Calabash Deli — Restaurant in Calabash

When I first encountered this deli 2 years ago, I was ecstatic. The food was great, and the service was pleasant and respectful. I've been in several times over the last few years. Had a chance to stop in today, and this place has changed somewhat from 6 months ago. Or maybe the wrong staff was working today.

Staff were not friendly, not unfriendly, but certainly curt or matter of fact. The gentleman cashiering did not greet me with a simple hello, and the young lady sweeping the floor all around me never spoke a word. I get the feeling that the person in charge was in a bad mood, and it definitely filtered down to the other members of the crew. Nevertheless, I ordered two sandwiches to go, and when I am presented my CC, they tacked another 4%. I'm a business owner. My self and CC companies charge about 2 %, and at the most, it's 3%. Damn just raise the prices and quit surcharging the customer. It's just the cost of doing business. But okay their trying to teach me a lesson for presenting my CC without informing me. No 4% is not a lot, but go by any restaurant and see if you like paying a surcharge for not having cash. Still, I was still fairly happy because this place always has good sandwiches. Right? Wrong

Got my sandwiches and left, could not wait and torn into one sandwich, full of bread with a small amount of meat. I literally took this giant semi hard, stale hoggie roll threw it back into the bag. And just ate the meat with a miniscue amount of oilive oil and vingear and no mayo. Maybe I should have asked for oregano, mayo, pepper, and more olive oil when I ordered, but the cashier was not friendly. Subway, Jimmy John's, Publix's, and any other chain or deli's I've visited puts more meat on the sandwiches or at least slices it thicker. The pickle was the only enjoyable item for my 28.00 dollars.

I I originally gave this place 5 Stars 2 years ago and have updated my reviews at each visit. Frankly, I don't like giving small business terrible reviews, but today, this may be a need kick in the pants. If the owner remains quiet, then maybe it's the new status quo I will return again, and hopefully, good things will come again. The 4% surcharge I can deal with now that I know it's there, I don't like it, but willing to pay good money...

I have been going to calabash deli for the last 14 years, and today I decided to visit with my partner because I was so excited to introduce him to the food that I used to love and the hospitality! What happened to that today? We were met by a very rude and somewhat arrogant owner when asked what I wanted, I told her I would like to have one of her delicious lobster rolls? In which she answered in a very rude manner, I owned this place for 24 years and I have never had lobster rolls, maybe you were in a different place? And I said no this was the place I came to, and again she repeated that she was the owner and that she never serve that end of story perhaps we should just order the seafood salad mix with mayonnaise and celery, basically what she was saying that’s all she had, if she could have answered in a much more polite manner and showed respect to a customer! I was a business owner! I had much more positive experiences in the past visiting this deli, obviously it has changed! And her prices are certainly not worth the expense because it was expensive!! maybe I would have ordered something since we came a long way, but her attitude and her rudeness was not worth it , I will not be back again, Calabash Deli lost another loyal customer, and just look at all the other reviews, the word rudeness shows up many times! The owner should start learning to treat her...

If you're ever in Calabash, NC, my wife and I highly recommend stopping by Calabash Deli. This spot has quickly become one of our favorites, and it's easy to see why.

Their meatloaf sandwich is simply out of this world—it's our go-to meal almost every time. The meatloaf is perfectly seasoned, tender, and served on freshly baked bread that really makes the sandwich stand out. Every bite is a comforting reminder of home-cooked goodness.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Their sides are just as impressive. We can't get enough of the potato salad, chicken salad, and coleslaw. Each side is homemade and bursting with flavor, providing the perfect complement to any meal. The potato salad is rich and creamy, the chicken salad is light and savory, and the coleslaw has just the right amount of crunch and tang.

In addition to their fantastic food, Calabash Deli is a multigenerational New York deli that offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, whether you're dining inside or enjoying the outdoor seating. It's a place where Northern cuisine meets Southern hospitality, and it’s no wonder they’ve been voted the best deli in Brunswick County.

We can't recommend Calabash Deli enough—it’s a true gem...