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Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants Cheesesteaks Sandwiches, Cheesesteaks [Edit]
3060 Duke StAlexandria, VA 22314
(703) 461-7878
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 11 am - 10 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
Jeffery W. said: "This was my first visit, and I was delighted to find a very nice breakfast buffet (omelet and waffle, with most everything else). It's a nice mom-and-pop place, and very convenient in terms of location. The Royal is really a diner at…" read more »
35 reviews for Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory
Review Highlights
"Staff was friendly, helpful, and prompt."
(in 3 reviews)
"...if I work late, to pick up cheesesteaks and fries(it's my..."
(in 3 reviews)
"...version of this, and, to me, it was Heaven on a hoagie."
(in 4 reviews)
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Steven J.
Washington, DC
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
Authentic winged insects flying around. Average customer service. I used my $20 for $10 Groupon. Chicken cheesesteak was pretty good. Cheese fries were a bit soggy though, and seating was scarce. Next time I go back, I will get it to go.
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Review from Jennifer L.
Middleton, WI
11/6/2011
I know the background of this place says it was started by two Philly natives, but I have to agree with other reviews that these aren't what you'd get in Philly or even anywhere else in PA.
They're about half the size to start with, and they don't have as much cheese or peppers, it's mostly just meat.
The meat has more of a ground beef texture and taste than any Philly cheesesteak I've had in PA or anywhere else.
BUT, quick delivery and decent for what it is, plus it's better than a lot of the other food (especially delivery) that you can get in this area.
They did forget one of the sandwiches when I ordered, but they brought it over super quick.
The mozzarella sticks were decent, but not worth the nearly $7 price, so stick to the sandwiches if you're going to order here, but keep in mind that it's about half of what you'd get from the same order in Pennsylvania. -
Review from d. h.
Alexandria, VA
10/25/2011
A native Philadelphian would have started a riot over what I received via delivery last night.
I'd never ordered from the restaurant before, so of course, I expected that the sub would be a normal-sized cheesesteak. Wrong. What I received was barely an inch and a half wide. Although it had a decent amount of meat in it (for its size) it was probably a third of the size of a cheesesteak you've had anywhere else. It was just meh---didn't have a lot of flavor. I felt cheated.
The onion rings were also not worth $2.99. I received about 7, and it just wasn't enough to justify the price. They were also lukewarm and needed reheating.
Delivery of pretty much anything in Alexandria is either hit or miss, and this definitely falls in the miss category. -
Review from Nicole G.
Alexandria, VA
12/20/2011 2 photos
The ordered arrived hot but the bread was a little soggy. Not great but I might order from them if I was in the mood for a hot sandwich and didn't feel like driving to Quiznos.
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Review from Maita B.
Arlington, VA
11/1/2011
Decent food but they need to get their act together. I ordered from grubhub with my normal order, and the order was put in for pick up, not delivery. When I called PCF, the employee who answered the phone rambled on and on about reasons why food wasn't delivered instead of taking initiative and fixing the problem. Even after the delivery fiasco was finished, they still messed up my order. No compensation was offered for the hassle and once again the delivery driver went on about excuses. Very poor service for decent food.
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Review from Maggie G.
Washington, DC
5/30/2011
I ordered the basic cheesesteak and french fries. The cheesesteak was lukewarm and nothing special for a restaurant claiming to specialize in them, and the fries were terrible. Cold, soggy, bland, and gummy.
When the delivery guy still hadn't shown up more than an hour after I placed my order online, I called the restaurant. The girl who answered the phone was super rude - didn't even take my name or order number, and just said the guy left a long time ago and would arrive soon. Umm, how do you know he'll arrive soon if you don't even ask for my information?
I won't be ordering from this place again, and recommend you save your money as well. -
Review from Heather C.
Alexandria, VA
10/13/2011
I had tried this place several years ago and wasn't too impressed. An instant Groupon came across for 1/2 off lunch so I decided to give it another try. They are definitely nothing special. Jerry's Subs and Pizza is much better. Not worth even half price.
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Review from Shani H.
Oxon Hill, MD
2/15/2011
As a native Illadelphian I can stamp this place. First thing you look for is the "sammich shop" using an Amoroso roll for the cheesesteaks? Yes this place does. Second, do they use cheese whiz? Yes they do. And the kicker for me is, do they have sweet peppers? Yup, yup.
I always get the same thing. A chicken cheese steak with american, whiz, fried onions, sweet peppers, and ketchup. Every time. And every time its hot, fresh, and super tasty! I always call my order in and its always ready in 10 minutes.
Check this place out! -
Review from Jandm l.
Reston, VA
9/23/2011
The place had bug traps in the bathrooms! It is a dirty and greasy place. The cheese steak was okay, a little on the dry side. The manager was telling the other worker that he made doughy pizzas and the worker said he didn't care because the customer did not complain. Needless to say, I did not have any pizza.
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Review from william a.
Alexandria, VA
4/13/2011
God I hope this isn't what a Philly Cheese Steak is suppose to taste like because if it is then the the reputation of a Cheese Steak is a myth.
I got a cheese steak with mushrooms and fried onions using provolone cheese, yeah yeah yeah Ive heard all about people using whiz but even in Philly there is debate about using it so don't rag on me about using it, and it had to be the saltiest thing Ive ever tasted. It was all most inedible it was so salty.
The only thing good about it was the roll. Nice tasty roll. Great I paid $7.00 for somewthing that tasted like a salt lick on a tasty roll. -
Review from Ralph F.
Alexandria, VA
8/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
To follow up with my previous comment about having items that you serve as part of your name (and those items better be outstanding), this place's cheesesteaks are pretty meh. They're good, but the pizza we got was better.
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Review from Timothy A.
Arlington, VA
8/15/2011
I may not be from Philly and I may not know what a Philly Cheesesteak is supposed to be, but I know that this was DAMN good food.
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Review from Amir S.
Gurnee, IL
9/15/2010
Had an intoxicating need for a great PHILLY CHEESESTEAK while in DC so I researched and found this place. Went there and was treated with a gastronomical wonder that closely resembled the legendary CHEESESTEAK of Pat's in Philly.
Took the CHEESESTEAK to my hotel in MD but my taste-buds couldn't help themselves. While driving towards my destination, temptation led me to peel the cover and take a small bite to satisfy that palette. Alas, that act was my mortal doom.
Pretty soon, the entire CHEESESTEAK was gone and resting in the bottom of my acid filled sack. What to do now that its gone? I know, I'll pick the scrap which carelessly fell into my cup holder of the rental car and the passerby won't suspect a thing.
Oh, what an experience you gave me PHILADELPHIA CHEESESTEAK FACTORY! -
Review from Courtney R.
Arlington, VA
10/14/2008
Overpriced, but good. I only order cheeseteaks O.G. fashion--cheese and onions and maybe some hot peppers on the side. I douse with ketchup while eating.
The rolls were good! Close to the Philly/Jersey style--soft and devoid of any nutrition, with just the right amount of resistance when you bite into them. The steak was greasy, but it was done well.
For the price the sandwich was small. Extra star for the neon "hoagies" sign.Listed in: Nut-friendly Jawns
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Review from Brad S.
Alexandria, VA
9/20/2008 6 Check-ins Here
Having grown up in South Philly I figured I had to give this place a whirl. It is, I believe, the newest of a chain in DC with about 3-5 other locations, one being on M Street in Georgetown.
POSITIVES: Good variety of appetizers and steak combination including chicken cheesesteak...large portions and varied toppings.
NEGATIVES: Price! A cheesesteak at Geno's or Pat's in Philly goes for about 7.00 these days, a cheesesteak here will set you back bout 8 bucks, which is ridiculous.
The sandwhiches are ok, not too greasey, have ample amount of steak, just be careful to note everything included as a topping ... call me old fashioned, but fired onions and cheese is all that should be on a cheesesteak...lettuce, tomato, green peper --- oh hell no.
I guess I just miss saying, "Cheesesteak wit" but if you want a fix and can't make it to Philly this place is an ok substitute. -
Review from Jenn N.
Alexandria, VA
12/18/2010
Had PCF for the first time tonight. We ordered the chicken cheesesteak and classic. The chicken cheesesteak was good (maybe 4 stars even) but the classic? The meat to cheese ratio, considering it's called a CHEESEsteak, just didn't do it for me. One slice of cheese does not a sandwich make.
I thought that they were made with whiz, but I guess not?! -
Review from Craig M.
Acton, MA
5/30/2007
Just like the others that have reviewed this PCF I'm stoked about its arrival in my area. There hours are great - open late to serve those of us who have a hankering for cheesesteak at 10 pm. The staff is friendly and will try to create any type of 'steak' you like. I would have to say that they need to cook their fries just a touch longer to make them more crispy. And the only major complaint i have about the cheesesteak themselves is that they don't use fresh peppers or mushrooms.... just the canned version. This tends to detract from the quality of your sandwich in the end.
Parking is adequate but somewhat confusing. Do you park on the side with Dunkin Donuts or in the Meineke parking lot. I've never really figured out which side is really parking for the PCF. However this by no means stops me from getting my hands on a good cheesesteak. I typically do an order ahead scenario because there are only 6 to 8 bar stool type seats to eat your food. But if you do decide to eat in, make sure its during the evening rush hour so those sitting in their cars on Duke St. waiting to merge onto Telegraph / 495 can be envious. -
Review from Jason M.
Alexandria, VA
10/18/2010
Living in Philadelphia for 26 years may make my review a bit bias; however, this place isn't too bad. The staff is friendly, and the food is prepared quickly. There is a large menu to choose from, but I typically order a plain cheesesteak and fries. The steaks are cooked right and the fries are served hot. This place doesn't compare to the Jim's and Steve's of Philadelphia, but I would take a cheesesteak from here any day over Pat's and Geno's in Philadelphia. The only knock I have against PCF is the sandwiches can be quite greasy, so by the time you get the sandwich home, the bread is soggy.
I typically call in my order and then go and pick it up, and it is always ready in 10 minutes as they tell you on the phone. -
Review from Amanda S.
Alexandria, VA
11/30/2007
What's not to like? Honestly- its a cheesesteak place! Its fast, yummy, cheap and filling. I sometimes stop here on my way home if I work late, to pick up cheesesteaks and fries(it's my hunny's favorite food!)
They are pretty nice, although at 8:30 at night the teenage boys working in the back tend to stare at any girl that walks in the door.
Plus- they customize your sandwich, just be careful, if you ask for a cheesesteak and don't specify, you might end up with all sorts of peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo! -
Review from Alicia P.
Alexandria, VA
6/28/2009
My boyfriend and I just tried this place, and we're hooked! I'd never really had a whole cheesesteak to myself, and I decided to get my first during a weekend trip to Philadelphia this weekend. We ate at South Philly's most famous (?), or should I say "hyped up" cheesesteak joint, Geno's, and we were sorely disappointed by the lack of flavor and crappy bread.
Anywho, this is a review of PCF! He had the cheesesteak with american, raw onions, lettuce, mayo, and hot sauce. I had the chicken cheesesteak version of this, and, to me, it was Heaven on a hoagie. Staff was friendly, helpful, and prompt. The prices were reasonable, and the menu pretty extensive.
We'll be sure to stop by this place again and again for the occasional less-than-super-healthy indulgence. ;) -
Review from Tony N.
Hayward, CA
9/4/2010
Stopped in about 11 AM on a Saturday, tried the Ultimate Cheesesteak with a Diet Coke. Sandwich was OK, but I'm not quite sure where the "cheese" was. Steak seemed a bit on the dry side, and the portion seemed a bit small. Not outrageously small where I felt I was getting cheated or anything, but perhaps a bit skimpy. Service was quick and staff was courteous, as to be expected when you're one of two customers in the store at the time...
Service = 3.5, Food = 2.5, Value = 2.5. Better than 2 stars but barely makes 3 stars in my book. Will I go back? Maybe to give them another chance, but I don't know that I would go out of my way to make a special trip here... -
Review from Anita S.
Alexandria, VA
10/9/2011
This was the only 2 nd time I ordered food from PCF. First time the chicken cheesesteak was a log better. This time it was rather soggy. Same with the Stromboli. Last time was just right. This time i asked for extra cheese and thy never put cheese in top and even the strombolli was way too soggy. Rather difficult to eat and tasted bland.
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Review from Brian H.
Washington, DC
8/21/2009
Not authentic wit wiz but the sweet pepper steak has good flavor. If the onion rings were crispier they would be great. Fast service.
Went back and tries the buffalo chicken hoagie. You cannot go wrong with fried chicken, buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Well, you can go wrong, if you ate one regularly or semi-regularly or every once in a while if you do not take lipitor or other cholesterol fighting medication. -
Review from Allen H.
Alexandria, VA
6/2/2009
I'd have to say that if you really want a true Philly cheesesteak just make the trek, but, seeing as it is somewhat of a hike I guess this place may suffice.
The bread and cheesesteak were pretty tasty but I felt a little let down with the fact that they used basically raw onions...who does that? I mean just at least grill the bad boys up with the meat right? After my detective skills discovered this mishap I simply removed the problem and enjoyed the remainder of the sandwich.
As others have stated the price is a little heftier than what you would expect and don't really consider eating there (even with the free refills) much of an option but I'll definitely be swinging through again due to the fact that they are near my abode. -
Review from Dcgirl T.
Washington, DC
9/21/2011
It is truly a shame that people invest money in a business only to have their employees destroy it. Should have turned around when I noticed the cook was the same person I had seen on the parking lot chilling with his friends a few minutes before. Greedy or crazy? You decide. I don't know if he washed his hands and was stupid to trust he had. Got a chicken cheese steak and ended up hugging or running to the toilet all night. ugh...makes you want to eat at home 24/7. All I kept thinking was - he never washed his hands.
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Review from Jess R.
Fairfax, VA
2/14/2009
I got the plain steak and provelone with no onions or peppers - it was great! They'll be really hot when you get it so be sure not to burn your mouth. It was great! Very filling too - you could easily split one and still be completely full. Total cost for drink and sandwich was 7 bucks.
PROS: They have a soda fountain with free refills. The sandwich was warm and filling. The cheese to steak ratio was PERFECT! They had a few parking spaces in the little side lot.
CONS: They didn't ask what type of cheese you want on the sandwich and I would have prefered NOT to have provelone (but it was still good). They had a counter to sit at, but no tables.
Final Thought: I would go back if I wanted an A-OK cheesesteak. -
Review from Josh G.
Sterling, VA
7/11/2010
I've been there twice and both times the cheesesteaks were great and service was fast. As some of the others have posted it's not an "authentic" philly cheesesteak, but that being said I'd take one of these over Pats or Geno's any day.
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Review from Steve G.
Alexandria, VA
1/15/2011
Small place with about 5 stools for eat in so I stayed and enjoyed an excellent plain cheese-steak and Sunday afternoon NFL on the big tv . Certainly there will be a return trip.
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Review from James T.
Lakewood, OH
3/28/2009
Ever since Subway discontinued its chicken parmesan sandwich, I have all but stopped going to Subway and have been searching for a chicken parm sandwich that could compare. PCH failed miserably at even trying.
While one might be inclined to cut PCH some slack by saying that they're a cheesesteak place, "so why would you bother straying from that part of the menu?", to me this is not good enough. If you're not going to give an item on the menu a serious effort, then leave it off.
Here is what PCH's attempt at a chicken parmesan sandwich amounts to:
1) You take a deep fried chicken finger that looks like it has been frozen since the beginning of time, and you place it inside of a hoagie.
2) You then proceed to burn the hoagie, a bit of mozzarella cheese, and some kind of alleged tomato sauce such that every ingredient is visibly blackened in some way.
3) Throw all of these elements together just as you might expect a large dumptruck to absolutely murder the other uneaten chicken parmesan sandwiches from PCH as it drives over them at the local dump, and you get the idea.
Yes. It was that bad. I literally could not take two bites out of this thing. -
Review from Gregory M.
Evans, GA
12/14/2010 1 Check-in Here
The crew was very professional, making sure I got what I needed. Had a pretty good cordon blue sandwich.
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Review from Kamau W.
Washington, DC
1/5/2007
I really don't see a need to give this place anything less than 5 stars. It's conveniently (or unconveniently if you're watching your weight) located directly across the street from my complex. I haven't had anything other than a standard chessesteak (with cheese wiz thank you) but gawd dammit that's all I need. Great quality for the price. It also gets an extra star because the manager there is cool as shit and they periodically give out free pizza slices while you're waiting for your food..
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Review from Rob B.
Alexandria, VA
12/10/2006
I know, I know this is a high rating for PCF but I'm so stoked to have this place just open down the street from my house (1 block). Plus they are open til 11pm Sunday through Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. In my part Alexandria there isn't anything open this late Now this place offers great drunk food it's just to bad they aren't open as late as the Georgetown store. In fact I don't even need to be three sheets to the wind to enjoy their food. The sandwiches and pizza are made fesh in front of you and the prices are low and they give the customer free toppings on their subs, now that's cool. I will end by stating that they will be earning my hard earn money over a prolong period of time and of coarse their gift to me is heart disease on a bleach flour sub roll.
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Review from David B.
Alexandria, VA
1/12/2010
Wow. good and FAST. I ordered a hoagie with everything, fries and a drink. I paid, got my cup, filled it, and sat down on a stool expecting a ten minute wait. I mean, the place was pretty full! I had hardly sat down when the guy told me my food was up.
And it was good! I will be going back. -
Review from Jimmo X.
Roswell, NM
5/17/2010
Really fast service. Sandwiches task ok -- nothing special.
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Review from Jeannette R.
Falls Church, VA
3/13/2011
Just went tonight for the first time. Need to be able to see the cheese, onions, mushrooms and peppers. Service was fast, enough meat, but I have had better.
