Nick's Gyro & Philly: A South Carolina Take on Greek and American Sandwiches

What Nick's Gyro & Philly Serves

Nick's Gyro & Philly is a casual sandwich shop that splits its menu between Greek gyros and American Philly cheesesteaks. The gyros come with meat cooked on a vertical spit—the traditional way—and arrive wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. The Philly cheesesteaks follow the Philadelphia formula: thin-sliced beef, melted cheese, and sautéed peppers and onions on a long roll. Both sandwiches are made to order and meant to eat right away.

The shop keeps its operation straightforward: a small counter, quick service, and prices that sit well below what you'd pay at a sit-down restaurant. Most people order at the counter and eat there or take their sandwich with them. The space is no-frills, which is part of the appeal—you're paying for the food, not the décor.

Key Takeaways

• Nick's serves both Greek gyros with meat from a vertical spit and American Philly cheesesteaks, each made fresh to order.
• The gyros come wrapped in pita with tomato, onion, and tzatziki; the Philly cheesesteaks include melted cheese, peppers, and onions on a roll.
• This is a counter-service spot with casual seating, designed for quick meals rather than lingering.
• Prices are moderate for both sandwich types, making it a budget-friendly option for lunch or dinner.

The Gyro: Meat and Pita Done Right

The gyro is the signature item. Nick's uses a vertical spit rotisserie, which means the meat cooks by rotating slowly in front of heat, building up layers of flavor and a slightly charred exterior. When you order, the cook shaves the meat fresh from the spit and loads it into warm pita bread. The standard toppings—tomato, onion, and tzatziki—are there by default, though you can ask for changes.

Tzatziki, the yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic, is what ties the gyro together. It cools down the warm meat and adds tang. The pita should be soft enough to fold but sturdy enough to hold everything without falling apart. If you've had gyros at other Mediterranean spots in South Carolina, this version will feel familiar—it's the straightforward approach, not a reinvention.

The Philly Cheesesteak: A Non-Traditional Take

The Philly cheesesteak is the second half of Nick's identity. This sandwich has nothing to do with Mediterranean food—it's pure American deli tradition—but it shares the same counter and the same speed of service. The beef is sliced thin, the cheese melts into it, and the peppers and onions are cooked down until they're soft. Everything goes on a long roll, usually a hoagie-style bread.

The combination of Greek and American sandwiches under one roof is unusual in South Carolina. It works because both are built on the same principle: quality meat, fresh bread, and toppings that complement rather than bury the main ingredient. If you're torn between the two, you could order one of each and split them.

Where Nick's Fits in South Carolina's Food Scene

Most Mediterranean restaurants in South Carolina focus on sit-down dining with table service and a full menu. Nick's is different—it's a sandwich counter, closer in spirit to a deli than a taverna. That makes it useful if you want Mediterranean food but don't have time for a full meal or don't want to spend that much money.

The gyro-and-Philly combination also reflects how food works in real neighborhoods. You're not eating at a place that's trying to be authentic to one tradition; you're eating at a place that's trying to be good at what it does. Both sandwiches are portable, affordable, and ready in minutes. That practicality is part of South Carolina's food culture too.

Hours, Location, and What to Expect

Nick's operates as a counter-service spot with limited seating. There are usually a few tables or a counter where you can eat, but it's not designed for long stays. Most people order and eat quickly or take their sandwich elsewhere. Parking is usually available nearby, depending on the location.

Hours vary by location, so check before you go. The shop is typically open for lunch and dinner on weekdays and weekends, but holiday hours or seasonal closures can change. Payment methods usually include cash and card, though you should confirm when you call.

What to Order and How to Customize

The gyro is the most popular item, and ordering it straight—with the standard toppings—is the way most people do it. If you don't like onion or tomato, you can ask for it without. If you want extra tzatziki, they'll add it. The meat itself comes from the spit, so you can't change that, but everything else is flexible.

For the Philly cheesesteak, you can usually choose your cheese (American, provolone, or Swiss are common) and ask for extra peppers or onions if you want them. Some places offer variations like adding mushrooms or jalapeños, though Nick's menu is usually simpler. Ask what's available when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the gyro meat halal or made from a specific animal?

Most gyro meat is a mixture of beef and lamb, though some places use beef only. Nick's uses a standard gyro meat blend. If you have dietary restrictions or want to know the exact ingredients, ask when you call or visit—the staff can tell you what's in the spit.

Can I get a vegetarian gyro?

Nick's menu centers on meat sandwiches, so vegetarian options are limited. You could ask if they'll make a pita with just the toppings—tomato, onion, and tzatziki—but that's not a standard menu item. Call ahead if you want to confirm what's possible.

How long does it take to get my order?

Counter service is fast—usually five to ten minutes from order to hand-off. The gyro takes a bit longer because the meat has to be shaved fresh from the spit. During busy lunch or dinner hours, wait times can stretch, but it's still quicker than sit-down service.

Is Nick's a good spot for takeout?

Yes. Both the gyro and the Philly cheesesteak travel well and taste good eaten in a car or at home. The pita and roll hold up for at least thirty minutes, so you can order and eat later if you're running errands nearby.

Do they have other Mediterranean sides like hummus or Greek salad?

Nick's is primarily a sandwich counter, so the menu is focused. Some locations may offer sides like fries or a simple salad, but the main draw is the gyro and Philly. Call ahead if you're looking for something beyond the sandwiches.