NEW JERSEY – While technically across the river in New Jersey, Lillo’s Tomato Pies (2503 Marne Hwy, Hainesport, NJ) remains a serious contender in my Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure. This isn’t just a pizza place that happens to serve cheesesteaks; it’s a spot that puts thought and effort into its sandwich game. However, as always, there’s room for refinement.
The Strengths:
- Thick-Sliced Steak: Lillo stands out for its thickly sliced steak, a deliberate choice that emphasizes the meat’s flavor.
- Generous Portions: A “good amount” of meat ensures a satisfyingly substantial cheesesteak.
- Cheese Melt: The cheese is plentiful and well-melted, contributing to the cheesesteak experience.
- Onion Update (and a Slight Downgrade): The onions might have been a different size on a previous visit. This time, they were noticeably bigger, and, in my opinion, not for the better. This is a subjective preference, but the larger onion pieces didn’t integrate well with the other components.
The Recurring Concern: The Roll:
My main point of contention with Lillo’s cheesesteak remains the roll.
- Quality, But…: It’s a “perfect roll,” and it’s clear that Lillo puts effort into sourcing a quality product.
- The Scooping Issue: My persistent suggestion is that the roll must be scooped (removing some interior bread). This would allow the ample meat, cheese, and onions to fit more comfortably within the roll, creating a better overall bite and preventing the sandwich from becoming overly bulky.
Overall:
Lillo’s Tomato Pies continues to serve a top-tier cheesesteak based on meat quality, cheese melt, and portion size. The thickly sliced meat is a definite highlight for those who prefer a substantial bite. However, while good in quality, the roll could be improved by scooping to better accommodate the generous fillings. The larger onion pieces were a slight step down from my previous experience. Despite these minor points, Lillo’s remains a strong contender in the cheesesteak landscape.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars (A delicious cheesesteak, with minor adjustments potentially elevating it further.)
Recommendations:
- To Diners: Lillo’s is an excellent choice if you prefer a hearty cheesesteak focusing on the meat. Be prepared for a substantial sandwich.
- To Lillo: Seriously, consider scooping the rolls! It could make a significant difference in the overall eating experience. And perhaps revisit the onion size/preparation.
Address:
Lillo’s Tomato Pies 2503 Marne Hwy Hainesport, NJ
Review by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
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