McAlister's Deli: Submarine Sandwiches and Sides Across South Carolina

What McAlister's Deli Serves

McAlister's Deli is a submarine sandwich chain with locations throughout South Carolina, known for made-to-order subs, salads, and sides built around fresh ingredients. You order at the counter by choosing your bread, meat, cheese, and toppings, then watch it come together. The menu includes hot subs like the Philly Cheese Steak and cold subs like the Club, plus salads, wraps, and spuds—baked potatoes loaded with toppings.

The chain operates as a casual counter-service restaurant, so there is no table service. You pay after ordering, find a seat, and they call your number when the food is ready. Most locations have indoor seating and a few have drive-through windows. Prices run moderate for a made-to-order sandwich shop—a six-inch sub typically costs between $6 and $9, depending on the meat and toppings you choose.

Key Takeaways

• McAlister's lets you customize every sandwich by choosing bread, meat, cheese, and vegetables, so you can build exactly what you want.
• The chain operates counter-service only, meaning you order and pay upfront, then wait for your number to be called.
• South Carolina locations are concentrated in the Midlands and Lowcountry, with multiple stores in Columbia, Charleston, and surrounding areas.
• Most locations offer both dine-in seating and drive-through service, making it convenient for lunch breaks or quick meals.

Finding a McAlister's Location Near You

McAlister's has roughly a dozen locations across South Carolina, with the heaviest concentration in the Columbia area. You can find stores in downtown Columbia, near the University of South Carolina campus, and in suburban shopping centers throughout Richland County. Charleston has multiple locations as well, including spots in downtown and in the surrounding suburbs.

The easiest way to find the nearest location and check hours is to visit McAlister's website or call ahead before you go. Hours vary by location—some open early for breakfast and close by 9 p.m., while others stay open later. A few locations may close on Sundays or have limited weekend hours, so confirming before you visit saves a wasted trip.

How to Order and What to Expect

Walk up to the counter and tell the staff what you want. Start by choosing your bread: white, wheat, honey oat, or rye. Then pick your protein—turkey, roast beef, ham, tuna, or a combination. Add cheese, usually cheddar, Swiss, provolone, or pepper jack. Finally, choose your vegetables and condiments from the toppings bar.

The staff assembles your sandwich in front of you and wraps it. If you order a hot sub, they toast it. You pay at the register, get a number, and sit down. Most orders are ready within 10 to 15 minutes. If the location has a drive-through, you can order and pick up without leaving your car, though the wait may be slightly longer during peak lunch hours.

Popular Menu Items Beyond Sandwiches

While sandwiches are the main draw, McAlister's also serves salads built the same way—you choose your base, protein, cheese, and toppings. The salads work well if you want something lighter or have dietary restrictions. Wraps offer another alternative to bread, using a tortilla instead of a sub roll.

Spuds are baked potatoes loaded with your choice of toppings: cheese, bacon, sour cream, chili, or vegetables. They are hearty and filling, and many people order them as a side or a light meal on their own. The chain also serves cookies, chips, and drinks to round out your order.

Pricing and Value

A six-inch sub runs roughly $6 to $9 depending on the meat and toppings. A footlong sub costs more, typically $10 to $14. Salads and wraps fall in a similar range. Spuds are usually $5 to $8 depending on toppings. Combo meals that bundle a sandwich, drink, and chips or a side are often available at a modest discount.

The value proposition is straightforward: you pay a bit more than a chain fast-food restaurant, but you get a made-to-order sandwich with fresh ingredients and no mystery meat. If you have allergies or strong preferences about what goes on your food, the customization is worth the slightly higher price.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

Because you build your own sandwich, McAlister's works reasonably well for people with dietary restrictions. Vegetarians can order a sub with just cheese and vegetables. People avoiding gluten can ask about bread options, though availability varies by location. Those with nut allergies should ask staff about cross-contamination in the prep area.

If you have a serious allergy, call ahead and speak to a manager rather than ordering in person. They can tell you exactly what is in each ingredient and how food is prepared. The counter-service format means you can see what goes on your sandwich, which is helpful if you need to avoid specific items.

When to Go and Parking

Lunch rush runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on weekdays, so expect a line and a wait during those hours. Early lunch (before 11 a.m.) or late lunch (after 2 p.m.) moves faster. Dinner is usually quieter than lunch. Weekends vary by location but are generally less crowded than weekday midday.

Most McAlister's locations sit in shopping centers or strip malls with ample parking. A few downtown locations have street parking or nearby lots. If you are using the drive-through, arrive during off-peak hours to avoid a backup of cars.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order online or by phone for pickup?

Many McAlister's locations accept phone orders for pickup, and some offer online ordering through their website or app. Call your nearest location to confirm they take orders ahead of time. Online ordering availability varies by store, so check the website or app for your specific location.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes. You can order a sub with just cheese and vegetables, or choose from salads and wraps built the same way. Ask the staff what fresh vegetables are available that day, since selection can vary.

What is the difference between a six-inch and a footlong sub?

A six-inch is a single serving, roughly half the length of a footlong. A footlong is meant to be split between two people or eaten as a large meal. Both are customizable with the same meats, cheeses, and toppings.

Do they have a kids menu?

Most locations offer smaller portions and kid-friendly options, though a formal kids menu varies by store. Call ahead to ask what they have available for children, or order a six-inch sub and a side for a younger diner.

Is there seating for groups?

Most locations have booth and table seating that can accommodate small groups. Larger groups should call ahead to confirm the location can handle the party size, especially during lunch rush.