#dalessandro's

Stop #13 took us outside of downtown Philly to a corner sandwich shop called Dalessandro's, providing a nice respite in contrast to the chaos of Pat's vs. Geno's.  Like the other two, Dalessandro's specializes in the cheesesteak, but its in-store dining and seating at a counter where one can order from an actual server made it seemed downright civilized, which was a good way to end a long day in the city.

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.

It seemed right.

I kinda wish I had ordered the 60 Minute.

I'd eat this again.

Dalessandro's 

600 Wendover St.

(Henry Ave. & Walnut Lane)

(215)482-5407