Little Philly Cheesesteak & Hoagie Sports Bar in Columbia

What to expect at Little Philly

Little Philly Cheesesteak & Hoagie Sports Bar sits on Main Street in downtown Columbia and serves Philadelphia-style sandwiches in a casual sports bar setting. The menu centers on cheesesteaks and hoagies made to order, with toppings you choose as they build your sandwich. The space has multiple televisions tuned to games, making it a gathering spot for people watching sports while they eat.

The cheesesteaks here follow the Philadelphia formula: a long roll, thin-sliced meat, melted cheese, and your choice of onions and peppers. You can order them with Provolone, American, or Whiz cheese. The hoagies run the traditional Italian route—cold cuts, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and oil on a long roll—or you can order hot versions with meatballs or sausage.

The bar side serves beer and standard bar drinks. The crowd tends to be mixed: people stopping in for lunch, groups gathering for evening games, and regulars who have claimed their usual spots at the bar or tables. The atmosphere shifts throughout the day—quieter at lunch, louder and more energetic when games are on.

Key Takeaways

• Little Philly makes cheesesteaks and hoagies to order, so you can customize toppings and cheese choices for each sandwich.
• The restaurant doubles as a sports bar with multiple televisions, making it a natural stop during game days or when you want to watch a match while eating.
• The location on Main Street in downtown Columbia puts it within walking distance of other restaurants, shops, and the State House grounds.
• Seating includes both bar stools and tables, so you can eat alone at the counter or bring a group.
• Cheesesteaks and hoagies typically cost between $10 and $15, with sides and wings available for a few dollars more.

Menu beyond the cheesesteak

While cheesesteaks are the draw, Little Philly also serves wings, fries, and appetizers typical of a sports bar. The sides are straightforward: regular fries, cheese fries, or loaded fries with toppings. Wings come in various sauces, and you can order them mild or hot depending on your preference.

Hoagies are the other main sandwich option. Cold hoagies use Italian meats and cheese; hot hoagies might feature meatballs or sausage. Both come on the same long rolls as the cheesesteaks, so the bread quality matters to the final product. You can also customize hoagies the same way you do cheesesteaks—choosing which toppings go on and which stay off.

When to go and what the crowd is like

Little Philly fills up during lunch hours, especially on weekdays when downtown workers come in for a quick sandwich. The bar side gets busier in the evenings, particularly when there is a game on—football Sundays, playoff nights, and championship games draw crowds who want to watch and eat at the same time.

The atmosphere is casual and loud during games. If you want a quieter meal, lunch hours or early afternoons are better bets. The staff moves quickly during rushes, so expect a short wait if you arrive during peak times but not usually a long one. Weekday mornings and mid-afternoon slots tend to be the slowest.

Parking and location details

Little Philly sits on Main Street in downtown Columbia, which means street parking is the primary option. Metered parking is available along Main Street, and there are nearby parking garages if street spots are full. The location is walkable from the State House, the Columbia Museum of Art, and other downtown attractions, making it easy to combine a visit here with other downtown activities.

The restaurant is accessible by car if you are passing through downtown or making a specific trip. It is not in a shopping center or mall, so you are parking on the street and walking in. The downtown location also means you can reach it on foot from nearby hotels or office buildings.

Price range and payment

Cheesesteaks and hoagies are priced in the mid-range for a sandwich restaurant—more than a chain but less than a sit-down restaurant with table service. A single sandwich typically runs between $10 and $15 depending on size and toppings. Sides like fries or wings add a few dollars more, and combo deals may be available.

The bar accepts cash and card. There is no table service charge, and you order at the counter or bar. Payment happens when you order, not after you eat, which keeps the process quick during busy times.

Why Little Philly matters in Columbia's food scene

Philadelphia cheesesteaks are a specific thing: a regional sandwich with rules about bread, meat thickness, and cheese melt. Most places in South Carolina that serve cheesesteaks are approximations. Little Philly takes the format seriously, which is why it has become a reliable spot for people who want the real version or want to try it for the first time.

The sports bar angle also sets it apart. You can grab a sandwich and stay for a game, or come for the game and eat while you watch. That combination—authentic sandwich plus sports atmosphere—is not common in downtown Columbia, which is why the place draws both tourists and regulars. It fills a niche between casual chain restaurants and upscale dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a cheesesteak with no onions or peppers?

Yes. You tell them what you want on your sandwich as they make it, so you can order it plain with just meat and cheese, or with only onions, or only peppers, or any combination you prefer.

Do they have vegetarian sandwiches?

The menu is meat-focused, but you can order a hoagie with just cheese, lettuce, tomato, and oil on a roll. Ask the staff what other vegetarian options might be available when you order.

Is there seating for a large group?

Little Philly has tables and bar seating, but it is a casual spot without reserved seating. Large groups may need to split across multiple tables or arrive during a quieter time. Calling ahead to ask about space for your group is a good idea.

What time do they close?

Hours vary by day and season. Call or check their social media before heading in, especially if you are planning to go in the evening or on a weekend.