Nick's Gyros & Subs in South Carolina — Where to Find Authentic Greek Sandwiches

What Nick's Gyros & Subs Serves

Nick's Gyros & Subs is a casual counter-service restaurant that specializes in Greek sandwiches built around gyros meat, feta, and Mediterranean flavors. The menu centers on hand-carved gyro sandwiches — thin-sliced seasoned meat wrapped in pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce — alongside submarine sandwiches and Greek salads. Most locations also offer sides like Greek fries (topped with feta and oregano), saganaki (fried cheese), and baklava for dessert.

The restaurant operates as a quick-lunch spot where you order at the counter and eat at small tables or take food to go. Portions are generous, and prices fall in the budget-friendly range typical of neighborhood Greek delis. The atmosphere is unpretentious — the focus is on the food rather than ambiance.

Key Takeaways

• Nick's Gyros & Subs serves hand-carved gyro sandwiches, Greek salads, and Mediterranean sides at counter-service locations across South Carolina.
• The menu is straightforward: gyros, subs, salads, and Greek appetizers like saganaki and spanakopita, with baklava and other pastries for dessert.
• Most locations are open for lunch and dinner, with hours varying by site — call ahead or check online before visiting.
• The restaurant accepts cash and card payments and offers both dine-in and takeout service at all locations.

Where to Find Nick's Gyros & Subs in South Carolina

Nick's Gyros & Subs operates multiple locations across South Carolina, with the strongest presence in the Midlands and Lowcountry regions. The original location and several branches are concentrated in the Columbia area, making it a reliable option if you live in or are visiting Richland County. Additional locations exist in Charleston and surrounding communities, though the chain is smaller than some national sandwich franchises.

Each location operates independently, so hours, menu specials, and exact offerings can vary slightly. Before making a trip, search online for "Nick's Gyros & Subs near me" or call ahead to confirm the address, current hours, and whether they have the specific item you want in stock. Some locations may have limited seating or may focus primarily on takeout during busy periods.

What to Order and How Gyros Work

The signature item is the gyro sandwich — seasoned meat (usually beef and lamb blend, though some locations offer chicken) carved from a vertical spit and served warm in pita bread with fresh tomatoes, red onions, and tzatziki sauce. You can customize by requesting extra sauce, no onions, or additional toppings. The meat is already seasoned, so the sandwich tastes complete without additions, but many people add hot sauce or extra lemon.

If you are new to gyros, order one as your main and a Greek salad or Greek fries as a side. The gyro alone is filling — a full meal for most people. The Greek fries (crispy fries topped with crumbled feta cheese and dried oregano) are worth trying if you want to experience how Greek cuisine approaches a familiar side dish. Saganaki — a square of fried cheese that arrives hot and slightly crispy on the outside — is a popular appetizer or side.

Submarine sandwiches on the menu follow the same counter-service model: you choose your protein (often Italian meats, chicken, or vegetarian options), bread type, and toppings. These are less distinctive than the gyros but offer variety if someone in your group does not want Greek food.

Pricing and Payment

A single gyro sandwich typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on the location and current pricing. Combo meals that include a gyro, fries, and a drink run slightly higher. Greek salads, subs, and appetizers fall in similar ranges. Baklava and other desserts are usually $3 to $5 per item.

All Nick's Gyros & Subs locations accept both cash and card payments. Some may have a minimum for card transactions or offer a small discount for cash, though this varies by site. Ask at the counter if you are unsure about payment options.

Dine-In Versus Takeout

Most Nick's Gyros & Subs locations have a small dining area with tables for eating on-site. The seating is casual and often fills up during lunch hours (noon to 1:30 p.m.) and early dinner (5 to 7 p.m.). If you prefer to eat there, arriving slightly outside peak times means a quieter experience and faster service.

Takeout is equally convenient — order at the counter, and your food is usually ready within 5 to 10 minutes. Gyros travel well in a container, and the pita holds up during a short drive. If you are ordering for a group, call ahead so the kitchen can prepare multiple sandwiches at once rather than making you wait for each one individually.

Dietary Considerations and Customization

Vegetarian options exist on most menus, typically including Greek salads (without meat), spanakopita (spinach pie), saganaki, and sometimes a feta and vegetable pita sandwich. Ask your server what vegetarian items are available at your location.

Gyro meat contains gluten in some preparations due to fillers or marinades, so if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, ask the staff about ingredients before ordering. Many locations can serve gyro meat over a salad instead of in pita if you need to avoid bread. Dairy is prominent in Greek cuisine — feta, tzatziki, and saganaki are standard — so let staff know if you have a dairy allergy.

What Makes Nick's Gyros & Subs Part of South Carolina's Greek Food Scene

South Carolina's Greek restaurants cluster in urban areas where Greek immigrant communities established themselves decades ago. Columbia and Charleston both have Greek neighborhoods and Greek Orthodox churches, and Nick's Gyros & Subs reflects that heritage. The restaurant serves the same food Greek families have eaten for generations — not a Americanized version, but straightforward Mediterranean sandwiches and sides.

Visiting Nick's connects you to South Carolina's immigrant food culture. The gyro itself arrived in America through Greek and Turkish communities in the mid-20th century and became a staple of Greek-American delis. By eating at Nick's, you are participating in a food tradition that has roots in both the Mediterranean and in American urban neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a gyro and a sub at Nick's?

A gyro is a Greek sandwich with meat carved from a vertical spit, served in pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. A sub is a submarine sandwich on a longer roll with Italian or other meats and your choice of toppings. Gyros are the signature item and more distinctly Greek; subs are a more familiar American sandwich option.

Can I get a gyro without tzatziki sauce?

Yes. Tell the staff when you order that you want no tzatziki, or request a different sauce instead. You can also ask for extra sauce on the side if you want to control how much goes on the sandwich. Most locations are flexible about customization.

Are Nick's Gyros & Subs locations open for lunch and dinner?

Most locations serve both lunch and dinner, but hours vary by site. Some open at 10 or 11 a.m. and close by 8 or 9 p.m., while others may have different schedules. Call your nearest location or check online to confirm hours before you visit.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Nick's Gyros & Subs operates on a walk-in, counter-service basis. You order at the counter and pay immediately. For large groups, calling ahead to give the kitchen a heads-up is helpful, but a reservation is not required or typically offered.

What should I order if I have never had Greek food before?

Start with a gyro sandwich and Greek fries. The gyro introduces you to the signature flavors — seasoned meat, fresh vegetables, and tangy tzatziki — while the fries show how Greek cuisine seasons a familiar side. Both are approachable and give you a sense of the restaurant's style without overwhelming your palate.