5th Avenue Deli in Charleston: Sandwiches, Sides, and Lowcountry Flavor

What 5th Avenue Deli offers

5th Avenue Deli is a sandwich shop in Charleston's Upper King Street neighborhood that builds its menu around hand-sliced meats, fresh bread, and straightforward combinations. The deli counter displays roast beef, turkey, ham, and corned beef; you order at the counter and eat at one of a handful of tables or take your sandwich to go. The space is small and casual—the kind of place where regulars know the staff by name and the line moves fast at lunch.

The sandwiches lean toward classic deli territory: roast beef on rye, turkey clubs, Italian cold cuts. Sides include potato salad, coleslaw, and pickles. Prices are moderate for Charleston—most sandwiches fall in the $10 to $14 range. The shop does not serve alcohol, and there is no table service; you order and carry your tray.

Key Takeaways

• 5th Avenue Deli slices meat to order at the counter, so you can watch your sandwich being made and request thickness or portions.
• The menu sticks to traditional deli sandwiches—roast beef, turkey, corned beef, Italian combinations—without trendy riffs or fusion items.
• The location on Upper King Street puts it within walking distance of other restaurants, shops, and the College of Charleston campus.
• Lunch is the busiest time, especially weekdays; arriving before noon or after 1 p.m. means shorter waits.
• The shop is cash-friendly but also takes cards; seating is limited to a few tables, so takeout is common.

The sandwich counter and ordering process

When you walk in, you step up to the deli counter and tell the staff what you want. They slice the meat in front of you—you can ask for thin slices, thick slices, or a specific amount. This is different from a chain sandwich shop where the bread and fillings are already assembled; here, the sandwich is built to your specifications. If you want extra roast beef or less mayo, you say so before they wrap it.

The bread changes depending on the day and what the shop has in stock, but typically includes rye, wheat, and white options. Some sandwiches come with a choice of sides—potato salad, coleslaw, or a pickle spear. You pay at the counter and either find a seat inside or take your order with you.

Popular sandwiches and what to expect

The roast beef sandwich is the shop's anchor item: sliced beef, usually served on rye with mustard and horseradish. The turkey sandwich is straightforward—sliced turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, and mayo. The Italian combines salami, capicola, and provolone. A corned beef sandwich appears regularly, though availability can depend on what the deli has prepared that day.

Combinations and custom orders are normal here. You can ask for a half-and-half (roast beef and turkey on one sandwich), add cheese to any meat sandwich, or request specific condiments. The staff are used to modifications and do not charge extra for most requests.

Location and neighborhood context

5th Avenue Deli sits on Upper King Street, a stretch of Charleston known for independent restaurants, vintage shops, and foot traffic from the College of Charleston. The neighborhood has grown busier over the past decade, but the deli has remained a steady, unpretentious spot. Parking on the street can be tight during lunch hours; a nearby parking garage is a short walk away.

The area is walkable—you can grab a sandwich and eat it in nearby Marion Square Park, or combine a visit with shopping or coffee at neighboring businesses. The deli is open for lunch and early dinner on weekdays and Saturday; hours vary, so calling ahead is wise if you are planning a visit outside typical lunch times.

When to visit and what to know before you go

Weekday lunch, roughly 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is the busiest window. If you prefer a shorter line, arrive before 11:15 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m. Saturday lunch also draws a crowd, but the wait is usually shorter than weekdays. The shop closes by early evening most days.

The interior is small—maybe six to eight seats—so during peak times you may not find a table. This is not a drawback if you are comfortable taking your sandwich elsewhere; many people eat in Marion Square or at home. The deli does not have a website or social media presence, so calling to confirm hours or ask about daily specials is the most direct way to plan a visit.

Pricing and payment

Most sandwiches cost between $10 and $14, depending on the meat and size. Sides (potato salad, coleslaw) are typically $2 to $3 extra. Drinks are available but limited. The shop takes both cash and cards, though cash payment is common and sometimes preferred by regulars.

There are no combo deals or discounts advertised; you pay for what you order. For a quick, affordable lunch in Charleston, the prices are reasonable—comparable to other independent delis in the city and less than many sit-down restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I call ahead to order?

Yes, calling ahead is a good idea, especially during lunch rush. You can place an order and pick it up at the counter, which saves time if you are in a hurry. The staff will have your sandwich ready when you arrive.

Do they have vegetarian sandwiches?

The menu is meat-focused, but the deli can make a cheese sandwich or a vegetable sandwich if you ask. Cheese and tomato on bread is straightforward; ask what vegetables they have available that day.

Is there outdoor seating?

Not at the deli itself, but Marion Square Park is a short walk away and has benches and open space. Many customers take their sandwiches there to eat, especially on nice days.

What are the hours?

Hours vary by day and season. The shop is typically open for lunch on weekdays and Saturday, closing by early evening. Calling ahead to confirm is the best way to know if they are open when you plan to visit.

Do they cater or take large orders?

The shop is small and built for walk-in traffic, but calling to discuss a larger order is worth trying. They may be able to accommodate a group order if you give them notice.