What’s good here: The Deli Say No More

Philly cheesesteak sandwiches are robust and melt-in-your-mouth good.

Burgers are large and juicy. Gyros – lamp or chicken – are substantial.

Customers do not leave The Deli Say No More hungry.

Each day, there is a different special based on “good ol’ home cookin’,” according to owner Deborah Culler. She grew up in a family where food preparation was a focus. She learned to perfect such dishes as ribs, oxtails, gizzards and livers, as well as such sides as sweet potato fries, hash and rice, green beans, macaroni and cheese and potato salad.

There are several healthy salads offered; plus, there are fish, baked chicken and pork chop meals. Breakfast items such as French toast, omelets and fish and grits are served all day.

Culler’s personal favorite is the spaghetti casserole.

How did The Deli Say No More get its start?

Culler was in administration for the Army for 22 years, but when she retired, she wanted to share with others the food she grew up on in Columbia.

“We cooked at home, ate at home, and fed people in our neighborhood,” she said.

From that experience, she learned to perfect a Southern style of cooking. When she opened her restaurant on Taylor Street, across from Historic Columbia, four years ago, she also wanted to offer customers a few Greek dishes.

What does the place look like?

The ambiance is simple: black cushioned chairs with laminated top tables and a mounted television in the corner. The restaurant seats 72.

Customers order at a counter, and then a waiter or a waitress – perhaps a family member of Culler’s – brings the food. Culler’s daughter Reeshemah Culler, her grandson DeQugan Culler and her goddaughter Ashley Ciji Baker all help her at The Deli Say No More.

Who eats here?

Students from the University of South Carolina and surrounding downtown businesses order online for pickup or delivery. The restaurant is busy each day of the week with friends, family members and white- and blue-collar workers. Many who visit Historic Columbia or the nearby Woodrow Wilson Home will stop for lunch as well.

This story was originally published October 6, 2015 at 6:20 PM with the headline "What’s good here: The Deli Say No More."