City Market Grocery in Charleston: Where to Find Sandwiches and Lowcountry Staples

What City Market Grocery offers

City Market Grocery is a neighborhood market in downtown Charleston's historic City Market district, operating as both a grocery store and a casual food counter. The shop stocks prepared sandwiches made to order, along with local and regional products—cheese, cured meats, pantry items, and ready-to-eat sides that reflect Lowcountry cooking. You can walk in, order a sandwich built from their deli case, and eat at one of a few tables, or take your order with you.

The market sits on Meeting Street within walking distance of the City Market Hall itself, the waterfront, and several historic neighborhoods. It functions as a working grocery for locals and a quick-stop for visitors who want something more substantial than a chain sandwich shop but faster than sitting down at a restaurant.

Key Takeaways

• City Market Grocery makes sandwiches to order from a deli counter stocked with local meats and cheeses, not from a pre-made case.
• The shop also sells packaged groceries, local products, and ready-made sides like she-crab soup and Lowcountry rice dishes.
• Seating is limited to a few tables inside, so the space works best for a quick meal or takeout order.
• The location on Meeting Street puts you within a few blocks of City Market Hall, the waterfront, and downtown restaurants and galleries.

Sandwich options and ordering

Sandwiches are built to your specifications from ingredients visible in the deli case. You'll typically find cured meats like prosciutto and soppressata, several cheeses, and fresh vegetables. The bread changes but usually includes options like ciabatta or sourdough. Unlike a chain sandwich shop, there's no laminated menu board—you describe what you want, or ask the counter staff what they recommend that day.

Prices run higher than a fast-casual chain but lower than a sit-down restaurant. The shop doesn't post prices online, so expect to ask when you order. Turnaround is usually 10 to 15 minutes during slower hours, longer during lunch rush.

What else to buy while you're there

Beyond sandwiches, City Market Grocery stocks items meant for cooking at home: local honey, preserves, specialty oils, and packaged goods from regional producers. The refrigerated section holds butter, eggs, and dairy. You'll also find ready-made dishes—she-crab soup, shrimp and grits, Lowcountry rice—that you can heat at home or eat there.

The shop carries wine and beer, with an emphasis on South Carolina producers and small regional labels. This makes it a reasonable stop if you're planning a picnic or a meal at a nearby rental property and want to avoid a big supermarket.

Hours and location

City Market Grocery operates from the City Market district on Meeting Street in downtown Charleston. Hours typically run mid-morning through early evening, though they vary by season and day of the week. The shop is closed on major holidays. Call ahead or check their social media before visiting, especially if you're planning a specific meal or looking for a particular product.

Parking on Meeting Street is metered and limited. The nearby City Market parking garage (a paid lot) is usually your best option if you're driving. The location is walkable from most downtown hotels and from the waterfront.

When to visit

Lunch hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) are busiest, especially on weekends when tourists and locals converge on the City Market area. If you want a quieter experience and a shorter wait, visit mid-morning or late afternoon. The shop is less crowded on weekdays.

City Market Grocery works well as a stop during a walking tour of downtown—you can grab a sandwich, eat at one of the tables, and move on. It's also useful if you're staying in a nearby vacation rental and want dinner without leaving the neighborhood.

Nearby alternatives and context

The City Market district itself holds several other food options: City Market Hall (a food hall with multiple vendors), restaurants on Meeting Street and nearby side streets, and other small groceries and delis. If City Market Grocery is closed or too crowded, you have other sandwich and prepared-food options within a short walk.

The shop's appeal lies partly in its location and partly in its focus on local and regional products. If you're interested in Lowcountry food or want to support local producers, this is a more intentional choice than a chain. If you just need a quick, cheap sandwich, a national chain nearby may be faster and cheaper.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a sandwich ahead of time?

City Market Grocery typically operates as a walk-in counter without a phone ordering system. Call the shop directly to ask whether they take advance orders, especially if you need a sandwich at a specific time or want a custom build they may need to source ingredients for.

Do they have vegetarian or vegan sandwich options?

The deli counter stocks vegetables and can build a sandwich without meat, though the shop's focus is on cured meats and cheese. Ask the staff what vegetables and spreads are available that day, since inventory changes.

Is there seating, or is it takeout only?

City Market Grocery has a few tables inside where you can eat, but seating is limited. Most customers take their order with them or eat standing up. It's not a sit-down restaurant experience.

What's the price range for a sandwich?

Prices vary depending on what you order, but expect to pay more than a chain sandwich shop and less than a restaurant entree. The shop doesn't post prices online, so ask when you order.

Is City Market Grocery the same as City Market Hall?

No. City Market Grocery is a separate shop on Meeting Street. City Market Hall is a larger food hall a few blocks away with multiple vendors and more seating. Both are in the same neighborhood but operate independently.