Groucho's Deli in Columbia: Sandwiches, Sides, and South Carolina Hospitality

What Groucho's Deli Serves and Where to Find It

Groucho's Deli sits on Main Street in downtown Columbia and builds its reputation on hand-stacked sandwiches, house-made sides, and a no-frills approach to lunch that has kept regulars coming back for decades. The menu centers on deli classics—roast beef, turkey, ham, pastrami—layered on fresh bread with mustard, mayo, or oil and vinegar, depending on what you order. The portions are generous enough that most people finish half and take the rest home.

The space itself is narrow and unpretentious, with a counter where you order and a handful of tables squeezed in along the walls. The walls are covered with old photographs and newspaper clippings, the kind of décor that accumulates when a place has been in the same spot long enough to become part of the neighborhood's visual memory. Parking is street parking along Main Street or in nearby lots; the deli is walkable from the State House and the historic district.

Key Takeaways

• Groucho's makes sandwiches to order with quality deli meat and fresh bread, and the portions are large enough for two meals.
• The menu includes house-made sides like potato salad and coleslaw that pair with sandwiches or stand alone as lunch.
• The deli is cash-friendly but also takes cards, and lunch is the main service—dinner hours are limited or not offered.
• The downtown location puts it within walking distance of Columbia's government buildings, museums, and historic squares.

The Sandwich Menu and How to Order

Groucho's does not hand you a laminated menu with fifty options. Instead, the sandwiches are listed on a board or recited by whoever is behind the counter, and you tell them what you want. The roast beef is the signature order—sliced thin, piled high, and dressed simply so the meat is the star. The turkey sandwich is a close second, and the pastrami comes in a version that leans toward the New York style: spiced, steamed, and substantial.

You can order a sandwich as-is or customize it. Most people add lettuce, tomato, onion, or pickles; some ask for hot peppers or extra mustard. The bread changes depending on what the bakery delivers that morning, but it is always fresh enough that it does not fall apart under the weight of the meat. If you are unsure what to order, ask the person behind the counter—they know what is good that day and will not steer you wrong.

Sides and What to Eat With Your Sandwich

The sides at Groucho's are not afterthoughts. The potato salad is creamy and tangy, made in-house and served cold. The coleslaw is crisp and lightly dressed, the kind that cuts through the richness of roast beef. Chips are available if you want something quick, but the house-made sides are worth the small upcharge and turn a sandwich into a complete meal.

Many people order a sandwich and a side, sit at one of the small tables, and linger over lunch. Others grab their order and eat at their desk or in their car. The deli does not rush you either way. If you are eating in, you can ask for a plate and napkins; the sandwiches are messy in the best way, and Groucho's knows this.

Hours, Payment, and What to Expect

Groucho's operates primarily during lunch hours, typically opening mid-morning and closing by mid-afternoon. Hours vary by day and season, so calling ahead or checking before you go is wise, especially if you are planning to stop by late in the lunch window. The deli is closed on Sundays and some holidays.

The deli takes both cash and card, though cash moves faster at the counter. Prices are moderate for a made-to-order sandwich in downtown Columbia—expect to spend between eight and fifteen dollars for a sandwich, depending on the meat and size. Adding a side brings the total to around twelve to eighteen dollars. The deli does not take reservations or orders ahead, so you order when you arrive.

Why Groucho's Matters to Columbia's Food Culture

Groucho's is one of the older independent delis in South Carolina's capital, and it has survived decades of chain restaurants and changing downtown demographics by staying consistent. The deli does not try to be trendy or Instagram-friendly. It makes sandwiches the way it has always made them, serves people who work downtown and people who grew up eating there, and does not apologize for being simple.

In a city where much of the dining scene has shifted toward farm-to-table restaurants and upscale lunch spots, Groucho's represents an older Columbia—one where lunch was a quick, satisfying meal and a deli was a neighborhood institution. That continuity is part of what draws people back, whether they are regulars or visitors curious about where locals actually eat.

Nearby Attractions and How to Plan Your Visit

The Main Street location puts Groucho's within a few blocks of the South Carolina State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, and the historic district's shops and galleries. Many people grab lunch here and then walk to one of those destinations, or stop by after spending time elsewhere downtown. The deli is also near the Congaree River and the Riverfront Park, so it works as a lunch stop before or after a walk along the water.

If you are visiting Columbia for the day, Groucho's is worth a detour for lunch. Arrive between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. if you want to avoid the thickest crowds, though the deli rarely feels overwhelming. Bring cash if you can, wear clothes you do not mind getting mustard on, and plan to eat there or take your sandwich back to your hotel or car.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Groucho's take orders by phone or online?

Groucho's operates on a walk-up, order-at-the-counter basis. You cannot order ahead or by phone. Arrive during lunch hours, tell the person behind the counter what you want, and they will make it while you wait—usually five to ten minutes depending on how busy it is.

Is Groucho's good for groups or large orders?

The space is small and the counter moves one order at a time, so large groups can feel cramped. If you are bringing a group, consider ordering one or two at a time and finding a nearby park or outdoor space to eat. The deli can handle multiple sandwiches in one order, but the wait will be longer.

What if I have dietary restrictions or allergies?

Tell the person making your sandwich about any allergies or restrictions. They can tell you what is in the bread, what oils are used, and what sides contain. The menu is meat-forward, so vegetarian options are limited, but the staff will work with you to find something that works.

Can I eat at Groucho's or is it takeout only?

Groucho's has a few small tables inside where you can sit and eat. It is not a full dining room, but you are welcome to stay. Most people eat in or take out depending on the weather and how much time they have.

What is the best sandwich to order if I have never been?

Start with the roast beef. It is what the deli is known for, and it shows you what they do well—quality meat, fresh bread, and no unnecessary complications. If you do not eat beef, the turkey is the next best choice. Ask the counter person what is fresh that day; they will point you right.