Where do you get a great sandwich in SC? Here are the top 4, including 2 in the Midlands
For those who love sandwiches, every day is National Sandwich day, but “officially” on the extensive list of national so-called holidays it is Nov. 3.
The story goes that sandwiches came about in England in 1762 for the most serviceable of reasons. John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich and a noted gambler, simply did not want to leave the card table.
He was 10 years old when he succeeded his father as Earl, so he was probably used to getting what he wanted.
It’s unclear whether he specifically asked for roast beef between two slices of bread or just something he could hold in his hand while betting. But anyway, he ended up with a roast beef sandwich.
That’s essentially the story of the sandwich, now a beloved piece of culinary fare.
History.com, always a stickler, pokes holes in the story saying sandwiches have been around for thousands of years. But let’s not ruin the fun.
What do Google reviewers say about the best places to get one in South Carolina? Here are the top four.
Two tied for the top spot, Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop and Cribb’s Sandwich and Sweet Shop, both with 4.8 of 5 stars..
Alvin Ord’s Sandwich Shop in West Ashley with 4.8 of 5 stars. The key ingredient that makes this place rise above others appears to be the bread, which factors into the very reason the shop exists in the first place.
The mother of Alvin Ord Johnston of Longview, Texas, loved experimenting with bread recipes. Her son developed what is now known as the Salvation Sandwich in 1970.
It is cooked ham, salami and chopped ham on that famous French bread. It was so popular among friends, Johnston opened a shop in Austin, Texas, run by his nephews. Now, here’s where the story takes a twist.
Two years later, Alvin Ord left to join Trappist Monks in Washington State.
But his nephews continued on with another in Austin named for their uncle. Now there are shops in Beaufort and Charleston.
“Our symbol, the little monk, is a daily reminder to uphold his principles,” the store’s website says.
Here’s what customers wrote:
“Oh my, how awful. The food was so delicious with their fresh bread, good ingredients that it was dangerously addictive. The service was terrible as it was super friendly and quick, just horrible in how great everything was.”
Another: “Don’t let this place fool you! It is serving some serious sandwiches that are done to perfection. Must have sandwiches: meatballs: just the perfectly cooked meatballs and the sauce was on point. The salvation carried the perfect amount of sandwich meat and veggies were fresh.”
Cribb’s Sandwich and Sweet Shop in Lexington with 4.9 of 5 stars, known for its giant rooster at the entrance and chicken salad on the menu. And sweets, including the best-seller the caramel.
Owner Joe Cribb had been in the printing business and realized he needed something new.
“I just started praying and asking God to show us what He wanted us to do,” Cribb told The State.
He and his wife Lisa opened the shop in August 1997, based on what he learned as a son of a baker and helping out around the house.
One reviewer wrote, “I have a new favorite place to eat!! It’s cute and cozy and the food is the Best ever! The service is Fabulous! And let me tell you the cake was not just Chocolate on Chocolate, it was a dream come true! Homemade right down to the icing that was soooooo good!!”
Next is Dagwood Deli in Myrtle Beach with 4.7 stars. Their tagline is “Keep calm and call for delivery,” but the in-restaurant dining has some benefits like pool, darts and sports on TV.
How can you go wrong with a place with sandwich names like Bubba’s Kickin Chicken, the Gamecock and the Shag.
A reviewer wrote, “Excellent food, fast service. We loved everything about this restaurant. We saw a YouTube video on places in myrtle beach to eat, this was one, glad we watched. Definitely try this place. The staff on our visit was the best so far.”
Also scoring 4.7 was No Name Deli in Columbia. When the shop opened more than 30 years ago, it was called Elmwood Delicatessen. But there was no sign on the building. People referred to it as a deli with no name.
“It stuck,” according to its website.
It’s not just sandwiches but also an array of salads like shrimp, Greek or taco.
Reviewer wrote, “Not many frills or thrills to share about No Name Deli, but sometimes less is more. Always a great option for lunch in downtown Columbia. The staff are friendly and most importantly the food is GOOD. Definitely recommend trying the Rueben.”
This story was originally published November 3, 2022 at 4:05 PM.