Sandwich Shop & Grab n' Go Eatery Bridging The Gap Between Yesteryear & Modern Day Fare

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer / Restaurant Review

Husband and wife Christian and Gail Buck relocated to Daniel Island in 2018 for the same reasons most people move to greater Charleston. Having lived, worked and educated themselves in Pennsylvania, New York, and Connecticut, the couple longed for warmer year round weather, southern charm, and a relaxed lifestyle.

While they were busy overseeing their separately owned businesses and settling in on Daniel Island, like many former northerners including myself, the couple longed for several of the everyday comfort foods they were accustom too in their previous surroundings.

And although Orlando's scratches the itch for NY style thin crust pizza, the Buck's held out hope someone would open a combination elevated home-style prepared meals and sandwich shop, reminiscent of the neighborhood destinations they frequented before their northern exodus. 

Tired of waiting, Christian and Gail decided the 'buck' (pun intended) stops with them, biting the bullet opening Buck's Deli & Market in February of 2025. Open 8am until 5pm seven days a week Buck's is a unique eatery offering fresh deli-style sandwiches, salads, healthy options, and chef-made meals, alongside some of the best damn pastries you'll sink your teeth and gums into.

Even though Daniel Island is made up of lots of people from up Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and New England, don't think the Buck's opened their deli and market catering to just northerners. They are bridging the gap between healthier modern fare and familiar northern cuisine. In other words, 'the best of both worlds'.

Without going into great detail on all their menu items, let me break it down for you. Everything they offer, everything they serve up is beyond extraordinary. Despite being a deli and grab n' go marketplace, believe it or not they have a seasoned head chef. Jared Hammond honed his culinary expertise at The Ordinary, Lenoir, and Brasserie la Banque before coming on board at Buck's. 

Hammond's experience combined with the Buck's love for exceptional food has created a diverse menu offering something for every palate. Their home-made Chicken Caesar Salad is off the charts amazing, with the Bergdorf Goodman a robust mix of garlic herb chicken breast, black forest ham, bacon, and diced egg, and tomato layered in romaine and petite greens.

While all the menu items shine, Buck's sandwiches really take center stage, with two appropriately named in honor of Daniel Island, with the Beresford teeming with prosciutto, whipped burrata, fig preserve, balsamic, baby arugula, vierge (Mediterranean condiment), on herb encrusted focaccia. The Ralston is delightfully crafted with whipped boursin (creamy French cheese), pressed english cucumber, sprouts, pickled shallot, lemon vierge, and benne served on toasted whole wheat. 

Craving an original Italian sub sandwich, aka a grinder or a hero, then all you need to do at Buck's is order the Italian Stallion (a nod to Rocky). Yo Paulie, I have your mouth watering New York and or Philadelphia Italian neighborhood sandwich right here. Absolutely! 

Whether it's a sandwich, salad, a side or a fresh grab n' go pre-made dish, Buck's Deli & Market thrives on quality. While customers don't necessarily focus on where the products come from, locals and transplants know as soon as they take a bite. Christian and Gail, as well as myself agree, if you use substandard meats and cheeses, and equally average bread, the result will be an inferior sandwich. That is not on the menu at Bucks's. 

Aside from a few baked goods they get from Saffron Bakery in downtown Charleston, Buck's serves several lunch and breakfast sandwiches on Kaiser rolls from J.J. Cassone's Bakery, (known for Italian rolls) out of Port Chester, NY, layering their artisan sandwiches with Taylor Pork, a salty and savory breakfast meat developed by John Taylor in Trenton, NJ circa 1856. You can taste the difference when you order The Boss, crafted using local eggs and American cheese. Yum yum. 

If you're a first time visitor with a sweet tooth, I highly recommend their GF Lemon Blueberry Muffin. Trust me, you won't know it's gluten free because it's easily the moistest and zestiest muffin ever. And Buck's 'Nana' Banana Pudding will remind you of the creamiest concoction your grandmother made. Did I mention their Brown Butter Chocolate Chip cookie. It's awesome baby!

I would be remiss if I didn't talk up their beverage menu which include specialty drinks, protein and fruit smoothies, as well as several flavors of Dalai Sofia Blue Magic, a detoxifying non-alcoholic (0.0% ABV) craft kombucha beverage produced right here in Charleston, featuring a blend of Appalachian blueberries, tart lemon, and lemon verbena. Buck's is all about offering healthy options.

Most of the working class and busy bees don't start their day without a good amount of coffee. Whether you're the type that needs a shot of caffeine first thing in the morning, or likes to refuel regularly throughout the day, Buck's serves up high quality javas crafted from sustainable and organic beans roasted by Foresight Coffee from Mount Pleasant. Belly up to Buck's Espresso Bar, and perhaps enjoy your caffeinated choice with a breakfast sandwich or a muffin. Couldn't hurt! 

While Jared oversees a lot of the preferred deli favorites, he's also their to put his creativity to work on the daily chef-made take home meals. We're talking a good mix of hearty and healthy, ranging from balsamic chicken and fettucine alfredo to grilled salmon, buttternut squash, and protein bowls. Just like the handhelds, quality matters at Buck's. https://bucksdeli.com/page/catering

In just over a years time they've gained a solid reputation with regulars flocking in on a daily or weekly schedule. Buck's have basically established a deli and market version of Cheers, where Christian and Gail are the Sam and Diane, and they know several patrons by name. They welcome the next Norm and Cliff to the deli counter.

Coming full circle let me leave you with Gail's 30 second elevator speech when it comes to her and Christian's passion. "Buck's Deli & Market is a family owned gourmet deli on Daniel Island serving chef-crafted sandwiches, fresh prepared foods, and healthy grab n' go meals, all delivered with warm hospitality, carrying a neighborhood vibe." Need I add more.

You can order online, dine in or take out, and even join in during the occasional event they host. Looking to impress guests at a dinner party or a social, consider Buck's catering options that include signature hero and wrap platters, salads, gourmet sides, charcuterie boards (meats & cheeses), and pastries. Maybe put their Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Squares on the dessert list. Ooh la la!

Just one minute off I-526, Buck's Deli & Market is located in the heart of Daniel Island at 866 Island Park Dr Suite 105. To experience delightfully deli or to bring a taste of home to your table begin here at https://bucksdeli.com/