Duchess Variety Store image

Duchess Variety Store

Sandwich shop Ice cream shop Deli Dessert shop

One of the Best Places To Visits in Ellicott City


Address

4126 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, MD 21043, United States

Price rating

$ $$$

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (301 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: Closed
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Tuesday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Wednesday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Thursday: 11 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 11 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: sandwich (17) sandwiches (12) lunch (6) people (6) lady (6) store (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Scott S. 10 months ago on Google
    Been going here for lunch whenever I'm in the area. Based on my experiences from today I thought I'd make this review for anyone who hasn't been here yet as a heads up on what to expect. The sandwiches are always amazing every time I go and I have no issues with the business itself. However, few things to note: - Be prepared to *respectfully* wait up to an hour. Some days the lines are somewhat long and people in front of you are ordering multiple things. There was a gentleman three spots in front of me that ordered about five sandwiches and three milkshakes which took a good 15 minutes or so. The lady is the only one hand making and blending the sandwiches and milkshakes. The person in front of me only ordered a shake. The people behind me had never been there before and left after waiting about 10 minutes. Two other people walked out and I assume they were on lunch break. I'm sure that is expected and I understand either people have time constraints or coworkers or families need to be fed, however for the people who consider going here on their lunch break you have to be ok with the wait or this is not the ideal choice for you. -This is CASH ONLY. -These are straight up, straight to the point, "for the value" sandwiches packed with meat. This a perfect choice for anyone tracking their macros. All this being said, I appreciate this place and for the value you can't really beat it. I think going here with respect and mindfulness of others would be recommended, but regardless this place is great.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vince M. 5 years ago on Google
    If your Mom makes great sandwiches like mine you'll love this place. Keep in mind there are only a few choices. This lady isn't my Mom, but she has clear Mom sandwich skills. The milkshake wasn't for me, but I'd try it again (basically a couple scoops + milk in a blender).
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel N. 8 months ago on Google
    Came here for lunch. I found this place through social media and this place doesn’t disappoint! The sandwiches are tasty, fat, and super cheap compared to every other store out there. The woman behind the counter is also super kind and friendly. She seems hard working and she always wipes down her station after making a sandwich. The rest of the store is also very neat and clean. I definitely recommend coming here, cause I’ll be back.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Anthony L. 1 year ago on Google
    A review brought me here and a review I'll leave. place is exactly as described a little hole in wall but it was very well maintained. I couldn't believe how clean everything was. super resonable pricing( incredible in this day and age) put together by a very nice lady who obviously cares a lot about her business and customers. was happy to spend money here and that's a special thing anymore. will repeat.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David B. 1 year ago on Google
    Honestly, my wife saw this place reviewed by someone on TikTok as a place to go to in Maryland, and it looked intriguing to me so I put it on my list to try Finally got there today. 5/5 easy. A sweet old lady, making an awesome sandwich for the cheapest prices I've ever seen paid for food. It's like stuck in time, sitting still while everything outside of it is moving forward with inflation. I was able to try a salami sandwich with the works, lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo, mustard and swiss, and also a liverwurst sandwich with onions, mustard and swiss. Both felt as if my own grandma came and visited and made me lunch. It feels like a self sustaining hobby for her because there is no way the prices can make a profit for what she gives you, but whatever the reasons she's there, it's refreshing and much appreciated The only suggestion I'd have for her is leaving a top jar on the counter for herself! I left money, but I saw 2 people who paid who seemed like they wanted to tip but weren't really sure what to do so they paid for their meal and left.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron Gartrell - R. 1 year ago on Google
    This week's episode of “Where’s Aaron Eating?!” is going to sound very similar to last weeks stop at Pioneer Pit Beef. We’ve all driven by this place a couple hundred times, the menu is limited and the sandwiches are awesome. This week we visit Duchess, that classic sandwich and milkshake place right on Old Columbia Pike. Walk in, get in line and watch the lady work her magic. One employee and she serves up everything with care. It’s as if you stopped by Grandmoms and she’s making you a sandwich on white or wheat, mustard or mayo, American or Swiss, lettuce, tomato and onion and with salt and or pepper. Oh, and your options are the classics, ham, turkey, roast beef, salami bologna, liverwurst or just cheese. I walked out with an awesome sandwich, crab chips and a coke for $7. I can’t believe it’s been 20+ years since I walked into this place. Do yourself a favor and put it on your calendar in the next couple weeks. It’s not gonna go down as the best in Baltimore but if being served with love and care was the top priority she’d win every time. Oh, did I mention they have homemade milkshakes for $3.50??!!!! Check this place out folks. They don’t make ‘em like this any more. #wheresaaroneating
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John D. 1 year ago on Google
    They sell sandwiches for $2.50-$3.50 insanely affordable, and the sandwhiches are actually massive. The store is run by a super sweet lady. The restaurant is pretty small and can be hard to notice unless you know it is there. They also serve ice cream for 1.25 a scoop and 3.50 for an ice cream. The store also offers a selection of cold drinks and aboit 15 different types of potato chips. There is no sitting room inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Donya G. 1 year ago on Google
    Nostalgia is what I experienced! Reminded me of my childhood, going to the corner store to grab a sandwich. Want a basic old fashion, inexpensive handmade sandwich this is the spot. Too cute!!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Unusual C. 9 months ago on Google
    Duchess is the goto sandwich shop that reminds you of the simple sandwiches your grandmother made you. Ms. Maggie is fabulous and the $3.50 ham with everything is the bomb!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jeremy B. 1 year ago on Google
    Cheap but good eats. The meat is always piled high and topped with a perfect combination of salt, pepper, onions, and other condiments should you choose.

  • 3/5 Shelby L. 8 months ago on Google
    This is a great spot for a deli sandwich. $3.50 for that turkey and cheese sandwich 🥪. There is only one person taking your order n making your sandwich. So the service is slow but if you have the time to wait ✋️ its worth it!!! I nice clean Mom n Pop type of store.

  • 5/5 patsy c. 5 months ago on Google
    This is a small family owned and run business. They have the best sandwiches , ice cream and milk shakes! You can't beat their prices. $3.50 and 2.50 for huge sandwiches! My family has been coming here for over 20 years! If your ever in Ellicott city you differently have to stop here for a quick lunch.

  • 4/5 Seth L. 7 months ago on Google
    *Cash Only* 4 stars, Sandwiches are decent, not exceptional. The older woman is the star of the show though. Expect a 30 minute-1 hour wait. While waiting you can watch the sole proprietor make sandwiches in a very theatrical way. Throughly enjoyed watching the care she took in working the meat slicer, straightening the lettuce, carefully slicing the onion and tomato in her hand, and expertly spreading the mayo and mustard, even the care she takes in bagging the sandwich. Clearly she has done this 1000s of times in her life and still takes great pride in this repetitious task. She also serves scoop ice cream and makes milkshakes. For $3.50 for the sandwich you can't wrong with the value, but the sandwich flavor is quickly forgotten after consumption. Probably won't find my way back there again due to the long wait and out of way nature of the location. But definitely worth a first visit. Word to the wise, every person in front of me rounded up their bill as there was no tip jar. She would try and give the bills back graciously but the customers would decline and walk away. I did the same.


Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Free parking lot
    • ✓️ Somewhat difficult to find a space
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Cash only
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Quick bite
    • ✓️ Comfort food
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dessert
  • Service options
    • ✗ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway

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