Two Chefs Eastside: Sandwiches and Sides in Columbia's Five Points

What Two Chefs Eastside Serves

Two Chefs Eastside is a sandwich and deli counter in Columbia's Five Points neighborhood, known for made-to-order sandwiches built around quality meats and fresh bread. The menu centers on classic deli fare—cold cuts, hot pressed sandwiches, and sides—with a focus on straightforward execution rather than novelty. The space itself is casual and compact, designed for quick service and takeout, though a few seats are available for eating in.

The sandwich menu rotates slightly by season and availability, but regulars know to expect options like Italian cold cuts, roast beef, turkey, and house-made or sourced specialty meats. Bread comes from local bakeries, and the kitchen will build a sandwich to your specifications rather than serving a fixed menu item. Sides typically include potato salad, coleslaw, and other traditional deli accompaniments.

Key Takeaways

• Two Chefs Eastside builds sandwiches to order using quality meats and fresh bread from local sources.
• The restaurant is located in Five Points, Columbia's walkable neighborhood of independent shops and restaurants.
• Service is designed for takeout and quick lunch stops, though limited seating is available inside.
• Hours and daily specials vary, so calling ahead or checking their social media before visiting ensures you get what you want.

Location and Hours

Two Chefs Eastside sits on Harden Street in the heart of Five Points, the neighborhood bounded by Main, Devine, and Elmwood Streets. Five Points is walkable and has street parking, though spaces fill quickly during lunch hours. The restaurant is a short drive from downtown Columbia and the University of South Carolina campus.

Hours typically run lunch through early evening, but they vary by day and season. Calling ahead at their listed number or checking their social media pages before you go ensures they are open and lets you know if any specials are running that day. Many deli counters close between lunch and dinner service, so timing matters if you are planning a visit.

What to Order and How Sandwiches Work

The strength of Two Chefs Eastside is customization. Rather than ordering a named sandwich, you choose your meat, bread, and toppings. This approach works well if you have strong preferences—you can ask for extra lettuce, no mayo, mustard instead of oil, or any other modification without pushback. The staff will slice meat to thickness and build the sandwich in front of you.

Sides are worth ordering. Potato salad and coleslaw are standards, and they round out a sandwich lunch without requiring a second stop. Prices are moderate for a made-to-order deli, and portions are substantial. If you are unsure what to order, asking the staff for their recommendation is a reasonable move—they know what is fresh that day and what pairs well.

Five Points Context and Nearby Options

Two Chefs Eastside is one of several food-focused businesses in Five Points, a neighborhood known for independent restaurants, coffee shops, and retail. The area has a strong lunch culture, and the deli fits into a broader ecosystem of places to eat within a few blocks. If you are already in Five Points for another reason—shopping, coffee, or browsing—the deli is a natural stop.

Five Points is also home to other delis, casual restaurants, and bakeries, so if Two Chefs Eastside is closed or full, alternatives are nearby. The neighborhood itself is worth exploring on foot, especially on weekends when foot traffic is higher and the street has more energy.

Parking and Accessibility

Street parking is available on Harden Street and surrounding blocks, though spaces are limited during peak lunch hours (roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.). The restaurant itself is ground-level and accessible by foot from the street. If you are driving, arriving before or after the main lunch rush improves your chances of finding a nearby spot.

Two Chefs Eastside is a small operation, so the space can feel crowded during busy times. If you prefer a quieter experience, mid-afternoon or late lunch (after 1:30 p.m.) is typically slower. Takeout is the primary service model, so even if seating is full, you can order and eat elsewhere.

Pricing and Payment

Sandwich prices are in the moderate range for a made-to-order deli—typically between $8 and $14 depending on meat choice and size. Sides add $2 to $4. The restaurant accepts cash and card, though it is worth confirming payment methods before you order, as some smaller delis have restrictions or surcharges for card use.

Two Chefs Eastside does not offer a loyalty program or frequent-buyer card, but regular customers often build a relationship with the staff, who may remember preferences or offer informal discounts. Asking about daily specials when you order can reveal pricing breaks on certain meats or combinations.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch is the primary service window, and the restaurant is busiest between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays. If you want to avoid a line, go early (around 11 a.m.) or later (after 2 p.m.). Weekends are typically slower than weekdays, making them a good time to visit if you prefer a more relaxed experience.

Two Chefs Eastside is not a destination restaurant that requires planning a trip across town, but rather a neighborhood spot worth knowing about if you work, study, or spend time in Five Points. The quality is consistent, the staff is straightforward, and the sandwiches are built to your preference—which is what a good deli does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in a sandwich?

Yes, calling ahead is a good idea, especially during lunch rush. It lets you reserve your sandwich and reduces wait time when you arrive. Some delis also take orders for pickup at a specific time, which is useful if you are coordinating a group lunch or want to avoid the crowd.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan sandwich options?

Most delis can build a vegetarian sandwich using bread, cheese, and vegetables, though Two Chefs Eastside is primarily a meat-focused operation. Call ahead to confirm what vegetable options are available that day, as inventory varies.

Is Two Chefs Eastside open on weekends?

Hours vary by day, and weekend service is less consistent than weekday lunch. Checking their social media or calling before you visit on Saturday or Sunday ensures you do not make a trip for a closed restaurant.

What is the difference between Two Chefs Eastside and other Columbia delis?

Two Chefs Eastside emphasizes customization and quality ingredients, with meat sourced carefully and bread from local bakeries. Other delis in the area may focus on speed, preset menu items, or different price points. Visiting a few lets you find which style suits your preference.

Can I get a large sandwich for a group?

Many delis can build a large sub or party sandwich with advance notice. Call ahead to discuss size, meat selection, and pickup time. Pricing for group orders is usually negotiable and based on the ingredients you choose.