Charleys Cheesesteaks: What to Order and Where to Find Them in South Carolina

What Charleys Cheesesteaks serves and how it differs from other sandwich shops

Charleys Cheesesteaks is a fast-casual chain built around one core item: the Philly cheesesteak, a sandwich of sliced steak, melted cheese, and grilled onions and peppers on a long roll. The chain started in Columbus, Ohio, in 1986 and has grown to hundreds of locations across the United States. In South Carolina, you'll find Charleys in shopping centers and food courts, typically in malls and mixed-use developments where foot traffic is high.

What sets Charleys apart from independent sandwich shops is consistency and speed. Every location follows the same recipe and cooking method, so a cheesesteak in Charleston tastes the same as one in Greenville. The menu is deliberately narrow—cheesesteaks are the main event, with chicken sandwiches, hot dogs, and a few sides filling out the rest. This focus means the kitchen can work quickly and keep ingredients fresh. You order at a counter, watch your sandwich being made on a flat-top grill, and eat it fresh within minutes.

The chain competes directly with local cheesesteak shops and sandwich chains like Firehouse Subs or Jimmy John's, but Charleys' reputation rests on the quality of its steak and the char it develops on the grill. The price point sits in the middle—more expensive than a basic deli sandwich, less expensive than a sit-down restaurant meal.

Key Takeaways

• Charleys serves Philly cheesesteaks as its primary menu item, with variations including different cheese types and toppings like mushrooms and jalapeños.
• The chain operates in fast-casual format, meaning you order at a counter and watch your sandwich being grilled in front of you.
• South Carolina locations are typically found in shopping centers, malls, and food courts rather than standalone storefronts.
• The menu is intentionally limited to cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, and sides, allowing the kitchen to focus on quality and speed.
• Charleys uses a flat-top grill to cook steak and toppings together, creating a specific texture and flavor that differs from other sandwich shops.

The classic Charleys cheesesteak and popular variations

The Original Cheesesteak is sliced steak, grilled onions, and melted cheese on a toasted roll. Charleys offers a choice of cheese: provolone, American, or Cheez Whiz. Most customers choose provolone or American; Cheez Whiz is available for those who want the traditional Philly style. The sandwich comes with the option to add mushrooms, green peppers, or jalapeños at no extra charge.

Beyond the classic, Charleys offers the Bacon Cheesesteak, which adds crispy bacon to the steak and cheese base. The Mushroom Swiss features sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese instead of the standard toppings. For those who want heat, the Jalapeño Cheesesteak loads the sandwich with sliced jalapeños grilled into the steak and cheese. Some locations also offer a Chicken Cheesesteak, which substitutes grilled chicken breast for the steak but keeps the same cheese and topping structure.

Sides include crinkle-cut fries, cheese fries, and sometimes onion rings, depending on the location. Charleys also sells bottled drinks and occasionally partners with local beverage vendors. The sandwich sizes are typically regular and large, with the large being substantially more filling and better for sharing or for a hearty appetite.

Where to find Charleys Cheesesteaks in South Carolina

Charleys locations in South Carolina are concentrated in larger cities and shopping districts. The chain has a presence in Columbia, Charleston, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach, though the exact number of locations changes as the company opens and closes stores. Most South Carolina Charleys are located inside malls, shopping centers, or food courts rather than on street-facing storefronts.

To find the nearest location, visit the Charleys website and use their location finder tool, which shows addresses, hours, and sometimes phone numbers. You can also search "Charleys Cheesesteaks near me" on Google Maps to see which locations are currently open and their distance from your position. Hours vary by location—mall-based Charleys often close when the mall closes, while those in food courts may stay open later if the center operates extended hours.

Some Charleys locations also offer delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though not all do. If delivery is important to you, check the app before ordering, as the sandwich quality can vary slightly when transported compared to eating it fresh at the counter.

What to expect when you order

When you walk up to the counter, you'll see a menu board with photos and prices. Decide on your sandwich type, cheese choice, and any toppings you want. The staff will ask if you want to add anything else—fries, a drink, or a side. Payment happens before you get your food, either at the counter or via card reader.

After you pay, your sandwich goes straight to the grill. You'll watch the staff place the steak on the flat-top, add your cheese and toppings, and toast the roll. The whole process takes about five to ten minutes. Once it's ready, they'll call your name or number, hand you your sandwich in a wrapper, and you can grab a seat or take it with you.

The sandwich arrives hot and the cheese is melted throughout. The steak should be tender and slightly charred from the grill. If you're eating in a mall food court, you'll find seating nearby. If you're in a standalone location, there may be a few tables, or you may need to eat in your car or take it home.

Price and value compared to other sandwich chains

A regular Charleys cheesesteak typically costs between $7 and $10, depending on the location and current pricing. A large runs a few dollars more. Adding bacon or premium toppings may increase the price slightly. Fries and drinks are priced separately, usually $2 to $4 each. A full meal—sandwich, fries, and drink—will run $12 to $16 for one person.

This pricing sits above quick-service chains like Subway or Jimmy John's but below sit-down restaurants or specialty sandwich shops. You're paying for the quality of the steak, the made-to-order preparation, and the speed of service. If you're comparing value, a Charleys sandwich is larger and more filling than most submarine sandwiches, so it may leave you more satisfied despite the higher price.

Charleys occasionally runs promotions or combo deals, especially during lunch hours or through their app. Checking their website or app before you visit can reveal current specials. Some locations also offer loyalty programs where repeat customers earn points toward free sandwiches.

Tips for getting the best sandwich

Order during off-peak hours if you want to watch the staff work without a line behind you. Lunch rush (11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.) and dinner rush (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) mean longer waits and sometimes slightly rushed preparation. Mid-afternoon or late evening visits tend to be quieter.

If you're unsure about toppings, ask the staff what's popular or what they recommend. Most Charleys employees are familiar with customer preferences and can suggest combinations. Don't be shy about customization—the kitchen can add or remove almost anything. If you want extra cheese, extra steak, or a specific combination of toppings, just ask.

Eat the sandwich as soon as you get it. Cheesesteaks are best when the cheese is still melted and the bread is warm. If you have to wait before eating, wrap it in foil to keep it warm, but don't refrigerate it—the bread will become tough and the cheese will congeal.

How Charleys fits into South Carolina's sandwich culture

South Carolina has a strong tradition of sandwich shops, from Lowcountry delis serving shrimp and grits on bread to barbecue joints offering pulled pork sandwiches. Charleys represents a different tradition—the fast-casual, made-to-order model that prioritizes speed and consistency. It's not a replacement for local favorites, but rather an option for people who want a specific type of sandwich prepared quickly.

In cities like Charleston and Greenville, where tourism is significant, Charleys serves both locals and visitors looking for a quick, affordable meal. The chain's presence in malls and food courts makes it convenient for shoppers or people on a lunch break. For South Carolinians who've traveled to other states and enjoyed Charleys, finding one locally means they can get the same sandwich they remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize my sandwich if I don't like certain toppings?

Yes. You can request no onions, no peppers, or any other modification when you order. The staff will make the sandwich exactly as you want it. If you want to substitute one topping for another—like mushrooms instead of peppers—just ask at the counter.

Are Charleys cheesesteaks actually from Philadelphia?

Charleys is not from Philadelphia; it's an Ohio-based chain that specializes in Philly-style cheesesteaks. The sandwich style originates in Philadelphia, but Charleys adapted it for a national fast-casual format. The taste and preparation differ somewhat from traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak shops.

Do Charleys locations in South Carolina deliver?

Some do, but not all. Delivery availability depends on the specific location and whether it has partnered with apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Check the app or call the location directly to confirm. Delivery may take longer than eating at the counter, and the sandwich quality can vary slightly during transport.

What's the difference between a Charleys cheesesteak and a Philly cheesesteak?

Charleys uses a flat-top grill and a specific recipe developed by the chain, while traditional Philadelphia cheesesteaks are made by independent shops using their own methods and ingredients. Charleys sandwiches are consistent across all locations; Philadelphia cheesesteaks vary by shop. Both are valid versions of the sandwich, just made differently.

Is there a vegetarian option at Charleys?

Charleys doesn't have a dedicated vegetarian sandwich on most menus, but you can order a sandwich with just cheese, grilled peppers, onions, and mushrooms on a toasted roll. Ask the staff if this is possible at your location, as some may not be set up to make it.