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Sub Station II in Columbia: Submarine Sandwiches and Local Flavor

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What Sub Station II Offers

Sub Station II is a submarine sandwich shop in Columbia that builds custom subs to order. You choose your bread, proteins, vegetables, and toppings, and the staff assembles it while you watch. The menu includes cold subs, hot subs, and a few sides like chips and drinks. Prices run lower than chain sandwich shops, and the portions are substantial.

The shop has been operating in Columbia for decades and draws a steady crowd of regulars who know what they want. It's the kind of place where the staff remembers repeat customers and can make your usual without asking. The atmosphere is casual and straightforward—no frills, just sandwiches made fresh.

Key Takeaways

  • Sub Station II lets you build your own submarine sandwich from a selection of breads, meats, cheeses, and toppings.
  • Both cold and hot subs are available, with hot subs toasted or pressed depending on what you order.
  • The shop is located in Columbia and has been a local fixture for many years, known for consistent quality and reasonable prices.
  • It's a counter-service operation where you order at the register and receive your sandwich quickly.

How to Order and Customize Your Sub

When you walk in, you'll see the bread options displayed and the meat and topping cases behind the counter. Tell the person taking your order which bread you want—typically white, wheat, or Italian herbs and cheese. Then choose your proteins: ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, or combinations of those. Most people pick two or three meats.

Next come the vegetables and condiments. You can load up on lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, peppers, and olives. Add cheese if you want it, and specify your condiments: mayo, mustard, oil and vinegar, or ranch. The staff will build it in front of you and wrap it up. The whole process takes just a few minutes from order to hand-off.

Cold Subs Versus Hot Subs

Cold subs are the traditional submarine sandwich—assembled fresh and ready to eat immediately. They're good if you want something quick or prefer your ingredients unheated. Most people order cold subs for lunch or to take home.

Hot subs come toasted or pressed, warming the bread and melting the cheese. These are better if you're eating in the shop or want something more substantial. The heat brings out the flavors of the meats and makes the sandwich feel more like a meal. Ask the staff which subs they recommend hot—some combinations work better that way than others.

Location and Hours

Sub Station II is located in Columbia. The shop operates during typical lunch and dinner hours, though specific hours vary by day. It's worth calling ahead or checking online before you go, especially if you're planning to visit outside the standard midday rush.

The shop is small and can get busy during lunch, so expect a short wait if you arrive between noon and 1 p.m. on a weekday. Going early or late in the lunch window usually means a shorter line.

Price and Value

Sub Station II's prices are competitive with other local sandwich shops and generally lower than national chains. A six-inch sub costs less than a footlong, and combination deals that bundle a sub with chips and a drink are often available. The sandwiches are filling, so one sub is usually enough for a meal.

If you're on a tight budget, this is a solid choice for lunch. You're not paying for a brand name or fancy packaging—you're paying for fresh ingredients and a sandwich made the way you want it.

Why Locals Choose Sub Station II

Sub Station II has stayed in business in Columbia because it does one thing well: makes a good submarine sandwich without pretension. There's no complicated menu to navigate, no upselling, and no surprises. You know what you're getting, and it's consistently good.

The shop also has the advantage of being a local business rather than a chain. The staff tends to be friendly and patient with customers who are deciding what they want. If you're new to the area or just looking for a reliable lunch spot, Sub Station II is worth a visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a sub ahead of time?

Some Sub Station II locations take phone orders, though it depends on the specific shop. Call ahead to ask if they can have your sub ready when you arrive. This is especially helpful during the lunch rush when the line is long.

Do you have vegetarian options?

Yes. You can build a sub with just vegetables, cheese, and condiments—no meat. Ask the staff which vegetables are freshest that day, and they can recommend a combination that works well together.

What's the difference between a six-inch and a footlong?

A six-inch sub is a smaller sandwich, roughly half the size of a footlong. Most people find a six-inch filling for lunch, while a footlong is better if you're very hungry or want leftovers. The price difference is usually a few dollars.

Are there options besides subs?

Sub Station II primarily focuses on submarine sandwiches. Sides like chips, cookies, and drinks are available, but the menu is not extensive. If you're looking for something other than a sub, you might want to check what else they offer before you go.

Is Sub Station II a chain?

Sub Station II is a local Columbia business, not part of a national chain. This means the menu and quality can vary slightly from what you might find at a franchise, and the staff often has deeper roots in the community.