Drake House in Charleston: A Historic Cheesesteak Spot with Deep Roots
What Drake House is and where to find it
Drake House is a sandwich shop in Charleston's historic district that has served the same menu for decades—cheesesteaks, roast beef sandwiches, and a handful of sides—from a small storefront that feels like stepping into another era. The restaurant sits on King Street, one of Charleston's main commercial corridors, and operates as a no-frills counter-service spot where you order at the window and eat standing up or take your food with you.
The building itself dates to the early 20th century, and the shop has occupied this location long enough that it has become part of the neighborhood's fabric. Drake House does not advertise heavily, does not have a website, and does not take reservations—it is the kind of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon. The storefront is easy to miss if you are not looking for it, which is part of its appeal to people who value authenticity over visibility.
Key Takeaways
- Drake House serves cheesesteaks and roast beef sandwiches made to a consistent recipe that has changed little over the decades.
- The shop operates as a counter-service window with no seating inside, so plan to eat standing outside or take your order with you.
- Hours are limited and the shop closes early in the afternoon, so timing matters if you want to catch them open.
- Payment is cash only, so bring bills or find an ATM nearby before you order.
- Drake House represents a vanishing style of neighborhood sandwich shop that prioritizes consistency and simplicity over trends or renovation.
The menu and what to order
Drake House keeps its menu short. The cheesesteak is the signature item—thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and a soft roll, prepared the same way every day. The roast beef sandwich follows a similar formula: sliced meat, a roll, and minimal embellishment. Both sandwiches come plain unless you ask for additions, which is typical of old-school sandwich shops that assume you know what you want.
The shop also sells a small selection of sides: chips, drinks, and occasionally other items depending on the day. Prices are low by modern standards, which reflects both the shop's age and its approach to business—Drake House is not trying to be trendy or upscale, and the menu reflects that philosophy. Many people order a sandwich and a drink and spend less than ten dollars total.
Hours and how to visit
Drake House operates limited hours, typically closing by mid-afternoon. The exact schedule can vary, so if you are planning a trip specifically to eat there, it is worth calling ahead or checking with your hotel concierge, who may have current information. The shop is closed on Sundays and some holidays, which is common for older neighborhood businesses that operate on traditional schedules.
Because Drake House is cash-only, locate an ATM before you arrive. Several banks and convenience stores are nearby on King Street. The shop's window-service format means there is no indoor seating, so you will eat standing outside or take your sandwich elsewhere—many people grab their order and walk to nearby parks or back to their hotel. The location on King Street puts you within walking distance of other Charleston attractions if you want to explore after eating.
Why Drake House matters to Charleston
Drake House is one of the few remaining sandwich shops in Charleston that has not been renovated, rebranded, or absorbed into a larger restaurant group. It represents a style of eating that was common in American cities fifty years ago: cheap, fast, no-nonsense food sold from a small window to people who knew exactly what they wanted.
For visitors interested in Charleston's food history, Drake House offers a contrast to the city's well-known fine dining and Lowcountry cuisine restaurants. It is a place where locals still eat, where the menu has not changed to chase trends, and where the experience is shaped by decades of habit rather than design. The shop's survival in a neighborhood that has seen significant gentrification makes it a marker of the older Charleston that still exists beneath the tourism infrastructure.
Nearby alternatives if Drake House is closed
If you arrive to find Drake House closed or want to compare cheesesteaks in the area, King Street and the surrounding blocks have other sandwich and casual food options. However, none of them replicate Drake House's particular combination of age, consistency, and indifference to fashion. Some visitors make Drake House a specific stop because of those qualities, not in spite of them.
If you are in Charleston for a longer stay, Drake House is worth visiting once to understand what a neighborhood sandwich shop looked like before the internet, before chain restaurants, and before every business had a social media presence. It is a small piece of the city's working history, and the experience of ordering at the window and eating standing on King Street connects you to decades of Charleston residents who did the same thing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation?
No. Drake House operates on a walk-up, first-come basis. There is no reservation system and no way to order ahead. Arrive when you are hungry and order at the window.
Can I pay with a card?
No, Drake House is cash only. There is no card reader at the window. Plan to bring cash or find an ATM on King Street before you order.
Is there seating inside?
No. Drake House has a counter window but no indoor seating area. You eat standing outside or take your sandwich with you to eat elsewhere in the neighborhood.
What time does Drake House close?
The shop typically closes in the early afternoon, well before dinner service. Hours vary by day, so call ahead or ask your hotel for the current schedule before making a special trip.
Are there vegetarian options?
The menu centers on meat sandwiches. If you have dietary restrictions, call ahead to ask what the staff can prepare, but Drake House is not designed around vegetarian or vegan eating.