Jersey Giant Subs: Where to Find Them and What to Order in South Carolina

Jersey Giant subs are oversized sandwiches built on long rolls, stuffed with cold cuts, cheese, and toppings, and they're a staple at delis and sandwich shops across South Carolina

A Jersey Giant is not a specific brand—it's a style of sub sandwich that originated in New Jersey and became popular nationwide. The defining feature is size: these subs are typically 12 to 18 inches long and loaded with multiple layers of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments piled onto a sturdy roll. The roll itself matters; it needs to be thick enough to hold the weight without falling apart. Most Jersey Giants are served cold, though some shops offer hot versions with meat that's been warmed or pressed.

In South Carolina, you'll find Jersey Giants at independent delis, Italian sandwich shops, and some chain sandwich restaurants. They're popular lunch orders because one sub can easily feed two people or provide a substantial meal for one. The price varies by location and fillings, but expect to pay more than you would for a standard six-inch sub because of the volume of meat and toppings involved.

Key Takeaways

• Jersey Giants are cold or hot oversized subs built on long rolls with multiple layers of deli meat, cheese, and fresh toppings.
• Local delis and Italian sandwich shops throughout South Carolina make Jersey Giants, though the exact name and style vary by shop.
• One Jersey Giant typically serves two people or makes a full meal for one, so portion size is a major selling point.
• Customization is standard—you can request specific meats, extra cheese, different vegetables, and your choice of condiments.

What goes inside a typical Jersey Giant

The meat layer is the foundation. Most Jersey Giants include a combination of cold cuts: ham, turkey, roast beef, salami, or capicola. Some shops use three or four different meats stacked together; others let you choose. Cheese comes next—usually provolone, American, or a blend—and it's often layered multiple times to match the amount of meat.

Fresh toppings follow: lettuce (typically iceberg or romaine), tomato slices, red onion, and sometimes peppers or pickles. The condiments are where personal preference takes over. Oil and vinegar, mayo, mustard, and Italian dressing are common choices. Some people request hot peppers, banana peppers, or jalapeños for heat. The roll itself is usually dressed lightly before assembly so the sandwich doesn't become soggy by the time you eat it.

Hot Jersey Giants swap the cold cuts for warm options—Italian meats like sausage or meatballs, sometimes with melted cheese and warm marinara sauce. These are less common than the cold version but appear on many deli menus, especially those with Italian heritage.

Where to find Jersey Giants in South Carolina

Independent Italian delis in cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville are your best bet for authentic Jersey Giants. These shops often have family recipes and take pride in their sandwich construction. Many have been operating for decades and have loyal customers who order the same sub every week.

Neighborhood delis in residential areas frequently make Jersey Giants, even if they don't advertise them prominently. If you see a deli with a long counter, a meat slicer, and fresh rolls delivered daily, they almost certainly make them. Call ahead if you want a specific size or customization—some shops need a few hours' notice for larger orders or party platters.

Chain sandwich shops and some grocery store delis can make Jersey Giants too, though the quality and customization options may be more limited than at independent shops. The bread matters significantly, and smaller chains sometimes use softer rolls that don't hold up as well under the weight of a full-sized sub.

How to order and customize your Jersey Giant

Start by telling the person behind the counter you want a Jersey Giant and what size—12, 14, or 18 inches are typical. Then specify your meat choices. If you want a mix, name them in order from bottom to top so the builder knows the layering. For example: "ham, turkey, and roast beef" tells them exactly what you're after.

Next comes cheese. One layer, two layers, or a specific type? Then vegetables: do you want all of them, or just some? Lettuce and tomato are standard, but you can skip the onion, add extra peppers, or request no tomato if you prefer. Finally, condiments. Say it clearly: "oil and vinegar," "mayo and mustard," "Italian dressing," or whatever combination you want.

If you're ordering for a group or a party, many delis will make a full-length sub (sometimes called a party sub or catering sub) that's 3 to 4 feet long and sliced into portions. These need to be ordered ahead, usually 24 hours in advance, and they're a cost-effective way to feed a crowd.

Jersey Giants versus other sub styles

A Jersey Giant differs from a hoagie, which is the Philadelphia version and typically uses a different roll shape and often includes hot ingredients like roasted peppers. A Jersey Giant also differs from a hero, which is a New York style sub that's usually smaller and built differently. Italian subs, common in the South, are similar to Jersey Giants but may emphasize Italian meats like mortadella or capicola more heavily.

The key distinction is size and construction method. A Jersey Giant is built to be oversized and to feed multiple people. The roll is sturdy, the meat layers are generous, and the whole thing is meant to be impressive and filling. If a shop calls it a "giant," "party sub," "catering sub," or "full-length sub," they're likely describing the same thing under a different name.

Tips for eating a Jersey Giant without mess

Wrap the bottom half in foil or paper before you start eating. This catches drips and gives you something to hold that isn't covered in oil and vinegar. Cut the sub in half if you're sharing, or ask the shop to slice it into portions before you leave.

Eat it fresh, ideally within an hour of purchase. The longer a sub sits, the more the bread absorbs moisture from the toppings and condiments, and it becomes harder to hold together. If you're taking it somewhere, keep it in a cooler or insulated bag to slow down the sogginess.

If the sub is very tall, you might need to unhinge your jaw slightly or compress it gently as you bite. Some people cut it into smaller sections with a serrated knife rather than trying to bite through the whole thing at once. There's no wrong way—whatever keeps the filling from falling out onto your lap is the right approach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Jersey Giant made hot instead of cold?

Many delis offer hot versions with warm meats, melted cheese, and sometimes marinara sauce. Ask when you call or visit. Not all shops make them, so it's worth confirming before you order. Hot Jersey Giants take longer to prepare than cold ones, so mention it when you place your order.

How much does a Jersey Giant cost?

Prices vary by location and what you put on it, but expect to pay between $12 and $20 for a standard 12 to 14-inch sub at an independent deli. Chain shops may be slightly cheaper. Party subs or catering-sized subs cost more but feed many people, so the per-person cost is often lower.

Do I need to order ahead, or can I walk in and get one?

Most delis can make a Jersey Giant while you wait if you order during regular hours. If you want a very large catering sub or you're ordering during a busy lunch rush, calling ahead ensures they have enough fresh meat and bread on hand. For same-day orders, calling 30 minutes to an hour ahead is usually sufficient.

What's the difference between a Jersey Giant and a party sub?

They're often the same thing. "Party sub" usually refers to a very large, full-length sub meant for groups, while "Jersey Giant" describes the style and size. Some shops use the terms interchangeably; others reserve "party sub" for orders over a certain length. Ask the deli what they call their largest sub.

Can I get a Jersey Giant made vegetarian?

Yes. Ask for extra cheese, roasted peppers, olives, lettuce, tomato, onion, and your choice of condiments. Some delis have marinated vegetables or hummus they can add. The result won't be as filling as a meat-loaded version, but it's a solid option if you don't eat meat.