What Charleys Philly Steaks Is

Charleys Philly Steaks is a sandwich chain that specializes in Philly cheesesteaks and related grilled meat sandwiches. The chain operates hundreds of locations across the United States, mostly in shopping malls, airports, and street-level storefronts. When you order at Charleys, you're buying a made-to-order sandwich built on a long roll with grilled meat, toppings, and sauce.

Unlike some sandwich chains where you point at pre-made options, Charleys cooks your sandwich in front of you. You choose the meat (usually beef, chicken, or steak), the cheese, the vegetables, and the sauce. The staff grills everything together on a flat-top griddle, then wraps it and hands it to you. Most locations are set up for quick counter service — you order, wait a few minutes, and leave with your food.

Key Takeaways

  • Charleys makes sandwiches to order on a griddle while you watch, so you control what goes into yours.
  • The core menu centers on Philly cheesesteaks, but you can also order chicken sandwiches, steak sandwiches, and combo meals that include fries and a drink.
  • Most Charleys locations are in malls and airports, so hours and payment methods depend on where the location sits.
  • Prices vary by location and region, but a single sandwich typically costs between $8 and $15 before tax.
  • You can customize nearly every sandwich by choosing your meat, cheese, vegetables, and sauce level.

The Menu and What Each Item Costs

Charleys' main offerings are beef Philly cheesesteaks, chicken sandwiches, and steak sandwiches. A traditional Philly cheesesteak comes with sliced beef, melted cheese (usually Provolone or American), grilled onions, and your choice of sauce. Chicken sandwiches use grilled chicken breast instead of beef. Steak sandwiches are similar to the beef version but may use a different cut or preparation.

Beyond the sandwich itself, most locations sell combo meals that bundle a sandwich with a side of fries and a drink. Individual sandwiches run roughly $8 to $15 depending on the location and region. Combo meals cost more — typically $12 to $20 — because they include the extras. Prices are higher in airports and malls than in street-level locations, and prices vary significantly between states and cities.

Charleys also sells sides like fries, cheese fries, and sometimes chicken tenders or wings. Drinks are standard fountain beverages. Some locations may offer desserts or other items, but the sandwich is the core product.

How to Order and Customize Your Sandwich

When you step up to the counter, you'll see a menu board showing the main sandwich options. You tell the staff which sandwich you want — for example, "a Philly cheesesteak" — and they'll ask you to choose your toppings and sauce level. Most locations let you pick from onions, peppers, mushrooms, and sometimes lettuce or tomato. You can usually say "light" or "extra" for any topping.

For sauce, Charleys typically offers mayo-based sauces, hot sauce, or a signature sauce. You can ask for it on the side, light, or heavy. The staff will grill your meat and toppings together on the griddle, add your cheese, and wrap the finished sandwich in foil or paper. The whole process usually takes three to five minutes from order to handoff.

If you have allergies or strong preferences, tell the staff before they start cooking. Most locations will accommodate requests like "no onions" or "extra cheese," but they're working quickly during busy times, so be clear and specific.

Where Charleys Locations Are and How to Find One

Charleys has locations in most U.S. states, but they're concentrated in shopping malls, airports, and busy pedestrian areas. If you're in a large mall, there's a reasonable chance Charleys is there. You can find a location near you by visiting the Charleys website and using their location finder tool, or by searching "Charleys Philly Steaks near me" in Google Maps.

Because many Charleys locations sit inside malls or airports, their hours depend on the host location's hours. A mall Charleys might close when the mall closes, which could be 9 p.m. on weekdays and 10 p.m. on weekends. An airport location might stay open much later or operate 24 hours. Check the specific location's hours before you go, especially if you're planning an evening visit.

Payment Methods and Ordering Options

Most Charleys locations take cash and card payments at the counter. Many also accept mobile payments like Apple Pay or Google Pay. Some locations may have a minimum for card payments, though this is becoming less common. If you're ordering at an airport or mall location, check whether that specific spot accepts the payment method you plan to use.

Charleys does not typically offer online ordering or delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats at most locations, though this varies by region and individual franchise. Your best option is to order in person at the counter. If you want to know whether a specific location offers delivery or online ordering, call them directly or check their location page on the Charleys website.

Dietary Considerations and Allergen Information

Charleys sandwiches are built around grilled meat and cheese, so they're not suitable for vegetarians or vegans. The chain does not typically offer plant-based meat alternatives. If you have a dairy allergy, you can order a sandwich without cheese, but you should confirm with the staff that the griddle and utensils are clean, since cross-contact can occur.

For detailed allergen information — including whether the facility processes nuts, soy, or gluten — contact the specific location directly or check the Charleys website. Because sandwiches are made to order on a shared griddle, cross-contact is possible even if you order a sandwich without a particular ingredient. If you have a severe allergy, discuss your needs with the staff before they start cooking.

What to Expect in Terms of Wait Time and Atmosphere

During off-peak hours (mid-afternoon on a weekday, for example), you'll usually wait three to five minutes from order to receiving your food. During lunch or dinner rushes, the wait can stretch to 10 to 15 minutes, especially in busy mall or airport locations. Charleys doesn't take reservations, so you order when you arrive.

The atmosphere depends on the location. A mall Charleys is typically a small counter with a few seats nearby or in the mall's food court. An airport location might be a standalone kiosk with minimal seating. Most people order and eat elsewhere or take their food with them. The staff is usually friendly but working quickly, so keep your order straightforward and ready when it's your turn.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order a Philly cheesesteak without onions?

Yes. Tell the staff "no onions" when you order, and they'll skip them. You can customize almost any sandwich by removing or adding toppings. Just be clear about your preferences before they start cooking.

Do Charleys locations take online orders?

Most do not, though some franchises may offer ordering through their own website or app. Your best bet is to call the specific location or visit in person. Check the Charleys website's location finder to see if your nearest store lists online ordering as an option.

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

A Philly cheesesteak traditionally includes beef, cheese, and grilled onions. A steak sandwich may use a different meat cut or preparation and might not include onions by default. Ask the staff what the difference is at your location, since recipes can vary slightly between franchises.

Are there vegetarian options at Charleys?

Charleys specializes in meat sandwiches and does not typically offer vegetarian or vegan options. If you need a meat-free meal, you'll want to look for a different restaurant.

How much does a combo meal cost?

Combo meals typically range from $12 to $20, depending on your location and region. Prices are higher in airports and malls than in street-level shops. Call ahead or check the location's menu board for exact pricing.