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Dalessandro's Steaks
Category: Restaurants Sandwiches Sandwiches [Edit]
600 Wendover StPhiladelphia, PA 19128
Neighborhood: Roxborough
(215) 482-5407
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 11 am - 12 am
Sun 11 am - 9 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
Thomas M. said: "I went to Campo's with my family after a quick trip to Independence Hall. It hit the spot! The staff was extremely friendly. It is a family run, quaint little place about 3 blocks down Market St. from the Liberty Bell. We ordered…" read more »
231 reviews for Dalessandro's Steaks
Review Highlights
"So far the best cheesesteak I've had in Philly."
(in 29 reviews)
"But they do have beer - unlike Pat's or Geno's."
(in 16 reviews)
"The "whiz" cheese was cooked with the meat and were a..."
(in 25 reviews)
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231 reviews in English
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Review from Alison D.
Garner, NC
2/8/2012
The best steak in Philly...period.
You get the classic counter service experience without the rudeness, esp. if you are a first timer and need a little guidance.
I am a strange bird who prefers a chicken to a steak, but both are excellent here, and I've tried several places, including Chubby's across the street.
Don't skip the cherry pepper relish on the counter, esp. if you like it spicy. -
Review from Gary N.
Bronx, NY
1/29/2012
The only thing bad I can say about this place is that when I lived in Philadelphia, it wasn't open on Sundays.
THIS is what a Philly Cheesesteak is people. You go in, make your order and enjoy it either at the counter or at your next destination. Dalessandro's Steaks are great for dinners and great for sporting events. If they start shipping to New York City, they will have a regular customer in me again.
Needless to say, on my next trip to the Illadelph, ny first stop will be in Roxborough--even if it's on a Sunday.
Lucky Philadelphians... -
Review from Rachel L.
Temple City, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
Forewarning: I've never had a cheesesteak before until Dalessandro's... so this is my first impression on philly cheesesteaks
I was out in Philadelphia last week for an interview, and decided to hit up a popularly yelped philly cheesesteak place. Took a bus there from my hotel and I was surprised that it was in such a residential looking area. The place was pretty full for a late weekday night, but sat at the counter after we ordered. I definitely did not order correctly. I went with steak/mushrooms/onions (no cheese, SUPER REGRET, because I was sick and didn't feel the dairy). My bf had steak/cheese/mushrooms/onions/hot & sweet peppers. His was 100x better than mine. I made him switch with me halfway because I was unhappy with mine.
Definitely get cheese (I seriously don't know what I was thinking that night). Without the cheese my sandwich fell apart in one bite. All the steak and mushrooms/onions fell out of my bun and my bun fell apart :(
Oh and during my interview the next day, I mentioned that I went to Dalessandros the night before and my interviewer said it was THE place for philly cheesesteaks. She said that Ginos/Pats were more touristy. -
Review from Vince V.
San Diego, CA
2/9/2012
I've tried Philly's best cheese steak shops and this place is tops. They chop the steak real fine here, like Jim's but maybe a bit finer. The main difference is that Dalessandro's steak maintains it's juiciness even with the finely chopped texture. It's chopped so fine, it's borderline a meat spread. But that's a good thing. Service was fast and friendly. It's mainly counter seating inside with a few tables inside and out. This shop is on the corner of Henry and Wendover. Only two vacant spaces to park in front on Henry, with more spaces across the street near Chubby's. Look for parking on Wendover unless you want to end up parking on a hill (Henry Ave).
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Review from David C.
Philadelphia, PA
1/6/2012
To this day, these are the best cheesesteaks I have ever tasted. I got a taste of this amazing place while at work in Germantown. My boss ordered out all for the office all the time, but one day he was craving Dalessandro's. Puzzled at the name, I agreed to try it. My first order happened to be a Chicken Cheesesteak. Absolutely delicious, just the right amount of chicken, cheese, and onions. Like they always say, you got to make a good first impression. Well, Dalessandro's definitely did just that because the following week, I ordered a regular cheesesteak and enjoyed every last bit of it.
My suggestion: Bypass the hype of Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's. Give Dalessandro's a try. It is also tourist friendly so you don't have to rush and get yelled while ordering. -
Review from Mallory D.
Philadelphia, PA
1/6/2012
Maybe because I am Italian, or maybe because I have lived in Philly my entire life, but I am a firm believer that a sandwich is only as good as the roll it is placed on. For that reason (and a few others) I am completely underwhelmed by Dalessandro's. Sure, the cheesesteak is huge, but due to its mass and the crappy roll it completely fell apart about two bites in.
As other posters have mentioned your meat comes from a communal heap on their little meat cooker thing. It tastes more like a roast beef sandwich than a cheesesteak.
The service here is way nicer than other cheesesteak joints in the city. Plus, they sell beer which is nice. But all in all, not the best. -
Review from Edward F.
Philadelphia, PA
12/19/2011
Let me start by saying that this steak is in my in my top 5 but it's clearly not the best. For starters they aren't made to order and that giant pile of meat on the grill gets dried out sitting there. I think people confuse portion with quality-this is a huge portion of food and the best value for your dollar but the ribeye steak isn't the same grade as Chinks or Steve's who also cut their meat fresh daily. This is also a reason why the steak is "chopped" in many restaurants instead of cooking in pieces/slices like Chinks or Steve's.
Other pluses are you can add a beer with your steak, good toppings and friendly staff.
Negatives-small space and if you are eating in you have someone's butt in your face. No fries, no shakes, no chocolate sodas. Limited parking.
My top 5-
1. Chinks
2. Steve's Prince of Steaks
3. Frusco's
4. Schmitter from McNally's
5. Dalessandro's -
Review from P H.
Astoria, NY
12/26/2011
These are, overall, the best cheesesteaks I have had in Philly. It's a much more dignified brand of steak than say Gino's, Pat's or Jim's. At Dalessandro's, you actually sit down at a counter and they take your order. They don't scare the crap out of your for effect. You get it exactly the way you want it and you don't ever feel stupid about asking a question.
With that said, let's not get away from the quality of the product - which is superb. There are plenty of fixins for you to choose from - not that these steak need them - and you are never rushed to eat and get out. The quality of the ingredients and preparation are second to none.
Oh, yes, and they actually make you feel welcome and want you to come back. You will find A LOT of regulars. When I have been there, I have observed police, firemen, and ambulance workers. When the locals eat there regularly, you know it's good. IMO, nothing else is able to stand up to this standard. -
Review from Dave G.
Elkins Park, PA
1/23/2012
The steaks are chopped up extremely fine and as for the bread well the sandwich is really really soggy. Out of all the POP cheesesteak places this is my least favorite. I think MOST people like it because it is a well established place to like.
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Review from Jeffrey F.
Jenkintown, PA
1/20/2012
Has been my favorite for 20 years
Perfect combo of roll,meat, ad gooey cheese
A must try if you are a cheesesteak aficionado -
Review from d'N'L m.
Brooklyn, NY
Updated - 11/15/2011 3 photos
It's a huge beautiful thing, these cheesesteaks are.. I am really happy for my cholesterol and general well being that, i live approximately 100 miles away from this place..
You walk in and the place is tiny.. There is a long counter that perhaps seats 12.. There is one long communal picnic table against the window.. There is enough room for people to stand between the tables and the counter so they can place their order.
They do not have fries.. They have beer, lots of beer, and they have a pretty amazing drink list.. I ordered the P-Dutch Birch Beer..
The steak is Ribeye believe.. You can hear a steady hacking sound that is taking place behind a wall where the grill lies.. There is no deep fryer no french fries..
The steaks do not come salted unless you, so ordered yours with salt and black pepper..
Besides the bounty of really nice meat and the wonderfully soft bread,the kicker ,are the several jars filled with various pickled pepper.. They are all great and added texture and that vinegary tint which breaks up the grease..
It's definitely where we come when we get within 20 miles of the place.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/8/2009
Was in Philly this weekend and had the chance to try a place that has been on my list for years..… Read more »
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Review from Cece B.
Philadelphia, PA
1/7/2012
This is the best steak place in Philly as far as I'm concerned. Forget Pat's and Gino's. (Pat's is great if you're in S. Philly but Gino's is just hype) Dalessandro's is always just the way you order it, the staff is friendly, and did I mention the steaks are great?!?!?!
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Review from Tiffany S.
Highland Park, NJ
10/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
How do you identify yourself as a tourist here? Order a Philly cheesesteak instead of just asking for a cheesesteak. I made this amateur mistake and instantly felt the shame, but the waitress resisted making a face. Props to her. Service was fast and decent.
Got a (philly) cheesesteak with provolone and caramelized onions. The bits with cheese were pretty darn good, but after picking those chunks out, the steak was kinda dry and bland. The bread was ok. I also had local birch beer, which was tasty. But the pulled pork sandwich I had from Nick's (not too far away) was the clear winner between the two.
I spent a lot of time researching where to get 'the best' cheesesteak, and this place was supposed to be the one. I wasn't that impressed - just an average sandwich. Maybe that's just my taste preference... -
Review from Shawn R.
11/16/2011
MY FAVORITE CHEESESTEAK IN PHILLY.
I don't think this review needs anything more. I am a firm believer that the argument over your favorite cheesesteak comes down to whether you like real or fake cheese. I prefer real cheese as to that fake cheese can garbage that clogs your arteries.
The location is not the best but if you are looking to swing by and grab some cheesesteaks then this is the perfect place for you. Otherwise, do your best to find a parking spot and grab a seat at the booth and enjoy! -
Review from Peter L.
1/6/2012 1 Check-in Here
Better steaks than Pat's or Geno's at a much lower price. Great hoagies too. The place is small and tends to get very crowded. Nothing compliments a Dalessandro's steak like a Yuengling, but there is an endless selection of other brews available too. A great place to unwind, enjoy great food and company, and catch a Flyers game.
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Review from Steve G.
Union, NJ
12/31/2011
(2.50 stars) By a narrow margin over Jim's, Dalessandro's offered the best cheesesteaks I have had in Philly. Although it is completely over-processed, actually chopped, the beef is moist, well seasoned, largely free of gristle and is discernibly rib eye. Equally impressive is Dalessandro's use of real cheese. They're impossibly crowded, but offer counter service and a genuine awareness of customer service skills.
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Review from Jason H.
Cambridge, MA
9/25/2011
Ask a non-Philadelphian where to go in Philly to get a cheesesteak, they'll tell you to hit Pat's or Geno's. Wrong. Sometimes they'll say try Jim's. Wrong! Well, alright, Jim's is decent.
Someone who knows the landscape should send you here. It's off the beaten path, but totally worth it. Dallesandro's provides the right meat (diced variety, if that matters to you ) and bread combination. Meat is plentiful, as it should be, but not TOO abundant to overwhelm. Many toppings are available - I tend to go standard with onions (perfectly caramelized), but a friend always gets his with marinara, which is amazing. Addition of beer in the past few years was a major upgrade - but for all interested, this is a good place to get your Black Cherry Wishniak fix, somewhat hard to come by!
If you come at major mealtimes, expect to wait - lunch and dinnertime during the week can take upwards of 30min-1hr. Come on a Saturday, where you'll get in and eating quickly at most times. Service is always honest and quick, as you'd expect from a small place. So sad that this type of sandwich can't be replicated in Boston, but one of these will cover my fix for months. -
Review from P L.
Ardmore, PA
1/3/2012
Don't believe the hype. Depending on how long the meat sat pre-made on the grill, you can get some steaks that are dry or sometimes a steak that just soaks the roll making it a soggy mess.
Instead, try Barry's, which is just a few blocks away. They deliver a much more consistently juicy and flavorful steak. -
Review from Eli G.
Probably my favorite cheese steak I've had in Philly.
This was the first of three I tried during my two day stay and it was so good we had it twice. Located across the street from another cheese steak shop (my next review), Dalessandro's had some of the nicest staff I've encountered in Philly. I ordered my usual, cheese steak with onions, whiz, and provolone.
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
When it came out I asked for hot peppers and the lady there was so proud that they make a few types of hot peppers all in house. Very cool! I tried them all and loved them all. The cheese steak was the perfect ration of bread to meat to cheese and the peppers elevated it to the right spice.
Another plus is their ridiculously long beer menu and since you can't find it in California, I had to get a Yuengling with my sandwich.
As I said, we loved it so much that we went back the next day for another. -
Review from Zach V.
10/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Cheap prices, fast service & good simple food. Dalessandro's is my go to spot to grab a cheesesteak before heading down to the sports complex.
They have a pretty decent beer selection and its all priced fairly cheap in my opinion. There are around 8-10 seats at the counter and a two very small tables on the outside walls. During the peak hours you can expect to be rubbing elbows with everyone. I think this adds to the local feel of this old school restaurant. There is parking on both sides of Henry ave but usually the easiest spot to park is on Wendover (one way street). -
Review from Jon C.
State College, PA
12/26/2011
After hearing alot of rave reviews about this place I went out of my way to visit.
I got a cheesesteak with onions and provolone. The cheese was good, bread was decent. The meat was chopped up a bit too much, therefore I was not able to taste enough meat flavor only the powdery texture which left me disappointed. Other than that the service was great, the lady that calls out the order reminds me of a late night radio disc jockey. -
Review from Hessam G.
Wyncote, PA
12/30/2011
It was my first cheesesteak experience in philly. to be honest I was expecting the mto be somewhat greasy and heavy, but they were not at all. so yummy and light, unbelievable. We ordered a steak hoagie and cheesesteak, no cheese on the hoagie. it was quick too. sat outside and enjoyed the sun. very nice environment and neighborhood. definitely go there again.
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Review from Charlie S.
Yardley, PA
10/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is one of the better cheesesteaks in Philadelphia...at minimum in the Top 5. I wouldn't go as far as to call it the "best" for a number of reasons, but it's damn good and here is why:
1. Tasty meat & proper use of cheese
2. Great variety of hot peppers at the counter (real hot peppers, not just the green ones that aren't really hot. I'm talking about crushed red peppers etc.)
3. Great bread
My only complaint is the bread is a bit too soft and the cheesesteak falls apart too easily. In other words, I'm not complaining about the taste, I'm complaining that the taste isn't really portable. If I have time to sit at the counter, I'm eating here. -
Review from Philip H.
Northbrook, IL
10/25/2011
Going into the place, it just looks like a local dingy place that has made it big. It's loaded with people everywhere and you have to basically swim to the counter to order. This has been the case each of the 3 times I've been here.
The portions on the steak are fantastic. When I go get a cheesesteak at some places, I always have that wish it was just a tad bit larger but I never feel that way here. My gf can never finish the last couple of bites. I ordered the hot peppers once but I feel like hot peppers clash with the gooey cheesesteak goodness. The one complaint I have is that it's just not cheesey enough but that's because of the copious amounts of steak on it.
Quantity will always endear a place to my heart. Even if it's not the best quality. -
Review from Paul L.
New York, NY
12/19/2011
There is simply no better cheese steak on this earth. I hear the chicken steak is good, but I'm always too distracted by the thought of a steak to order one.
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Review from Scott G.
Philadelphia, PA
10/28/2011
Just great! The way the cheese (the isn't whiz!) is melted over the steak makes it perfect.
The way to go: Call Ahead, but remember it wont be cold and waiting for you. They put your ticket to the front of the line when you show up. Order double cheese and fried onion. -
Review from Rick L.
Philadelphia, PA
10/26/2011
Roll - 9.0 out of 10 - Solid Roll
Steak - 9.5 out of 10 - Excellent steak which is diced and is not very
Cheese to Steak Ratio - 3 to 1 - I know that sounds weird but I hate a steak that has way to much cheese or not enough. I think the ratio was spot on.
All in all it is one of the best steaks in town. The size was also awesome. I am a fairly big eater and did not finish the steak lightly. One of the top three steaks in the city. -
Review from Bill M.
Philadelphia, PA
12/13/2011
I stopped in, as this is one of the better places in the area for cheesesteaks, the other night. When I arrived, the place was fairly empty, so I figured I would get my food somewhat quickly. After waiting about twenty minutes I received my food, and practically swallowed it whole. The cheesesteaks are definitely not the best I have ever had, but they are probably of the best in the roxborough area. I would suggest getting the fried onions with the peppers, although I know that is not all that creative.
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Review from Diana H.
6/16/2011 2 photos
It might be the only cheesesteak I have ever had in Philly but I can not
imagine trying one that is much better!
We went at 4pm before driving back to New York and there was no wait, we got served in a matter of minutes. I asked from provolone and the hubby got it with Cheddar (I liked the Cheddar better) and we devoured it.
I really liked the beer selection they had for a small place with limited seating.
The funny thing was is that at the end (we finished it all) neither of us felt too full or like we had just eaten a cow, we were very comfortable and I think the reason for that and the ultimate reason why I gave it a 5 star rating is because it was not greasy at all.
I would def. come back here again. -
Review from Mike Z.
Philadelphia, PA
7/19/2011
lets keep this short. Best cheesesteak you will ever eat. If you are a tourist, skip pats, skip genos, and also skip whiz all together... it ruins the taste of the entire steak.
go here, get the cherry hot peppers, and maybe even stick around for dessert. -
Review from Mark P.
Spring, TX
8/22/2011
I flew from Houston to Philly and took a cheesesteak tour. I don't know what it is about food up north (no offense) but it tends to be pretty plain and dry. I get why people who leave Houston always say they miss the food (bbq, tex-mex etc). So aside from the fact that I believe if you thinly sliced ribeye and grill or griddle with onions, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then put it on a hogie roll or bolleo bun with either chili con queso, cheese whiz or provelone- that you will end up with a cheesesteak better than any that the blander Philly has to offer.
That said, this was actually a pretty good cheesesteak. The flavor of the ribeye and the roll came through well. They use provelone and it was awesome as well. They are great at grilling onions and they stop right when they carmelize. It was good enough that when my friend flew up there next day, I took him there too and it was awesome again!.
Very friendly staff, its a fair part of town, but fun to hang out at the tables outside, listen to the locals talk Eagles football, and watch the neighbors in the row houses next door enjoying the weather. -
Review from Tom H.
Annapolis, MD
11/15/2011
I've eaten here since I was a kid and no matter where else I go for a cheesesteak there is none better than "Delies".
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Review from Dan D.
Glenside, PA
7/19/2011
Weird place. Sometimes the food is really good, sometimes it is not so great. Apparently it consistently is changing ownership.
They give you a lot of meat, but sometimes the meat is a bit dry. Chubby's across the street may be a 'safer' choice. It's one of those places that when it's at its best, it can compete with anyone in cheese steak land. Unfortunately, you never know when that is. -
Review from Sennett L.
Los Angeles, CA
7/5/2011
So, after driving through NY/NJ, we definately had to stop by philly to get a real cheesesteak. I had recommendations to go to Pats / Ginos / Jims... but my buddy said his local PA friends recommended this place.
We ended up here and got served fairly quickly and the lady at the counter was very nice. I was actually quite surprised to see the steak all chopped up into bits and pieces... I'm not sure if this is something that a lot of cheesesteak places do it but it was kind of weird.
Of course we ordered our steaks with wiz and while it was decent, i wasn't amazed. I definately walked out of there full and happy but couldn't help but think, maybe we should've tried one of the more "famous" spots.
So, I wanted to give 2.5 stars but i had to lean towards the 2 stars.
Maybe my expectations were too high? maybe there wasn't enough cheese wiz in the sandwich? maybe we should've gone elsewhere to experience a true philly cheese steak..? -
Review from Sean R.
Manhattan, NY
9/17/2011 1 photo
My new title at work has me in Philly quite a bit. I was excited to come here for the 1st time and have a genuine Philly Cheesesteak at Gino's or Pat's. Honestly I was thoroughly disappointed until a true Philadelphian took me here. WOW cheesesteaks weren't loaded down with crap cheese wiz and service was fantastic. The Cheesesteak was amazing. Absolutely the beat I've had.
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Review from Anne W.
4/27/2011
No frills place.. that took forever to get to from the city but wow!!!
They only take cash but rest assure, they have an atm inside. It's kind of half diner.. half take out. The lady at the counter is pretty great in telling you what she recommends. She packs sauce or peppers if you want to...
This is a really good cheesesteak that we enjoyed the entire drive back to Boston. You probably should work out extensively after you eat this though. :) -
Review from lysa p.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Honestly, I was disappointed. The meat was dry and there was hardly any cheese. Boring and not worth the wait or the far drive!
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Review from Jea L.
Philadelphia, PA
9/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
not sure if i wrote a review yet but i dont care. i love this place.
servers are pretty friendly. wish there were more seats available to dine-in. beer selection is small but decent. ribeye is always overflowing. -
Review from Nick C.
Hinsdale, IL
9/12/2011
Best Cheesesteak sandwich I've ever had. The "whiz" cheese was cooked with the meat and were a perfect balance. The bread didn't overtake the sandwich either. Eat inside and try all the different peppers and sauces to eat with the sandwich. Awesome service as well! Even if you are from out of town.
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Review from Andrew J.
Los Angeles, CA
11/10/2011
Delassandro's is right up the street from my house, and when a friend came to town I looked online for the best cheesesteak places in Philly and I was delighted to see this local joint in the top 5 on many of the lists!
I was more satisfied when I ate there. First, the staff is great, they are friendly and they get to know you quick. They are very accommodating to you even if its your first time in there. Seond, you can sit down at the counter, and talk to the people next to you - everyone is friendly. another good thing is that we were able to order a beer with our steaks - great bonus! Then the food itself was delicious, the steak had lots of meat, cut well, with good seasoning and bite, the bread was good also.
All in all, I've eaten there 4-5 times now, and tried everything from the steaks to the turkey to the Italian sandwich, and I haven't been disappointed yet. Delassandro's is always open when I'm hungry, and always good when I need a meal.
