Myrtle Beach isn’t just about seafood and southern cooking – it’s also home to some amazing delis that locals swear by. Whether you’re craving a classic Italian sub, a hearty Reuben, or a fresh bagel with lox, the Grand Strand has plenty of sandwich spots worth checking out. We asked longtime residents and sandwich enthusiasts to rank their favorite delis in the area, and here’s what they had to say.
1. Kaminsky’s Deli
The undisputed champion of Myrtle Beach’s deli scene serves up New York-style sandwiches that transport you straight to the Big Apple. Family-owned for over two decades, Kaminsky’s piles their creations high with premium meats sliced fresh to order.
Locals rave about the ‘Brooklyn Special’ – corned beef, pastrami, and Swiss on rye with their secret house dressing. Their homemade potato salad has a cult following all its own.
As one regular put it, “You haven’t really had a sandwich in Myrtle Beach until you’ve had one at Kaminsky’s.”
2. Dagwood’s Deli
Named after the famous comic strip character known for his massive sandwiches, Dagwood’s lives up to its namesake with creations that barely fit in your mouth. Their signature ‘Dagwood Special’ features five different meats, three cheeses, and all the fixings on fresh-baked bread.
Beyond size, quality ingredients make this place stand out. Everything tastes garden-fresh, from the crisp lettuce to the locally sourced tomatoes. The casual, beachy atmosphere makes it perfect for a quick lunch break or a relaxed meal.
3. Quagliata Brothers Italian Deli
Authenticity is the cornerstone of this family-run gem tucked away from the tourist crowds. The Quagliata brothers brought their grandmother’s recipes straight from Sicily, creating a true Italian deli experience that’s rare in these parts.
Their imported meats and cheeses make all the difference – prosciutto di Parma, mortadella, and provolone that melts in your mouth. Homemade mozzarella is prepared fresh daily, and their olive oil is sourced directly from family groves in Italy.
The cannoli might be the best kept secret in town. Crispy shells filled with sweet ricotta cream and chocolate chips make for the perfect ending to your sandwich experience.
4. Manny’s Deli & Subs
A hole-in-the-wall treasure that locals try to keep secret from tourists. Manny, a former New Jersey native, brings authentic Northeast sub-making techniques to the Grand Strand, resulting in sandwiches that have developed a passionate following.
The cheesesteaks deserve special mention – thinly sliced ribeye, caramelized onions, and your choice of cheese (though Manny will tell you Whiz is the only real option). The bread is shipped in par-baked from an Atlantic City bakery, finished on-site daily.
Cash-only and no-frills, the focus here is entirely on the food. Don’t expect fancy decor or extensive seating – just expect the best sandwich you might ever have in South Carolina.
5. NY Deli
Step through the doors and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to Manhattan. Complete with black and white subway tile, photos of NYC landmarks, and staff with authentic New York accents, this place delivers on atmosphere as much as flavor.
The pastrami is the star attraction – brined for days, rubbed with secret spices, and smoked in-house. When piled high on fresh rye with just the right amount of mustard, it creates sandwich perfection that rivals anything you’d find in the Big Apple.
Morning visitors shouldn’t miss their hand-rolled bagels and house-cured lox. Coffee comes strong and in those iconic blue and white Greek cups that New Yorkers recognize instantly.
6. Toffino’s Italian Bakery Deli Pizzeria
Triple threat Toffino’s combines the best elements of an Italian bakery, deli, and pizzeria into one irresistible package. The aroma alone will draw you in from blocks away as fresh bread emerges from their stone ovens throughout the day.
Their Italian subs feature house-baked rolls with a perfect crust-to-softness ratio that cradles premium imported meats and cheeses. The ‘Godfather’ – loaded with capicola, sopressata, prosciutto, and provolone – might change your sandwich standards forever.
Save room for their pastries and cookies displayed temptingly by the register. The cannoli and sfogliatelle are made from recipes passed down through four generations of the Toffino family.
7. Pulaski Deli
Hidden in a strip mall away from the beach crowds, this Polish-American deli serves up hearty Eastern European sandwiches that could fuel you for a day. The owners, who immigrated from Krakow in the 1990s, maintain old-world techniques that make their meats and breads extraordinary.
Their signature sandwich layers thin-sliced Polish ham, spicy mustard, and homemade pickles on dense, seeded rye. The bread alone is worth the trip – baked fresh daily with a crackling crust and chewy interior.
Don’t miss their refrigerator case filled with take-home delights like stuffed cabbage, bigos (hunter’s stew), and homemade kielbasa. The warm potato salad with bacon and dill makes the perfect side for any sandwich.
8. Ryan’s Deli Cafe
A true local’s spot where beach workers and residents gather for quick, satisfying lunches away from tourist prices. Ryan’s unpretentious approach focuses on classic American deli fare done right, with generous portions that won’t break the bank.
Their club sandwich stands tall with three layers of toasted bread, real roasted turkey (not processed), crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables. Homemade chicken salad has a loyal following for its perfect balance of mayonnaise, celery crunch, and secret seasoning blend.
Service comes with genuine Southern hospitality – expect to be called “honey” or “sugar” regardless of your age or gender.
9. McAlister’s Deli
While part of a chain, the Myrtle Beach location of McAlister’s has earned its spot on this list through consistent quality and some of the friendliest service in town. Their spacious, family-friendly environment makes it perfect for larger groups and kids.
The ‘McAlister’s Club’ remains their signature sandwich for good reason – thirteen ingredients including smoked turkey, Black Forest ham, and sharp cheddar cheese create a flavor explosion. Their famous sweet tea complements any meal perfectly.
Vegetarians appreciate the numerous meatless options that don’t feel like afterthoughts. The ‘Veggie Club’ with avocado and hummus satisfies even dedicated carnivores. Fast service makes this an excellent choice during busy beach season when time is precious.
10. PrimoHoagies
Philadelphia transplants rejoice when they discover this authentic taste of home in Myrtle Beach. PrimoHoagies brings genuine Philly-style Italian hoagies to the Grand Strand, complete with the crusty-outside, soft-inside rolls that make all the difference.
The ‘Italian Sharp’ showcases the perfect balance of prosciuttini, dry-cured capicola, and sharp provolone cheese, dressed simply with oil, vinegar, and spices. Each sandwich is built with architectural precision – meats and cheeses folded rather than stacked for optimal flavor distribution.
First-timers should order the ‘primo size’ – a manageable portion that still satisfies. Old-school ordering adds to the experience: specify your bread, size, and toppings on the paper slip just like they do up north.
11. Mr Sub of Myrtle Beach
A beloved fixture since 1979, Mr Sub represents old-school Myrtle Beach before the area became a major tourist destination. The original owner still works behind the counter most days, greeting regulars by name and remembering their usual orders.
Their ‘Beach Bomber’ sub combines four meats, provolone, and a special oil and vinegar blend that locals crave after days away. The bread comes from a local bakery that delivers twice daily to ensure freshness.
Many parents who ate here as children now bring their own kids, creating a multi-generational loyalty rare in today’s restaurant world.
12. Bagel Port Cafe & Deli
Morning crowds line up for what many consider the only authentic New York bagels in Myrtle Beach. Hand-rolled, boiled, and baked fresh daily, these chewy delights form the foundation for breakfast sandwiches that inspire fierce loyalty among locals.
Beyond breakfast, their lunch offerings shine equally bright. The ‘Sailors Delight’ piles house-roasted turkey, crisp bacon, and avocado on your choice of bagel or bread with a schmear of herb cream cheese. Homemade soups change daily but the matzo ball soup on Fridays has a particular following.
13. Jersey Mike’s Subs
Sometimes a chain earns its place among local favorites, and Jersey Mike’s has done exactly that in Myrtle Beach. Their commitment to slicing meats and cheeses to order makes all the difference, creating a freshness that mass-produced sandwiches can’t match.
The ‘Original Italian’ showcases provolone, ham, prosciuttini, cappacuolo, salami, and pepperoni on a roll that strikes the perfect balance between soft and chewy. Ask for it ‘Mike’s Way’ to get the signature blend of onions, lettuce, tomatoes, vinegar, oil, and spices.
The staff’s friendly banter creates a neighborhood feel despite the corporate backing.
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