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Main Street Deli II in Columbia — Sandwiches, Sides, and Local Favorites

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Main Street Deli II serves and where to find it

Main Street Deli II is a sandwich shop in Columbia that builds its menu around made-to-order deli sandwiches, sides, and daily specials. The restaurant sits on Main Street in the heart of downtown Columbia, making it a convenient stop for lunch or a quick meal during business hours. The space reflects a classic deli setup — counter service, a display case of meats and cheeses, and a straightforward ordering process.

The shop focuses on traditional deli fare: cold sandwiches built on fresh bread, hot pressed sandwiches, and sides like potato salad, coleslaw, and chips. Many regulars come back for specific sandwiches they've ordered for years, and the staff can usually remember what you like if you visit more than once.

Key Takeaways

  • Main Street Deli II is located on Main Street in downtown Columbia and operates during standard lunch and early dinner hours.
  • The menu centers on made-to-order sandwiches with your choice of meats, cheeses, and bread, plus traditional deli sides.
  • Counter service means you order at the register and can watch your sandwich being built, and most orders are ready within a few minutes.
  • The shop is cash-friendly but also takes cards, so check their current payment methods before you visit.
  • Parking on Main Street can be tight during lunch rush, so arriving slightly before or after peak hours (noon to 1 p.m.) often means easier parking.

The sandwich menu and how to order

Main Street Deli II lets you build your own sandwich or order from a list of house combinations. The house sandwiches have names and come with a set combination of meats, cheeses, and toppings — these are a good starting point if you're not sure what you want. If you prefer to customize, you can choose your bread (usually white, wheat, or rye), pick your meats from the case, add cheese, and select from lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments.

Cold sandwiches are the backbone of the menu, but the shop also makes hot pressed sandwiches if you want something warm. The difference matters: a cold sandwich is assembled and wrapped, while a pressed sandwich goes into a panini press or flat-top grill to melt the cheese and warm the bread. Ask the staff which sandwiches are best pressed if you're ordering something custom.

Sides and what pairs well with your order

Deli sides round out the meal. Potato salad, coleslaw, and macaroni salad are usually available, along with bags of chips and pickles. These sides are priced separately, so you can add them to your sandwich order or skip them if you're in a hurry. The potato salad and coleslaw are made in-house, which regulars often mention as a reason they return.

If you're eating at a table in the shop rather than taking your order to go, the sides come on a small plate or in a paper cup, depending on what you order. The shop doesn't have a large seating area, so most customers eat quickly or take their meal elsewhere.

Hours, location, and parking

Main Street Deli II operates during weekday lunch hours and closes earlier than many downtown restaurants. Typical hours run from late morning through early evening, but hours can shift seasonally or for holidays, so calling ahead or checking their posted hours before a visit is wise. The shop is closed on Sundays and may have limited hours on Saturdays.

The Main Street location puts you within walking distance of other downtown Columbia businesses, museums, and parks. Parking on Main Street itself is metered and can fill up during lunch rush, but a parking garage is usually within a block or two. If you're visiting during peak lunch hours (around noon to 1 p.m.), arriving 15 minutes earlier or later often means easier parking and a shorter line.

Price range and payment

Sandwiches at Main Street Deli II are moderately priced — typical deli sandwich costs fall in the range you'd expect for a made-to-order shop in downtown Columbia. Sides add a few dollars to your total. The shop has historically been cash-friendly, though most delis now take cards as well. If you're planning to pay with a card, it's worth confirming their current payment methods by phone or checking their storefront before you order.

There is no delivery service through the shop itself, so you'll need to visit in person or call ahead to place a to-go order that you pick up at the counter.

Why regulars return

Main Street Deli II has a loyal customer base, many of whom have been ordering the same sandwich for years. The consistency matters — the meats and cheeses are quality, the bread is fresh, and the staff knows their regulars by name. It's the kind of place where you can order "my usual" and have it ready without explanation.

The location also keeps people coming back. Downtown workers can walk over during lunch, and the shop's position on Main Street makes it easy to find. For visitors exploring downtown Columbia, Main Street Deli II offers a straightforward, no-frills meal that reflects how locals actually eat in the area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead by phone?

Yes, most delis allow phone orders for pickup. Call ahead during business hours to place your order, and the staff will have your sandwich ready when you arrive. This is especially helpful during lunch rush when the line is long.

Do they have vegetarian sandwiches?

You can build a vegetarian sandwich by choosing bread, cheese, and vegetable toppings. Ask the staff what vegetables are available that day, and they can suggest combinations that work well together.

Is there seating inside the shop?

Main Street Deli II has limited seating — a few tables or counter space where you can eat quickly. Most customers take their order to go or eat standing at a counter. If you want a full dining experience with ample seating, you may prefer eating elsewhere.

What's the best time to visit if I want to avoid a wait?

Lunch rush typically runs from noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Arriving at 11:30 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. usually means a shorter line and faster service. Early mornings and late afternoons are also quieter times.

Do they make hot sandwiches?

Yes, the shop can press or grill sandwiches to melt cheese and warm the bread. Ask the staff which sandwiches are popular pressed, or request that your custom sandwich be heated if you prefer it warm.