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    Duchess Variety Store

    4.6 (88 reviews)

    Duchess Variety Store Photos

    DUCHESS VARIETY STORE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Classy
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Duchess Variety Store

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    Roast beef sandwich.
    Dexter V.

    Hidden gem indeed. Great quality and great quantity. Be patient as it is being ran by a sweet, one-woman army, but its defintely worth the wait. For the price, I ordered 2 different sandwiches to try. They weigh just as much as on a regular deli for a fraction of the price. They are both fresh and delicious and for sure more than enough for one sitting. Support small businesses like this. Highly recommended.

    Ham Sandwich
    Athena A.

    TIP: Cash only Where to begin!? Duchess is a must to try and add to your rotation of go to spots!! [enough said!] This little hidden gem is just that; a gem! From what I'm told; it's a family owned restaurant that put their heart and soul into this place for years in Ellicott City. I can attest this is true from my experience. The only disappointment was it took this long to try it. Perhaps I took advantage by the fact I live nearby but rest assure I will be coming back often. I already can't twice within a week. Now to the good stuff .... food! ORDER: * Roast Beef Sandwich * * Turkey Sandwich * Both the Roast Beef and Turkey sandwiches had everything on it: Lettuce, tomato, onions, mayonnaise, mustard; seasoned with black pepper on wheat bread. Man oh man, the first bite was heaven. It was certainly made with love. The tomato was perfectly sliced, the lettuce was fresh and the meats were sliced and stacked with perfection. * Ham Sandwich * This was for a picky plain eater that opted for lettuce, mayonnaise and seasoned black pepper on wheat bread. It was pretty delicious plain sandwich. Must be the love that was put into it. [I originally ordered Roast Beef but for the love of food and yelp; I took a bite of the Turkey and Ham sandwiches] SIDES Medium size bags of: * Potato Chips * Salt & Vinegar Chips * BBQ Chips [Score on the bag size] MILK SHAKES: * Chocolate * As a chocolate lover I was pleased to find out they used Hersey chocolate for this shake. Yum! I heard a lot of hype about how good the shakes are and the hype is real. The texture and flavor and size of the shake was everything you can ask for in a chocolate milkshake. * Strawberry * This will certainly fulfill your strawberry shake craving. It wasn't too sweet and had the best flavor and texture of a strawberry milkshake. Both shakes were so good, my goofy self took a sip of both at the same time for a taste of both worlds! These shakes are so good you're not going to want to share. Be sure to order a round for everyone in your party. SERVICE: As mentioned this is a family owned. Typically, you'll see the wife who is a sweet older lady. The daughter was there helping the first time we went [We went twice within a week] It can be busy with a family owned business; so be patient and kind as it is worth the wait. LOCATION/FACILITY: This is located in a hidden yet obvious spot off Route 29/Montgomery and Old Columbia Rd. You can't miss it. PARKING: Free restaurant parking. SEATING: None. This is a small family owned restaurant for carry out only. COVID-19: [July 2020] Due to the current pandemic; there's a sign on the front door with details. I can't recall the exact details but everyone wore masks. I used my card to pay as it is a cash only spot. The overall transaction was smooth. Overall, this place is great! Amazing food, yummy milkshakes, you get a nice size bag of chips AND the price is out of this world! For 3 sandwiches, 3 bags of chips and 2 shakes was under $25. I invite everyone to show this small business some love as you won't be disappointed.

    Ice cream and milkshakes
    Jeanette D.

    This is the best example of a mom & pop shop. This place is the real deal. The owner does everything by herself. The wait may be a bit long but it's just fine once you get your turn. The sandwiches are simple and huge. You will not be disappointed.

    a sandwich cut in half
    Diane H.

    The Duchess Variety Store is a charming stop just outside Ellicott City. It looks like this was once a convenience store because the interior is larger than the fitures currently inside. What's there matters tho! The gal running the place has been running things since they opened in 1972. You will feel like you stepped into your grandmother's kitchen for a lunch. The sandwiches offer two options, white or wheat bread. She's got all your typical fixings: lettuce, tomato (sliced by hand per sandwich!), mayo, mustard, salt and pepper. She peppers each layer of the sandwich and it makes for a delightful and oh so filling lunch. We ordered two turkey sandwiches and one roast beef sandwich. As of October 2023, the price was $3.50 per sandwich, which is really unheard of given how much meat is in the sandwich. Each is wrapped in parchment or waxed paper and placed in a paper sack with a napkin! Details! They also offer milkshakes made to order and believe me, she can make them three at a time or more! For only $3.75, its a total deal! She also offers ice cream cones for $1.25 and there are at least 10 flavors! I wish there were seating, but that would likely take away from the speed at which she makes the sandwiches, shakes and ringing up the orders. So get your lunch and milkshake and take a ride, one further exit on Route 29 to Centennial Park and enjoy the fresh air with your lunch. Will we return? Yes Yes and yes!!!

    I've cream/milkshake area
    Randy L.

    I just found out about this place recently so I wanted to stop by and try it out. Honestly, you can't get much better then piled high sandwiches of meat for either $2.50 or $3.50! For bread options, they offer both white and wheat bread. Even with the small menu and not fancy interior, Duchess Variety Store certainly delivers on quality. The ingredients were all fresh and the sandwich even held up on my drive back to Owings Mills from Ellicott City! I also do want to say, the interior looks very clean and well kept. During my visit I was told they have been there now for 50 years and I certainly hope they stick around for another 50! On my next visit, I will be trying out a milkshake. If you are ever in Ellicott City, be sure to drop by from 11am-4pm Monday through Saturday for some great old school sandwiches!

    The front of the building
    Ace T.

    We've lived in Ellicott city for about 5 years and always drove by this place but never took the time to check it out. Location wise it's pretty easy to miss. It's right next to a gas station and not near a lot of other restaurants. Important things to know is that it's cash only, take out and the parking lot is quite small but we made a point to check this place out and have to say that the lady is the sweetest. I didn't get her name but your sandwich is made fresh. If you're looking for something fancy and Instagram worthy then this wouldn't be your place. This is just a good old fashion restaurant that makes simple, delicious and really affordable sandwiches. I didn't get to try the milkshake but will have to next time. She was so sweet and kind when taking my order. She asked if certain condiments were ok on each sandwich. She was generous with the meat and I think for 3 sandwiches I paid about $11. One thing that stood out for me was that once I paid I asked if she had a tip jar or something. She said no so I offered her a tip anyway but she said there was no need and just asked if she could keep the coin change since she needed it throughout the day. The sandwiches were good. I think this would be a place you'd want to go to if you wanted a simple lunch or wanted to take the family on a picnic and didn't want to make the sandwiches yourself.

    Looking at the simple but tasty ice cream and sandwich stations.
    Bill G.

    Duchess is a HoCo tradition known for good sandwiches and hand spun milkshakes. It's simple, but really hits the spot and is very easy on your wallet. Where can you get a fresh cut, old fashioned sandwich pulled high with lunch meat, and fresh cut onion, tomato and lettuce for $3.50 or less? No where buy Duchess! And your sandwich and chips are placed in a brown bag, like you were going to school. This isn't fancy, but it is good. Hint: come at 11am or after 1:30pm if you are in a hurry. This sandwich shop operates slow and steady.

    Stopped in to check this spot out and in the process ordered 10 Sandwiches, I can only assume that the duchess herself rocked them out in a big box for me to feed my crew for lunch The food is tasty and for that price how can you complain or compare it to anything else in this century! Will be coming back to order for myself when ever I'm in Ellicott city

    a woman preparing food on a table

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    2 years ago

    Amazing sandwiches!! Great prices. Highly recommend checking this place out. The lady making the sandwiches was super nice.

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    1 year ago

    Delightful lady making tasty straightforward sandwiches. Wanted an ice cream milkshake, but the ice cream freezer was kaput‼

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    3 years ago

    A local institution. Great food. Support it please! Sandwiches and milkshakes like grandma.

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    2 years ago

    Brings back memories of sandwich delis from the 70s. Nothing fancy and great prices. Get a sandwich and a milkshake.

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    3 years ago

    Great classic sandwich! You will be amazed at the speed of service provided by just one person.

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    Ask the Community - Duchess Variety Store

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    Duchess Variety Store - icecream - Updated June 2026

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