Cold Shoulder Gourmet is easily one of the best sandwich spots in Charleston, tucked away in West Ashley and slinging some of the most creative, high-quality sandwiches in town. It’s a one-man operation, run by the owner, and if you’ve heard the hype, believe it—these sandwiches sell out fast, sometimes before noon.

The Vibe

There’s no frills here, just a small, laid-back shop with a few tables and a laser focus on what really matters: the food. The sandwiches are the star of the show, made fresh on insanely good focaccia and loaded with premium ingredients.

What to Drink

While the sandwiches steal the spotlight, they offer a rotating selection of drinks—sometimes fresh juices, sometimes coffee, and always something cold to pair with your meal. Best to check when you go!

What to Order

You really can’t go wrong, but these are the must-tries:

🥪 The Spicy 2.0 – Capocollo di Dorman, 'Nduja, Black Truffle Cream, Hydroponic Greens, Shaved Parmesan, Truffled Hot Sauce

🍄 Gourmet – Whole Muscle, Black Truffle Cream, Hydroponic Greens, Shaved Parmesan, Truffle Honey. Earthy, creamy, and pure indulgence.

🍃Most of the sandwiches are seasonal though, so I highly recommend checking the menu and ordering whatever sounds delicious.

Service & Experience

It’s quick, efficient, and friendly, but know that this place runs out of sandwiches fast. It’s open Thursday to Monday from 8 AM until they sell out, which is usually well before closing time. If you’re serious about getting one, plan to go early. Also, they do not allow any substitutions - don’t even ask.

What’s the Real Reason to Visit?

Cold Shoulder is the kind of place that makes you rethink what a sandwich can be. The ingredients are top-notch, the flavors are perfectly balanced, and you can tell that every detail is intentional. If you love a great sandwich (and who doesn’t?), this spot should be at the top of your Charleston food list.

📍 Pro Tip: Go early. No, really. By the time lunch rolls around, they’re probably sold out. If you want a guaranteed sandwich, get there when they open. Also you 100% need to check their instagram before going, because they will be closed randomly on certain days.