Nycks Philly Burger & Wings: Philly Cheesesteaks and Wings in Columbia
What Nycks Philly Burger & Wings Serves
Nycks Philly Burger & Wings is a casual spot in Columbia that builds its menu around two things: Philly cheesesteaks made to Philadelphia standards and chicken wings in a range of sauces. The restaurant takes its name seriously—the cheesesteaks arrive on long rolls with thinly sliced meat, melted cheese, and your choice of peppers and onions, closer to what you'd find in South Philadelphia than to the thicker sandwiches common elsewhere in the South. The wings come fried and sauced, with flavors ranging from mild to hot.
The space is set up for quick service and takeout, though there is seating inside. Most people come in knowing what they want—either a cheesesteak, a wing order, or both—and the kitchen moves orders through steadily. The menu also includes sides like fries and a small selection of other sandwiches, but the focus stays on the two namesake items.
Key Takeaways
- Nycks makes Philly cheesesteaks with thin-sliced meat and melted cheese on a long roll, staying true to Philadelphia style rather than adapting to regional preferences.
- The wing menu includes multiple sauce options, from mild to hot, and wings are fried fresh rather than baked.
- The restaurant operates as a quick-service spot with takeout as the primary format, though indoor seating is available.
- Nycks is located in Columbia and works well for a fast lunch or dinner when you want a specific sandwich or wing order rather than a full sit-down meal.
The Philly Cheesesteak at Nycks
The cheesesteak here follows the Philadelphia formula: thin-sliced beef (usually ribeye or a similar cut), melted cheese (typically Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American depending on your order), and a long roll that's sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart. You can add sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms, and some people order it "with" (onions included) or "without" (onions left off). The meat comes cooked on a flat-top griddle and is chopped into small pieces as it cooks, which is the traditional method.
This approach differs from the thicker, heartier sandwiches you might find at other burger restaurants in South Carolina. The Philly cheesesteak is narrower, longer, and the meat-to-bread ratio is tighter. If you've had one in Philadelphia or from a place that respects the original style, Nycks delivers that same experience. If you're used to regional variations, the first thing you'll notice is the thinness of the meat and the way the cheese coats it rather than sitting on top.
Wings and Sauce Options
Nycks fries its wings rather than baking them, which gives them a crispier exterior. The restaurant offers multiple sauce flavors, and the heat levels vary—you can order mild if you want flavor without spice, or move up to medium and hot depending on your tolerance. The sauces are mixed into the wings after frying, so they coat evenly rather than sitting on the surface.
Wing orders typically come in quantities like 6, 10, 15, or 20 pieces, and they're priced accordingly. Pairing wings with a cheesesteak is common—some people order a half or whole sandwich plus a wing order to split between two people, or get wings as a side to their main sandwich.
Location and Hours
Nycks Philly Burger & Wings is located in Columbia. Hours and exact address details can shift, so it's worth calling ahead or checking online before you go, especially if you're planning to stop by at an off-peak time. The restaurant is designed for quick stops rather than long meals, so even during busy lunch or dinner hours, the wait is usually short.
Takeout is the primary way people order, though you can eat in if you prefer. The space is informal and the focus is on getting food out quickly, not on ambiance or table service.
Pricing and What to Expect
Cheesesteak prices are moderate—typically in the range you'd pay for a quality sandwich at a casual restaurant, not a high-end spot. Wing orders are priced by the piece or by the quantity you order. A combination of a cheesesteak and wings will run more than either item alone, but it's still affordable for a meal for one or something to split.
The restaurant doesn't have a complex menu with dozens of options, which means decisions are straightforward. You pick your sandwich type, your toppings, your wing sauce, and your quantity. There's no need to study a long menu or wait while the kitchen figures out how to make something unusual.
When to Go and What to Order
Nycks works best when you know what you want before you walk in. Lunch and dinner rushes are predictable—weekdays around noon and 5 to 7 p.m. tend to be busier. If you go during off-peak hours, you'll move through the line faster. Takeout is faster than eating in, so if you're in a hurry, order to go.
First-time visitors often order a classic cheesesteak with onions and a small wing order to try a few sauces. That combination gives you a sense of what the restaurant does well. If you're a wing person, you can always go heavier on the wings and lighter on the sandwich, or vice versa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the cheesesteak authentic to Philadelphia style?
Yes. Nycks uses thin-sliced meat, melted cheese, and a long roll in the traditional Philadelphia way. If you've had a cheesesteak in Philadelphia or from a restaurant that respects that standard, you'll recognize the style here.
Can I customize my cheesesteak?
Yes. You can choose your cheese type, add or skip onions, and add peppers or mushrooms. The basic formula stays the same, but you have control over the toppings.
Are the wings fried or baked?
They're fried, which gives them a crispy exterior. The sauces are mixed in after frying, so they coat the wings evenly.
Do I need to eat in, or can I take food with me?
Takeout is the primary format, and it's fast. You can eat in if you want, but most people order to go. The space is casual and informal, not set up for lingering.
What if I'm not sure what sauce to order on my wings?
Ask the staff what their most popular sauce is, or order a small quantity in a mild sauce first to see if you like the flavor before committing to a larger order in a hotter sauce. You can always come back and try a different one next time.