between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sandwich bread is at its peak and the lunch crowd moves through steadily. Portions are generous—a sandwich here is a full meal, not a snack—and prices sit in the range you'd expect for a neighborhood deli in Charleston, not a tourist trap markup.

Key Takeaways

• Frank's Deli serves made-to-order sandwiches with quality cold cuts and fresh bread, plus daily sides like potato salad and coleslaw.
• The shop is small and counter-service only, designed for quick lunch stops rather than lingering meals.
• Lunch hours between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. are when the bread is freshest and the menu is fully available.
• The location in downtown Charleston makes it walkable from the historic district and nearby office buildings.

The Sandwich Menu and Standouts

Frank's keeps the sandwich list focused rather than overwhelming. You'll find Italian combos with ham, salami, and provolone; roast beef sandwiches; turkey; pastrami; and usually a few daily specials that rotate based on what came in fresh. The bread matters here—it's the kind that has actual crust and structure, not the soft white bread that collapses under the weight of the filling. You can order hot sandwiches pressed or cold, and the staff will build it the way you ask.

The Italian combo is the house signature, the sandwich people order when they're not sure what they want. It's straightforward: good cold cuts, cheese, oil and vinegar, lettuce and tomato if you want it. The roast beef sandwich draws regulars who come back for the same thing every week. If you're visiting from out of state, the pastrami gives you a taste of a deli tradition that's less common in the Lowcountry.

Sides and What to Order With Your Sandwich

The sides at Frank's are the part that separates it from a chain sandwich shop. The potato salad is creamy and substantial, the kind made with actual potatoes and mayo, not a thin vinegar-based version. Coleslaw comes in both creamy and vinegar styles depending on the day. Soups rotate—you might find tomato soup, chicken noodle, or a heartier option depending on the season and what the kitchen prepared that morning.

Most people order a sandwich and one side, which gives you a complete lunch for a reasonable price. The sides are meant to be eaten the day you buy them, not stored for later, so plan to eat soon after you leave.

Hours, Location, and Parking

Frank's Deli sits in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district and the courthouse area. The exact address and current hours are worth confirming before you go, as deli hours can shift seasonally or with staffing changes. Most neighborhood delis in Charleston keep lunch hours only, typically closing by 3 or 4 p.m., and many are closed on Sundays.

Parking downtown can be tight, especially during lunch rush. Street parking is available but fills quickly; there are paid lots nearby if you're willing to walk a block or two. If you're in the area for other reasons—shopping, a courthouse visit, exploring the historic district—Frank's is a natural stop rather than a destination you'd drive across town for.

What to Expect When You Walk In

Frank's is a counter-service deli with no table seating, or minimal seating at best. You order at the counter, watch them build your sandwich, pay, and either take it to go or eat standing up. The staff moves quickly and knows what they're doing—this isn't a place where you'll wait 20 minutes for a sandwich. The atmosphere is no-frills: you're there to eat, not to linger over coffee.

If you're new to the place, don't hesitate to ask the person behind the counter what's fresh that day or what they'd recommend. Deli staff usually have opinions about their own food, and those opinions are usually worth hearing.

Frank's in Charleston's Deli Landscape

Charleston has a handful of neighborhood delis, and Frank's holds its own by staying focused on what it does well: straightforward sandwiches made with decent ingredients, sides that taste homemade, and service that's fast enough for a lunch break. It's not trying to be a trendy sandwich shop with house-made everything or a gourmet deli with 40 types of imported cheese. It's a working deli for people who work downtown and want a real lunch without spending an hour or a lot of money.

If you're looking for a quick, solid sandwich in downtown Charleston, Frank's delivers exactly what the name promises: a deli, nothing more, nothing less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Frank's Deli take orders ahead or by phone?

Most neighborhood delis in Charleston operate on a walk-up basis, though it's worth calling ahead to ask about their current policy. If you're planning to visit during peak lunch hours, calling to place an order can save you time, but confirm their phone number and hours first since these can change.

Are there vegetarian sandwich options?

Frank's focuses on cold cuts and meat sandwiches, but most delis will build a cheese and vegetable sandwich if you ask. The bread and sides are the same quality, so you'll still get a solid meal even if you're not ordering the Italian combo.

Can I get a sandwich made hot?

Yes. Frank's can press or toast most sandwiches if you want them hot. Ask when you order, and let them know if you want it pressed on the griddle or toasted. Not every sandwich works better hot, so the staff can tell you which ones they recommend that way.

What's the price range for a sandwich?

Prices at neighborhood delis in Charleston typically run from around $8 to $14 for a sandwich, depending on the meat and size. A sandwich plus a side usually totals between $12 and $18. It's worth confirming current prices when you visit, as costs do shift over time.

Is Frank's Deli good for a quick lunch break?

Yes. The counter-service format and fast staff mean you can be in and out in 10 minutes if you know what you want. It's designed for people who work nearby and need to eat and get back, not for a leisurely meal.