While Detroit is known for its deep dish pizza, there are plenty of other cities around the U.S. that are famous for food, too. Take, for example, Philly and the cheesesteak. Who doesn’t love a sandwich with ooey, gooey cheese, piled high with grilled steak? Well, besides vegetarians.
I’m going to help you out, hungry Metro Detroiters, and save your cars some gas mileage this weekend. Forget the road trip to Philadelphia, because there are several eateries in the D that serve up some seriously good Philly Cheesesteak sandwiches. Let’s explore!
Joey’s Famous Philly Cheesesteaks, 14625 Northline Rd., Southgate, makes all of its cheesesteaks with rib-eye steak, and there are over two dozen different cheesesteak varieties on the menu.
If you’re looking for original, go for the Famous Philly Cheesesteak (with your choice of white American, Provolone or Cheez Whiz). You can add fried onions for free, and the menu lets you know that any cheesesteak can be ruined with Italian dressing for an additional charge.
More unique cheesesteak choices include The Broad Street Bully (with steak, salami, double American cheese, grilled tomatoes, special sauce and fried onions), Death by Cheesesteak (double meat on a 12 inch roll, eight slices of American or Provolone cheese, sweet peppers, sautéed mushrooms and fried onions) and The Sicilian (steak roasted in garlic, topped with melted Provolone, Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs).
For those who are looking for something unusual, there is also a chicken cheesesteak and vegetarian cheesesteak option.
Lefty’s Famous Cheesesteak Hoagies Grill, 29407 6 Mile Rd., Livonia, doesn’t have a huge variety of cheesesteaks like the aforementioned establishment, but that’s because they’ve perfected the one they’ve got. Order the cheesesteak hoagie with steak, grilled onion and a blend of white American cheese and Swiss cheese and you won’t be disappointed.
Don’t worry if you’re lactose intolerant—you can order a plain steak hoagie with just the grilled onion. Extras are available for your cheesesteak, including spicy cherry peppers, mushrooms and extra cheese (white American, Swiss or Provolone).
Don’t forget to add a side of fries, cheese fries or chili cheese fries to your sandwich! Well, on the other hand, do your arteries a favor and maybe skip the chili cheese fries with the Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Ziggy’s Cheesesteaks, 30140 Southfield Rd., Southfield, promises authentic cheesesteak, thanks to rib-eye steak that is sliced freshly in house. There are nearly a dozen cheesesteaks to choose from, starting with the original “wit or witout” grilled onions, and your choice of cheese (Swiss, Provolone, white American or Cheez Whiz).
More exotic choices include the Jersey Cheesesteak (“wit or witout” grilled onions, topped with fries and your choice of cheese), BBQ Cheesesteak (“wit or witout” grilled onions, topped with barbecue sauce and white American cheese) and Ziggy’s Famous Cheesesteak (“wit or witout” grilled onions, topped with Provolone and hot cherry peppers).
There are also two chicken cheesesteak sandwiches on the menu here, for those of you who don’t eat red meat. Try the Chicken Cheesesteak, topped with mushrooms or green peppers and your choice of cheese.
If you opt out of getting spray cheese on your sandwich, consider a side of fries topped with Cheez Whiz instead!
Gabriel’s Cheesesteak Hoagies, with locations in Westland, Ypsilanti and Saline, also sticks with what it knows and doesn’t mess around with much variety—but that’s more than okay. Try the Cheesesteak Hoagie with grilled onions and American or Provolone cheese, and if you wish, add mushrooms, extra cheese or peppers.
Sandwiches can, of course, be made without cheese, should you prefer a plain Steak Hoagie. Chips, salads and pop all pair perfectly with your sandwich, which is the star of the meal.
Mr. Spots, 808 S. State St., Ann Arbor, has been voted best wings in Ann Arbor for several years, but that doesn’t mean the menu doesn’t shine in other areas as well. This place is a Philly cheesesteak-style hoagie shop, after all!
Steak sandwiches are made with rib-eye steak and served on traditional, Philly style amoroso buns. You have your choice of the Philly Original (with American cheese and onions), Cheesesteak Original (with Provolone cheese, onions and Mr. Spot’s special sauce) or Steak Hoagie (with Provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayo and Mr. Spot’s special sauce).
Toppings including banana peppers, jalapeno peppers, pepper relish, mushrooms and bacon, and extra cheese and extra meat can also be added to any of the above cheesesteak sandwiches. Be sure to split a sack or fries or onion rings with your friends while you’re there.
Enjoy your staycation this weekend and take a trip to Philly right in your own backyard!