Introduction
The craving hits hard. You’re stuck in traffic, rushing between meetings, or maybe just too plain lazy to cook. That craving? A Philly Cheesesteak. The image flashes through your mind: thinly sliced steak, sizzling on a griddle, topped with melted cheese, nestled in a warm, crusty roll. The problem is, a trip to Philadelphia for the “real deal” isn’t always an option. That’s where fast food comes in.
The Philly Cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich; it’s an icon. A culinary symbol of Philadelphia, it represents comfort, indulgence, and a certain no-frills attitude. The essential components are simple: thinly shaved steak (usually ribeye), caramelized onions (optional, but highly recommended), and cheese (provolone, American, or the infamous Cheez Whiz, depending on your preference), all piled onto a long, sturdy roll capable of containing the juicy goodness within.
But can these essential elements be replicated in the world of fast food? Can the speed and efficiency of a chain restaurant deliver a cheesesteak that even remotely resembles the authentic Philadelphia experience? This article seeks to answer that very question. We’ve embarked on a quest to sample and rate the Philly Cheesesteak offerings from various fast-food establishments, judging them on the quality of their meat, the choice of cheese, the integrity of the roll, the overall taste, and, of course, the all-important value for your hard-earned money. Get ready for the ultimate fast food Philly Cheesesteak showdown!
A Taste of Tradition The Real Philly Cheesesteak
Before we dive into the fast food fray, it’s important to establish a baseline: the real Philly Cheesesteak. Legend has it that Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, invented the cheesesteak back in the early twentieth century. Tired of hot dogs, he threw some beef on the grill and created a sandwich that quickly gained popularity. Cheese was added later, giving birth to the Philly Cheesesteak as we know and love it.
What sets a true Philly Cheesesteak apart? It starts with the ingredients. Quality ribeye steak, thinly sliced and cooked quickly on a flat-top grill, is key. The onions, if included, should be caramelized to a sweet and savory perfection. The cheese should be melted and gooey, complementing the richness of the beef. Finally, the roll should be sturdy enough to hold the filling without falling apart, yet soft enough to provide a satisfying bite. The bread is a make or break component of this sandwich. This is not your average sandwich bread.
The cooking technique is equally crucial. The steak should be chopped and mixed with the onions on the grill, allowing the flavors to meld together. The cheese should be added towards the end, melting into every crevice. The entire mixture should then be scooped onto the roll, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It is simple in its ingredients, but perfect execution is a must. This is what we will be comparing each fast food chain to.
Subway’s Cheesesteak Offering
Subway, the ubiquitous sandwich chain, offers its own take on the Philly Cheesesteak. Their version typically features sliced steak (often pre-cooked and reheated), onions, green peppers (a controversial addition in the eyes of purists), and a choice of cheese (usually provolone or pepper jack). It’s served on their standard Subway bread, which can be customized with various toppings and sauces.
Taste Test Notes
The Subway cheesesteak is often a mixed bag. The meat can sometimes be dry and lacking in flavor. The vegetables, while adding some texture, can overpower the steak. The cheese is usually melted adequately, but the overall taste can be somewhat bland. The bread, while customizable, is rarely a standout feature. It can sometimes be too soft to handle the juicy filling, resulting in a messy eating experience.
Pros and Cons
The biggest pro is convenience. Subway locations are everywhere. However, the cons outweigh the pros. The meat quality is inconsistent, the flavor is often underwhelming, and the overall experience is far from authentic.
Price and Value
Subways prices are reasonable. However, when it comes to the value for money, there are better fast food cheesesteaks out there.
Overall Rating
Two out of five stars.
Quiznos’ Cheesesteak Entry
Quiznos, known for its toasted sandwiches, also offers a Philly Cheesesteak option. Their version typically includes steak, onions, peppers, mushrooms (another non-traditional addition), and a choice of cheese (usually provolone or Swiss). The sandwich is then toasted, creating a warm and crispy exterior.
Taste Test Notes
Quiznos’ toasting process can be both a blessing and a curse. The toasting can enhance the flavor of the bread and melt the cheese beautifully. However, it can also dry out the meat and make the vegetables mushy. The mushroom addition may be appreciated by some, but it deviates from the classic Philly Cheesesteak recipe.
Pros and Cons
The toasting sets Quiznos apart, but it can also be a point of contention. The quality of ingredients is generally better than Subway’s, but the overall flavor profile is still not quite authentic.
Price and Value
Quiznos tends to be slightly more expensive than Subway, but the slightly improved ingredients make it worthwhile.
Overall Rating
Three out of five stars.
Charleys Philly Steaks An Attempt at Authenticity
Charleys Philly Steaks focuses specifically on cheesesteaks and related items, which potentially gives them an edge over other chains. Their cheesesteak features thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, and your choice of cheese (white American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz). They also offer various specialty cheesesteaks with additional toppings.
Taste Test Notes
Charleys represents a significant step up in quality and authenticity. The steak is usually tender and flavorful, the onions are grilled properly, and the cheese melts beautifully. The rolls are generally sturdy and well-suited for the task. While not quite the same as a cheesesteak from Philadelphia, Charleys comes closer than most fast-food options.
Pros and Cons
The focus on cheesesteaks allows Charleys to specialize in quality. The prices are higher, but the product is a lot better than other competitors.
Price and Value
Higher price point, but the quality boost makes it a great option.
Overall Rating
Four out of five stars.
Detailed Analysis
Let’s dig a little deeper and compare these fast-food cheesesteaks across various criteria.
The Meat
The quality of the meat varied significantly. Charleys uses better steak, which is noticeable in texture and flavor. Subway’s meat was often dry and bland, while Quiznos’ suffered from occasional dryness due to the toasting process.
The Cheese
The choice of cheese also impacted the overall experience. Real cheese options like provolone and white American offer a richer, more authentic flavor than processed cheeses.
The Bread
The roll is crucial for success. Subway’s bread, while customizable, is not ideal for a cheesesteak. Quiznos fares slightly better with its toasted bread, but Charleys stood out with a more substantial roll capable of containing the filling.
The Onions and Other Toppings
Onions are a must for a Philly Cheesesteak. The other toppings offered detract.
Overall Impression/Authenticity
Charleys provided the closest experience to an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, thanks to their focus on cheesesteaks, and quality components. The other fast food entries did not live up to the expectations.
Value and Recommendations
So, which fast-food cheesesteak offers the best value for your money? Charleys presents the best quality. It delivers a great sandwich without the price point of an authentic cheesesteak.
If you’re simply looking for a quick and cheap cheesesteak fix, Subway or Quiznos might suffice, but be prepared for a compromise in taste and quality.
Conclusion
While no fast-food cheesesteak can perfectly replicate the experience of biting into an authentic Philly Cheesesteak, some come closer than others. This fast food Philly Cheesesteak showdown showed that. Charleys leads the pack. While other fast food options can suffice if you need a fix, Charleys provides the best overall experience. So, until you can make it to Philadelphia, these fast-food cheesesteaks can provide a satisfying taste of the City of Brotherly Love. Just remember, when the craving strikes, choose wisely and remember that sometimes, the best things in life are worth waiting for – even if it means planning that trip to Philly!
