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Real Deal the II Philly Cheesesteak Shop in Columbia

By Constance Obi · Culture & Recreation Writer

What to expect at Real Deal the II

Real Deal the II is a casual sandwich counter in Columbia that specializes in Philly cheesesteaks made to order. You order at the counter, watch your sandwich come together on the griddle, and eat at one of a handful of tables or take it with you. The shop keeps its menu focused—cheesesteaks are the main event, though they also make other sandwiches and sides. Prices run moderate for a made-to-order spot, and the portions are substantial.

The space is no-frills: bright lighting, simple seating, and the open kitchen where you can see the cook working. It's the kind of place where the sandwich matters more than the décor. Expect a short wait during lunch hours, especially on weekdays when the counter fills with regulars who know exactly what they want.

Key Takeaways

  • Real Deal the II makes Philly cheesesteaks to order with your choice of meat, cheese, and toppings on a hoagie roll.
  • The shop is located in Columbia and operates as a counter-service spot with limited seating and a take-out option.
  • Cheesesteaks are the specialty, but the menu includes other sandwiches, sides like fries, and drinks.
  • Lunch hours tend to draw a crowd of regulars, so arriving off-peak means a shorter wait.

How to order and customize your sandwich

Walk up to the counter and tell the staff what you want. A standard Philly cheesesteak starts with thinly sliced meat (usually beef) cooked on a flat griddle, topped with melted cheese, and served on a long hoagie roll. Real Deal the II lets you choose your protein, cheese type, and add vegetables like onions, peppers, mushrooms, or lettuce. You can also request extras like hot peppers or sauce.

The staff will ask your preferences as they build your order. If you're not sure what to get, ask what's popular—the regulars have usually settled on a favorite, and the counter staff can point you toward the most-ordered combinations. Prices vary slightly depending on what you add, but the base cheesesteak is the most affordable option on the menu.

When to go and what the wait is like

Lunch hours—roughly 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays—are the busiest time. If you go during that window, expect to wait in line and possibly wait a few minutes for your sandwich to be made. The counter moves steadily, but it's not fast food; each sandwich is made fresh to order.

Early lunch (before 11 a.m.) or mid-afternoon (after 2 p.m.) are quieter times when you can walk in and order with minimal wait. Dinner hours vary by day, so it's worth calling ahead if you're planning to go in the evening. The shop is closed on certain days of the week, so confirm hours before you make the trip.

Parking and location in Columbia

Real Deal the II is located on a street with street parking or a nearby lot, depending on the specific address. Columbia's downtown and midtown areas can get busy during lunch, so arriving a few minutes early to find a spot is worth the effort. The shop is accessible by car and is not in a mall or shopping center—it's a standalone or inline location.

If you're unfamiliar with the exact address, search for the shop online or call ahead to confirm the location and current hours. GPS will get you there, but having the phone number handy means you can call if you're running late or want to place an order ahead of time.

What makes a good Philly cheesesteak

A proper Philly cheesesteak depends on a few things: thin-sliced meat that cooks quickly and evenly on the griddle, cheese that melts into the meat rather than sitting on top, and a fresh roll that's sturdy enough to hold everything without falling apart. The meat should be seasoned simply—salt, pepper, and maybe a touch of garlic—so the beef flavor comes through. Toppings like onions and peppers should be cooked down slightly so they're soft and flavorful, not raw or soggy.

Real Deal the II follows this formula. The shop doesn't try to reinvent the sandwich; it makes the classic version well. If you're used to cheesesteaks from Philadelphia or other cities, you'll recognize the approach. If this is your first one, you're getting a straightforward, no-nonsense version of the thing.

Other menu items beyond cheesesteaks

While cheesesteaks are the focus, Real Deal the II also makes other sandwiches. These might include Italian meats, chicken, or other proteins prepared similarly—cooked on the griddle and served on a roll with your choice of toppings. The menu is small enough that you can read it in under a minute, which means the kitchen can focus on doing a few things well rather than spreading thin across dozens of options.

Sides typically include fries (regular or seasoned), and drinks are available to round out your order. Some locations also offer extras like onion rings or a small salad, though the menu can vary. Ask what's available when you order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order ahead or call in my order?

Many counter-service shops like this one accept phone orders, which means you can call ahead, place your order, and pick it up a few minutes later without waiting in line. Call the shop directly to ask if they take advance orders and how long the typical wait is after you call.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

A traditional Philly cheesesteak is meat-based, but most shops can make a sandwich with grilled vegetables, cheese, and toppings on a roll. Ask the counter staff what vegetables they have available and whether they can prepare a meatless sandwich to your liking.

What's the difference between a Philly cheesesteak and a regular sandwich?

A Philly cheesesteak uses thin-sliced meat cooked on a flat griddle until it's slightly crispy at the edges, then topped with melted cheese while still hot. The meat and cheese blend together on the roll. A regular sandwich typically uses thicker slices of cold meat and cheese stacked between bread, so the textures and flavors stay separate.

Do they have seating, or is it take-out only?

Real Deal the II has a few tables inside, so you can eat there if you prefer. However, take-out is also an option if you want to eat elsewhere. The seating is limited, so during busy lunch hours you might not find a table available.

What payment methods do they accept?

Most small sandwich shops accept cash and card, but policies vary. Call ahead or check their social media to confirm whether they take card payments, mobile payments, or cash only. This is especially useful if you're planning to order ahead.