Buzby's Kitchen: A South Carolina Sandwich Institution Since 1946

What Buzby's Kitchen is and where to find it

Buzby's Kitchen is a family-owned sandwich shop in Charleston that has been making hand-cut meats and fresh bread since 1946. The restaurant sits on King Street in the heart of downtown, in a narrow storefront that looks much as it did decades ago. You order at the counter, watch the staff slice your meat to order, and eat at a handful of tables in a space that feels like stepping into mid-century Charleston.

The shop is known for old-school deli sandwiches built on fresh bread baked daily. Buzby's does not serve burgers, wraps, or trendy variations—it makes sandwiches the way a neighborhood deli did in the 1950s, and that consistency is part of why locals keep coming back.

Key Takeaways

• Buzby's has operated continuously since 1946 and remains family-owned, making it one of Charleston's oldest continuously operating restaurants.
• All meats are sliced to order behind the counter, and bread is baked fresh daily on-site.
• The menu is intentionally limited—sandwiches, a few sides, and drinks—with no burgers or modern variations.
• The storefront is small with limited seating, so expect a casual, counter-service experience in a historic space.
• Buzby's is closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

The sandwich menu and what makes it different

Buzby's menu centers on classic deli sandwiches: roast beef, ham, turkey, and combinations. The roast beef is the signature order—sliced thin and piled high on fresh bread. The ham and turkey sandwiches are straightforward, built the way they were built in the 1940s, with no aioli, no microgreens, no house-made special sauce. You can order a sandwich plain or with mustard, mayo, or both.

The bread matters as much as the meat. Buzby's bakes its own daily, and regulars will tell you the bread is the reason they come back. It is sturdy enough to hold the meat without falling apart, but soft enough that it does not fight your teeth. The shop also offers a few sides—potato salad, coleslaw—and drinks, but the sandwich is the point.

Portion sizes are generous. A single sandwich at Buzby's is a full meal, and many people order one sandwich to split or take half home. Prices are moderate for Charleston, especially given the quality of the meat and the fact that everything is made to order.

The space and the experience

Buzby's occupies a small storefront with a counter along one wall and a handful of tables. The walls are plain, the décor is minimal, and the lighting is bright and functional. There is no attempt at nostalgia or theme—the space simply has not changed much in seventy years, which is part of its appeal. You are eating in a place where your grandparents might have eaten.

The counter service is efficient and friendly. The staff know regulars by name and order, and they are patient with first-timers who are deciding. You watch your sandwich being made, which adds to the experience—there is no mystery about what goes into it.

Seating is limited, so during lunch rush (roughly noon to 1 p.m. on weekdays) you may wait for a table. Many people order to go, which is a perfectly normal way to eat at Buzby's. The shop is also closed Sundays and Mondays, so plan around that if you are visiting from out of town.

Why Buzby's matters in Charleston's food culture

Buzby's is one of the few restaurants in Charleston that has survived seventy-five years without changing its concept or chasing trends. In a city where restaurants open and close constantly, and where many older establishments have been renovated into something unrecognizable, Buzby's has stayed exactly what it was. That consistency is rare and worth experiencing.

The shop represents a style of eating—the neighborhood deli, the counter service, the made-to-order sandwich—that has largely disappeared from American cities. Eating at Buzby's is not ironic or retro; it is simply what a good sandwich shop looks like when it has been doing the same thing well for three-quarters of a century.

How to visit and what to expect

Buzby's is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, within walking distance of the historic district. Parking on King Street is metered and can be tight during the day, so consider using a nearby parking garage or arriving early. The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday; hours are typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., though it is worth calling ahead to confirm, especially if you are traveling from out of town.

Arrive hungry and with cash or a card—Buzby's accepts both. Expect to order at the counter, watch your sandwich being made, and either eat at one of the small tables or take it with you. If you are visiting during lunch rush, give yourself extra time. The line moves quickly, but tables fill up fast.

If you are new to Buzby's, start with the roast beef sandwich. It is the most popular order and the best introduction to what the shop does. If you prefer poultry, the turkey is excellent. Either way, you are eating something that tastes the way it did in 1946, made by people who know how to do it right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buzby's open for lunch and dinner?

Buzby's is open for lunch and early dinner, typically 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. It is closed Sundays and Mondays. Hours can vary seasonally, so call ahead if you are making a special trip.

Can I order online or call ahead?

Buzby's operates as a counter-service deli and does not take online orders. You can call ahead to ask about wait times or to confirm hours, but you will need to visit in person to order and pick up your sandwich.

What if I do not eat meat?

Buzby's is a meat deli, and the menu is built around sliced meats and sandwiches. Vegetarian options are limited. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what might work for you.

Is there parking nearby?

Buzby's is on King Street, where parking is metered and can be difficult during business hours. Several parking garages are within a few blocks. Street parking is available but may require circling. Consider arriving early or using a garage if you are visiting during lunch rush.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Buzby's is counter service with walk-in seating only. Reservations are not taken. During lunch rush, you may wait for a table, but takeout is always available.