Drake's Duck In: A Charleston Sandwich Institution

What Drake's Duck In serves and where to find it

Drake's Duck In is a sandwich shop in Charleston that has been serving the same menu since 1972—a roasted duck sandwich that comes on a bun with a choice of toppings, plus a small selection of other sandwiches and sides. The restaurant sits on King Street in downtown Charleston, a location it has occupied for decades. It is a counter-service spot with limited seating, designed for people to order and eat quickly or take food with them.

The duck sandwich is the reason people go there. The duck is roasted in-house, sliced, and served warm. You choose your toppings from options like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, and you can add condiments. The sandwich costs less than most sit-down restaurant meals and is substantial enough to be a full lunch or dinner.

Drake's also makes a few other sandwiches—chicken salad, tuna salad, and roast beef—but these are secondary to the duck. The shop does not have a website or social media presence, so the best way to know current hours or confirm they are open is to call ahead or stop by in person.

Key Takeaways

• Drake's Duck In has served the same roasted duck sandwich on King Street since 1972, making it one of Charleston's oldest sandwich shops.
• The duck is roasted daily in-house and served warm on a bun with your choice of fresh toppings and condiments.
• The shop is counter-service only with minimal seating, designed for quick orders and takeout.
• Hours and availability can change, so calling ahead before you visit is the most reliable way to confirm they are open.

Why the duck sandwich matters in Charleston dining

Drake's Duck In represents a type of restaurant that has largely disappeared from American cities—a single-item specialist that has survived by doing one thing well and not changing it. In Charleston, where restaurants constantly open and close and menus shift with trends, Drake's staying power is unusual. The shop has watched the neighborhood around it transform from a working-class commercial district to a tourist destination, and it has remained the same.

The duck sandwich itself is not fancy. It is not deconstructed or served on artisanal bread or accompanied by a house-made aioli. It is roasted poultry on a simple bun, which is exactly why it has lasted fifty years. People return to Drake's because they know what they will get, the price is fair, and the quality is consistent.

For visitors to Charleston, Drake's offers something different from the city's many upscale restaurants and tourist-focused eateries. It is a place where locals eat, where the transaction is straightforward, and where the food is meant to be eaten, not photographed. That authenticity has become rare enough that it draws people specifically looking for it.

What to expect when you order

When you walk into Drake's, you will see a counter with a menu board above it. You order at the counter and pay immediately. The staff will call your name or number when your sandwich is ready. If you are eating there, you can sit at one of the small tables or counters; if you are taking it with you, they will wrap it in paper.

The duck sandwich comes as a half or a whole. A half is a reasonable lunch portion; a whole is filling. You choose your toppings from the standard list—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles—and you can ask for extras or leave things off. The duck itself is the focus, so the toppings are there to complement it, not overwhelm it.

The shop also serves sides like chips or coleslaw, and drinks are available. The total cost for a sandwich and a drink is modest compared to other Charleston restaurants. There is no table service, no reservations, and no complicated ordering process. You decide what you want, tell them, pay, and wait a few minutes.

When to visit and what to know beforehand

Drake's is open for lunch and dinner on most days, but hours vary and the shop is closed on Sundays. Because it is a small operation without online ordering or a website, the only way to know if they are open on a particular day is to call or visit. The phone number is listed in local directories and on Google Maps.

The shop is located on King Street in downtown Charleston, which means parking can be tight during peak tourist season. Street parking is available but often full; there are parking garages nearby. The walk from a garage is short, and the location is accessible by public transit if you are staying downtown.

Drake's is not a destination for a leisurely meal. It is a place to get a good sandwich quickly. If you are looking for table service, a full bar, or a long menu, this is not the right spot. If you want to eat what Charlestonians have been eating for fifty years, it is exactly right.

How Drake's fits into Charleston's sandwich landscape

Charleston has many sandwich shops, from casual chains to upscale delis to food trucks. Drake's is distinct because it has not tried to be anything other than what it is. While other restaurants have expanded menus, updated decor, or chased trends, Drake's has kept the same focus: roasted duck, simple preparation, fair price, consistent quality.

This approach has made Drake's a reference point for locals and a discovery for visitors interested in the city's food history. It is the kind of place that gets mentioned in conversations about "real Charleston" or "where locals actually eat." That reputation is earned through decades of showing up, doing the work, and not cutting corners.

For people exploring Charleston's food scene, Drake's offers a contrast to the city's many high-end restaurants and trendy new spots. It is a reminder that good food does not require complexity, and that a restaurant can be significant without being fashionable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Drake's Duck In still open?

Yes, Drake's has been operating continuously since 1972. However, hours can vary and the shop is closed on Sundays. The best way to confirm they are open on the day you want to visit is to call ahead or check their listing on Google Maps for current hours.

Can I order Drake's duck sandwich for delivery?

Drake's does not have its own delivery service or online ordering system. You can order in person at the counter or by phone for pickup. Some third-party delivery services may list Drake's, but ordering directly with the restaurant ensures accuracy and supports the business.

What is the difference between a half and a whole duck sandwich?

A half sandwich is a single serving suitable for lunch; a whole sandwich is larger and more filling. The duck, toppings, and preparation are the same—you are just choosing the portion size. Most people order a half unless they are very hungry or planning to share.

Does Drake's have vegetarian options?

Drake's specializes in the duck sandwich and also serves chicken salad and tuna salad sandwiches. The menu is meat-focused and limited. If you are vegetarian, Drake's may not be the right choice, though you could ask the staff what options might be available.

Is Drake's expensive compared to other Charleston restaurants?

Drake's is inexpensive. A sandwich and drink cost significantly less than a meal at most Charleston restaurants, including other casual dining spots. The price reflects the straightforward menu, counter service, and no-frills operation—you are paying for food, not ambiance or table service.