Andy's Deli — Restaurant in Columbia

Hungry for a taste of Columbia's most cherished culinary delight? Look no further than the legendary Andy's Deli, a cornerstone of the Five Points neighborhood, where the art of sandwich craft reaches its zenith with the much-acclaimed Andy's Special. Nestled in the bustling heart of Five Points, Andy's Deli stands as a beacon of gastronomic excellence. A quaint, inviting establishment, it wraps patrons in an aura of nostalgia, exuding an ambiance of warmth and community comradery. Yet, the real pièce de résistance that has food connoisseurs and casual diners alike singing its praises is none other than the Andy's Special—a sandwich so divinely delectable it has cemented its status as a local legend. This isn't just a sandwich; it's a symphony of flavors meticulously curated to tantalize the taste buds. Between slices of fresh, soft bread lies an impeccably balanced medley of fine quality meats, expertly complemented by a harmonious blend of cheeses, and crowned with the pièce de résistance, Andy's signature sauce—a velvety, secret concoction that whispers tales of the deli's storied past and unyielding dedication to sandwich perfection. The marriage of texture and taste within the Andy's Special is nothing short of a masterpiece. The tangy zest of the sauce interplays with the savory depth of the meats, while the cheese provides an indulgent, creamy counterpoint that finishes every bite with a luxurious smoothness. Indeed, this isn't just a vessel for eating the special sauce—it's a full-on sensory immersion. Andy's Deli has mastered the craft so well that "satisfied customer" doesn't quite capture the universal sentiment—devotees might argue that to lunch anywhere else in Columbia is to miss out on a cornerstone of the culinary experience. Whether you're a longtime resident or just passing through, the journey to Andy's Special is a rite of passage. It's no wonder that this unassuming sandwich shop has garnered a remarkable 4.7-star rating, for it doesn't just serve food; it serves history, tradition, and a testament to the simple, yet profound pleasure that a genuinely great sandwich can bring. he time is now, the sandwich is here—Andy's Special is calling. Will you answer? Share your encounter with delight; join the chorus of satisfied palates. But be forewarned—the love affair with this sandwich is contagious, and one bite is all it takes to become part of Andy's Deli legacy. #AndysSpecial #ColumbiaCulinaryGem...

If you’re looking for a dining experience where the hospitality makes you feel like a trespasser before you even step out of your car, look no further than Andy’s Deli! Upon arriving in the completely empty parking lot, we were immediately greeted, not with a warm welcome, but with the owner demanding money to park. Yes, you read that right. Apparently, in the thriving metropolis that is this deli’s parking lot, free parking is an outrageous concept.

When we politely questioned this bizarre policy, the owner, visibly shaking with rage or perhaps just sheer excitement over seeing a potential customer, launched into an argument. And then came the real kicker, he claimed that if he didn’t charge us, others would accuse him of being racist. Because, clearly, nothing says "great customer service" like turning an everyday interaction into an awkward social debate.

Needless to say, we didn’t stick around to sample the fine cuisine. But from what I hear, the food has taken a nosedive since the original Andy ran the place, and judging by the empty parking lot, we’re not the only ones who feel this way. Perhaps the next step in their business model will be charging customers to leave the lot, because based on our experience, that’s the only thing anyone would actually pay for.

If you’re in the mood for overpriced parking, strange confrontations, and the overwhelming sense that you are not welcome, then Andy’s Deli is the place for you. Otherwise, save yourself the trouble and go literally...

The people working were very nice and even helped us pick out what we wanted when we couldn't decide. The inside also has a nice South Carolina Gamecock vibe to it that feels great especially if you're a student, alumni or family. The subs we ordered were pretty great and the bottle of soda we ordered came with a cup filled with ice without requesting it which was amazing after walking to the place on a hot summer day. We still got a full bottle of soda but could have plenty of ice to keep things cold and help us cool down.

My only real complaint is that the subs were made in a bit of a messy way, which I think is the typical style of this deli and it's fine, it just makes it a little bit harder to eat. On top of that there was a crazy amount of oil on the sandwich which dripped off the bread and into the plate forming a pretty significantly sized puddle. If it wasn't for this excess of oil and presentation making things messy while eating I would give this deli 5 stars. The bottom line here is that the food and service are great, but the way they make sandwiches just aren't quite my style. Definitely would recommend for a nice lunch...