Some sandwiches are worth a road trip, and the cheesesteak at Inky’s in Easley is one of them. This family-owned spot serves Philly-style sandwiches inside a set of old grain silos, which gives every meal a rustic, small-town feel.
Folks drive in from Columbia, Due West, and even swing by on trips through South Carolina just to get a taste. Here is what makes it special and what to know before you go.
An Easley Sandwich Shop With Philly Roots
Tucked at 122 Folger Ave in Easley, Inky’s Authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteaks and Hoagies has become a go-to stop in the Upstate. It is listed as an American restaurant, but the real star is right there in the name.
Cheesesteaks and hoagies drive the whole menu.
The numbers back up the buzz. Inky’s holds a 4.6-star rating from more than 2,900 reviews on Google, which is a lot of happy eaters for a sandwich shop in a small South Carolina city.
Visitors describe it as family-owned, with staff who take pride in what they serve. One reviewer called it worth the drive to Easley for anyone craving an authentic Philly sandwich, and that sentiment pops up again and again.
What makes it stand out even more is the building itself. Instead of a strip mall box, Inky’s sits inside a cluster of old grain silos, giving the place a look and feel you will not find at your average chain.
Life Inside the Old Silos
Grain once filled these towers. Now they hold the smell of grilled steak and fresh bread.
The silos come up often in reviews, with dozens of mentions. Guests say the setting gives Inky’s an old-town vibe, and one family who drove up from Columbia admitted they had never heard of The Silos before but loved the cool, rustic feel once they arrived.
Fun bit of trivia: reviewers also mention live music playing on the other side of the mill, which hints that the complex is more than just one restaurant. It works as a little gathering spot where a meal can stretch into an evening.
Inside, the decor earns praise too. One guest who drives 45 minutes to get there said they loved the interior design.
The mix of old industrial bones and a warm dining room makes the space feel lived-in rather than staged.
The Cheesesteak That Wins Over Pennsylvanians
Ask a Philadelphia native to judge a cheesesteak in South Carolina, and you might expect a frown. At Inky’s, the opposite keeps happening.
Three visitors from the Philly area ordered cheesesteaks with mushrooms and fried onions and called the sandwich incredible. One even wondered, without meaning to offend anyone back home, if it was the best he had ever eaten.
Another reviewer born and raised in Pennsylvania said it brought back fond memories of home.
A New Jersey transplant who has lived in SC for over 11 years calls Inky’s the best place to get real Philly cheesesteaks. That is high praise from a tough crowd.
So what makes it work? Guests mention tender, flavorful steak cooked fresh to order with a good sear.
One diner said you know from the first bite that it is black Angus. Portions are described as generous without going overboard, and large sizes are available for bigger appetites.
Bread, Cheese, and the Art of Toppings
Great cheesesteaks start with the roll. Philly fans visiting Inky’s even joked with their server about recognizing the rolls from Liscio’s, a well-known name back home.
Diners describe the bread as spot on and extra chewy, sturdy enough to hold everything together. Reviews also point to fresh-baked bread and traditional ingredients as a big part of what sets the place apart.
Then comes the fun part: building your sandwich. Popular add-ons include sweet peppers, which get plenty of mentions, plus green peppers, jalapenos, fried onions, and fresh mushrooms.
One reviewer noticed the mushrooms were fresh, not canned, and said you could taste the difference.
Cheese choices matter too. Provolone and cheese whiz both show up in orders, and one regular insists the provolone and cooper combo is a must.
Not sure what to pick? A guest said the bartender suggested a cheese blend, and it turned into the best Philly he had had in a long time.
Beyond Beef: Chicken Phillies, French Dips, and More
Not everyone at the table wants steak, and that is fine here. The chicken Philly is a frequent order, with one first-timer raving about hers with peppers, onions, and cheese whiz.
She was so excited she forgot to take a photo until half the sandwich was gone.
The French dip is another favorite, earning a solid number of mentions. One teen loved the sandwich itself, though he was new to au jus and not a fan of the dip.
His mom tasted it and thought it was perfect, so your mileage may vary.
Reviewers also mention a Reuben, burgers, and kids meals. One guest felt the Reuben was missing a little something even after the server quickly brought out Thousand Island, so the cheesesteaks remain the safer bet.
Hoagies and subs round things out, with nearly a hundred mentions of subs in reviews. Homemade desserts also appear on the menu, giving you reasons to save room.
Starters Worth Sharing
Here is a tip from regulars: do not skip the appetizers. They might steal the show before your sandwich arrives.
The spinach artichoke dip comes with homemade chips, and guests call it really good. The buffalo dip gets described as creamy and delicious.
Mozzarella sticks are a common pick for groups splitting food.
Fried mushrooms come with homemade ranch, and more than one reviewer singled out that ranch as something special. If you want a little of everything, there is a sampler platter that a group of Philly visitors ordered before their cheesesteaks.
Then there are the Philly egg rolls. One first-time visitor said they tasted better than anything at any other joint he had tried.
It is a playful twist that packs cheesesteak flavor into a crispy, snackable shell, and it makes a smart pick for the table to pass around.
Tots, Rings, and Homemade Fries
Crispy sides can make or break a sandwich meal. At Inky’s, tots are a clear crowd favorite, earning dozens of mentions from diners.
Onion rings also get love. One husband called them excellent and noted they were not greasy at all, while another guest said they paired well with his loaded Philly.
Fair warning, though. One takeout customer felt the portion of onion rings was a bit small for the price, even though they tasted good.
If you are extra hungry, you might want to order a second side.
The french fries are homemade, which is not something every sandwich shop can claim. A young diner said they were good, and they make a classic match for a plain cheesesteak.
Between tots, rings, and fries, there is a crunchy option for every kind of eater.
A Southern Porch With a Trail View
Picture this: a warm evening, a cold beer, a view of a walking trail, and a dog curled at your feet. That is a normal night on the porch at Inky’s.
Outdoor seating gets steady praise. Guests describe a huge southern-style porch, and one couple dined there with their dog, Oscar Mayer, who apparently enjoys dinners with Mom and Dad.
The patio looks out on the Doodle Trail, a local path that adds a relaxed, small-town backdrop to your meal. One reviewer said the outdoor atmosphere was really nice, especially with live music drifting over from the other side of the mill.
If you bring a pup or just love fresh air, ask for porch seating when you arrive. It turns a quick sandwich stop into something that feels more like a mini getaway.
Servers Who Feel Like Family
Plenty of places have good food. Fewer have staff that reviewers mention by name.
Diners describe servers as friendly, quick, and genuinely fun to talk with. One family praised a server who explained the options and kept checking in.
Another guest with dairy-free and gluten-free needs said her server went out of her way to find the best dish for her, which made the whole evening delightful.
Bartenders get credit too, both for walking newcomers through the menu and for smart cheese suggestions. Managers are described as helpful and proud of the place.
A loyal fan said the team makes you feel like family the moment you walk in.
To be fair, not every visit is perfect. One guest wished for a drink refill, and a takeout customer found the bar staff less welcoming.
Still, the overwhelming tone of reviews points to warm, attentive service.
Who Will Love a Night at Inky’s
Families, road-trippers, homesick Northerners, and girls night crews all seem to find their spot here. The vibe is casual, clean, and welcoming, good for lunch or a laid-back dinner.
A daughter brought her dad for Father’s Day and they enjoyed both the food and a live concert. A mother and daughter call it a favorite for girls night.
Families with kids order kids meals and large cheesesteaks to share.
Some people like it quieter. One guest appreciated that dinner conversations were easy to hear without loud music inside, so the dining room works well for catching up.
Even on a busy Friday night, one couple reported no wait to be seated, and others note quick seating and fast food. That makes Inky’s a nice pick for anyone who wants a relaxed meal without a long line.
Visitors also found it through TikTok, so expect to see some curious first-timers too.
Hours, Phone, and Planning Your Trip
Good news for weekday cravings: Inky’s is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 9 PM. The doors stay closed on Sundays, so plan your cheesesteak run accordingly.
You will find it at 122 Folger Ave, Suite A, in Easley, SC 29640, inside the old silos. People drive in from all over, including Columbia, Due West, and towns 45 minutes away, so it is an easy add-on for an Upstate day trip.
Want to check the menu or call ahead? The phone number is 864-442-5122, and the website is inkyscheesesteaks.com.
Takeout is available, though one customer said an order took about 20 minutes even when it was not busy. Calling ahead could save a little time.
The available data does not list specific prices, so check the website before you go if you want to budget your meal.
Our Take on the Drive
A sandwich that makes Philly natives nostalgic is hard to ignore. Add a rustic silo setting, a breezy porch, and staff who remember to check on you, and Inky’s makes a strong case for a detour.
Is it flawless? Not quite.
A few guests mention small portions of rings, a slow takeout order, or a missing drink refill. Those notes are rare against thousands of glowing reviews.
What keeps people coming back is simple: tender steak, chewy rolls, fresh toppings, and a place that feels like it belongs to the town. One first-timer put it best with a giant, drawn-out cry of amazing.
If your cheesesteak craving has been building, grab a friend, pick your cheese, and point the car toward Easley. Just remember to come hungry and skip Sunday.
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