Thee Philly Grille in South Carolina: Authentic Cheesesteaks and Hoagies

What Thee Philly Grille serves and where to find it

Thee Philly Grille makes cheesesteaks, hoagies, and other Philadelphia-style sandwiches in South Carolina. The restaurant focuses on the core of Philadelphia's sandwich tradition: quality bread, properly seasoned meat, and toppings that don't overwhelm the base. If you're looking for the cheesesteak experience without the trip to Pennsylvania, this is where South Carolina locations bring that formula.

The menu centers on variations of the cheesesteak—the classic with Provolone, the Whiz (with Cheez Whiz), and versions loaded with peppers, onions, and mushrooms. Hoagies run the standard range: Italian, roast beef, turkey, and combinations. Most locations also offer chicken sandwiches, burgers, and sides like fries and onion rings. Prices sit in the casual-dining range, making it accessible for a quick lunch or dinner without reservation.

Thee Philly Grille has multiple locations across South Carolina. The original and flagship location is in Columbia, with additional spots in other cities. Hours vary by location but typically run from late morning through evening, six or seven days a week. Call ahead or check the specific location's hours before you go, especially on Sundays or holidays.

Key Takeaways

• Thee Philly Grille specializes in Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and hoagies made with traditional toppings and bread.
• The menu includes classic cheesesteak variations, Italian hoagies, chicken sandwiches, and sides, with prices typical of casual sandwich shops.
• Multiple South Carolina locations serve the restaurant, with the original in Columbia.
• Most locations are open late morning through evening, but hours vary by site and day of the week.

The cheesesteak: how Thee Philly Grille builds it

A proper cheesesteak starts with the bread—a long roll that's sturdy enough to hold meat and toppings without falling apart. Thee Philly Grille uses bread that holds up to the weight and heat of the sandwich. The meat is thin-sliced and seasoned, cooked on a flat griddle so it browns and develops flavor rather than steaming. The cheese melts into the meat, not on top of it.

The classic version comes with Provolone, which has a sharper flavor than American cheese and doesn't overwhelm the beef. The Whiz option uses Cheez Whiz, which creates a creamier, more uniform coating. Beyond that, you can add sautéed onions, peppers, and mushrooms. The key difference between a Philadelphia cheesesteak and versions made elsewhere is restraint—the sandwich doesn't pile on lettuce, tomato, or mayo. It's meat, cheese, bread, and optional vegetables cooked into the meat itself.

If you've never ordered a cheesesteak before, start with the classic Provolone version. It shows you what the sandwich is supposed to taste like. Once you know that baseline, you can explore variations with peppers or mushrooms, or try the Whiz if you prefer a creamier texture.

Hoagies and other sandwiches on the menu

Thee Philly Grille's hoagies follow the Italian-American deli tradition: cold cuts layered on a long roll with lettuce, tomato, onion, and oil-based dressing. The Italian hoagie typically includes ham, capicola, and salami. Roast beef and turkey hoagies offer leaner options. Combination hoagies mix multiple meats, giving you more complexity in a single sandwich.

The chicken sandwiches come grilled or fried, depending on the location and what's available that day. Burgers round out the hot sandwich options for people who want something outside the Philadelphia tradition. Most locations also fry chicken tenders and wings as sides or standalone orders, though the focus stays on the sandwiches.

Sides include standard fries, seasoned fries, and onion rings. Some locations offer additional items like mozzarella sticks or fried pickles, but the core sides are consistent. Drinks are typically fountain sodas and bottled beverages; a few locations may have sweet tea or lemonade depending on the South Carolina region.

When to visit and what to expect

Thee Philly Grille works best as a lunch or casual dinner stop. Most locations are counter-service or order-at-counter with limited seating, so it's built for eating quickly or taking food to go. The atmosphere is casual and informal—you're not paying for ambiance, you're paying for the sandwich.

Lunch hours (roughly 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) tend to be busier, especially on weekdays when office workers and students stop in. If you want to avoid a line, go mid-afternoon or early evening. Weekends draw a steady crowd but usually not the rush of weekday lunch.

The restaurant is family-friendly and works for groups since everyone can order what they want and eat quickly. It's also a solid option if you're traveling through South Carolina and want a regional food experience that's different from chain restaurants.

How Thee Philly Grille fits into South Carolina's food scene

South Carolina's food identity centers on Lowcountry cuisine, barbecue, and seafood—traditions rooted in the state's coastal and agricultural history. Thee Philly Grille represents something different: a regional American sandwich tradition transplanted and adapted for a South Carolina audience. It fills a niche for people who want something outside the typical state offerings.

The restaurant also reflects South Carolina's growing diversity and the way regional food traditions move across the country. Philadelphia's sandwich culture has roots in Italian immigration and working-class lunch traditions. When that tradition lands in South Carolina, it becomes part of the state's broader food landscape, sitting alongside barbecue joints, seafood shacks, and soul food restaurants.

For visitors from the Northeast or people familiar with Philadelphia food, Thee Philly Grille offers a taste of home. For South Carolinians curious about food traditions from other regions, it's a low-stakes way to explore what makes a cheesesteak different from a burger or a pulled-pork sandwich.

Ordering tips and customization options

Most Thee Philly Grille locations let you customize sandwiches within reason. You can add or remove toppings, choose your cheese, and specify how you want vegetables prepared. If you don't like onions, say so. If you want extra peppers, ask. The staff is used to modifications because sandwich shops build their business on flexibility.

If you're ordering for a group, decide on your order before you get to the counter—lines move faster when people know what they want. Many locations accept phone orders for pickup, which works well if you're planning a group meal or want to avoid waiting in line.

Prices vary slightly by location and what you order, but a single cheesesteak or hoagie typically costs between $8 and $12, with combo meals (sandwich plus fries and drink) running a few dollars more. Cash and card are both accepted at most locations, though it's worth confirming payment methods when you call ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a cheesesteak and a hoagie?

A cheesesteak is a hot sandwich with thin-sliced meat and melted cheese cooked together on a griddle, typically served on a long roll without lettuce or tomato. A hoagie is a cold sandwich with layered deli meats, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and oil-based dressing on a long roll. Thee Philly Grille makes both, so you can order whichever style you prefer.

Can I get a vegetarian sandwich?

Most locations can make a sandwich with just cheese and vegetables—peppers, onions, and mushrooms cooked on the griddle. Ask what's available that day and whether they can build a vegetarian option for you. It won't be a standard menu item, but sandwich shops typically accommodate requests like this.

Do I need to make a reservation?

No. Thee Philly Grille is counter-service, so you walk in, order, and eat. For large groups or catering orders, calling ahead is a good idea so the kitchen can prepare without a long wait, but regular dining doesn't require a reservation.

Are there gluten-free options?

Most locations don't have gluten-free bread, so traditional sandwiches aren't an option if you need to avoid gluten. Call your nearest location to ask whether they've added gluten-free bread or other accommodations. Some locations may be able to serve meat and cheese on a plate if you can't eat the bread.

What's the best cheesesteak to order if I've never had one?

Start with the classic Provolone cheesesteak without extra toppings. This shows you the core sandwich—meat, cheese, and bread—without additions that might distract from the flavors. Once you know what that tastes like, you can explore versions with peppers, mushrooms, or Cheez Whiz on your next visit.