Chef Reeky’s Cafe: Vegan Cheesesteak

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 place you can settle into. That’s a good start.

The Vegan Cheesesteak Breakdown:

• The Filling: Let’s talk about the star here – the cheesy mushroom mixture. It was genuinely flavorful. I found myself thinking about all the other things this mixture would be great on. They nailed the taste of the filling.
• The Roll: And then there was the roll. “Not so much,” is the best way I can put it. It just didn’t match the quality or flavor of the mushroom filling. It felt like a weak link in the chain.
• Onions/Cheese: Part of the mixture.

Overall:

Chef Reeky’s Cafe has something special going on with that cheesy mushroom mixture – it’s undeniably tasty. It makes for a flavorful core to their vegan cheesesteak. However, the roll keeps this sandwich from reaching its full potential. It’s a shame when one component doesn’t live up to the others. It’s a good concept, and the filling is excellent, but the package needs refinement.

(Side note: They had juice options, which looked good, but I was heading to Ship Bottom Brewing afterward, so I passed. Also, you know the drill – bonus bathroom video!)

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars (The flavorful filling saves it, but the roll is a significant drawback.)

Recommendations:

• To Diners: If you’re looking for a flavorful vegan filling, Chef Reeky’s mushroom mix is worth trying. Just be prepared for the possibility that the role might not be your favorite. Maybe try the filling on something else?
• To Chef Reeky’s: You’ve got a winning filling! Please find a role that does justice. Elevate that bread, and you could have a genuinely top-tier vegan cheesesteak.

Address:

Chef Reeky’s Cafe 604 Fairview Rd Woodlyn, PA

Review by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure