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Anvil's Cheesesteaks
Category: Restaurants Cheesesteaks Cheesesteaks [Edit]
Swift Creek Shopping Center2893 Jones Franklin Rd
Raleigh, NC 27606
(919) 854-0558
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 8 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
15 reviews for Anvil's Cheesesteaks
Review Highlights
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"A roast pork, provolone, sauteed spinach and pepper..." In 2 reviews -
"...good portions and high quality ingredients makes Anvil's a..." In 2 reviews -
"These are no Geno's or Pat's - but we would have to drive a..." In 2 reviews
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15 reviews in English
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Review from Khang P.
Raleigh, NC
4/5/2012
I tried this place for lunch since its close to where I work and I'm very glad I found this little gem. It's a small little place with only a handful of tables and it's clear after looking around that it's family owned. There's a good selection of different sandwiches but the cheesesteak is very good. I tried the hot cheesesteak that has hot peppers and the name wasn't joking. It's hot but very good. I'm definitely coming back for more.
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Review from Alison D.
Garner, NC
4/25/2012
It's hard to rate any "Cheesesteak" place outside of Philly above a 2 or 3, but Anvil's gets high marks. The owner is definitely a Philly native and knows what he's doing, even if it can never be just the same as an authentic steak.
First off, they are super friendly and accomodating to kids. When the counter waitress noticed that our son wasn't eating much she brought him some saltines to munch on. They also keep a little basket of cute toys for kids to take with them...it was really sweet. In fact, the thing most lacking from the "Authentic" Philly steak shop experience is the rudeness. The staff is SUPER nice and accomodating.
My chicken steak was decent. The only thing different from Philly is that the grill hasn't been used long enough to get quite the same seasoning, and the bread, while good and locally sourced, will never be as good as whatever crack rolls they make in Philly/NJ.
The next time I go, I am definitely trying the roast pork. I love a good roast pork...I missed in on the menu b/c I was so set on getting a steak, and I was kind of sad I didn't get one and do halvsies with my husband.
Oh well, that's why there is a next time! -
Review from Steve P.
Chapel Hill, NC
3/28/2012
Awesome cheesesteaks! Can't say enough about how good the food quality is, including the bread. I'm partial to the Pepper Steak(especially with the hot peppers). As a former sandwich creator for a NY deli, i really appreciate the construction of their sandwhiches. Good stuff in every bite!
Another great mom and pop place that puts your favorite chain to shame! You won't be disappointed! -
Review from Greg O.
Morrisville, NC
5/14/2012
Just writing this review is making me salivate and want to woof down a couple cheesesteaks. This is definitely what this area needed. Growing up in NJ I had cheesesteaks pretty much on the days I wasn't eating pizza. First, I like the shop. It's small, clean, and the owners are friendly. I just wish it was closer. I had a few versions of the cheesesteak and the garlic roast pork. I couldn't choose which is better, both perfectly done and on great bread, which makes any sandwich. Provolone, roasted red peppers, garlic, and sauteed spinach - can it get any better? Oh, they have PA Dutch Birch Beer. I grew up on it and used to bring home with me cases of it when I'd go visit. It matches perfectly with anything there.
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Review from Ron W.
Yeah, it may not be Philly but Anvil's does a VERY nice cheesesteak! Finally came back for a repeat visit and had 1/2 a cheesesteak and 1/2 a pork sandwich. Whoa, they are making the steaks cheesier per my earlier mention which totally balances out the sandwich. The pork sandwich was also very good with melted provolone and spinach. Pretty sure they typically use broccoli di rabe which might be better but who am I to complain?
Great prices, good portions and high quality ingredients makes Anvil's a very nice lunch stop. Don't miss out on this little shop, they're doing good things with their sammiches...Listed in: The Art of the Sandwich, Cheap Eats in the Triangle
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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6/16/2010
Cheesesteaks are one of those regional specialties that I occasionally get huge cravings for and… Read more »
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Review from Lea A.
Cary, NC
2/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
My mother was visiting and the both us had a taste for cheesesteaks. I remember finding Anvil's on Yelp so decided to give it a try. We had the cheesesteak hoagie..steak cheese, lettuce, tomato, oil & vinegar, shaved onions and oregano. At first bite I noticed the freshness of the roll; however, the taste was just ok. My mom said that her hoagie was dry so she added mayo and ketchup...personally I don't care for either condiments so I just settled for what I had...I was expecting a hot..dripping with cheese and fat goodness, but it was just ok. The staff was very friendly and just for that reason and the lovely bread I will be back...next time I will just order the regular cheesesteak with grilled onions and extra provolone cheese..yum!
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Review from Marc C.
8/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
I visited Anvil's Cheese steaks with a couple of co-workers and we all left happy!
I'm not from Philly or NYC so, I can't comment on the authenticity of the cheese steaks but, I can say that they were very tasty.
We all had the classic cheese steak with onions. The bread (which is freshly baked) was excellent. It had a nice light crust. The steak was excellent. The sandwich could have used more onions tho...
I enjoyed the house made red potato salad and think that it is some of the best in the area. The potatoes were cooked just right and it had nice sized veggie chunks in it.
It is definitely a "fast foodie" place and not fancy. However, if you want a good cheese steak at a fair price, this might be your place! -
Review from Kim R.
Raleigh, NC
mmm... cheesesteak.
Thankfully, they were open! We got there and the doors were locked, but they quickly opened up and we got to taste this goodness!
My husband and I both ordered a cheesesteak 'witout' and with American cheese. These are no Geno's or Pat's - but we would have to drive a lot further to get those and they are by far the best in the Raleigh area.
The chip bags are very big for a "sandwich" place - more like a "grab bag" size instead of a school cafeteria size. Where do they get sour cream and onion Utz chips that aren't ripples? I need (want) to have those more often!
The staff (owners?) were very friendly! -
Review from Ann H.
11/23/2010 ROTD 2/17/2011
Yum! I've never been much of a cheesesteak sandwich person, but if the real thing is anything like these, I may have to rethink my position.
I've been by twice now with friends and have been completely won over. First with the Portobello mushroom, the only non-meat offering on the menu other than the kids grilled cheese, and then with the garlic roast pork.
Anvil's is hidden in the small shopping center it shares with other relatively small businesses but worth looking for and finding. The garlic roast pork, with its spinach, roasted red peppers and provolone was served on a soft roll. It's difficult to describe the taste -- but clean seems to work -- the light spices and the roasted red peppers never overpowered the flavors of the meat. The meat itself was tender, unlike some where it seems like you're chewing a piece of wood.
The portobello mushroom was made with roasted red peppers (I'm beginning to develop a whole new appreciation for them) , cheese, and onions, but the balsamic vinegar is exactly what was needed to set off the flavors.
It's not health food, but sometimes you just have to say "so what?" and go with it. The sandwiches are huge and I wish they could cut them in half to make them easier to eat; but then, as my cheesesteak aficionado friends tell me, that takes away from the whole cheesesteak experience. -
Review from Erica L.
Raleigh, NC
9/15/2011
They do nothing but cheese steaks, which is a great thing! The cheese steaks are delicious and the perfect amount to fill you up. The staff is what makes it the best, they are sweet and seem to love what they do, making the experience that much better. I would say... this place is a must try! I know I am going back :)
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Review from Josh L.
Apex, NC
11/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Legit cheesesteaks at a reasonable price and they sell Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer!
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Review from Barry L.
Raleigh, NC
6/28/2010 1 Check-in Here
There is a place in Reading Terminal in Philadelphia called Dinic's. They make cheesesteaks, of course, like so many others. But what they're known for is a roast pork, provolone, and broccoli rabe sandwich...a sandwich so good that many have said they'd swear off cheesesteaks forever just to eat it.
I've never been to Dinic's. I've never been to Reading Terminal. But I watch A LOT of FoodTV and Travel Channel, and Dinic's (and their sublime pork sandwich) comes up a lot. I've wanted one for a long time, but its never been worth traveling hundreds of miles just to eat one.
Today, my friend Alex and I finally made it to Anvil's Cheesesteaks. I should say...I get obsessive about new places that I expect to love. I think about my order for days prior. I stare at the menu on the website, planning every iota of my meal experience. But then...
On the actual menu at Anvil's is one sandwich that's not on the website! A roast pork, provolone, sauteed spinach and pepper sandwich...almost like the one from Dinic's...only better, because I much prefer spinach to broccoli rabe. My planning, gone. As I type this, I don't honestly remember what I'd planned on getting. I simply knew, I was finally going to have a Philadelphia style roast pork sandwich.
People...hear me on this one...it is AWESOME. Its juicy, its SUPER flavorful. Its very much the sub of my dreams. The bread is great. Everything is made fresh, so its steaming hot when it gets to the table.
Anvil and his wife know what's good. They do sandwiches, chips, and drinks. No reason to confuse things. The one suggestion I'd make... they should cut the sandwiches in half. Besides that, I'm sold. I'm already thinking about my next trip. Oh pork sandwich...how I love you.
P.S. Alex said the cheesesteak was great too. If I were you, I'd take his word for it. He knows his cow. -
Review from Chip M.
Raleigh, NC
6/8/2011
In the last few years, we had made the pilgrimage hajj twice to the Mecca of cheesesteaks, Philadelphia, and were drawn into the entire mystique and ritual of the classic cheesesteak 'hole-in-the-wall' type of places (Jim's and Pat's). We even used Yelp to explore and find a place on the north side of town, Dalessandro's, nestled into an old Italian neighborhood, which was an interesting adventure into a historical part of town. Once you've had a cheesesteak in Philly, you know what the rave is all about.
I recently started a new job, and in the kitchen I noticed a flyer for a restaurant called 'Anvil's', (the name being a curioisity in and of itself), and that they were a 'cheesesteak' purveyor. I'd sort of forgotten about it, until driving around a few weeks later, exploring the 'neighborhood' at lunch for something new to try, I pulled into a non-descript shopping center to look and then turn-around. As I drove in to the far side of the parking lot, I noticed Anvil's, which I then remembered seeing the flyer for, so I decided to check it out.
I received a nice greeting from the friendly owners, who were patient while I struggled making a decision for my 'first' at their establishment. The menu board has a good selection to choose from, without being overwhelming. While I really leaned toward a 'classic' cheesesteak, I caved to my weakness, the 'pizza steak'. What a fantastic sandwich.
What about the 'whiz', you might ask. At first, I was pretty surprised when I asked for a regular cheesesteak wit 'whiz', and told they didn't have it. I mean after all, here was a real cheesesteak shop that had landed in Cary, and no Cheez-whiz?!?? After a little stammering on my part, I was gently guided by Anvil's wife to the white American cheese, as a much better yet still creamy alternative. (Cheez-whiz isn't really cheese at all. It's a gooey cheese food product, that comes in a #10 can). After some thought and reflection, watching the sandwich being made, and then eating it, I get it. Here's a place that has gone out of its way to use quality ingredients, select their meat, slice it themselves (is there any other way?), has a decent Italian roll (from Neomonde's - high points), and craft a sandwich with passionate care. To slather Cheez-whiz on, would be like using Miracle Whip(both made by Kraft), instead of a real quality mayonnaise on a eight dollar deli sandwich. You just don't do it.
This restaurant was a long time in the planning, and their pride in the operation shows. The place is clean, unpretentious, yet homey and welcoming. Anvil's family is not new to the business, and I came to understand his and his wife's desire to open a place like this. Leaving the snow and cold of Chicago, they relocated here to North Carolina. Now you can have your cheesesteak and eat it too!
PS: Be sure to ask about the family photo on the wall from 1941. -
Review from Joe K.
Fuquay-Varina, NC
6/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
about time one of the local "cheesesteak" joints finally got it right. fact is...ALL of the "cheesesteak" places down here suck. yeah. i said it-
sorry, (sorta) it's my native keystone state shining through. southern hospitality? yea, not so much. my cheesesteak was perfect....just how i remembered it, back when i was growing up in pa. when they ask "provolone, or white american".... the correct answer should be white american....but, i'll let you figure that out on your own. the potato salad was quite possibly the best potato salad i've ever had. this place is legit, all the way. great price, great food, great service. you can tell that they really know the deal. i can't wait to get back for my next cheesesteak.
(notice, the lack of quotes) -
Review from David F.
Cary, NC
6/11/2010
This is as close to the Real Thing that I have found. I'm always on the lookout for a good cheesesteak and now I have found a great one. Large portions and very tasty. Grilled onions, sauce, birch beer make me long for home.
Family run place located in the same shopping center as Barry's Cafe which has the best burger in the area. Highly recommended!
