PHILADELPHIA - The sizzling competition has reached its peak! After weeks of intense matchups and thousands of votes cast, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure's 6th annual March Cheesesteak Madness tournament has arrived at the grand finale. Sixty-four contenders entered, representing the best of Philadelphia, Delaware County, New Jersey/Delaware, and the surrounding PA counties, but only two remain standing. It's Murray's Bar & Grille from Delco facing off against Amato Bros, … [Read more...]

HAVERTOWN, PA  -My latest stop on the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure took me to Centrella's Deli & Italian Market (10 Brookline Blvd, Havertown, PA) in Delco. The visit started with a bit of a hiccup, but ended with a decent cheesesteak that shows potential. Let's get the bad news out of the way first: they lost points right at the start because they didn't begin making my cheesesteak immediately. A delay like that can throw off the whole rhythm. The good news? While … [Read more...]

WOODLYN, PA - Sometimes, I step outside the traditional steak-and-cheese box on this Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure. That's what brought me to Chef Reeky's Cafe (604 Fairview Rd, Woodlyn, PA) in Delco. I can be a part-time vegan, especially when exploring cheesesteak variations. Chef Reeky's offers three vegan options: impossible burger, seitan, or mushrooms. I opted for the mushroom route. Chef Reeky's Cafe The Vibe: First, I liked the vibe at Chef Reeky's. It's comfortable, a … [Read more...]

Leo's Steak Shop (1403 Chester Pike, Folcroft, PA) is a Delco institution I've previously described as serving a "cheesesteak's cheesesteak." This return visit, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, confirms that Leo's remains a heavyweight contender, delivering a substantial and satisfying sandwich, though with a few personal preferences that I'd tweak. Leo's Steak Shop (1403 Chester Pike, Folcroft, PA) The Leo's Experience: Leo's is a classic, no-frills … [Read more...]

BROOMALL, PA - Delco Steaks (2567 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA) is a perennial contender in March Cheesesteak Madness, and this year, they're looking strong. This review, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, examines what makes Delco Steaks a consistent performer and whether this could finally be their year to take home the Cheesy Cup. Delco Steaks (2567 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA) Consistency is Key: Delco Steaks has built a reputation for consistency. … [Read more...]

BROMALL, PA - The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse and Catering (2323 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA) is a Delco institution, a place that evokes a sense of timeless tradition. This review, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, focuses on the cheesesteak experience, nodding to the restaurant's overall atmosphere and commitment to quality. The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse and Catering (2323 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA) The Thunderbird Vibe: Classic and … [Read more...]

PENNSVILLE, NJ - Italian Kitchen (339 N Hook Rd, Pennsville, NJ) is a place that proves there's always room for discovery in the world of cheesesteaks. When I started my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, I heard the usual naysayers: "Everyone knows where to get a good cheesesteak!" and "How different can they be?" But my visit to Italian Kitchen – and the reaction to the photos I posted – showed just how wrong those assumptions can be. This South Jersey spot is serving up a cheesesteak that's … [Read more...]

BELLMAWR, NJ - Carmen's Deli (42 E Browning Rd, Bellmawr, NJ), a South Jersey contender in my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, has been listening...partially. Five years after my last review, some changes have been made, but not all in response to my feedback. This visit revealed a delicious cheesesteak with a few lingering areas for improvement. Carmen's Deli (42 E Browning Rd, Bellmawr, NJ) The Improvements (They Half Listened): Indoor Seating (and a Bathroom!): … [Read more...]

CHERRY HILL, NJ - Chick's Deli (906 Township Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ) is a cheesesteak spot that consistently surpasses my expectations. Even the thought of navigating Route 70 traffic to get there puts me in a bad mood, and the location, tucked away in what feels like an alley, doesn't exactly scream "culinary destination." Yet, every year, I find myself pleasantly surprised by the cheesesteak at Chick's. Chick's Deli (906 Township Lane, Cherry Hill, NJ) The Cheesesteak … [Read more...]

MEDIA, PA—I'd visited The Tattooed Pig (110 S Edgmont St, Media, PA) before, and this recent trip, part of my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, reminded me of both its strengths and the importance of context when reviewing a cheesesteak. This visit was on a snowy night, which, as it turned out, played a role in the overall experience. The Tattooed Pig (110 S Edgmont St, Media, PA) The Cheesesteak: The Roll: The roll suffered from being transported in my trunk on a snowy … [Read more...]