Cheesesteak U in Columbia: Philly-Style Sandwiches and Loaded Fries

What Cheesesteak U serves and where to find it

Cheesesteak U is a casual sandwich shop in Columbia that specializes in Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and wings. The restaurant sits at 2013 Devine Street in the Five Points neighborhood, a walkable area packed with student hangouts and local businesses near the University of South Carolina campus. The space has the feel of a quick-service spot where you order at the counter and grab a seat at high-top tables or take your food to go.

The menu centers on customizable cheesesteaks—you choose your meat (steak, chicken, or both), cheese, and toppings. Beyond the signature sandwiches, Cheesesteak U offers loaded fries topped with cheese, meat, and sauces; wings in various flavors; and sides like onion rings and mozzarella sticks. Prices are moderate, designed for the student crowd and neighborhood regulars who want a filling meal without spending much.

Key Takeaways

• Cheesesteak U serves authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks with customizable toppings and meat options at a casual counter-service location on Devine Street.
• The loaded fries are a signature item—thick-cut fries piled with cheese, meat, and house sauces that work as a meal on their own.
• The Five Points location makes it convenient for University of South Carolina students and anyone exploring Columbia's neighborhood dining scene.
• The restaurant is designed for quick service and takeout, though seating is available if you want to eat in the casual dining area.

The cheesesteak options and how to build yours

The core menu revolves around the cheesesteak sandwich, which you build by selecting your protein first. Steak is the traditional choice—thinly sliced beef cooked on a flat-top griddle with onions and peppers. Chicken is available for those who prefer poultry, and you can order both proteins on the same sandwich if you want extra protein. The meat comes seasoned and cooked to order, so it arrives hot and fresh.

Cheese choices typically include provolone, American, and Cheez Whiz—the traditional Philly option. From there, you add toppings: sautéed onions and peppers are standard, but you can request additional vegetables, hot peppers, mushrooms, or skip them entirely. The sandwich arrives on a long roll, wrapped and ready to eat. Many regulars order the same thing every time, but the customization means you can experiment until you find your preferred combination.

Loaded fries and sides that go beyond the basics

Cheesesteak U's loaded fries are thicker-cut than typical fast-food fries and arrive piled high with toppings. The standard loaded fries come topped with melted cheese, your choice of meat, and house sauces—some versions include bacon, ranch drizzle, or a spicy aioli depending on the day's specials. These are substantial enough to share or to eat as a standalone meal, and they're a popular choice for people who want something different from the sandwich.

Wings come in multiple flavors and heat levels, from mild to very spicy, and are sold by the pound or in smaller portions. Mozzarella sticks, onion rings, and other fried sides round out the menu. These items work well as shareable appetizers if you're eating with friends, or as add-ons to a cheesesteak order if you're extra hungry.

The Five Points neighborhood and nearby dining

Devine Street in Five Points is one of Columbia's most active neighborhoods, especially during the school year when University of South Carolina students fill the area. The block has a mix of restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and retail stores within walking distance of each other. Cheesesteak U fits into this casual, student-friendly ecosystem—it's the kind of place you stop into between classes or after an evening out.

The neighborhood itself is worth exploring if you're in the area. You'll find vintage shops, bookstores, and other casual eateries within a few blocks. Parking can be tight during peak hours, but there are street spaces and small lots nearby. The walkability of Five Points means you can park once and visit multiple places without moving your car.

Hours, payment, and what to expect when you visit

Cheesesteak U operates as a counter-service restaurant, so you order at the register and wait for your food to be prepared. The kitchen works quickly, and most orders are ready within 10 to 15 minutes. The casual setup means there's no table service—you carry your tray to a seat, and cleanup is self-service. This model keeps prices down and keeps the line moving during busy times.

The restaurant accepts cash and card payments. Hours vary by season—the location is busier during the school year when students are on campus, and slower during summer and breaks. It's worth checking their hours before you visit, especially if you're planning an evening trip. The space can get crowded during lunch and dinner rushes, particularly on weekends and game days when the university has events.

Why Cheesesteak U stands out in Columbia's burger and sandwich scene

Columbia has no shortage of burger joints and sandwich shops, but Cheesesteak U brings a specific regional style—the Philly cheesesteak—to a city where that tradition isn't as dominant as it is in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. The restaurant doesn't try to reinvent the cheesesteak; it executes the classic version with quality ingredients and lets you customize it to your taste. That straightforward approach appeals to both people who know what they want and those trying a Philly cheesesteak for the first time.

The loaded fries are equally important to the restaurant's identity. They're not an afterthought side dish but a featured menu item that draws people in on their own. The combination of thick fries, melted cheese, meat, and house sauces creates something that feels indulgent and satisfying—the kind of food that works well for a casual meal with friends or a quick solo lunch between errands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my cheesesteak with vegetables I don't normally see on sandwiches?

Yes—most cheesesteak shops will add toppings you request if they have them on hand. Call ahead or ask when you order if you want something specific like jalapeños, tomatoes, lettuce, or other vegetables. The kitchen is usually willing to work with you, especially if you're ordering during a slower time of day.

Are the loaded fries enough for a full meal?

They can be, depending on your appetite. A large order of loaded fries is substantial and filling, especially if they're topped with meat and multiple sauces. Many people order loaded fries as their main dish rather than pairing them with a sandwich. If you're very hungry, combining fries with a sandwich or wings gives you more food.

Does Cheesesteak U deliver, or is it takeout and dine-in only?

Cheesesteak U operates as a walk-in, counter-service location where you can eat in or take your food with you. Check their current policies or call ahead to confirm whether they partner with delivery services, as this can change. The Five Points location is walkable from nearby areas, so many people simply walk over to pick up their order.

What's the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a regular sandwich?

A Philly cheesesteak uses thinly sliced steak cooked on a flat-top griddle with onions and peppers, then topped with melted cheese on a long roll. The key is the thin-sliced meat cooked quickly on a hot surface, which gives it a different texture than a typical deli sandwich. The cheese melts into the warm meat and bread, creating a unified dish rather than separate components.

Is Cheesesteak U a chain, or is this the only location?

Cheesesteak U operates as a local Columbia restaurant. It's not part of a national chain, so this Devine Street location is where you'll find it. Supporting local, independent restaurants like this one keeps money in the community and gives you a dining experience tied to Columbia rather than a franchise formula.