Let me introduce you to something special from where I come from - a culinary secret known as Charleys Philly Steaks. Founded by Charley Shin back in 1986, it's a place many Ohioans like myself, hold close to their hearts, as it's situated right across from the iconic Ohio State's campus. I have always found the story behind its inception quite intriguing. Legend has it that during a family trip to the Big Apple, they took a wrong turn, ending up discovering the magic that is Philly cheesesteaks. Charmed by this chance discovery, Charley managed to win over his mother, convincing her to sell her restaurant to fund his Philly cheesesteak eatery.
You can dive into this story in more detail on their website. Why not check it out? Here's the link: https://www.charleys.com/
Headed to Charleys Philly Steaks? Here's What to Expect
Now enough with the history, let's talk about the present. Charleys Philly Steaks has exploded in popularity since its founding and now boasts locations right across the United States, specifically across 46 U.S. states and territories, to be precise, with an impressive number of 700 stores. The heart of Texas boasts the highest number of these Philly cheesesteak delicacies with 90 locations, with Florida tailing closely, home to 81 locations. California isn't far behind with 69 locations.
The Charleys magic doesn't stop in the U.S; it has crossed borders into 17 countries. Whether you're shopping at a mall, catching a flight from an airport, or stationed at an Army and Air Force base across the world, chances are, there's a Charleys Philly Steaks nearby.
A Feast for the Taste Buds
Charleys is best known for its cheesesteaks. They boast memorable varieties of cheesesteaks, with something for everyone: original, chicken, and veggie. Nostalgia washes over me as I recall savoring the smoky and divine "original" for the very first time. Over time, I became adventurous enough to try their "veggie" variant, and I must say, it didn't disappoint! A wide range of fries to accompany your cheesesteak awaits you, from the company's scrumptious Ultimate Fries that marry the heavenly taste of cheese sauce, bacon crumbles, and ranch dressing, to snackable chips, cookies, and beverages.
The good stuff doesn’t stop there. Selected stores also offer classic and boneless wings, fried appetizers, and frozen shakes. I fondly remember trying out their boneless wings on a dare and being pleasantly surprised by the explosion of flavors.
Filling and Flexible Portions
Often when dining out, the portions are either too little or too much. My experiences at Charleys have been different. You have the option to choose any cheesesteak from Charley's Philly Steak menu in three different sizes: 6-inches, 9-inches, and 12-inches. This kind flexibility is perfect for both curbing your craving or satiating your hunger. They introduced the 6-inch subs in 2013 to offer smaller and cheaper options to their customers. This move was also ideal for customers looking to reduce their calorie intake by selecting a smaller portion size.
A Palette for Everyone
Even though Charleys is famous for their Philly cheesesteaks, they also cater to vegetarian customers. The Veggie Delight cheesesteak is an excellent option for vegetarians, containing grilled mushrooms, peppers, onions, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickle. I've thoroughly enjoyed having this scrumptious delight on numerous occasions.
Healthy Choices?
While Charleys is not considered the healthiest option on the block, with smart choices, it's possible to enjoy a delectable meal that's also kind on your waistline. The catch is that smaller versions of anything are almost always healthier. For Charleys, that would mean picking a 6-inch sub over a 9 or 12-inch. For the fillings, grilled chicken is an excellent option.
Kid-friendly Charleys
Children are not left out, as Charleys Philly Steaks offers a specially curated children's menu. The menu consists of a child's size steak sub, chicken sub, or chicken strips. Items on this menu, like everything else at Charleys, are prepared fresh to order and are served with kid's fries and drinks, topped off with a sweet treat: two Oreo biscuits.
Store Hours
Charleys Philly Steaks store usually operate as per the following schedule:
- Monday to Thursday: 11am - 7pm
- Friday and Saturday: 11am - 8pm
- Sunday: 12pm - 6pm
Keep in mind, these timings can vary from store to store. So it's always a good idea to check out local opening hours with your local branch, or on the company's website.
Delivery Options
Yes! Most branches of Charleys Philly Steaks offer delivery service. So, you can now gorge on the deliciousness that Charley's Philly Steaks have to offer without stepping outside the comfort of your home! Remember, delivery options may vary, so do check with your local branch beforehand.
Rewards for the Foodies
Charleys Philly Steaks also offers a rewards program known as Charleys Rewards. By signing up, you can unlock a host of amazing benefits. As part of Charleys Rewards, customers earn points with every purchase. For every $1 spent, customers receive 1 point. After 100 points, customers get a $5 reward, which can then be redeemed against anything on the Charleys Philly Steaks menu.
Pick-up for a Swift Signature Meal
In case you're hard-pressed for time, or simply detest waiting for your food, Charleys Philly Steaks has yet another fabulous feature - you can now pre-order online and pick up in-store whenever you're ready! This initiative ensures that your delicious subs are freshly made and ready for your arrival.
Catering to Your Every Need
Be it for a party or a business event, if you're in the mood for Charleys, they're at your service. Charleys Philly Steaks' catering menu includes Philly cheesesteak subs, along with chicken and veggie cheesesteaks. Orders are served in individual lunch boxes, with the option to include chips, cookies, and bottled water.
Here's a quick summary of my smashing Charleys Philly Steaks experience:
Pros
- Variety of Sub Options
- Flexible Portion Sizes
- Kid-Friendly Menu
- Friendly Customer Service
- Vegetarian Options
Cons
- Not All Locations Have The Same Menu Options
- Limited Healthy Options
- Wait Time Can Be Lengthy During Busy Periods