Dell’z Deli – Vegan Eats To Go In Charleston, SC!

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by Danielle Bussone

Dell’z Deli is a tiny (as in tee-nine-y) little sandwich shop located in downtown Charleston, SC. The owner, Dell (Maudell Grayson), greets us with a big, pearly white smile and a head full of dreadlocks peaking out of a cool gray scarf. Her son, a tall, affable young man expertly assembles sandwiches and pizzas, moving them efficiently into and out of a toaster oven. Another helper, answers the phone, takes orders, handles the cash and passes out take out lunches to the steady stream of customers who crowd around the four seater counter where Rich and I sit on wobbly stools awaiting our meal. It’s standing room only and no one seems to mind.

Dell’z Team

Some of these people have been coming to Dell’z since it opened five years ago. Everyone seems not only to know her by name but also seem to have a personal relationship with her. She asks them questions about their work and their families and laughs at their jests. It feels nice to be among them.

Dell’z Late Nite Menu

Dell hands over a black bean wrap large enough to easily feed two people. Rich and I tear into it like a couple of hungry wolves, ignoring the crowd pressed behind us waiting for their orders. This is not an intimate sit-down establishment; it is a hectic grab and go, sit if you must, high energy, hip diner with lots of heart. There are lots of vegan options and many that can be made vegan with simple substitutions.

Dell’z Chillin’ Black Bean and Rice Wrap -$8 without cheese
Includes SC Sprouts, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Avocado,
Fresh Field Greens w/ Spicy Ranch

Rich’s order, a Snobby Joe, arrives and we know we are in big trouble. The worst part of this scenario is that we actually ate it all!  We originally thought we’d order a pizza to take back to our hotel for later but we realized after scarfing down our sandwiches, that just wasn’t going to happen. We may not eat again for a week!

Dell’z Meatless Snobby Joe – $9
Includes Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Sprouts, Avocado, Fresh
Field Greens, Goddess Dressing – Add Dairy Free
Sour Cream

If you are hungry and in a hurry, Dell’z Diner has fresh, substantial meals prepared quickly for the diner on the go.  Calling ahead will have your order awaiting your arrival.  Take out doesn’t get much better than this!

Co-founder and editor of Veggin’ Out and About!, Danielle writes restaurant reviews, profiles and interviews of people making a difference in the plant-based community. She is currently writing a cookbook for vegans called, “Time For Change: Whole Foods For Whole Health.” Danielle’s region is SW Virginia, Tennessee and North Carolina and anywhere she happens to stop for sustenance along the road. Contact Danielle  directly to share your restaurant finds, to make comments or just to say hello.