Sonia's Kitchen
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: No
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: No
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch
- Alcohol: None
35 Reviews for Sonia's Kitchen
I used to live in the apartment complex right next door to Sonia's kitchen, lemme juss say that this place is the place to go for sandwiches. Don't go looking for something healthy to eat, you come here for the big sandwiches. Took off one star only cause it is a lil pricey, but sometimes you juss gotta splurge for quality. The inside of the place consists of the counter, no seating at all reallie. There's two picnic tables outside for you to eat, but those are usually occupied.
My favorite cheesesteak shop in the hood(wait it's the only one in my hood!!!).Anyways,it's better than Amato's and just as good as the Cheesesteak shop in the Southside.
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My Sonia's Kitchen Haiku:
good: low grease, soft bread
low-cost orgy in my mouth
bad: few drinks, just cash
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Sonia's kitchen is a fairly decent place if you're just looking for a good cheesesteak. It's not as big as amatto's as far as sandwiches go but its good, cheap, and some variety. Sucks that it's cash only though. The funny thing when I went there was that the workers seemed like they hated life. I laughed as one of the ladies in the back made cheesesteaks and threw them on the table once they were done. She threw them in such a way you could tell she resented what she was doing. But don't let that keep you from trying Sonia's!
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A decent place to get a decent cheesesteak sandwich. Sonia's is a family owned hole in street. Located near a liquor store and a thai restaurant a couple of blocks from campus, Sonia's is visited primarily by cops, business types, and students. Parking is street only.
There's no seating within Sonia's but outdoor bench tables. It seems like Sonia's is a retrofitted house turned grill. When you walk inside you'll find a menu, two stools, and a counter -- that's it. At the counter is a mid aged woman who takes your order. She rarely talks and isn't too friendly. When she gives change, she doesn't place it in your hands but merely throws it on the counter for you to pick up.
In the back is a guy who makes all the sandwiches and another lady helps too.
The drink selection is your basic type of bottled and canned brand beverages.
Sandwich selection is okay. There are other types of sandwiches, but everyone just goes for the cheesesteak sandwiches. One time I asked for pastrami but they said they don't have it anymore. Then why not take it off your menu??
The prices have gone up over time. A steady amount of customers still comes; yet I've never had to wait in a line. Cash only.
Once you open your cheesesteak sandwich, you'll find that the aroma will fill the room. So don't intend on sneaking this into a lecture hall. It smells really good.
The ingredients generally always taste fresh. Also don't intend on microwaving it since the bread tends to get really hard if you do so.
One sandwich is good enough for a hungry person. I tend to find myself only eating half, but I believe you can order just half.
You'll spot Sonia's by its green and yellow exterior. On the sign is a cartoon rendering of "Sonia". What's really unappealing is that they put a caution tape around two poles so that people won't park in the driveway.
______
A really casual place to get a cheesesteak sandwich for lunch.
So I've been coming to Sonia's since about 97-98 - around there. It was hyped up by some friends of mine "in the know", so I succumbed to my true meat eater ways eventually.
As with many establishments that are notable for pretty much a single item, it's not the physical structure of the facility that you want to pay attention to. I mean it almost looks like you should be able to get your oil changed here, but instead, they make a pretty mean cheese steak sandwich. Me?... I'll take mine with the peppers and onions please.
Maybe it's me. Don't take this wrong, but for all the hype, I almost expected some sort of epiphany, or at least something that would make me rethink how a true cheese steak should be done.
Truth is, I really don't have anything to compare it to. I've never been to Philly, so I can't attest to have experienced what might possibly be the best one ever. All I have is Sonia's. It's good. It's real good in fact. I guess I just have an issue with the fact that it's become such a local phenomenon. Is it that good? Or is it just simply the best one around and we, the uninitiated locals, don't know any better?
I've had sushi that has made me reconsider the meaning of life. I've had tacos through which I've felt the hands of God. That didn't happen for me here, so I can thank Sonia's for this: I am now on a quest to find the ultimate cheese steak sandwich! I know she's out there.
I'll keep you updated!
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Honestly, when I was a student at SJSU, I always passed by the bright yellow piece of junk looking building and was intrigued, but not enough to step inside to see what the place was about. My buddy brought me over there one day and I fell in love with their cheesesteak.
I won't dock it for the hole-in-the-wall looks, the limited hours, sketchy outdoor seating area, lack of parking, or the limited menu items. Those little things are the price you pay for an awesome steak sandwich. Hot DAMN these things are so bad for you. Steak fried in bacon fat, doused with oily onions and sticky cheese melting out the sides... but it makes for the BEST FRIGGIN' CHEESESTEAK ever.
At the very least, this place is a must for SJSU carnivores who don't want to get price-raped at Quiznos. Besides, the steak is better here anyway.
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Pretty bomb...I get the cheesesteak with avacado and I eat it with La Vic sauce.
No fries for you!! Or onion rings for that matter...
Sonia's still the best place to get a steak sandwich in San Jose. The bread is warm and soft on the inside, yet still retains a slight crunch. Depending what kind of sandwich you get (mushroom, pepper, etc.) the flavors of your toppings are balanced very well with the meat. The beef is sliced thin and is extremely tender and juicy. Quite a delectable experience when you eat one of these.
My only qualm with Sonia's is the only sides available are bags of potato chips. What a bummer!
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I'll keep this short. Yes, this is a place primarily for meat, but their menu tempted me to try the veggie sandwich. I know that's not their primary business too.
The sandwich was quite OK. Bread was warm, veggies were roasted/sauteed, mayo was interesting.
I don't think I'll visit the place. For vegetarian folks wanting to try veggie, might not be worth it.
Sonia's has been there a long time and it's been the same a long time. You tell the lady what you want and she yells the order to the cook. You pay and go across the street for drinks and chips. By the time you return your order is ready then you go somewhere else and eat. Sometimes there are sketchy people roaming the hood. The steak can be chewy but it's the best cheesesteak in the town. Closed nights and weekends, good for a quick lunch when you're in the area.
First time i came here was with a co-worker. Ordered a small mushroom and steak sandwich. Honestly, I found it to be pretty dry. But then i could have made a mistake by assuming that a cheese steak place would automatically make cheese be apart of the sandwiches!
Second time around, i learned, i got a small mushroom and steak with swiss and avocado...it HIT the spot!
Definitely adding this to my list of lunch spots. If you do come here, the parking lot is really small!
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Oh so delicious! The meat and cheese with the onions and peppers melded together perfectly. I used to go to this place when I lived in downtown SJ and didn't have a car. The only con is that this place closes early and closes on the weekend.
Decided to take the plunge and try this place out.
The prices are $4 small, 6 medium, 8 for a large. They have a large variety of cheesesteaks.
I came here w/ a coworker to try this place out. We go in, look at the menu, then the lady promptly asks what I want.
lots of meat, but its not super thinly cut. the bread was cool.
I ordered the combo, was really thinking of trying the avocado one.
I wish there was more cheese and the meat was more moist.
Overall, its a good place to go.
I will be back.
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These cheesesteaks are so good! I went there on a rainy Thursday and the sandwich totally hit the the spot! I ordered the onion cheesesteak and it was really good for the price I paid. The meat was really good and the onions were cooked perfect, cause there's nothing worse than getting raw onions when you aren't expecting it. The bread was also really good: a nice combination between chewy and crusty.
The place is very small and there's a little bit of outdoor seating. It's not fancy, but if you're looking to get a good sandwich for a good price, then this is the place to go
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My Uncle used to take me here back in the 80's These guys have been here forever.
I went back recently to see if they were still around. Yup...sure were.
It looks like this place is very popular as there was a small line when i got here. It's such a small place, you can fit like three people max inside at one time. Any more and you're bumpin' uglies with the peeps next to you..
Ordered a mushroom cheesesteak sandwich, and an order of onion rings.
The meat was grilled great, and the bread was nice in thickness...not so thick like a hoagie roll which I hate. The bread was soft and slightly chewy which complemented the swiss cheese and mushrooms nicely.
A small mom-and-pop cheesesteak shop in San Jose that has been here forever. Solid food. You gotta love that.
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Tasty, but not so great quality. I ordered my typical favorite at cheesesteak joints, the mushroom steak sandwich. It tastes good, but there was so much fat chunks in it. I'm not the type to cut out every piece of fat on my meats, but it was in every bite I took. Blech.
No wonder people like the flavor. Fat usually equals tasty, if you're into that come here. Amato's blows this place out of the water in terms of quality. I will add that the lady is very friendly, but the prices aren't all that cheap for an establishment such as this.
It sucks being the lowest rater, but that was my honest experience. I wont be returning anytime soon.
I lived about half a block from Sonia's and would come here occasionally when I needed my cheese steak fix. It was awesome greasy goodness in my mouth and belly. I truly wish I still lived in San Jose to have another of Sonia's cheese steaks. DEEEE-LISH!
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This place is great if you want that artery clogging cheesesteak, which the good lord knows I do.
The sandwiches are bit on the pricey side, but considering there isn't a better cheesesteak place in the south bay, it's worth it.
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If you're looking for a cheesesteak place, this is a good place to stop by. The place doesn't offer a wide selection of food, but the few sandwiches they offer are delicious and quick. Their main attraction is the cheesesteak sandwich, and I've been there on days where flocks of people gather at the counter waiting for their turn at one of their juicy classics. I've tried a couple of their different cheesesteak sandwiches, but the classic mushroom cheesesteak is my favorite. It's not a fancy place at all, so everyone from office workers to students gather here for a quick bite to eat. It's also located in a fairly residential area, so it's void of the city-life crowd and traffic jams. If you crave a nice cheesesteak for lunch, free from the long lines and dreadful waiting, this is a good option for you...
The cheese-steaks are pretty good but are a little on the pricey side. The hours suck because after work I could go for a philly but they are closed. Also, i think they are closed on the weekends.
By the way....what the hell is up with their Pastrami? Pastrami is not supposed to have lettuce and tomatoes. It tastes alright, it should be all meat with mustard and pickles. Enough with the lean meat, lets get some cheap meat and double it up on the sandwich.
OK this is hands down the best cheesesteak in Northern California. It can't be beaten. I used to live caddy-corner at the apartments there and it was pure bliss. They were only open M-F till 5 and closed early if the sell out of the days stock. It's honestly a place that can not be beaten, especially for it's price. Not a good place to eat there, but you can if you want.
Can't recommend enough, I wish I had one right now!
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I used to live in the apartment complex right next door to Sonia's kitchen, lemme juss say that this place is the place to go for sandwiches. Don't go looking for something healthy to eat, you come here for the big sandwiches. Took off one star only cause it is a lil pricey, but sometimes you juss gotta splurge for quality. The inside of the place consists of the counter, no seating at all reallie. There's two picnic tables outside for you to eat, but those are usually occupied.
Ode to Sonia's:
Sizzling on the grill
Delicate slices of beef
mouth and tum, sated
This is the standard to which I hold all other cheesesteaks. And I've been looking for better for 8 years....
The beef is moist, tender, and tasty. And while the preparation of the beef is reason alone to order here, I believe it's the total combination of meat, subtle sauce, and extremely fresh bread that make this sandwich the most sublime cheesesteak available for consumption.
I used to live on William Street, which was surely my undoing. Sonia's has the best cheesesteaks I've ever had, and believe me, I've had a few. One star off for the operating hours - on the rare evenings and weekends that I'm in San Jose, I'm not allowed this treat :(
I love this place. It's a small hole in the wall philly cheesesteak shop a couple of blocks from SJSU. I think they are only open weekdays! =(
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One of the few joys of goin to SJSU was being able to walk just a few blocks for one of the best cheesesteak sandwiches in the city. You can't be a student and not try one of their sandwiches. I heard the burgers are pretty good too but everytime I walk in I have to get a cheesesteak. Imagine if they stayed open later, made it bigger for inside seating and served beer. Way better than any cheesesteak i've had at friday's, espn, cheesesteak shop, DnB's...
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I didn't know about this place until my friends ate here. It seemed like some beaten up old shack, but don't judge looks. This place has absolutely good sandwiches. I tried the ham and cheese which was excellent. The bread is also good too. Its neither hard or soft. It really has a good consistency of bread hardness that won't hurt your jaws. I think this I'll be going to this place more often since I live a block away from it.
Recommended.!
Sonia's Kitchen serves up one hell of a cheesesteak! The cheese burgers are juicy, and the pastrami sandwiches are delish. For those days that you are really hungry or need to feed a crowd- you can order these sandwiches in family size. The prices are low, and the food is always fresh.
Okay, there are few things that I can appreciate unconditionally in this bleak, bleak world. One of them is a goddamned Cheesteak. At Sonia's you will always find two things:
1) An old woman who yells, "HELLO HELP YOU"
2) Meat, cheese, and bread.
That latter point could be broken into three but WHO CARES. The point is that the meat is greasy, the cheese is greasy, and the bread is greasy. It costs like 7$ for a full meal (with soda), but at this point you are basically adding another three pounds to your body weight, so you need something to punish you or else you would just go every day after a shitty PHYSICS class in which the girl of your dreams turned you down.
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Remember, you're here for a cheesesteak. There is no ambience here, or tablecloth. They do a pretty darn good cheesesteak. I always get mine with provolone. I notice a lot of people getting burgers here to, so i figure they must be decent (the burgers, I mean; the people, well hell, I don't know, this IS downtown San Jose). Cash only, but there's an ATM across the street.
Yes, the old lady in front is crabby and loud, but don't be afraid...for that is how you get your cheesesteak.
Best Cheesesteak I've ever had and Walking distance from my apartment. I got all my co-workers stuck on them.
Meat Cheese Bread Grease Yum. One of the many places that I miss in San Jose after moving back to San Francisco. They're only open during lunch hours. And they do pretty well for themselves. I used to live next door to the place and that's when I fell in love. =) Oh how I miss the greasy-ness of those cheese steaks.
Great place to grab a bite, very popular during the lunch rush. Its hard to find because its a hole in the wall, but worth it. I've gotten the burgers before and they're alright; the real food is in the cheesesteaks. It tastes great, you just can't eat too much of it, otherwise you're gonna get a heart attack.
Very nice people here -- Even though Iive far from the place now, I plan on visiting this location during my lunch hour with some friends.
a little shack no indoor seating easy to miss about three outsoor tables ok on fair weather days otherwise take it to go. a little pricey 8 + dollars for cheesesteak chips drink but thats how much an average meal is "nowadays" im 23 years old hahah how the times change. anyway the steak wasnt bad a little chewy in parts but a generoud portion you're sure to like. I happen to like cheesesteak if you do its worth the trip if you're nearby. I can't say there was anything amazing but I did leave full and satisfied worth 3 stars if you live near SJSU.
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