Though our Phriends up 95 are known around the country as the ones who “perfected” the cheesesteak Baltimore is hardly short on options to enjoy one of America’s greatest sandwich creations. As opposed to many of the places in Philadelphia, Baltimore restaurants haven’t adopted one consistent style of cheesesteak as differences are seen in bread, meat, and cheese options.
I think this benefits Baltimore eaters as we’re afforded the opportunity to try a variety of cheesesteaks and determine our own opinions of what makes the best sub. One of my favorites in the area comes from Pepe’s on Falls Road at Lake Ave. Most Baltimore bros will associate Pepe’s as a central meeting spot where they spent time in high school waiting to hear whose parents were out of town for the weekend and, subsequently, where a party was being held, but Pepe’s has also always serviced quality pizza and subs to bros and families alike. Their sub rolls are generally soft, but hold up well when filled with the sometimes drippy toppings and shaved meat.
For many years now the consensus best cheesesteak in Baltimore (winning most of the magazine awards) has been served at The Real Thing on York Road just south of the circle in Towson. I do enjoy a Real Thing cheesesteak, but I don’t think I’d give it my personal best in Baltimore award. Their buns are fantastic and the meat is generally cooked in larger pieces but although it might be of higher quality than a place like Pepe’s I find that they too frequently overcook their steak, making the sub too dry for my liking.
Living in Federal Hill one of my favorite weekly deals in the neighborhood is $5 cheesesteak night on Thursdays at Magerks. Priding themselves on staying true to the authentic Philly cheesesteak they serve them as close as you can find in the area to Pat’s or Gino’s. They advertise the fact that they have buns shipped in from Philly weekly and offer Cheese Whiz as the standard topping for their subs, following the tradition of Philly’s finest. Throw in a bag of Utz chips and it’s a deal that can’t be beat.
These three varieties are just a few of the options being served around Baltimore. Discovering a new place for a great cheesesteak is always exciting (my new go-to in Roland Park is S’ghetti Eddies – awesome) as it’s become a staple for any sub shop around town. What are your favorites in the area? We’re always looking for a new spot for a great sandwich.
4 Comments
No Idea, also in Fed Hill has some great cheesesteaks as well! I hear The Big Craig is intimidating…
Captain Harvey’s in Logan Village Shopping Center. If you’ve never had one, get in the car and go get one, and prepare to have your mid, and stomach, blown.
It sounds like you guys make a great cheesesteak sandwich. Keep up the good work…
Its sad all you guys know are steaks located in upkept parts of the town . If ur serious about a REAL sub go to Mama Mias over on monument st if you dare