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

What Charleys Philly Steaks offers in South Carolina

Charleys Philly Steaks is a fast-casual chain that specializes in hand-rolled Philly cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, and loaded fries. In South Carolina, you'll find Charleys locations primarily in shopping malls and travel centers rather than standalone storefronts. The chain is known for grilling meat and vegetables to order in front of you, assembling sandwiches on fresh rolls, and letting you customize toppings and sauces.

The core menu centers on the Philly cheesesteak—sliced steak, melted cheese, and your choice of grilled peppers and onions on a roll. Beyond that, Charleys offers chicken sandwiches using the same build-your-own model, loaded fries topped with meat and cheese, and a small selection of sides. Most locations operate during mall or travel center hours, which means weekday lunch and dinner service plus weekend hours that vary by location.

Key Takeaways

• Charleys locations in South Carolina are found inside malls and travel centers, not as standalone restaurants, so check the specific venue's hours before you go.
• You customize your sandwich by choosing your protein, cheese type, and grilled vegetables, then add sauces and toppings at the counter.
• The Philly cheesesteak and chicken sandwiches are the signature items, but loaded fries and combo meals are also available.
• Prices typically range from around $7 to $12 for a sandwich, depending on size and toppings, with combo meals adding a few dollars more.

Where to find Charleys in South Carolina

Charleys Philly Steaks locations in South Carolina are concentrated in regional shopping malls and travel centers. The chain has had a presence in malls like Columbiana Centre in Columbia and Coastal Grand in Myrtle Beach, though specific locations change as mall tenants shift. Your best approach is to search "Charleys Philly Steaks near me" on Google Maps or visit the Charleys website locator, which shows current locations and their hours.

Travel centers along major highways—particularly I-95 and I-26—sometimes host Charleys kiosks as well. If you're traveling through South Carolina and craving a Philly cheesesteak, checking the locator before you stop saves time. Many mall locations close earlier than traditional restaurants, so confirm hours before making the trip, especially on weekends or holidays when mall traffic patterns shift.

How to order and customize your sandwich

At Charleys, you order at the counter and watch your sandwich come together. Start by choosing your protein: the classic Philly cheesesteak with sliced steak, a chicken sandwich, or a specialty option if available. Next, select your cheese—American, provolone, or Swiss are standard choices. Then decide whether you want grilled peppers and onions, which come standard on most sandwiches but can be removed or modified.

After the meat and vegetables are grilled, you move to the topping station. Here you can add sauces like mayo, mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, or ranch dressing. Some locations offer specialty sauces as well. The sandwich is assembled on a fresh roll and wrapped for you to take. The whole process typically takes five to ten minutes, making it faster than a sit-down restaurant but slower than a drive-through.

Signature items and what regulars order

The Original Philly Cheesesteak remains the most popular order—sliced steak, melted cheese, and grilled peppers and onions. Many customers add mayo or a specialty sauce to personalize it. The Chicken Philly appeals to those who prefer poultry; it follows the same customization model as the beef version and costs slightly less.

Beyond sandwiches, Loaded Fries are a popular side or light meal. These come topped with your choice of meat (steak or chicken), melted cheese, and toppings. Combo meals bundle a sandwich with fries and a drink, which is the most economical way to eat if you're hungry. Some locations offer specialty sandwiches or seasonal items, so ask what's available when you order.

Pricing and what to expect to spend

A basic Philly cheesesteak at Charleys typically costs between $7 and $9, depending on size and location. Adding extra toppings or upgrading to a larger sandwich may push the price toward $10 to $12. Chicken sandwiches are usually priced similarly or slightly lower. Loaded fries run $6 to $8, and combo meals—sandwich, fries, and drink—generally cost $12 to $15.

Prices vary slightly between locations and may shift over time, so don't be surprised if a sandwich costs a dollar more or less than you expected. Most Charleys locations accept both cash and card payments. If you're on a tight budget, ordering a sandwich without premium add-ons or splitting a loaded fries order with a friend keeps costs down.

Dietary considerations and customization options

Charleys makes it easy to modify sandwiches for dietary preferences. You can request no cheese, skip the grilled vegetables, or ask for extra meat. Vegetarian customers can order grilled peppers and onions on a roll with cheese and sauce, though this isn't a standard menu item—ask the staff if they're willing to make it. The chain does not prominently advertise gluten-free options, so if you have celiac disease or a severe gluten sensitivity, confirm with the location whether they can safely prepare a meal for you.

Allergen information varies by location and preparation method. If you have a peanut, tree nut, or shellfish allergy, speak directly with the staff about cross-contamination risks. The chain's website may have nutritional and allergen details, but calling your local Charleys before visiting is the safest approach if you have serious dietary restrictions.

Charleys compared to other Philly cheesesteak chains

Charleys competes with other national chains like Wawa (which has a strong South Carolina presence) and regional competitors. Wawa offers Philly cheesesteaks at a lower price point and with more locations, but Charleys emphasizes made-to-order customization and a slightly more upscale casual experience. If you're in a mall or travel center, Charleys may be your only Philly cheesesteak option. If you're near a Wawa, you'll find faster service and lower prices, though less theatrical sandwich-building.

Local South Carolina sandwich shops and delis may also offer Philly cheesesteaks with regional twists or higher-quality ingredients. Charleys' strength is consistency and convenience—you know what you're getting, and the chain's presence in malls makes it a reliable lunch option when you're shopping or traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Charleys Philly Steaks for delivery?

Most Charleys locations do not offer their own delivery service. If your local Charleys is in a mall, third-party delivery apps may not service it either. Your best option is to call the location directly and ask whether they partner with delivery services or accept phone orders for pickup.

Are Charleys sandwiches made fresh to order?

Yes. Meat and vegetables are grilled in front of you, and the sandwich is assembled after cooking. This makes the wait slightly longer than a pre-made option but ensures freshness. The process typically takes five to ten minutes during normal traffic.

What's the difference between the regular and large sandwich?

The large sandwich uses more meat and toppings than the regular, making it more filling and costing a few dollars more. If you're very hungry or plan to share, the large is worth the upgrade. Otherwise, the regular size satisfies most appetites.

Do Charleys locations accept mobile payment or coupons?

Most Charleys accept major credit cards and mobile payment apps like Apple Pay. Coupons and promotions vary by location and season. Check the Charleys website or call your local restaurant to ask about current deals before you visit.

Is Charleys a good option for a quick lunch during work?

If your workplace is near a mall or travel center with a Charleys, yes—the five- to ten-minute wait is faster than many sit-down restaurants. However, if you're in a downtown office with no nearby mall, you may find Wawa or a local deli more convenient.