The cheesesteak is a Philadelphia treasure and one ofAmerica’s greatest sandwiches.
You heard that rightno cheese on the first-ever Philly cheesesteak.
I visited four popular dine-in chains to try their respective takes on the classic Philly handheld.
Photo: Shutterstuck. Design: Eat This, Not That!
IHOP
International House of… Philly cheesesteaks?
I went the safe route with a classic order of fries.
The look: Delivered on a pale store-bought-looking rollnot a ton of grilling was done here.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
The taste:Low expectations, low gratificationthat’s the story of this sandwich.
I didn’t anticipate much from a breakfast chain Philly cheesesteak and that’s what I received.
It’s fine and definitely edible.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
But, the soft white roll may be the best thing about itand definitely the most prominent.
The American cheese hardly made a difference.
What did, though, was a surprise condiment, which wasn’t disclosed in the sub’s description.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
That, and the accompanying side.
However, the sandwich wasn’t completely devoid of moisture overalleven with its omission of condiments.
Cheese was once again fairly scarce as well as the mushrooms.
Megan Hageman/Eat This Not That
But, the onions and peppers were abundant and flavorful.
Overall, it’s a filling and satisfactory sandwich, yet still not worth the steep price tag.
Suppose you’re feeling a little more adventurous.
The look:The real deal.
However, I imagine this is what it would look like.
The taste:Every bit as good as it looks.
The veggies add a sublime char flavor from the grill and are just tender enough without becoming slimy.
Plus, everything is neutralized by the enveloping toasty yet airy bread.
But, it doesn’t heavily influence the overall flavor profile.
The look:Absolutely smothered in provolone cheese.
Toss in a side of seasoned fries with a specialty dipping sauce and it was game over.
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