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Tat's Delicatessen

4.5 star rating
based on 89 reviews

Category: Delis  [Edit]

Neighborhood: Pioneer Square
115 Occidental Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 264-8287
Hours:

Mon-Fri. 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
No
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
No
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
Yes
Good for:
Lunch
Alcohol:
None

89 reviews for Tat's Delicatessen

Review Highlights   

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"Don't be a wuss and get the chicken cheesesteak." (in 35 reviews)
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"PS: Tasty cakes are flown in from the east coast." (in 13 reviews)
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"Tip 1: Get the Old Bay fries - they're hot, crispy, and addictive." (in 4 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Joshua B.

Elite '09

50

143

Joshua B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/20/2009

Now "tat's" what I'm talking about (I crack myself up). Seriously - real east coast-style greasy deli sammiches, real east-coast style surly attitude if you're not prepared to order your food when you get to the front of the line. Plus the prices are reasonable and the service is fast They have never, ever screwed up an order of mine - and I've never waited more than five minutes from when I actually order. Even when there's a big line it moves pretty fast.

Can easily share a 12" tatstrami (like a cheesesteak but made with pastrami) and fries unless you're a pig of an eater (i'm just sayin').

As a bonus they have tastycakes (as does the other "official" Philly-type place in Seattle up on Capitol Hill). I'm not sure the "nobody bakes a cake as tasty as a tastycake" slogan is really true, but they remind me of childhood, so I love 'em.

The only thing "wrong" with this place is the lack of seating inside. Since I work nearby and on the 2 nice days/year can eat in Occidental Square it's not a huge deal, but unless you get here early (say 11:30) you're not likely to get a table. Again, that said, I've always gotten a table when I planned ahead enough to go early.

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Photo of katy b.

 

21

59

katy b.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/14/2009

I didn't even like cheesesteaks.  But OH WOW, I get it now.  

The cheesesteak with hot peppers is amazing.  Chicken and chili also good options.  Staff very friendly!!!

Really, I can find nothing bad to say about this establishment.  That may be a first!!!!  (!!!!!!!!!!)

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Photo of Kyle B.

 

3

11

Kyle B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/1/2009

Finally - a place in Seattle that does authentic, real deal, greasy, huge cheese steaks filled with Cheez Wiz!

This place is packed for lunch, but it's well worth the wait. The sandwiches are huge, they're delicious, and the fries are outstanding. Service is quick and the food prep people are on top of it all constantly.

If you're a Midwestern/Northeastern transplant like me, then you have to try this place. It's one of the few comfort food places that gets it right.

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Photo of Tony C.

 

7

11

Tony C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/17/2009

HUGE sandwiches, super greasy, lots-o cheese, long waits..... what more could you ask for?? If you come at lunch be ready for a wait. This  place is known for its cheese-steak sandwiches which are very authentic; large loaf of french bread stuffed with a lot of steak and velvety melted cheese. Nothing fancy, no five star service, NOT AT ALL healthy...... but who knew 3 ingredients could taste so darn good!

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Photo of NWMark N.

 

1

16

NWMark N.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/13/2009

Is there a challenger that's a better, meatier sandwich under $10 of such huge, food-baby inducing proportions to rival the New Yorker at Tat's Delicatessen? I dare you to find it. The New Yorker is a luscious meat mountain of succulent corned beef and pastrami that's a one-two punch complemented by a crunchy slaw and held together tenaciously by toasted rye.

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Photo of Charla M.

 

0

9

Charla M.

Puyallup, WA

3 star rating
11/12/2009

I've had the philly cheese steak with extra cheese and peppers. It was just OK, the meat was really well seasoned but it was very DRY. This  was dry meat and the cheese was kinda just like stuffed in the crease of the bread, not all cheesy and mixed in with the meat like it should have been. They should figure out a way to juice up their meat, I had to add steak sauce from the fridge in our employee lunch room and I had to reheat it to try and make it juicy. Just OK for me.

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Photo of v b.

 

1

14

v b.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/24/2009

The club sandwich makes me swoon.  I have not tried much else b/c I love the club so much.  It makes me want to show my Tats to the guys behind the counter.  

Thanks Tats!  You make my job suck a little bit less!

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Photo of Kristin N.

Elite '09

105

74

Kristin N.

Miami, FL

5 star rating
9/3/2009

I have to say, going to Seattle for the first time, we weren't sure if this was the best neighborhood. It shocked me even more that after trying their Pastrami with coleslaw  and finding out they weren't open on the weekends made me sad. We got there Friday and made it just in time before they closed. The sub was amazing, it was DELISH!

I also had some of their fresh ice tea which was also good. It didn't even need any sugar, I probably could have used some lemon but that's just me =)

I would definitely go here again when I come back to visit.

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Photo of Eric O.

 

0

27

Eric O.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/18/2009

I will qualify this review by saying that I am not a sandwich person. I don't go out and buy sandwiches. Sure I'll make them or eat the ones that my wife makes but have always been more of a hot lunch person when I buy lunch. That being said.. by some strange twist of fate the 2 places that I think are worth going out of your way to buy and eat a sandwich both rhyme with Cats. That would Katz and Tat's.

I have sample a few of the sandwiches at Tat's but strangely not the cheese steak. I got a couple of cold Turkey sandwiches for us to take on the plane and they rocked. Tat's roasts their own turkey and it's nothing like any turkey sandwich you are going to find in most of places that you might be tempted order a turkey sandwich. The New Yorker is good and the Tatstrami is really good. I would have to say that the piece of resistance is the HOT BEEF. They roast their own beef and then put it on a great Italian roll with peppers, horseradish and cheese. To top it all off Tat's has the best Au Jus I have had to date... not I ever had to date Au Jus. I'm a happily married man. Just trust me. The hot beef with Au Jus is one of best sandwiches in the known universe... and I don't even really care about sandwiches, unless they rhyme with Cats and have meat cooked on the premises.

The staff bumps it up a notch. Everyone is very nice and efficient even though the place is totally slammed. I wish every place with a line out the door treated you nice and got things done in a timely manner.

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Photo of Beau P.

 

1

9

Beau P.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
10/28/2009

I came here based on recommendations from Yelp.  The service was fast, the menu was great, the cashier was nice, and the space has a lot of personality.

I went with a basic cheesesteak and I was really disappointed.  Having never been to the Northeast, I may not know a genuine cheesesteak if it bit me in the ass, but I was not that impressed.  The fries were great, but the sandwich itself was only average.  To be honest, I had the Quiznos new double cheesesteak the other day and enjoyed it more.  

I'll be much more likely to go back to Philadelphia Fevre on 23rd again before I come here, even though it's closer.  Too bad.  

Not bad, just didn't knock my socks off as I had hoped.

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Photo of Jasmine M.

Elite '09

169

284

Jasmine M.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/20/2009

Tat's italian grinder is addictive. I sit at my desk at work knowing I'm merely a few blocks away and I could possess one in a short amount of time. This is not good for my bank account. But fuck my bank account! My tummy loves it and when my tummy's happy then I'm happy.

Nuff said.

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Photo of Keri C.

 

8

7

Keri C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/18/2009

Coleslaw in a sandwich?  'Nuff said, five stars.

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Photo of Tonya N.

Elite '09

11

128

Tonya N.

Redmond, WA

5 star rating
10/3/2009 1 photo

Some Serious Sandwich Action here!!!  My buddy brought 2 sandwiches, 1 philly w/ whiz and the other a pastrami with slaw.  Both were majorly nummy.   I have to say, this is a man's man sandwhich place.  TONS of meat, bread is pillowy.  Presentation a non factor :)  I prefer the philly over the pastrami, but the slaw makes the pastrami a lighter choice.   The steak well prepared, nice spicyness and rich.  This place has kickin reviews!!  I can see why.   Nice Job Tats!

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Photo of BigTime T.

 

0

42

BigTime T.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
8/6/2009

There goes my healthy August.... better run ten miles tonight to work off the cheese wiz steak.     But oh, it was worth it.

Very nice.   Obviously not as good as John's of Philly, or the White House in Atlantic City.... but better than most you'll find, and certainly the best I've had in Seattle.

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Photo of Shirley Y.

Elite '09

86

142

Shirley Y.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/29/2009

Mmmm... Cheesesteak...

Reasonably priced, generous portions, and bread just soft enough to soak up those juices. Add in some onions, sweet peppers, and hot pepper (all for no additional charge btw) and you've got yourself a juicy, cheesy, meaty, spicy explosion in your mouth!

Seattle... you sure know how to do sandwiches!

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Photo of Edward C.

 

1

14

Edward C.

Issaquah, WA

4 star rating
8/1/2009

Tat's is a heart-attack in sandwich form. I went for lunch the other day and got a cheesesteak with onions, sweets, hots, and pepper jack and an order of bay fries with chili. Everything was delicious, but everything was also terribly unhealthy. Not that I'm complaining.

I can generally eat a lot, but I couldn't finish my meal as they put a lot of meat into their sandwiches. The meat's tender and juicy, but I think slightly lacking in flavor; I could've gone for less meat that packed more of a punch. The peppers definitely added something to the sandwich. The fries were good as well, but I'm not sure if I'd get chili on them again.

The price is probably decent for the amount of food that you get, but it's a little pricey for a regular lunch. The line can get worse than Salumi, so you should be prepared to wait.

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Photo of Jarret F.

Elite '09

9

33

Jarret F.

King, WA

5 star rating
6/21/2009

Tat's tops the list of 'must eat here' lunch places whenever I visit Seattle.  

They set a high bar for Grinder sandwiches that always satisfy.  Consistently good service, especially considering the intense lunch crowds.

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Photo of C. Y.

 

2

33

C. Y.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
6/18/2009

I moved to Seattle ten years ago and had pretty much given up many dishes once loved for the simple reason they're impossible to find here. Or more accurately it's impossible to find GOOD ones here. I can now cross Cheesesteaks off that list thanks to Tat's.

My Cheesesteak was loaded with meat. There is an option for extra meat and I can't fathom how they'd fit it in there. An often overlooked aspect of any sandwich is the bread, and out west it seems more often than not this is the stumbling point. Have no fear, the bread here is nice, thick and chewy but not overly so. Overall my meal was as delicious as I could've hoped.

Service is good. My food was prepared quickly and the staff is friendly without being fawning. As someone who grew up in PA this is the sandwich shop I've been waiting for. I can't wait to try the other sandwiches.

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Photo of Will G.

 

0

11

Will G.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/10/2009

Jeepers H Creepers!
Went in for  a late lunch today, had a cheesesteak, and can't wait to go back...
Thank you Tats for using Cheese Whiz brand cheese and not trying to "fancy up" the whole thing!
Amazing, and cheap...
You'll be seeing more of me!

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Photo of K H.

 

30

582

K H.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
5/29/2009

Quintessential, high-calorie, party-in-your-mouth sandwich joint. Good bread. Good meats. And you get to choose between 5 different ways to make your breath stink: onions, peppers, etc.

And the service was good. They get you in and out quickly. There was a problem with my order and the guy just quickly made me some fries without charging me. Very cool.

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Photo of David L.

 

3

12

David L.

Lynnwood, WA

5 star rating
4/21/2009

Being from Pennsylvania, I am impressed by the Tastykakes and the Philly Cheese Steak with real, honest-to-god, Cheez Whiz.

Also, just ate a breakfast sandwich from there and it was pure heaven.

I am SO fortunate to work walking distance from this place.

DEFINITELY CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!

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Photo of Will A.

 

39

26

Will A.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
1/13/2009

My new (current) favorite place to eat when I'm at the office in Pioneer Square.

I can't really add on to all of the things that were said, but just wanted to reiterate how friendly the staff was and how fast the seemingly long line moved.

I ordered the 12" Italian.

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Photo of Gwen C.

Elite '09

23

291

Gwen C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/19/2009

I don't get the twelve-incher. I can't eat that much.

Whiz wit, old bay fries, can of soda, 9.75, thank you.

Is it the best cheesesteak on earth? No. Everyone knows that's at Steve's Prince of Steaks...or the White House Sandwich Shop. The airfare's a bitch, though.
Is it the best cheesesteak in the Northwest? Hell to the yes. It's worth getting yelled at by PiSquare bums.

The breakfast sandwiches, as Wes Y. pointed out, are pretty good, too. They're cheap and have a lot of good, hearty food that runs circles around processed corporate-dinging crap.

They're nice, too. The woman taking my order missed the right code to put cheese on my old bay fries, and when i asked and offered to pay, as i hadn't been charged, she shooed my money away and proceeded to cheese the hell out of my fries.

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Photo of Craig K.

 

12

18

Craig K.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
7/22/2009

I had the Philly Cheesesteak with Whiz, Onions, and Sweet Peppers. Not horrible, but not remarkable in any way. I heard nothing but rave reviews and walked away...exceedingly ambivalent. Overrated?

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Photo of Mira L.

 

0

6

Mira L.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/23/2009

Great selection of sandwiches! The Tat'Strami is the best!! Cheese steak is also a classic. We come here for weekday lunch and there is always a line, but they go through orders pretty fast. Highly recommended! This is one of many places to get a great sandwich in Seattle.

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Photo of Eric M.

 

6

18

Eric M.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
2/23/2009

When I worked in Pioneer Square and I had cash, I loved to visit Tats.  Everything that you shouldn't eat do OH SO FREAKING WELL!

Big sloppy, spicy, belly filling grub.  

I miss it.  I need to swing by there again.....

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Photo of Valentina V.

Elite '09

237

231

Valentina V.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
10/23/2008

"I want mine with wiz, onions and mushrooms."

Hellz yeah, how sexy a Philly boyfriend can be when he orders his lunch like this? I heard him, I restrained myself and obeyed to hungry tummy this time...but the dude seemed sexier than ever and I, I, I...OK, back to the review.

Rolls are perfect. I had the tuna salad sandwich and it was fantastic, balanced salad, not too much mayo and a hint of oregano that made my lunch a happy one.  Of course, the BF had his Philly Cheesesteak and enjoyed it very much. His only complaint was that the meat was a little spicy and that doesn't belong to the Cheesesteak game.

We sat outside on a beautiful Seattle fall afternoon and loved it. The BF was a little bummed because they don't have any Phillies memorabilia, but they do have some Eagles stuff on the walls and what is best, a large banner of his alma mater football team (Penn State).

Great, fast service and overall a nice experience. They deliver (Downtown area) when you order more than 5 sammichs. Even though the line can be long, it's a "worth trying" place. And they have a very cool wall advice phrase. "If you can find where to sit here, take your sandwich to the Waterfall Park."

Yes, we'll do that next time...if Seattle weather allows us to.

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Photo of Janeane S.

Elite '09

307

244

Janeane S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/18/2008

Mmm, Tat's served me up a damn good Philly cheesesteak.  I got an 8" steak with Whiz, onions, and mushrooms for $8.  Just what the doctor ordered!  OK, maybe not.  ;)  But it did satisfy my growling tummy, since I skipped breakfast today.  It was delicious, cheesy goodness, but not as awesome as Philly Fevre in the CD (and it's certainly no comparison to Pat's, Geno's, or Jim's in the City of Brotherly Love).  But since it's so close to work, I know I'll be frequenting Tat's regularly.  

This place is definitely a sausage fest, ladies.  I think there was only one other girl here the whole time I ate!  Get here before noon to avoid the line and bring your appetite!

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Photo of Christopher C.

 

0

2

Christopher C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
1/10/2009

Best grinder in Seattle! They do subs right! Lots of stuffings, great taste, super fast. There is usually a horde at lunch, but the guys in there can handle the volume. Amazing, efficient, and awesome!

Can't say enough about this place. Best cheesesteak, best hamburger sub, best coleslaw. And they play great music from the jam band east coast!

Win win win!

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Photo of Disco B.

 

1

21

Disco B.

Renton, WA

4 star rating
12/17/2008

Wow, everything positive that was said about this place was on point. I loved it! Long lines during the lunch hour but it moved briskly. I loved the Tastykakes; it was a fun lunch experience.  Will be back for sure!

Order:

Beef, whiz, mushrooms, onions, sweet, combo w/fries and Tastykakes.

$11

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Photo of Chris H.

 

48

224

Chris H.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/15/2008

Damn good cheese-wit on a real philly hoagie.  I was astonished when I walked down to pioneer square and saw a ginormous line waiting for the delicious-ness that is Tats Deli.  After approximately 25 minutes waiting in lin (without complaining once i might add) I was finally nearing the front of the line.

Ok.  In start preparring to order what I think I want when I see a sign that has direction on how to order with a little note below saying its ok to mess up, just go to the back of the line and try again.  Well I wasn't about to mess up, cuz I couldn't wait another 25 minutes to get back to the front of the line.  So as I step up to the plate and start to order, I realize I am nailing it adn I actually made it through, ordering like a pro.

About 5 minutes later my sandwich is rolling off the make line and I am rolling out the door to try my cheezewhiz hoagie.  I open it up and go to take a bite.  I was initially overwhelmed by a strong flavor of oregano and black pepper.  The oregano seemed to cut through the entire sandwich and fill every bite with this overwhelming sense that, well I don't know, it just didn't seem right.  However a few bites later I am hooked, I cant stop mowin' down this sandwich and I realize that I will be frequenting this place much, much more often.

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Photo of Nic F.

 

2

17

Nic F.

Lynnwood, WA

4 star rating
6/28/2009

Came here for lunch and had their Philly Cheesesteak, it was probably one of the better ones that I've had. All the other menu items looked great as well. Be sure to get here fairly early as for it fills up pretty quick. I'll definitely be going back here again.

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Photo of James G.

Elite '09

390

576

James G.

Las Vegas, NV

5 star rating
6/26/2008

Awesome Find!  Thanks Jim C. !  (see: http://www.yelp.com/bi... )

I enjoyed the Steaks at Tats immensely.   It's a 5 STAR joint all the way because of the food.  These dudes get the Philly Cheesesteak done right.  Now I'm cravin' it.

I had the Tat-Strami.  The bread is soft and awesome.  The pastrami has got great flavor and tenderness.  I managed to have a taste of their other steaks but the Tat-Strami is still my favorite.  

Yum Yum Yum!  If you've had Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's, or Jim's Steaks in Philadelphia (see: http://www.yelp.com/bi... bqlGuqtpKRUAAjg) and enjoyed them,

               YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED

at Tats Steaks in Seattle.

#499

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Photo of Patrick T.

 

4

22

Patrick T.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/15/2008

I haven't been able to get a cheese stake with Wiz since I was in Philly. Great sandwich although $11 for a 12" is a little steep.

And what's the deal with Tastycakes?

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Photo of Priscilla R.

Elite '09

10

44

Priscilla R.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/8/2008

Something tells me if I frequent this place my waistline WON'T get smaller... ... who cares?! It's worth it!

For my first visit I wanted to make sure to get an authentic experience - Philly Cheesesteak with all the fixings and *gasp* cheese whiz. It was so delicious!! I am looking forward to trying many more delicious items on this greasy menu.

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Photo of Charles P.

 

17

19

Charles P.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
7/25/2008

After four good years in the city of brotherly love, I had a hard time respecting steaks in other cities, but this one passes with flying colors.  I doubt I'll find another in Seattle.

For those who don't know, it's a "whiz wit."  The guys at Tat's shot me a look that said, "you're at the right place," when I ordered mine.

Get it with whiz, get it with onions, and get some spicy peppers or ketchup.

I'll be coming back with a hankering for some deli soon.

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Photo of Dave M.

 

1

23

Dave M.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
6/4/2009

It's almost bikini season, so most folks should avoid eating an entire 12" sandwich at Tat's, but they're so damn good that chances are you'll end up eating the whole thing... and some fries too.  In fact, their fries might be some of Seattle's best!

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Photo of anthony g.

 

2

7

anthony g.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
10/23/2008

I am a Philly transplant living the past 4 years on the west coast.  Although I give Tat's some props for tying to portray some of the the original Philly "Attytude", I cannot in good conscience give this place over 3 stars.  The meat was ok, but where is that juiciness that drips from a good Philly steak.  It was nice to see Wiz and Provolone options, but Swiss Cheese?  Come on.  That is what almost cost Kerry PA in '04!

Overall, it was an honest attempt.  I would give them a better rating if they had better hours.

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Photo of Chris K.

 

20

15

Chris K.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/21/2008

As a native Philadelphian, i have to say that this is by far the best cheesesteak joint in Seattle.   I have tried the Fevre on Madison and the other random places around Seattle.  They dont compare.

The only bummer is that they arent open on weekends and they close at 4:30pm, but work from home in the AM and make sure to go early for lunch since by 11:30pm the lines are around the door.

One secret that I found is to call at 11:15pm and order for pickup.  Then you can skip the line.  

Also, make sure to order the cheesesteak with "double wiz wit"

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Photo of Philip L.

 

1

185

Philip L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
5/8/2009

Had a great pastrami on rye here.  Can't wait to go back.

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