by Ann Palmieri

Created on: May 13, 2009   Last Updated: December 20, 2009

If you haven't been to Philly recently, you can still try the ultimate in cheese steak subs!   Many try to replicate it, but at least one place comes close: Beef O'Brady's. You don't have to live in Philly to enjoy a Philly Cheese Steak sandwich. The original has sliced steak, onions, peppers, sometimes mushrooms, and cheese (Cheez Whiz). I am not too fond of the original, but if you want to try a tasty Philly Cheese Steak, find a Beef O'Brady's.

Beef O'Brady

The Beef O'Brady variety of that famous cheese steak is the best I can find close to home. They prepare the the steak thinly sliced; then they add the onions and the green peppers and cook them together on the grill. All the Beef O'Brady's serve it the same way. I was recommending the restaurant to some people on the West Coast (of FLORIDA) and they went right out and down the street to order one!

Not Cheez Whiz

The consensus was the same. Fantastic! They usually use White American Cheese on the sandwich, but you can request provolone if you desire. The steak isn't too large to eat at one sitting. It is half of a hoagie roll with plenty of steak; it's heated right before being served. Fresh, hot, and delicious all describe O'Brady's Philly Cheese Steak.

A Philly Legacy

I lived in Philly for three years, but didn't care for the Cheese Whiz variety of the sandwich. I think it is the saltiness of the cheese that I don't like. One has to acknowledge the original, but a Philly Cheese Steak can be made different ways...even in Philly. At the counter of the local deli in downtown South Philly, the order charts have different types of cheeses, peppers, mushrooms, etc. to add to your sandwich. Die-hard fans who grew up eating Cheez Whiz will, of course, cherish that kind of cheese. I think this was a good debate question, but only Philly residents should be able to comment.

Variety is the Spice of Life

Once a Philly fan has moved away, he has to look hard and wide for the original. Sometimes the variation of the original tastes better because we are always trying to improve on a good thing. So step out and find a Beef O'Brady's tonight; order their version of a Philly Cheese Steak and chow down. You will be pleasantly surprised and happy with the results. I have to have at least one a week to maintain my taste buds! Whether downed with a cherry coke or a beer, the Philly Cheese Steak sandwich at Beef O'Brady's will give Philly a run for their money.

Learn more about this author, Ann Palmieri.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.