Inky's Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and Hoagies in South Carolina

What Inky's serves and where to find it

Inky's Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and Hoagies brings the sandwich tradition of Philadelphia to South Carolina with a menu built around two things: the cheesesteak and the hoagie, both made to Philadelphia specifications. The cheesesteaks come with your choice of meat (typically ribeye or chicken), melted cheese, and grilled onions on a long roll. The hoagies layer cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables on the same style of roll, dressed with oil and vinegar. Both are built to order, not assembled from a steam table.

Inky's operates as a counter-service restaurant where you order at the register and pick up your sandwich when it's ready. The space is casual and built around the sandwich itself—there's no table service, and the focus stays on getting your order right rather than on atmosphere. The restaurant's name and approach reference Philadelphia's sandwich culture, where these two items are foundational to how people eat.

Key Takeaways

• Inky's makes cheesesteaks with grilled meat, melted cheese, and onions on a long roll, following Philadelphia tradition rather than other regional styles.
• Hoagies at Inky's are cold sandwiches layered with meats, cheese, and vegetables, dressed with oil and vinegar, and built to your specifications.
• The restaurant operates as counter service, meaning you order at the register and wait for your sandwich to be prepared fresh.
• Inky's menu stays focused on these two sandwich types rather than expanding into burgers, wings, or other categories common at casual restaurants.

How Inky's cheesesteaks differ from other sandwich shops

Philadelphia cheesesteaks have specific characteristics that set them apart from sandwiches called "cheesesteaks" elsewhere. The meat is sliced thin and cooked on a flat griddle, then chopped into small pieces while still cooking. The cheese—usually Provolone, American, or Whiz—melts directly onto the hot meat. Grilled onions go on top. The whole thing lands on a long roll that's sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart, but not so thick that it overwhelms the sandwich.

Many sandwich shops in the South make what they call cheesesteaks but use thicker-cut meat, toast the bread, or add ingredients like lettuce and tomato. Inky's sticks to the Philadelphia method: thin-sliced meat, melted cheese, grilled onions, and minimal additions. If you've had a cheesesteak from a chain or a regional competitor, an Inky's version will taste noticeably different because the construction is different.

Ordering and customization options

At Inky's, you specify your cheesesteak or hoagie when you order. For a cheesesteak, you choose your meat (ribeye is the traditional choice, but chicken is available), your cheese type, and whether you want onions. Some locations offer peppers as an add-on. For hoagies, you select which cold cuts you want, cheese, and whether to include vegetables like lettuce, tomato, or peppers.

The sandwiches come dressed with oil and vinegar unless you ask otherwise. If you have preferences about how much of any ingredient goes on your sandwich, you can request that when you order. Because everything is made to order rather than pre-assembled, the kitchen can accommodate most requests without significant delay.

Price range and portion size

Cheesesteaks and hoagies at Inky's typically fall in the $8 to $12 range, depending on the meat choice and location. A standard cheesesteak with ribeye and cheese costs less than a version with premium toppings or larger portions. Hoagies usually cost slightly less than cheesesteaks because cold cuts are less expensive than cooked meat.

Both sandwiches are substantial—a single cheesesteak or hoagie is a full meal for most people. The long roll and generous filling mean you're not leaving hungry. Many customers order just the sandwich and water or a soft drink, though Inky's locations typically offer sides like chips or drinks for additional cost.

What to order if you're new to Inky's

If you've never had a Philadelphia cheesesteak, start with a ribeye cheesesteak with American cheese and grilled onions. This is the most common order and the one that best represents what makes the sandwich distinctive. Avoid adding lettuce, tomato, or mayo—those are additions that mask the core flavors of the meat and cheese.

If you prefer cold sandwiches, a traditional hoagie with Italian meats (ham, salami, capicola) and Provolone is a good entry point. Ask for oil and vinegar, which is how they're dressed in Philadelphia. If you're unsure about the oil and vinegar, you can ask for it on the side and try it that way first.

Inky's locations in South Carolina

Inky's has multiple locations across South Carolina, with the original and flagship location in one area and additional locations in other cities. Hours and exact addresses vary by location, so checking the restaurant's website or calling ahead before you visit is important. Some locations may have slightly different hours on weekends or may close for holidays.

Because Inky's is a regional chain rather than a national one, locations are concentrated in certain parts of South Carolina. If you're traveling to an area where Inky's operates, it's worth planning your visit around their hours, since they're not open late and they close on certain days of the week.

When to visit and what to expect

Lunch and early dinner are the busiest times at Inky's, particularly on weekdays when people stop in for a quick meal. If you want to avoid a line, visiting mid-afternoon or early evening on a weekday works better than lunch hour. Weekends are typically busy as well, especially Saturday afternoon.

The wait time from ordering to receiving your sandwich is usually five to ten minutes, depending on how busy the restaurant is and how complex your order is. The space is designed for quick turnover, not lingering, so there may not be many seats. Many customers take their sandwiches to go or eat standing at a counter.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

A cheesesteak is a hot sandwich made with cooked, sliced meat and melted cheese on a long roll. A hoagie is a cold sandwich made with sliced cold cuts, cheese, and vegetables on the same style of roll. Cheesesteaks are griddled to order; hoagies are assembled cold.

Can I get a cheesesteak without onions?

Yes. When you order, tell the person at the register you don't want onions, and they'll make your cheesesteak without them. You can also request extra cheese, peppers, or other modifications at that time.

Are there vegetarian options at Inky's?

Inky's menu is built around meat sandwiches, so vegetarian options are limited. Some locations may make a cheese-only hoagie with vegetables, but this isn't a standard menu item. Call ahead to ask what your local Inky's can offer.

How is a Philadelphia cheesesteak different from a Philly cheesesteak I've had elsewhere?

Philadelphia cheesesteaks use thin-sliced meat cooked on a griddle and chopped into small pieces, with cheese that melts directly onto the hot meat. Many other restaurants use thicker meat, toast the bread, or add ingredients like lettuce and tomato. Inky's follows the Philadelphia method, so the sandwich tastes noticeably different.

Do I need to order ahead or can I just walk in?

You can walk in and order at the counter. During busy times, there may be a line, but Inky's doesn't typically take phone orders for pickup. If you're visiting during peak hours, expect a short wait.