The mortadella and pistachio spread on focaccia that put Charleston’s The Pass on the map is now just a short drive away for East Cooper residents. The beloved artisan deli officially opened its second location at 976 Houston Northcutt Boulevard in Mount Pleasant’s Northcutt Plaza, bringing its “unapologetically interesting sandwiches” across the Cooper River.

For anyone who’s waited in the inevitable lunch line at The Pass’s original King Street location, this expansion feels like a natural progression. The downtown spot has built a devoted following since opening, with regulars who know to arrive early for the breakfast sandwich on house-made everything bagels and newcomers drawn by Instagram-worthy creations that somehow live up to the hype.

“New year, new second location, same unapologetically interesting sandwiches,” a spokesperson for the restaurant said. “We are grateful for the support that’s allowed us to grow.”

The Mount Pleasant location mirrors the downtown original’s commitment to house-made components and thoughtful ingredient sourcing. Expect the same rotating selection of charcuterie, artisan cheeses, and that signature focaccia that arrives warm and dimpled with olive oil. The Italian-leaning menu still features standouts like the porchetta with salsa verde and the rotating daily specials that keep even the most devoted customers guessing.

What sets The Pass apart in Charleston’s competitive sandwich scene isn’t just the quality of ingredients—though the imported mortadella and carefully curated cheese selection certainly don’t hurt. It’s the attention to balance and technique that reflects co-owner training in professional kitchens. Each sandwich reads like a composed dish that happens to be served between bread.

Take the breakfast offering: house-cured bacon, perfectly jammy eggs, and aged cheddar on that everything bagel. It’s familiar enough to satisfy morning cravings but elevated beyond the typical deli fare. The lunch menu follows the same philosophy, with combinations that sound adventurous on paper but deliver comfort on the plate.

The timing for this expansion comes as Food & Dining establishments throughout the Lowcountry navigate a challenging restaurant landscape. While some local spots have faced Post-Holiday Closures Hit Charleston Dining Scene in recent weeks, The Pass’s growth suggests strong demand for quality casual dining options.

Mount Pleasant’s dining scene has evolved considerably over the past few years, with residents no longer needing to cross the bridge for serious food. The addition of The Pass adds another compelling option to a growing roster of locally-owned establishments that understand the area’s appetite for both quality and convenience.

The Northcutt Plaza location offers something the downtown spot can’t: parking. Anyone who’s circled the King Street blocks searching for a space during lunch rush will appreciate the suburban accessibility. But the real draw remains the food—sandwiches that justify the drive from anywhere in the tri-county area.

Expect the same attention to coffee service that made the original location a morning destination. The espresso program features locally roasted beans and baristas who understand that a proper cortado can make or break a morning. Pastries from local bakers round out the breakfast offerings, creating a full café experience that works whether you’re grabbing something quick or settling in with laptop and coffee.

The Pass joins a growing number of Charleston restaurants expanding beyond the peninsula, following successful concepts like Leon’s Oyster Shop and The Ordinary’s sister restaurants. This east-of-the-Cooper growth reflects both the area’s population boom and diners’ willingness to seek out quality regardless of location.

For the Mount Pleasant location, hours mirror the downtown original with breakfast and lunch service daily. The menu will feature the same core offerings with potential for location-specific specials based on local preferences and seasonal availability. Counter service keeps things casual, but don’t mistake informality for lack of ambition—every component shows the same care that made the original location essential.

The expansion also means shorter waits for those signature sandwiches that have become Charleston lunch legends. Whether you’re craving that mortadella creation or ready to try whatever daily special catches your eye, The Pass’s Mount Pleasant location brings the same exacting standards and creative combinations that made the original worth the downtown parking hassle.

With both locations now serving the greater Charleston area, The Pass has positioned itself as more than a neighborhood deli—it’s become a legitimate dining destination that happens to specialize in very good sandwiches. For East Cooper residents, that’s very good news indeed.