Meat Me Mediterranean Deli & Grill in Charleston: Fresh Grilled Meats and Mediterranean Flavors

What to expect at Meat Me Mediterranean Deli & Grill

Meat Me Mediterranean Deli & Grill is a casual counter-service restaurant in Charleston that specializes in grilled meats and Mediterranean-inspired sandwiches, wraps, and plates. The menu centers on lamb, chicken, and beef prepared on an open grill, with flavors drawn from Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern traditions. You order at the counter, and the kitchen prepares your food while you wait—most meals come together in under ten minutes.

The space is small and unpretentious, designed for quick meals rather than lingering. Seating is limited, and during lunch hours the line can stretch out the door. The restaurant draws a steady mix of downtown workers, families, and people exploring King Street's dining options. Portions are generous, and prices sit in the $12 to $18 range for most entrées.

Key Takeaways

• The lamb and chicken are grilled fresh to order, and the marinades and spice blends reflect authentic Mediterranean cooking.
• Gyros, shawarma wraps, and grain bowls are the main offerings, each customizable with your choice of protein and toppings.
• The restaurant operates as counter service with limited seating, so expect to order at the register and eat quickly or take your meal elsewhere.
• Meat Me is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district and other dining venues.

The grilled meat and sandwich options

The core of the menu is built around proteins cooked on a vertical rotisserie or flat-top grill. Lamb is the signature protein—marinated in Mediterranean spices and cooked until the exterior chars slightly while the inside stays tender. Chicken breast and thighs are also available, along with beef options that rotate seasonally. Each protein comes with a choice of preparation: stuffed into pita bread as a gyro, wrapped in a larger flatbread, or served over rice or greens as a plate.

The gyros are the most popular order. The meat is shaved from the grill, placed warm into soft pita, and topped with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. You can add extras like feta cheese, roasted peppers, or hummus for a small upcharge. The shawarma wraps follow a similar format but use a thicker flatbread and often include garlic sauce and pickled vegetables. Both are filling enough for a full meal and travel well if you want to eat elsewhere.

Grain bowls and sides

If you prefer to skip bread, Meat Me builds customizable bowls over rice, quinoa, or mixed greens. You choose your protein, then add vegetables—cucumber, tomato, lettuce, roasted peppers—and a sauce. Tzatziki, garlic sauce, and a house vinaigrette are the standard options. The bowls work well for people managing dietary restrictions, and the portions are substantial enough that most people leave satisfied.

Sides include hummus, tabbouleh, Greek salad, and roasted vegetables. Prices for sides range from $3 to $6, and they pair well with any sandwich or bowl. The restaurant also offers baklava and other Mediterranean pastries for dessert, though these are not made in-house.

Location and hours

Meat Me Mediterranean Deli & Grill is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, in the heart of the shopping and dining district. The address is easy to reach by foot from the historic district, and there is street parking nearby, though it can be tight during peak hours. A parking garage sits one block away if street spots are full.

The restaurant is typically open for lunch and dinner, Monday through Saturday. Hours vary seasonally and by day, so check ahead before making the trip. The restaurant is closed on Sundays. During lunch (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) the line moves quickly despite the crowds, because the counter service model keeps things efficient.

When to go and what to order

Lunch is the busiest time, especially on weekdays when downtown workers fill the restaurant. If you prefer a shorter wait, go early (just after opening) or later in the afternoon (after 2 p.m.). Dinner is quieter, though the restaurant can still have a line on Friday and Saturday evenings.

First-time visitors should start with the lamb gyro—it represents the restaurant's strongest dish and gives you a clear sense of the kitchen's approach to seasoning and grilling. If you want to try multiple proteins, order a mixed plate with lamb and chicken over rice, which lets you compare both. Vegetarians can build a bowl with hummus, tabbouleh, and roasted vegetables, though the menu is clearly meat-focused.

Dietary considerations and customization

The restaurant accommodates most dietary requests because the counter-service format lets you see exactly what goes into your order. Gluten-free diners can request a bowl instead of pita or flatbread. Dairy-free options are available if you skip the tzatziki and feta. The kitchen can also prepare meals without garlic or onion if you request it.

Spice levels are moderate across the menu—the food is flavorful but not aggressively hot. If you prefer more heat, ask for extra hot sauce or bring your own. The restaurant does not have a separate fryer, so cross-contamination is not a concern for most allergies, but you should confirm with staff if you have a severe nut allergy.

Parking and nearby attractions

Street parking on King Street is free but limited, especially during midday and evening hours. The Saks Fifth Avenue parking garage is one block away and charges by the hour. If you are visiting downtown Charleston for the day, consider parking once and walking to multiple venues—Meat Me sits within a few blocks of art galleries, boutique shops, and other restaurants.

The restaurant is also near the King Street pedestrian district, which makes it a natural stop if you are exploring downtown. Many people grab lunch here and then walk to nearby attractions like the historic district or the waterfront. The location works well for a quick meal between activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or do I have to wait in line?

Most locations do not take phone orders, so you order in person at the counter. During very busy times, the line can be long, but it typically moves quickly because the kitchen works efficiently. If you want to minimize wait time, go early in the lunch hour or after 2 p.m.

Do they have vegetarian options?

Yes. You can build a bowl or wrap with hummus, tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, and greens. The menu is meat-focused, so vegetarian choices are more limited than meat options, but they are substantial and flavorful.

Is the food spicy?

The menu is seasoned but not hot. Spice levels are moderate, with flavor coming from Mediterranean herbs and marinades rather than chili peppers. You can ask for extra hot sauce if you prefer more heat.

What is the difference between a gyro and a shawarma wrap?

A gyro uses soft pita bread and is topped with tzatziki sauce, tomato, and onion. A shawarma wrap uses thicker flatbread and typically includes garlic sauce and pickled vegetables. Both are delicious—it comes down to whether you prefer the lighter pita or the heartier wrap.

Is there seating inside?

Yes, but seating is limited. The restaurant has a few tables and counter seats, which fill up quickly during lunch. Many people take their food to go or eat standing up. If you need a comfortable place to sit, consider eating at a nearby park or taking your meal back to your hotel.