Bites Nearby: Interstate Hoagies & Steaks

Philadelphia native Gwen Brown and her husband, Gregory, opened Interstate Hoagies — a hidden gem located on Ministry Drive in Irmo on the way to Ballentine — last year offering what they call authentic cheesesteaks from the City of Brotherly Love. 

These cheeseteaks are not only authentic, they're huge.

"It’s the real deal," Brown said. "You get good quality meat. You can’t eat it all."

"We put so much work into it. We love our food. Our cheesesteaks are like a good facial or a good body massage."

How did Interstate Hoagies come to Irmo?

Brown said she and her husband were visiting family in Irmo when she decided to take a walk through the neighborhood. 

Brown, who is an Air Force veteran and was an employee of the United States Postal Service prior to owning her own business, said she found a house she liked and the couple decided to move to Irmo.

The love for cheesesteaks and the restaurant business is near and dear to Brown, having grown up working in a family restaurant. 

Brown said her first thought for a business was a coffee shop, but decided to sell cheesesteaks and hoagies instead.

She named the new business Interstate Hoagies because she travels back and forth to Philly to pick up products for the restaurant such as the meat, rolls and peppers. The word Hoagies, she said, is a way to let Northerners know that her place is authentic. 

Brown said she also shops here, locally, for vegetables from local farmers. 

For less than $10 — which depends on what you get on the sandwich — you get a 12-inch Amoroso roll stuffed with perfectly seasoned meat (beef or chicken steak), cheese (American, Cheddar bacon, Swiss, Provolone, Whiz) and whatever fixings (peppers, onions, mushroom) you want. 

You can also order a cold hoagie (turkey, corned beef, etc.), a burger or wings, but the cheesesteaks are the stars of the show. 

They also sell Water (Italian) Ice in a variety of flavors. 

The cheesesteaks can be made in a variety of ways. Brown said she has prepared jerk cheesesteaks and ones with shrimp and lobster. 

When asked what was an original cheesesteak, Brown said there was none. 

"An original philly cheesesteak is what you want," Brown said. "The meat is what makes it but the ingredients that you want in it makes it authentic."

The cheesesteak isn't the only reason customers come back, it's Brown's friendly personality.

"I love folks, talking to them and making them sandwiches," Brown said. "I never had a bad day."

Brown has 11 brothers and sisters. It's quite possible you would see at least one or two of her siblings (her brothers, Gregory and Michael Pittman, work there) during a visit. 

Eating at Interstate Hoagies is like being at home. 

Brown encourages customers to sit back, relax and get ready to be full. 

Suggested dish: Order the cheesesteak with triple cheese (American, Swiss and Provolone)! It's 12 inches of beefy and cheesy goodness stuffed inside a roll that's soft in the middle yet hard enough on the outside to hold it all. Don't forget the mushrooms and onions. You won't regret it. 

Vibe: Friendly, family atmosphere

Location: Interstate Hoagies is located at 101 A-Ministry Drive in Irmo. 

Hours of operation: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Phone: 803-781-6878

About this column: Bites Nearby features local eateries (food & drinks) in and near Irmo-Seven Oaks.