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Al's Steak House
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Steakhouses Sandwiches, Steakhouses [Edit]
1504 Mount Vernon AveAlexandria, VA 22301
(703) 836-9443
- Nearest Transit:
-
Braddock Rd Metrorail Station (Blue, Yellow)
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 10 am - 8 pm
Sat 10 am - 7 pm
- Attire:
- Casual
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Dive-y
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
76 reviews for Al's Steak House
Review Highlights
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"I always get the American cheesesteak." In 25 reviews -
"...Al's steak while enjoying Del Ray or while comfy in front..." In 3 reviews -
"...this department--probably the best I've found so far in DC." In 4 reviews
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76 reviews in English
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Review from Pear M.
Springfield, VA
4/11/2012
Al's Steak House has brought me out of a 4 month review-writing hiatus. This place has been around for over 57 years and yet this is just my first time here. I really need to step up my game. Anyway, a friend recommended that I try it out and I'm so glad I did. I got a medium Cheesesteak + Mushrooms + Green Peppers ($9). As other reviews have said, the cheesesteak is gigantic and I could only muster down half (though I am really excited that I get to eat the other half later tonight!) They are very generous with their meat and fillings, and don't overdo it with cheese. This is exactly how it should be!
Some other little notes:
- There's a huge glass jar on the cashier counter filled with yummy pickled hot peppers free for the taking.
- Two signs inside the restaurant say "NO CELL PHONES PERMITTED" -- hence the lack of food photos.
- All canned sodas for 90c
- Large cheesesteak is 2 mediums (in both price and size)
- There are 4-5 tables, but I was the only one that dined in. They had several people call in for a pick-up order.
- Closes at 8pm on most days, early dinner, it is!
There really is no other place like this and I would def recommend it for the occasional cheesesteak craving. -
Review from Geoff O.
2/10/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I didn't eat for the rest of the day, and I went there for an early lunch.
Portions are substantial, as you might expect. The sandwiches are well made. The sides are good. Price point is a bit much for one if a side is included.
The owner/manager is a super nice guy. I appreciated that this felt like a great local joint with a hometown vibe and attention to detail.
I will definitely be back, especially when I don't feel like eating for another 24 hours. -
Review from Jennie T.
Arlington, VA
1/10/2012
Del Ray is probably one of my favorite spots in Northern Virginia, and is a very safe, and romantic neighborhood at night. Lately, I've been looking for a good cheese steak joint, and am a bit embarrassed that I didn't find Al's little sooner.
Need I say more? Not only does Al's Steak House serve a variety of cheese steaks, but also other deep fried snacks such as cheese balls, chicken fingers, and various types of seafood such as oyster, shrimp, and crab cakes.
Right before I took my first bite, John Severson (the current owner) came by our table and asked me if I was really taking pictures of his steak (lol). He asked if it was my first time there, and I told him that it was. Then, he smiled and said, "Be careful - once you've had your first bite, you'll keep coming back!"
Now, I haven't had cheesesteak since my road trip last year going up to Philly to settle the rivalry between Pat and Geno - so I was a little hesitant in eating anything else; but I have to say - Al's cheese steak is the best in our area, and the next best thing to the real thing for all you DC and NOVA locals. Al's steak house has been around since 1956 with a loyal, and constantly growing customer base that you can't deny. So DC - If you ever have a craving for cheese steak, visit Al's and enjoy an authentic cheesesteak done right by 'Uncle Al, the Nation's Pal'.
For a Full Review, and Mouthwatering Photos - Click Here! http://thehungrymuse.c... -
Review from Laura C.
Alexandria, VA
5/10/2012
My dad first brought me here years ago. He started going to Al's back in 1965 when the current owner bought the place from the original Al. The steak and cheese subs are still just as good! (Says my dad - which I agree that over the years the quality has stayed the same) The meat is freshly sliced every morning which makes the subs that much more delicious. High quality, lots of taste.
The medium is a large size - I can rarely finish more than half. I have brought many friends here and they love it. Great neighborhood place. I love that they greet you warmly when you enter, especially if you're a regular.
Tip: Call ahead during lunch time and take it to go - seating is limited & the place/orders is packed. But do eat it while it's hot. Still great reheated but not as amazing. -
Review from Chris M.
Alexandria, VA
10/29/2011
This place is a great find! I can not believe I have never been here before now.
Terrific pizza steak sub. Haven't had one in years, and the food exceeded my expectations.
4.5 stars: the owner cares about his food and delivers a superior steak sandwich. be warned: you can't just walk in and expect you food in 2 minutes like at Five Guys. Reduce your wait by calling ahead. There are a few tables inside, but it's small and nothing fancy. My recommendation: Order by phone and carryout...eat your delicious Al's steak while enjoying Del Ray or while comfy in front of your tv at home. Happy Dining! -
Review from Elaine M.
12/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Huge, delicious, perfect cheesesteaks, IMHO. They definitely don't skimp out on the beef here, the melted cheese is intermingled perfectly throughout, and I get grilled onions to top it off... and that's it! They do offer the option to add lettuce, tomatoes, mayo, etc., but doing so just isn't my cup of tea. A medium order can probably suffice for both lunch AND dinner, but of course, I couldn't stop eating because it was just that yummy and I ended up finishing the entire thing in one sitting and felt bloated afterwards... but in a good "that was so amazingly satisfying and totally hit the spot" kind of way.
The restaurant itself is very barebones; it has a few modest tables along with chairs whose cushions are so worn that the inside padding is bursting out... but I actually like the hole-in-the-wall feeling about the place and think it's quite fitting--a lot of really, really good food come from hole-in-the-wall type places. And it turns out that really, really good cheesesteak comes from this one. -
Review from Barry S.
Gaithersburg, MD
12/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
GUT
BOMB
Old school ... but great find? Hardly. Flavorless meat but generous portions ... great bread ... just a bomb of meat for the belly.
A mark of a 3 star joint is "will you be back? If I'm in the area and I want a cheesesteak."
I will not be back. -
Review from Jason K.
Burke, VA
2/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Read a lot of the reviews on this place so I had really high expectations going in. The menu was interesting and I had to give the American Cheesesteak a try. I grew up outside of Philly and made regular trips there so I have had cheesesteaks from several places. Since this is a review for Al's I am not going to plug other establishments unless Al's was really that bad.
Upon entering, there isn't too much to it, pretty basic and not fancy at all. If there is good food in an establishment I could really care less about the decor. The staff was very friendly and I placed my order. I ordered the American Cheesesteak with fried onions. So to start off, it definitely was enough steak to fill me up being a medium. I couldn't imagine how big the large would be. The meat was decent, the bread was excellent and very fresh. With the onions, the bread got to be a bit soggy, but this is expected from a cheesesteak. Overall, I thought it was good, I wouldn't say it was the best I have ever had, but closest I have had here to resemble a Philly Cheesesteak in this area. One thing I would recommend to Al's to make a Philly Cheesesteak is that you have to have Cheez Whiz. Give that as an option and I think more people that know Philly would be even more pleased. I would like to give them a 3.5 if i could. I will go back again and this time try another sandwich in addition to some of their fried sides. That might be enough for me to bump it up to a 4. To also add on with the friendliness of the staff they all made it a point to say good bye as I walked out. To me, common courtesy goes a long way. -
Review from Bryan W.
Upper Marlboro, MD
3/5/2012
If I could I would give Al's a 2.5...The service was good, the sub, I'd have to say average at best. I've honestly had a better cheesesteak at DC Carryouts. The meat was just lacking flavor, and left me wondering if it would get better...after half the sub was gone I pretty much gave up hope and went to my favorite taco joint to fill in the rest. One plus was the portion size, you should be full after a medium, I would assume. I went it hopeful with all the great reviews, but I probably won't return. I think in part I am kinda comparing it to Jenos in Serverna Park which blew me away on the first visit, and I was kinda expecting the same with much disappointment. Ah well, I can at least say I tried Al's...
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Review from Jim W.
Alexandria, VA
6/21/2011 11 Check-ins Here
Outside of Pat's and Gino's in Philly, THIS IS THE ONLY PLACE TO GET A REAL CHEESE STEAK! Their steak is cooked to perfection. Grilled onions are done just right and the robust flavor of their Provolone cheese make Al's steak sang-witches the very, very best around.
Sometimes I'll get mushrooms on it...if I'm feeling "vegetarian!'
If you go anywhere else, you're just cheating yourself. Why would you do that?
I would have given five stars, but Al's prices seem to have gone up a bit. Maybe it's all the YELPING! -
Review from Mari S.
Lanham, MD
10/13/2011
I have had the Steak and Cheese as well as the Chicken Philly. Both were delicious. I was not impressed with the Turkey Philly though.
Expect a wait during lunch hours because the line sometimes goes out the door. I would recommend calling ahead and picking up your order. -
Review from Ashley g.
Alexandria, VA
3/30/2012
I love Al's! Fabulous food and wonderful service. Reasonable prices to for how full you'll get. Delicious!
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Review from J S.
Arlington, VA
3/17/2012
Really liked the cheesesteak. Didn't like the high prices: $8 for medium, $15 for large. Also didn't like the wait (got our two cheesesteaks about 15 mins after placing the order) or the service (owners seemed very disorganized, like it was their first day on the job). I would go back, but I would call ahead to place the order so as not to have to wait forever for the food.
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Review from Jennifer P.
Alexandria, VA
1/16/2012
Yum-o, and a great deal! I brought my family here once when they were in town and they loved it! Don't expect any ambience, but man, are those cheesesteaks good!
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Review from Scott V.
4/14/2011
At Al's they chop up paper-thin slices of beef, which end up being suspended in the cheese binding agent (kind of like what I've heard how radioactive material becomes inert in glass for long-term storage). Luckily, this powerhouse of heat and flavor is not rendered inert, but its flavor is greater than the sum of my parts as it goes down my gullet. Cheesy-greasy-beefy-spicy-creamy goodness! And this little hole in the wall restaurant has been there for 56 years! In terms of DelRay trendiness, this is like the Middle Ages. I did count no less than 6 mommies with babies in strollers and baby while driving back home up Mt. Vernon Ave. Gotta love the Del!!!
I'm not giving this 5 stars, but this place definitely rivals cheese steaks I've had in Philly. See my recent reviews of three Philly outlets. I got the standard steak and American cheese (medium size) with lettuce, onion, tomatoes, mayo, and hot pepper (which is a crushed hot pepper spread, not whole or sliced peppers.) You need to wait about 10 minutes for your order, but it's worth it! There are tables with chairs to sit at while you wait (or you can eat there.) -
Review from Katie F.
Alexandria, VA
2/8/2011
Fantastic. When my folks visit (Philly natives) I'll be sure to bring 'em by.
Maybe I'm weird, but I don't like Cheese Whiz. Why ruin my sandwich with gloppy fake cheese? Instead, slices of white cheese all melted together made it DELICIOUS. Melted perfectly with the awesome onions. And I also really enjoy the roll - just how I remember it growing up.
I could have easily shared the smaller size with someone else (probably not my male dining companion since he'd want his own, but if my mom was with me...). I have to wonder about the size of the large!
Friendly service, and we sat in the space and ate. That was a bit awkward since it was a bit empty, but we were really enjoying the food. -
Review from Tony C.
Arlington, VA
2/3/2011
Great atmosphere - I absolutely loved both the "No Cell Phone" touch and the friendly service. This place definitely has the neighborhood feel down, and several other guests were greeted by first name as they arrived and placed their orders.
That being, said, the cheesesteak was really nothing special aside from the "Regular" being big enough for two people - next time I'll go down a few blocks to Marino's. -
Review from Kristy H.
Alexandria, VA
10/18/2011
Marino's over this place? Really?!
Fresh, soft bread. Meat. Cheese. Grilled onions. Lettuce & Tomato.
I love this place and am very pleased with how infrequently I go there, considering it is only 3 or 4 blocks away from where I live. Trust me, it is not easy to resist.
You call up, the owner usually answers the phone and takes your order, and by the time you get over there it is ready.
My personal favorite is a chicken with american cheese, grilled onions, l/t. You do not need to load this thing up with mayo or any other sauces, as it is plenty juicy on its own. My boyfriend gets steak with american cheese and hot peppers, and loves that the meat is not fatty and gristly.
The fries are decent but not so good that we feel compelled to order them every time.
What I love most about this place is the attitude. They are closed on Sundays (which I hate but love out of principle), and the owner is kind of old school. The last time my boyfriend was there picking up our dinner, a couple of customers were giving the owner a hard time, and had sent their subs back at least twice (they have never once gotten my order wrong at Al's), and were just being major jerks in general. After putting up with more than his share of grief from these people, the owner told them he was going to return their money to them so they could leave. Am I wrong for loving that? If so, baby, I don't want to be right. -
Review from Bill G.
Arlington, VA
1/23/2012
Just had to walk out after current owner John Severson made racist comments while we watched a news clip on an African American Washington DC politician. I told him I would never be back.
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Review from Eddie W.
Manassas, VA
10/14/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Been all over the country and the best steak and cheese EVER! Reg Roman will do the trick! A little hole in the wall so not good for groups. They have four tables with four chairs on each. One of my fav local spots!
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Review from Brianne C.
Arlington, VA
8/13/2008
3.75 stars.
Al's Steak House serves the best cheesesteak I've tasted outside Philly. They offer regular, Roman, and pizza steaks (which could use a bit more cheese), lots of decadent fried sides (I like the poppers), cold hoagies, and sodas by the can. The owner has plenty of attitude and some less than savory political opinions, all of which lend an even more authentic air to the place. Unfortunately, the best Al's cheesesteak still does not compare to the average cheesesteak purchased in Philly.
Here's why: You can buy raw shaved steak at a number of grocery stores (including Trader Joe's), you can cook and chop the meat on a large greasy grill while seasoning it with salt and pepper, you can fold in grilled onions made translucent by the grease from other cheesesteaks, you can lovingly top your meat and onions with slices of American or provolone cheese, and you can use your spatula to tuck this cheesy mound of goodness into a hoagie roll.
Then, you can sit with your gargantuan sandwich, do the Philadelphia lean, and lounge dazed on your couch for the next four hours, wondering if there is more to life than watching the Olympics. At this point, you have finished making and consuming a technically perfect cheesesteak, and yet it STILL was not exactly right. The true secret to perfection lies in the bread, and the proper Philly cheesesteak roll is not available anywhere else in the world. Please tell me if you know differently!
So, what does this mean? It means you need to head to Al's (they close early, so be sure to arrive by 6:30), order a cheesesteak American with extra onions and a Mountain Dew, and watch sports television while waiting for your torpedo-sized cheesesteak to be placed in a brown paper bag. Otherwise, you'll need to move to Philly.Listed in: Bovine Divinity, Del Ray D'Amour
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Review from Bahareh M.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2009
I cannot tell a lie. I have been to Philly approximately 4 times now, and I have yet to eat a Philly cheesesteak. It's not because I didn't want to - it's because my brother, the doctor, threatened to kill me if i did. But he's back in California now, and I'm approximately 3000 miles away. So arteries be damned!
Came here for lunch after working in Alexandria in the morning. I got the cheesesteak with american cheese. Everything on it. Including mayo. And by god, it was good. Hot, tasty, gooey mess. Spilling all over the place.
Staff was friendly, and the prices were good. Also, I don't quite understand how big a large is since the medium was huge. Anyway, definitely a great spot for a delicious cheesesteak. -
Review from Tom D.
Washington, DC
4/26/2008
3.5 stars
Might be the best cheese steak this side south of Philly -- can't say it would stand up next to the real thing (the roll and cheese need a little improvement) -- but this is a great local place that has been around since 1955 -- really good food and a good value. $7 for a cheese steak that is almost enough to serve 2 people. Certainly worth a visit when you need to grease your spoon. Will return. -
Review from Denise P.
Laurel, MD
4/21/2009
I love cheesesteaks almost as much as I love men and music, and you should know that I freakin' LOVE Al's. I used to order from here faithfully every week when I worked in Alexandria...it was the highlight of my life! Until 5pm at least, lol. The subs are HUGE...like...HUGE. Overstuffed, greasy, and just really good. I'm not a fan of mayo, but you have your choice of cheeses and your typical fillings (onion, sweet peppers, green peppers, tomato, etc.).....and did I mention they were huge? I used to try to finish the whole thing--even though I was waaaay past full--just because it tasted so good in my mouth! Aside from the subs, they have your run-of-mill bottled drinks and chips. I believe they have other sides and menu items on their menu, but I wouldn't know. I just go for the sub and roll out. lol
The location is so far away from me now, but I've crossed the bridge several times because I've yet to find someone in the area who makes them like they do. It's one of those old, local places that kinda stay around forever (and look like they've been around forever too), like your local pizza shop that make your commercial pizza chains seem mediocre at best. Their hours kinda suck for me, but for subs this good, I think I'll be okay. Go! Even if you don't "love" it, I'm almost positive you've had MUCH worse. -
Review from Michelle B.
Long Beach, CA
11/30/2006 1 photo
Al's makes me happy I was born. And sad that it will probably be the reason my ticker stops a'tickin'. Oh well. It's worth it.
A bunch of my friends from college are from Philly, so I've had me a few of those Phillys. I have to say a cheesesteak from Al's can go head-to-head with anything from Philly.
How do people actually finish the large? I can barely ever finish the medium. I always get the American cheesesteak.... you know, promoting freedom and such. When you get it with everything, you still have to ask for red peppers. It's not extra but it's not part of the "everything."
Also, plan on feeling like you are carrying around a boulder in your stomach.
Al's is my happy place. -
Review from david m.
Washington, DC
8/31/2007
Being from Philly I feel I know what a good cheese steak is. but Al's Steak House was awful extra chopped meats, raw onions, No Wiz (Cheese Wiz) and they put mayo on the cheese steaks :-( What a disappointment
Check out Philly Water Ice Factory If you want a good cheese steak in DC -
Review from Rick F.
Arlington, VA
8/30/2006
I discovered Al's Steaks years ago. My co-worker who introduced Al's affectionately called it Big Al, your cholesterol pal.
Really great cheese steaks here, trust me. I knew that even before I ordered my first steak when I saw a large gentleman carrying a tray of freshly trimmed red beef ready for cooking, eating and the clogging my arteries.
It is hard to describe a great cheese steak. It is much easier to describe a bad one. I may get some flak for this, but what I will say is that I went to Gino's in Philly a couple years back and was quite disappointed after indulging in Al's all these years. That said, try Al's.Listed in: Ahh Comfort
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Review from Jennifer M.
Arlington, VA
3/22/2010
There's not an ounce of Philly in this gal, but I must say, I think Al's Steak House dishes up one of the more tasty Philly cheesesteak's in town. Sliced, tender beef, melted Kraft American goodness, all on a soft roll that doesn't go soggy under the weight of the meat... makes for a pretty tasty cheesesteak in my book.
Sure, there is no ambiance to the place, but I think that is part of it's charm. It's a place where you roll in, order up your cheesesteak and your choice of toppings, and roll out after it's ready and paid for. The boy and I each got a medium sub, and that was more than plenty for the two of us; we really could have shared one, and it makes me wonder at the meaty monstrosity that is Al's "large"....
I've been to JJ's, I been to Philadelphia Cheesesteak Co. Al's beats out the local competition, hands down. -
Review from Rob R.
9/10/2010
I imagine that a trip to Al's today is pretty much the same experience it would have been fifty years ago. One thing I like about Al's is that there seems to be a lot of regulars.... probably more than a couple of them have been eating these cheesesteaks since they could chew.
The cheesesteak itself is pretty good.... as good as your are going to get down here, for sure. Please avoid the abomination of mayo on your cheesesteak. It does not belong!! Ketchup is allowed, if absolutely necessary.... but keep the mayo away, people! Roll, steak, cheese, maybe some grilled onions, peppers (some people actually like shrooms on their cheesesteak.... ewww), that's all you need folks!
I'm not one for getting something to go. The food will taste its best the closer you get to where it was made. By the time I get home, it could be dry, it could be mushy.... whatever. So because I do like to eat there, I have to tell you that it doesn't take too many people in the dining area to make this place feel cramped.
Recommend! -
Review from Courtney R.
Arlington, VA
2/3/2008
I got turned onto Al's last year. My parents are Philly/South Jersey born-and-bred, so finding a bearable cheese steak around these parts has been hard. Out of all the places I've been so far, Al's definitely comes closest to what is the holy grail of a true Philly cheese steak. I'm not down the the Wiz, but other than that I'm pretty O.G.
Al's will kill you, check one. Soft, delicious hoagie rolls, check two. Oodles of ketchup nearby, check three. Marks against: mayo/lettuce/tomato standard offering. What is this b.s.? Pepsi is the house drink, I can barely make it through a standard-fare meal without a Diet Coke. Other than that, it's probably about halfway up on the stairway to heaven, and my knees definitely hit the ground praisin' the lord when I discovered Al's (and only a about a mile from work).Listed in: Nut-friendly Jawns
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Review from Gary C.
Alexandria, VA
9/30/2010
This is the place to be when it comes to great Cheesesteaks. I live in Alexandria and when i'm not in the mood to make the 2 1/2 hr drive to Philly, this is the place that i go! When it comes to bang for your buck, Al's is the Undisputed Cheesesteak Champion of Alexandria and surrounding areas. Just getting the small is more filling that getting the Large anywhere else. Thats because once you unravel this treasure from the foil wrapping, it is LOADED with juicy steak. You wont find Wiz here, but its so good that you'll easy forget it.
Do yourself a favor and travel to Alexandria and grab yourself a steak from Al. Yes, you'll actually find Al there. GO NOW!!! -
Review from Mary K.
Arlington, VA
10/20/2009
It's pretty good, I guess. I've had better cheesesteaks (I am a cheesesteak queen) and I wouldn't go out of my way to go to Al's. The bread is bland, and the bread is what helps make a great cheesesteak.
Honestly, I think Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory in Georgetown was the best, but they've closed. Second best is--surprisingly--Jerry's Subs and Pizza. Just my opinion! -
Review from Jamie M.
7/9/2009
I'd been meaning to try this place for quite awhile and since I was moving all my kitchen stuff was boxed up (at least that's my excuse for spending money eating out). For some reason this part of Del Ray seemed to be even harder to find parking in, than the area up near Cheesetique, not sure why, just be prepared for it. I was the only one in the store around dinner time on a Thursday. The fixed my carry out order in just a few minutes and I was on my way.
I thought my mushroom cheesesteak was pretty good, in fact, if I had gotten peppers, it just might have been perfection. The sandwich was pretty greasy, so I didn't expect it to stand up to a day in my fridge but it actually heated up quite well. Under $10 for two meals isn't bad! -
Review from John M.
Camarillo, CA
11/12/2009 1 photo
I heard of Al's from a friend of mine who said it's the best cheesesteak outside of Philly. As a previous Philly resident, I had quite a bit experience with "steaks". This was pretty good. It was VERY GOOD in it's size. For $7 you get a full meal. (picture included). Meat was very lean, but the only problem I had with them was their cheese. The original has cheese whiz, which I know is not popular down here. But this is the sign they have in their window:
"If you want the Whiz, then go up north"
And that's fine, but the cheese they use, unless I hear otherwise, is a Kraft single. And I know that taste too. That was real sad. Wasn't real juicy too. And maybe that's me, because I love a greezy cheesesteak to help get my cholesterol real high! I don't eat them every day. -
Review from Jess R.
Fairfax, VA
2/14/2009
There are only 4 tables (they will be occupied). After watching everyone else eat their sandwiches, a table finally opened and we sat down. I ordered a medium steak and American cheese - with everything but mayo.
My main complaint is that my sandwich tasted SOOO bland - I had to put salt on it - THREE times. Unacceptable. There was so much lettuce and greasy grilled onions on the sandwich that I had to remove some of the extras just to see and taste the meat. And then I couldn't even taste the cheese... I kept burping onions all afternoon, and I only remember the sandwich as being the most boring meat sandwich. Only the bread was good and next time I'll skip all the extras (just getting the steak and cheese - no onions) and then I'll see how "seasoned" the steak really is... If I decide to go back... -
Review from Kim D.
Orange, CA
5/12/2010
From California and hungry for a cheesesteak sandwich. We YELP'ed about where to go find something good. This is where we chose. We had to walk about 1/4 mile to this place. We took the Metro to Braddock Road and then had a nice walk over. Under the metro, around the school and voila, you are there.
Rating: 4.5 stars
Ambiance: not much to speak of. It has tables but more like a place where you can grab a yummy sandwich and go. The things are HUGE so if you order a large, it is like having at least 12 inches each! So that is huge! Who eats a 24 inch sandwich?
We got the cheesesteak with provolone. They asked if we wanted lettuce, tomato, mayo and we said sure! It was "TO DIE FOR".
Sandwich: Bread = fresh and amazing
Beef: tender, flavorful, moist, no fat
Extra: fresh and tasty
This is a great sandwich and if you find yourself in the area you should do yourself the favor and stop. Your tummy will be glad you did. You will hate yourself for not living in Alexandria when you get THAT craving because I know I have one coming on and I leave in a few days back to Cali!
Maybe I can get one the day I leave... hmmm? -
Review from Michelle B.
Alexandria, VA
3/27/2010
I am obsessed with great cheesesteaks. My hubby and I actually drove to Philadelphia just to try the different famous places that sell yummy cheesesteaks.
By far, Al's is the only place in the DMV area where you can get a good cheesesteak for the size and price. Their cheesesteaks are bigger than most I've found in Philly. That being said, they only get four stars because they are very skimpy on the cheese. Make sure you ask them for extra cheese.
Oh! And DEFINITELY order the pepper jammers. They are awesome with the cheesesteaks!!! -
Review from Samantha E.
Alexandria, VA
2/19/2011
Al's has been around for over 55 years and they know exactly what they are doing. I ordered a medium steak and egg sub to split with my sister and we were both stuffed with just eating our halves. It is absolutely loaded with meat and quite delicious. Not too much seating inside but many people call ahead and just pick up their orders. Just a warning, your eyes may catch fire while in here. We had to step out for a but while they were preparing our food because are eyes were literally watering from the onion in the air.
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Review from Chuq Y.
4/23/2008
Perhaps the hype was too much.
Had the mushroom steak today for lunch and it was good. I'm not sure if it's the best outside of Philly though.
I have a few problems with it:
Got the mushroom steak (I ordered with American Cheese) and it didn't seem to have much cheese on it. I can't remember even tasting the cheese, but I did eat it quickly as if someone was going to steal it from me.
I got it to go and brought it back to my office, which inevitably led to much of the grease soaking into the "oh so soft and yummy" bread (which isn't a bad thing at all), but it was a little cold. That one was my fault, so I'll have to go back and eat there someday at 1 of the 4 or so tables.
Service was fine although the cashier could speak up a little. There are pictures of famous people on the wall, but I didn't recognize any of the ones I looked at. Al's apparently also sponsors or takes part in a softball league judging by the number of trophies on one of the shelves.
All in all, I will definitely go back and make sure that I have time to eat there, so if I forget the peppers (again), I can just walk up and grab some out of the giant jar by the register. -
Review from william a.
Alexandria, VA
Updated - 2/17/2010
Still love this place. Great big sandwiches that fill you up.
By the way for all the people from Phillie saying that the original steak and cheese has Whiz on it. Your city has been making these sandwiches since the 1930's . Whiz didn't come along until the 1950's so lay off the guy for not using whiz.Listed in: Top Restaurants
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/5/2008
I love this place. The steak subs are huge and they taste great.
Whether they are as good as a… Read more »
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