Capriotti's Sandwich Shop: What to Order and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

What Capriotti's Offers

Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is a submarine sandwich chain known for hand-sliced, hot-roasted meats and unconventional toppings that set it apart from typical sandwich shops. The menu centers on hot sandwiches—roast beef, turkey, and chicken are sliced fresh daily in-house—alongside cold options and a signature item called "The Bobbie," a hot sandwich combining roast beef, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce that tastes like Thanksgiving between two pieces of bread.

The shop operates with a made-to-order approach, meaning you can customize nearly every sandwich. Capriotti's also offers salads, wraps, and sides like hand-cut fries and onion rings. Prices typically run between $8 and $12 for a regular sandwich, with larger sizes available. The atmosphere is casual and quick-service, designed for lunch crowds and takeout orders.

Key Takeaways

• Capriotti's specializes in hot roasted meats sliced fresh daily, with "The Bobbie" being their most distinctive sandwich offering.
• You can customize sandwiches with your choice of meats, toppings, and bread, making it easy to build something suited to your taste.
• South Carolina locations are found in Charleston and the Midlands region, though availability varies by season and franchise status.
• The shop operates as a quick-service restaurant ideal for lunch takeout, with most visits taking 10 to 15 minutes from order to pickup.

South Carolina Locations

Capriotti's has a limited presence in South Carolina compared to larger chains. The most reliable location is in Charleston, where the shop operates in a downtown or near-downtown setting convenient to the historic district and business areas. A second location has operated in the Columbia area, though franchise locations can open and close based on individual owner decisions.

Before visiting, check the Capriotti's website location finder or call ahead to confirm hours and current operation, as franchise restaurants sometimes adjust their schedules seasonally or relocate. Many South Carolina customers also order online through the Capriotti's app or website for pickup, which can speed up your visit during busy lunch periods.

The Menu Beyond The Bobbie

While "The Bobbie" draws attention, Capriotti's full menu offers variety. The Roast Beef Sandwich features thinly sliced, seasoned roast beef on your choice of bread—Italian, wheat, or a smaller roll. The Nip It combines roast beef and turkey, while the Capastrami pairs roast beef with pastrami and spices. Cold sandwiches include turkey, ham, and Italian meats for those who prefer unheated options.

Sides round out the meal: hand-cut fries come in regular or cajun-spiced versions, onion rings offer a heavier alternative, and salads provide a lighter choice. Capriotti's also sells bottled drinks and desserts like cookies. Portion sizes are generous—a regular sandwich is substantial enough for most appetites, and the large size can easily feed two people or provide a second meal.

Ordering and Customization

Capriotti's operates on a customization model similar to Subway or Jimmy John's, but with hot meat as the foundation. You choose your sandwich, select your bread (Italian, wheat, or roll), then add toppings from a standard list: lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers, pickles, and various condiments. The staff slices your meat fresh to order, which takes slightly longer than pre-sliced chains but delivers noticeably fresher flavor.

If you're unsure what to order, the staff can recommend combinations or suggest modifications to existing menu items. Many regulars build their own signature sandwich by combining meats and toppings not listed as a standard item. Online ordering through the app or website allows you to specify customizations before you arrive, reducing wait time at the counter.

Price and Value

A regular Capriotti's sandwich typically costs between $8 and $12, depending on the meat choice and location. Large sandwiches run $2 to $3 more. Sides like fries or onion rings add $3 to $4, and drinks range from $2 to $3. A complete meal—sandwich, side, and drink—usually totals $15 to $18 per person.

Compared to chain sandwich shops, Capriotti's prices are competitive, though slightly higher than Subway or Jimmy John's. The difference reflects the fresh-sliced meat and hot preparation. Capriotti's occasionally runs promotions through their app or website, so checking before you order can reveal discounts or combo deals that improve value.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Lunch hours—roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.—are the busiest times, with lines common in downtown Charleston locations. If you prefer a shorter wait, visit mid-morning or after 2 p.m. Dinner traffic is lighter. Most orders take 10 to 15 minutes from the time you reach the counter, though online orders placed in advance can be ready when you arrive.

Capriotti's is designed for takeout and quick eating rather than lingering. Most locations have limited seating, though some have a few tables or counter space. The shop works well for a working lunch, a quick meal between errands, or grabbing dinner to take home. Parking varies by location—downtown Charleston spots may require street parking or a nearby lot, while suburban locations typically have dedicated parking.

How Capriotti's Compares to Other Sandwich Shops

Capriotti's differs from national chains like Subway and Jimmy John's primarily in its use of hot roasted meats rather than deli meats from a slicer. This gives sandwiches a warmer, more substantial quality and a different flavor profile. The menu is smaller and more focused than Subway's, with fewer vegetarian options but stronger emphasis on meat-forward combinations.

Compared to local delis or barbecue restaurants, Capriotti's is faster and more standardized, though less customizable in some ways. If you want a quick, consistent hot sandwich without the wait of a full-service restaurant, Capriotti's fills that niche. For South Carolina diners used to barbecue or Lowcountry cuisine, Capriotti's offers a different regional style—East Coast submarine sandwich tradition rather than Southern barbecue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Bobbie actually good, or is it just a gimmick?

The Bobbie works because the combination of roast beef, turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce creates genuine flavor balance—savory meat with sweet and herbal notes from the cranberry and stuffing. It's not a gimmick; it's a deliberate sandwich design. Whether you'll like it depends on whether you enjoy Thanksgiving flavors, but most people who try it understand why it's popular.

Can I order online and pick up at the South Carolina location?

Yes. Capriotti's app and website allow you to place orders for pickup at participating locations. Online ordering typically reduces your wait time, since the kitchen can prepare your sandwich before you arrive. Check the location finder on the Capriotti's website to confirm that your nearest South Carolina shop accepts online orders.

What if I'm vegetarian or don't eat meat?

Capriotti's menu is meat-focused, and vegetarian options are limited. You can order a sandwich with cheese and vegetables, or ask about salads, but the restaurant's strength lies in its roasted meats. If you're vegetarian, a different sandwich shop may better suit your needs.

How fresh is the meat if I order online?

Meat is sliced fresh to order for each sandwich, whether you order in person or online. With online orders, the kitchen times preparation so your sandwich is made shortly before your pickup time, keeping the meat as fresh as possible. There's no significant difference in freshness between in-person and online orders.

Do they deliver, or is it pickup only?

Most Capriotti's locations operate on a pickup and dine-in basis. Delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats may be available depending on your location, but this varies by franchise. Check the Capriotti's website or app for your specific location's delivery options.