Queen Deli & Happy Scooter: Sandwiches and Vintage Scooters in One Midtown Spot

What Queen Deli & Happy Scooter Is

Queen Deli & Happy Scooter is a sandwich shop in Columbia's Midtown neighborhood that doubles as a vintage Vespa and Lambretta showroom. You order lunch at the counter—Italian meats, fresh mozzarella, house-made spreads—and while you wait, you can walk through the back room to look at restored scooters for sale. It's an unusual pairing that works because both the deli and the scooter business share the same owner's eye for detail and European style.

The deli side opened first, built on the principle that a good sandwich starts with real ingredients: imported prosciutto, San Daniele ham, burrata, house-made pesto. The scooter side came later, a natural extension of the owner's passion for Italian Vespas and the culture around them. The two businesses occupy the same storefront on Devine Street, so you can grab a sandwich and browse restored scooters in the same visit.

Key Takeaways

• Queen Deli serves Italian-style sandwiches made with imported meats, fresh cheeses, and house-made condiments, with options for vegetarian and meat-heavy builds.
• Happy Scooter sells restored vintage Vespas and Lambrettas, ranging from fully restored models to projects, with prices and availability that change regularly.
• The shop is located on Devine Street in Columbia's Midtown, a walkable neighborhood with other restaurants, shops, and galleries nearby.
• Hours and menu items can shift seasonally, so calling ahead or checking social media before visiting is worth the effort.

The Sandwich Menu and What to Order

The deli menu changes with what's in stock and what the owner sources that week, but the core sandwiches stay consistent. The Prosciutto di Parma is the straightforward choice—thin-sliced prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, arugula, and a house-made spread on a roll. The Porchetta uses slow-roasted pork belly, and the Spicy Capicola layers that cured meat with provolone and roasted red peppers. For vegetarians, the Burrata sandwich pairs that creamy cheese with tomato, basil, and olive oil.

Most sandwiches come on a roll that's baked fresh or sourced from a local bakery, and you can ask for modifications—extra cheese, no onions, a different spread. The portions are generous enough that one sandwich is a full lunch. Prices run between $12 and $16 for most sandwiches, depending on the meat and what's available that day. The shop also stocks Italian sodas, coffee, and sometimes pastries from local bakers.

The Scooter Showroom and What's Usually Available

The Happy Scooter side of the business focuses on Vespa and Lambretta scooters from the 1960s and 1970s, though the inventory shifts. Some scooters arrive fully restored and ready to ride; others are partial restorations or projects for buyers who want to finish the work themselves. Prices vary widely depending on the model, year, and condition—a fully restored 1970s Vespa can run several thousand dollars, while a project scooter might be less.

The owner sources scooters from across the country and sometimes internationally, so what's on the floor changes month to month. If you're serious about buying, it's worth calling or messaging ahead to ask what's currently in stock. The shop also handles some restoration work and can discuss sourcing parts or completing a restoration if you already own a scooter.

Location and Neighborhood Context

Queen Deli & Happy Scooter sits on Devine Street in Columbia's Midtown, a neighborhood known for independent shops, galleries, and restaurants within walking distance of each other. Parking is street parking along Devine, which is usually available but can fill up during lunch hours on weekdays. The storefront is easy to spot—look for the scooter signage and the deli counter visible from the street.

Midtown itself is worth exploring if you have time. Within a few blocks you'll find other restaurants, a used bookstore, vintage shops, and art galleries. The neighborhood has a slower pace than downtown Columbia, and many people combine a visit to Queen Deli with browsing nearby shops or grabbing coffee at another spot in the area.

Hours, Seasons, and What to Know Before You Go

The deli operates during lunch hours most days, though hours can shift seasonally or if the owner is traveling to source scooters. The scooter showroom keeps similar hours but may close for private appointments or when the owner is away. Before making a trip, especially if you're coming from outside Columbia, check the shop's social media or call ahead to confirm they're open and to ask what sandwiches are available that day.

The shop closes for a few weeks in summer and sometimes takes extended breaks in winter, so it's not a year-round daily operation. This is intentional—the owner prioritizes quality and sourcing over high-volume service. If you're planning a visit around a specific sandwich or scooter, a phone call or message is the fastest way to confirm.

Why the Combination Works

On the surface, a deli and a scooter shop seem unrelated. But both businesses reflect the same aesthetic: an appreciation for European craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a preference for quality over convenience. A Vespa and a well-made sandwich both require time, the right ingredients, and respect for tradition. The owner's willingness to run both businesses in one space signals that this isn't a franchise operation or a quick-profit venture—it's a personal project built around things the owner genuinely cares about.

For visitors, the combination means you can spend an hour at Queen Deli & Happy Scooter without it feeling rushed. Eat a sandwich, look at scooters, ask questions, and soak in the Midtown neighborhood. It's the kind of place that rewards a slow visit over a quick stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a scooter if I don't know how to ride one?

Yes. The owner can discuss what model might suit a beginner and can sometimes connect you with local riding groups or instructors. Many people buy a scooter as a project or as a display piece before they learn to ride, so it's not uncommon.

Do I need to call ahead to order a sandwich?

You don't need to, but calling ahead during busy lunch hours can speed things up. If you want a specific sandwich and you're not sure it's available that day, a quick call is worth it. The shop is small and can get crowded between noon and 1 p.m. on weekdays.

What if I want to restore a scooter I already own?

The shop does some restoration work and can discuss your project. Bring photos or the scooter itself if possible, and the owner can give you an idea of scope and timeline. Restoration work is custom and varies widely in cost and duration.

Is there seating inside the shop?

The shop is small and doesn't have much seating. Most people take their sandwich to go or eat standing at a high counter. Midtown has parks and other spots nearby where you can sit and eat if you prefer.

Are there vegetarian sandwich options?

Yes. The Burrata sandwich is vegetarian, and the owner can build custom sandwiches with cheese, vegetables, and house-made spreads. Ask what's available when you order.