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...]

SPRINGFIELD, PA - Johnny Paisano's (143 S State Rd, Springfield, PA) isn't just another cheesesteak joint; it's a testament to the culinary creativity of its namesake, Johnny. This isn't a place for a basic, run-of-the-mill cheesesteak. This is where you go when you want something more. My recent visit, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, on a snowy Tuesday night, no less, confirmed that Johnny Paisano's is a destination worth seeking out. Johnny Paisano's (143 S … [Read more...]

PENNSYLVANIA—My recent visit to Wolf's Superior Sandwiches (4417 Pennell Rd, Aston, PA), part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, was a mixed bag. Inspired by the Eagles' Super Bowl victory, I ordered "The Eagle" cheesesteak, but I ended up with a serious case of order envy that overshadowed the experience. Wolf's Superior Sandwiches (4417 Pennell Rd, Aston, PA) The "Eagle" Cheesesteak: The Concept: "The Eagle" is a themed cheesesteak, presumably intended to … [Read more...]

DELAWARE - Claymont Steaks (3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE) is unique in my history. This isn't just another cheesesteak review; it's a trip down memory lane. This was the cheesesteak spot of my youth, a place tied to family memories and significant life events. But time changes things, and this visit, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, left me with a bittersweet feeling. Claymont Steaks (3526 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, DE) The Nostalgia Factor: Claymont … [Read more...]

NEW JERSEY—Mama's Meatballs and Pizzeria (2673 Haddonfield Rd, Pennsauken Twp, NJ) has transformed, at least regarding its cheesesteak. My recent visit, part of the ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, revealed a significantly bigger sandwich than I remember, presenting advantages and challenges. Mama's Meatballs and Pizzeria The Changes: "Bigger is Better" Mantra? Mama's has adopted a "bigger is better" philosophy for their cheesesteak. This translates to a substantial … [Read more...]

NEW JERSEY - Cockadoodle Dan's Wings & Steaks (75 E Main St, Moorestown, NJ) offers a cheesesteak that, while enjoyable, falls just short of greatness. This review, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, finds a sandwich with several positive attributes but with a few key areas that could be elevated to reach top-tier status.   Cockadoodle Dan's Wings & Steaks The Good: Seeded Roll: A definite plus! Cockadoodle Dan's starts with a seeded roll, a … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]