Charleys Cheesesteaks in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
If you’re in Atlanta and craving a fast, hearty bite with a little Southern comfort twist, Charleys Cheesesteaks is a familiar name you’ll see in malls and shopping centers across the metro area. While the brand is best known for its Philly-style cheesesteaks, many Atlantans think of it as a convenient, flavorful option that fits in well with the city’s love of bold, savory, Southern-inspired food.
This guide walks through how Charleys Cheesesteaks fits into Atlanta’s food scene, what to expect from the menu, where you’re likely to find a location, and a few practical tips for locals and visitors.
How Charleys Cheesesteaks Fits Into Atlanta’s Food Scene
Atlanta has a strong reputation for Southern and soul food, from historic meat-and-three spots to newer comfort-food restaurants. Charleys Cheesesteaks isn’t a classic soul food restaurant in the traditional sense, but in Atlanta it often plays a similar role:
- Hearty, filling meals centered around meat, cheese, and bread
- Comfort-style flavors (buttery, cheesy, salty, and savory)
- Quick, counter-service food that works for lunch breaks, game days, and shopping trips
You’ll mostly find Charleys in high-traffic areas like malls and busy commercial corridors rather than in historic soul food districts. For many Atlanta residents, it’s more of an everyday grab-and-go comfort option than a special-occasion sit-down restaurant.
Popular Menu Items and What Atlantans Tend to Order
The Charleys menu can vary slightly by location, but in Atlanta you’ll commonly see:
Core Cheesesteaks
Most locations offer a lineup that includes:
- Classic cheesesteak – Thinly sliced steak with melted cheese on a toasted roll
- Chicken cheesesteak – Grilled chicken as the main protein instead of beef
- Specialty builds – Variations with extra toppings like mushrooms, peppers, onions, or different cheeses
In Atlanta, many people pair these with fries and a drink for a full meal. If you’re used to Southern portions, the regular-sized sandwich may be enough, but there are often larger size options for a more substantial meal.
Sides and Add-Ons
Expect a range of fried and comfort-focused sides such as:
- French fries (sometimes with seasoning or toppings)
- Cheese fries or loaded fries
- Occasional seasonal sides or limited-time items
These sides fit right in with Atlanta’s broader love of fried, sharable snacks, especially if you’re grabbing food before heading to a game, concert, or movie.
Drinks and Sweets
Many Charleys locations in Atlanta offer:
- Soft drinks and flavored beverages
- Lemonades or fruit-flavored drinks
- Occasional dessert options (often small, grab-and-go items)
If you’re layering this on top of other rich Southern or soul food meals during your trip, it may be helpful to think about how much fried or cheesy food you want in a single day and balance your choices accordingly.
Where to Find Charleys Cheesesteaks in Atlanta
Charleys Cheesesteaks locations are usually positioned where Atlanta residents naturally run errands or hang out. You’re most likely to see them in:
- Shopping malls and outlets
- Food courts in large retail centers
- Busy commercial plazas near major roads and interstates
Because exact locations can change over time, it’s smart to:
- 🔎 Search by ZIP code or neighborhood – Use your mapping app and search “Charleys Cheesesteaks” near places like Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, Cumberland, Perimeter Center, College Park, or Decatur.
- 📍 Check major malls – Locations often appear in or near larger malls and lifestyle centers in the Atlanta metro area.
If you’re visiting Atlanta and staying near Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, there are usually several Charleys locations within a short drive in surrounding neighborhoods and shopping areas on the south side of the metro.
What to Expect When You Walk In
While each Atlanta location has its own layout, most Charleys Cheesesteaks in the area follow a consistent pattern.
Ordering and Service Style
Charleys is a counter-service restaurant:
- You order at the counter, choosing your main sandwich, size, toppings, sides, and drink.
- Staff typically grill the meat and assemble your sandwich to order.
- You wait at the counter or nearby, and your name or order number is called.
This setup is convenient for:
- Lunch breaks from offices in Downtown or Midtown
- Quick meals while shopping at malls or big-box centers
- Grab-and-go food before heading to a Falcons, Hawks, Braves, or Atlanta United game
Seating and Dining Experience
Seating depends heavily on location:
- Mall food courts – You’ll share a large seating area with other restaurants.
- Inline storefronts – You may find a smaller dedicated dining area with limited tables.
- High-traffic corridors – Some locations skew toward takeout, with minimal seating.
If you’re planning to eat with a larger group or with kids, it may be more comfortable to choose a mall-based location with a spacious food court.
How Charleys Cheesesteaks Compares to Traditional Southern & Soul Food in Atlanta
While Charleys isn’t a classic soul food restaurant, it still appeals to Atlantans who enjoy comfort-driven, richly seasoned food.
Similarities
- Hearty portions and filling meals
- Focus on meat, bread, and cheese, similar to how many Southern meals center around a main protein and starch
- Comfort-first approach—this is not light, minimalist cuisine
Differences
- Traditional Atlanta soul food spots focus on dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, mac and cheese, candied yams, cornbread, oxtails, and more.
- Charleys is built around a single core concept: cheesesteaks, with some variations and sides.
- The experience is fast-casual and mall-oriented, versus the more sit-down, community-focused feel you might find at long-standing soul food institutions in neighborhoods like the West End or Southwest Atlanta.
If you’re visiting Atlanta and want to experience both national chains and local Southern cooking, you could easily:
- Grab Charleys for a quick, familiar lunch while shopping
- Plan a separate visit to a local soul food or Southern restaurant for a more traditional Atlanta dining experience
Price Expectations and Budget Tips
Prices at Charleys Cheesesteaks in Atlanta are generally in line with many fast-casual sandwich chains. You can expect:
- Individual sandwiches typically priced in the mid-range for quick-service meals
- Combo meals that include fries and a drink for a slightly higher but still accessible price point
To manage your budget, consider:
- ✅ Ordering one large sandwich to share if you aren’t very hungry
- ✅ Skipping loaded fries and choosing plain fries or no side if you want to keep both cost and richness down
- ✅ Checking your chosen location’s menu board in person for any value options or limited-time deals
Because many Atlanta locations are inside malls, keep in mind that mall-area pricing can sometimes be a little higher than neighborhood stand-alone restaurants.
Dietary Preferences and Customization
Many Atlantans look for ways to customize their meals based on preference or dietary needs. While offerings vary by location, most Charleys Cheesesteaks in Atlanta generally allow:
- Topping adjustments – Add or remove onions, peppers, mushrooms, or sauces
- Cheese choices – Depending on the store’s setup, you may be able to pick different cheeses
- Portion choices – Choose different sandwich sizes
If you’re trying to be mindful about ingredients:
- You can usually ask staff what’s in specific sauces or toppings.
- Consider choosing a simpler build (for example, meat, cheese, and vegetables) instead of heavily sauced options.
For strict dietary needs, it’s best to speak directly with staff at the specific Atlanta location you’re visiting so you can get up-to-date information about what they can or cannot adjust.
Timing Your Visit: Busy Periods in Atlanta
Because so many Charleys locations are in shopping and mall environments, traffic patterns in Atlanta matter:
- 🕛 Lunch rush (11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) – Busy with office workers, shoppers, and students
- 🕔 Early evenings and weekends – Can get crowded when malls are packed or when there’s a major event in the city
- 🏟️ Game days and concert nights – Locations near major roads leading to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, State Farm Arena, Truist Park, or major venues often see more traffic
To avoid long waits, try:
- Visiting slightly before or after peak lunch (for example, around 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.)
- Planning extra time if you’re grabbing food right before a show or game
Takeout, To-Go, and Working Charleys Into Your Atlanta Day
For many people in Atlanta, Charleys Cheesesteaks is a convenient takeout option:
- Shoppers can grab food to go while finishing errands.
- Office workers in business corridors can bring meals back to the office.
- Travelers with rental cars can pick up food near their hotel or along main routes like I-75, I-85, I-285, and GA-400.
Tips to make it smoother:
- If you’re on a tight schedule (for example, catching MARTA or heading to the airport), build in a 15–20 minute buffer in case of lines.
- For families, consider ordering together at once and confirming all items at pickup, since busy food-court environments can be loud and fast-paced.
Is Charleys Cheesesteaks a Good Choice for You in Atlanta?
Charleys Cheesesteaks in Atlanta may be a good fit if you:
- Want a quick, filling meal while shopping or running errands
- Enjoy cheesy, grilled sandwiches and fries with a comfort-food feel
- Prefer fast-casual, counter-service rather than full table service
It may be less ideal if you’re looking for:
- A traditional soul food experience with classic Southern sides and family-style plates
- A quiet, sit-down restaurant for a long, relaxed meal
For many Atlantans, Charleys is simply one of several reliable, recognizable options when they’re in a mall or busy retail area and want something hearty. If you understand its role—as a fast, comfort-heavy chain within a city that loves rich food—you can easily decide when it fits into your plans, whether you live in Atlanta or are just visiting for a few days.