Artisan Italian Sandwiches That Redefine Lunch in Historic Cannonborough

Located at 207A Saint Philip Street in downtown Charleston’s Cannonborough neighborhood, The Pass occupies a corner spot at Spring and Saint Philip streets where the area blends preserved historic homes with the energy of creative professionals. Tree-lined blocks and nearby boutiques create a setting where young and mid-life professionals, singles, and couples discover refined midday options amid the Lowcountry’s layered architectural charm. The neighborhood supports a comfortable pace of daily life, where heritage and contemporary routines intersect to foster meaningful connections over shared meals.

The interior of The Pass presents an artisan deli and market with a polished, welcoming design that emphasizes quality and care. Thoughtful counter service flows into comfortable seating areas, while displays of fresh ingredients and locally baked breads add visual warmth and a sense of craftsmanship. Soft lighting and well-kept details create an atmosphere of gracious refinement that invites lingering or efficient enjoyment, with every element supporting traditional values of respect for ingredients and attentive hospitality.

Chef-owner Anthony Marini, a Philadelphia native and Culinary Institute of America graduate with deep experience in food and beverage, opened The Pass in 2021 as a tribute to authentic Italian-American deli traditions. After the original space was struck by a Maserati, Marini reopened with renewed determination, expanding the concept while staying true to scratch-made sauces, premium imported ingredients, and generous portions that quickly established it as a standout. His hands-on approach and commitment to excellence reflect a personal passion for bringing elevated yet approachable Italian flavors to Charleston in a privately owned setting that honors both heritage and innovation.

Signature dishes and lunch recommendations center on phenomenal, artfully constructed sandwiches that deliver exceptional taste and beautiful presentation suited to the category. Standouts include the Such a Nice Italian Boy layered with pistachio mortadella, hot and sweet soppressata, burrata, sharp provolone, chili relish, greens, tomato, and red onion on locally baked bread, or The Italian Girl featuring roasted turkey, gabagool, provolone, burrata, and cherry pepper aioli. Other highlights feature roasted chicken with coppa and Calabrian aioli or pistachio mortadella combinations that showcase deceptively Italian precision. These pair wonderfully with wine by the glass or bottle for professionals seeking a satisfying, flavor-packed midday break or couples desiring a refined shared experience.

Pros: Chef-driven artistry with premium ingredients ensures consistently phenomenal sandwiches and a sense of elevated comfort; the dedicated ownership and scratch-made focus deliver reliability and traditional hospitality in every detail; the well-managed operation supports both quick professional lunches and leisurely enjoyment.

Graceful Cons: Its growing reputation as a sandwich destination draws steady demand during lunch hours—advance online ordering or thoughtful timing secures the full enjoyment of fresh preparations, rewarding planning with an experience that feels specially crafted.

The Pass earns its Citywide Spotlight Diamond Destination status as a privately owned Charleston original, aligned with traditional values through its emphasis on craftsmanship, generous hospitality, and respect for quality ingredients and community. Amenities include daily lunch service Tuesday through Sunday from 10am to 3pm, convenient takeout and catering options, wine selections, and a second location in Mount Pleasant for added accessibility. Guests choose it over alternatives for its chef-owned precision in artisan Italian sandwiches, phenomenal flavors that celebrate authentic traditions, and comfortable historic setting that transforms lunch into an inspired, values-aligned celebration of Lowcountry dining at its most thoughtful and satisfying.

~June 2026