Look no further than East Bay Deli if you’re in the mood for a delightful meal that the whole family can enjoy! This New York-style deli with a southern twist has 12 locations throughout South Carolina, making it a convenient stop for families on the go.
During our visit, we ordered:
Veggie Crisp: Fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado spread, crunchy cucumbers, zesty onions, pepper relish, sprouts, and provolone, all nestled between slices of toast, we ordered sourdough.
Traditional Oven Roasted Turkey Sandwich: This is a classic favorite we ordered on sourdough—simple and delicious!
We indulged in carrot cake and strawberry field cake to satisfy our sweet tooth. Let me tell you—the cake slices were generous and perfect for sharing!
Our family would go back! While we didn’t make use of the outdoor seating during this visit, it looked clean, relaxing, and comfortable. Inside, the nostalgic decor added a cozy atmosphere that felt like a familiar family-run establishment, even though it’s part of a larger chain. Like the vibe inside, the origins of this restaurant are an American dream story of sorts; the owners were friends and worked together at Applebee’s, and in 2001, they opened their first East Bay Deli location! The deli’s success led to the opening of additional locations in the Charleston and Columbia areas.
There are also franchise locations in North Myrtle Beach, Florence, and downtown Columbia.
One of my favorite things about the deli is that its founders also support the Charleston Animal Society.
The service was exceptional! The staff was not only polite and friendly but also tidy, making our dining experience even more pleasant. Plus, the service was fast—we didn’t have to wait long for our food. And let’s talk about those portions! You won’t leave East Bay Deli feeling hungry; I always pay attention to portion sizes, and this place delivered!
The atmosphere is welcoming and fun, with cute deli decor and ample seating. Ordering is done at the counter, and your food is brought to your table, perfect for families looking to keep things casual. It feels like stepping back into an old-fashioned soda shop deli.
As someone who’s managed teams and worked in efficiency for over a decade, I like to share constructive feedback. If I were the owner or manager of East Bay Deli, I would double-check to see if I was sourcing true sourdough bread.
Offering genuine sourdough as a menu option appeals to many who appreciate its health benefits, like being rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants; plus, it’s a great source of prebiotics and fiber. A quick call or email to the supplier will ensure you’re getting the best you can within your budget for the customer – and the popularity of sourdough is only growing.
Additionally, while the restaurant was overall clean, it would elevate the experience if the bathrooms received 15-20 extra minutes of attention each day. The restaurant is clearly doing well with training its counter staff and cooks, but more stringent management is needed to get folks raving about how clean the establishment is throughout. This isn’t unique to this restaurant, we all know this is a hurdle for many if not most dining establishments.
Our experience at East Bay Deli was overwhelmingly positive!
My family takes a merit-based approach to tipping, and we left a generous tip for several reasons: the staff was gracious, friendly, and non-intrusive; the ambiance was adorable; the food was delightful; and our order arrived correctly. We ordered first, enjoyed our meal, and then tipped after indulging in desserts. I always recommend waiting until after you receive a service to decide on a tip, and in this case, the top reason they received a generous tip was—that they didn’t ask for one!
We really enjoyed our time at East Bay Deli and are excited to explore more of their locations together soon!
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