Cheesesteak @ Dalessandro's
Firstly, I should let you know that I'm of the thinking that the Roast Pork sandwich is the quintessential Philadelphia sandwich.
This gets me in trouble, sometimes. A friend once remarked, "(I) must hate puppies and kids, too."
I first visited Dalessandro's over a year ago. I took a friend of mine from New York City with me, with the assurance that we would be eating the "Best Cheesesteaks in Philly."
We were disappointed. Massively. Dry, flavorless, and unsatisfactory.
I read an article in Philadelphia City Paper (http://citypaper.net/articles/2010/10/28/food2) over a month ago, that piqued my interest in trying their cheesesteak, again.
Dalessandro's is small. There is a counter, with a few tables along the window. On the counter sits a giant jar of HOT peppers. There are also a few other bins with pickles, long hots, and assorted other toppings which allows you to tailor your cheesesteak to your liking.
Dalessandro's does a steady business. I made my plan to go around 2 in the afternoon, to avoid the lunch rush. It was packed when I walked in. I was lucky to get a seat at the counter.
My order was taken promptly: Cheesesteak with fried onions.
Dalessandro's has a surprisingly good beer selection. Dogfish 60 Minute IPA sits next to the Yards IPA, which sits next to the Leffe Blonde.
I got my cheesesteak within 5 minutes. American, and sauteed onions on top, on an Amoroso roll. I added ketchup.
On First Bite: The issues I had with the dryness last time? Not this time. This cheesesteak was gooey. I soon realized that the ketchup was a misstep. Not needed. It's a decent-sized cheesesteak. Big enough that you hit a "wall" But, you push through.
They have a TV behind the counter on, as well. It was tuned to the NFL Network.
I kinda wish I had ordered the 60 Minute.
(Henry Ave. & Walnut Lane)
Mon-Sa 11a-12aSundays 11a-9p