If you live in NorCal, you already know the struggle. Finding a truly great meal out here can feel like searching for water in a food desert--usually, you have to head down to SoCal or out of state to get the good stuff. So when I overheard some parking lot chatter about a local cheesesteak spot, I didn't think much of it. A week later, a random Yelp scroll brought them up again. I've been let down by the last dozen "Philly" spots I've tried across California. I was craving a real sandwich--the kind piled so high with meat you can actually see what you're biting into. I decided it was time to risk it. The diet starts Monday, right? I ordered the King Philly and a side of tater tots (fair warning: the "regular" size is absolutely massive). Lo and behold... they actually did it. This is a damn good, fully legitimate Philly cheesesteak. The Verdict: Stop searching, stop scrolling, and just come here. Until you're ready to buy a plane ticket to Philadelphia, this place will absolutely satisfy your craving. Don't overthink it, just go. read more

We love eating here. The staff is friendly and the food is good. HOWEVER they consistently close the dining room well before the stated closing time of the restaurant which I find to be incredibly annoying. Please post accurate business hours so people can plan properly. read more

A good Philly is the best type of sandwich out there. In the bay, they're hard to find. The cheese steak shop is at the top of my list. The meat, cheese, and veggies are juicy and flavorful. The bread gets the job done. Tater tots are my go-to side. My only qualm: it's a little far from Stanford. read more

I had a large Philly Joe's with tater tots to share. There was a lot of tater tots included in the order. The cheesesteak was good and had a good meat/cheese/topping ratio read more

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Always my go-to spot for a cheesesteak, and as a longtime customer, I've always enjoyed coming here. I just had one issue with my most recent visit that I wanted to mention. The beef was chopped up so much that it was more like fine, crumbled ground beef. Honestly, I could tell something was different just by looking at it before I even took a bite. I had the same experience today at another Bay Area location, so I'm not sure if this is a new preparation directive from corporate to chop the beef more finely. Either way, I'm hoping this isn't the new standard. I want a cheesesteak and not a chopped cheese. Still a longtime fan, but I'd really love to see the beef prepared the way it has been in the past. read more

This was mixed for me - pricing felt high for a half sandwich but it was overall tasty. I hate having the cheese directly on the bread though - so most of the bites are cheese-less and then no cheese on the meaty bites. Ambience isn't much here but there were spaces to eat when I was here for lunch (but the tables were not cleaned). I'm not sure if I'd be back. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Motown Philly half sandwich $9.99 - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Still the best cheese steak in the Bay Area Start with quality ingredients Don't mess with it. Hope they re open some of the locations (Palo Alto, San Mateo etc) read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Still the best cheesesteak in the Bay Area - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

I usually like this place, but the other day they seemed to be out of shaved beef and gave me some weird chunky strip instead. Not a fan, and didn't taste right. I'd rather you just told me you were out of meat and I'd order something else or come back another time. Consistency is important. I got it to go, so I didn't know until I was already home. read more

I've never had the opportunity to spy or sample a cheese steak in its native habitat of Philadelphia before but I must imagine that they are quite a bit different than this because the offerings here at Cheese Steak Shop are... pretty mediocre. The meat and cheese itself, pretty important ingredients one would imagine in a "cheese steak", were rather bland and underseasoned. The hot & sweet peppers offered a bit more flavor, but they were haphazardly thrown on top of the sandwich, easily falling off with every attempted bite. I appreciate that they let you subsitute curly fries in place of regular fries for no additional cost, but the curly fries themselves were also underseasoned and they've taken the criminal but all too common step of charging for dipping sauce so if you want to enjoy your curly fries with ranch (the only right way to do so) except to be charged an extra dollar for the pleasure. The restaurant interior was clean and there was a surprising amount of seating for the small area, but sadly the food quality just doesn't warrant a repeat visit anytime soon. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Classic Philly (Half) Combo - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

It's nestled between this fish n chip shop that always seems to be closed, and a bar. Small-ish joint but, have plenty of seating inside. I always order to go and the wait is never too long. Food tastes great, don't get me wrong. But I've gone here often and the amount of fries you get is inconsistent, but often less than what I'd usually get. I'm not sure if they've changed since then, but it really seemed like they skimped for food saving costs which really just ends up costing some consistent business. I don't think it's a bad option if you're in the plaza, but for the portion and price point, it's not something tasty enough for me to crave and have to drive to to get. Which bums me out because the service is usually friendly and stellar too. read more

Very good Cheesesteaks here! A little on smaller side for the price but price is not too bad comparing to other cheesesteak restaurants locally read more

Quick service, hot food, and a chill vibe. I was craving a sandwich while on a walk and decided to stop here! Curly fries were great, I asked for onions on the cheesesteak, but I think the girl taking my order mistook that for no onions, but it was tasty either way! I took it to go and ate the other half as leftovers read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Classic Philly - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Really great cheesesteaks! Generous amount of meat in the sandwich and large portion of fries. There was a perfect cheese to steak ratio and the bread was very delicious. The curly fries were my favorite, as they were nice and crispy, but the steak fries were also good. The staff at this location were also very friendly and the service was very fast. I would highly recommend this place if you're in the mood for a cheesesteak! read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Motown Philly, Curly Fries, Steak Cut Fries - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Back after 10 years and they are as good as then. Thanks too yelp for reminding when was my last visit. The cooks and the front folks are different but the taste is teh still the same. Ive not had a Philly cheese steak (veggie one) in many many years and then we tried this and it was awesome. The bread is soft and the veggies were well cooked, there was no need to add any more spices or sauces. BTW they cleaned the grill on request and really appreciate them for that. Next time will try with onion rings or fries on the inside. Wife tried teh chicken Philly and liked it totally. the place is nice and clean and service is quick. read more

10/10 give me 14 of them right now. This cheesesteak I had right before going to Philly set the bar high. This is the best cheesesteak I've had in my life. The meat is tender but the cheese is melted in it so nicely. The meat is also super thin. The peppers give a nice acidity, spice and sweetness all at once somehow. There is a good amount of seating indoors but the plaza also has some tables outside. The service was quick and very friendly. I will say this sandwich was on the more pricey side (around ~$17 after tax and tip). However, definitely worth it if you are having the craving. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - King of Philly - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Don't go into this place expecting to get something that is worth writing home about. It's a basic cheesesteak shop as the name suggests. They know their lane and do it well. Personally we love "The Gilroy" which has whole roasted garlic cloves. They used to have fresh made chips which were amazing. Not sure why they took them off the menu, but would honestly consider giving them a 5/5 if they had kept them. read more

Always one of my favorite places to stop! The meat isn't the highest quality, but when prepared correctly it's good. The bread is proper and the cheese is always on point! The onion rings are always crispy and not overly oily. Service is hit or miss, but it's a quick sandwich so who cares? Ambiance???? It's a whole I. The wall chain that is dwindling away, again the sandwich is the star here and it lives up to its name! read more

You don't call your customers gringo and laugh at them entire time.. choose your employees carefully. Food still pretty good though.

The classic cheesesteak is good. It's not to be compared with Pat's nor Geno's in Philly. If you don't have expectations of this "classic" being like the originals, you'll probably like it. read more

Food: hot, yummy, and bread is soft Service: nice & detailed Ambiance: comfortable, sporty, and good! read more

I forgot how bomb dot com this place was! My coworkers wanted to eat out and one of them kept talking about how we should eat her. I knew the portion sizes her are kinda big so I went with a half sandwich for mine. Ordered the western cheesesteak with peppers. I loved how the bread was nice to chew, and that it was toasted. I also loved how there was just so much flavor in each bite and that everything was made to order so you know you'll be eating a hot fresh Sando. The cashier was laughing at my coworkers for roasting me over my decision to want a chicken sandwich, but hey, I stuck with the cheesesteak and I don't regret it. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - The Western - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

As good as I remember! I came here a lot growing up. It's been several years since and to my surprise, they don't take stamps cards anymore. The cashier was so surprised to see my stamp card since they haven't been accepting them for over two years now! I definitely recommend the King of Philly, which has more meat and more cheese! Very delicious. The bread was soft and fluffy and held the weight of the steak well. The beef was tender and not too chewy. LOTS of cheese! Melted to perfection. I also ordered a large steak fries and it seems they give smaller portions now. I remember them being more generous with their fries. Not sure if the fries are worth the price tag. They also forgot to put their garlic seasoning on my fries! read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Outside - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

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Spent $45+ and was disappointed when you don't get what ordered. While checking my order I noticed our garlic steak fries didn't have any garlic on it so I asked them about it and he took it back tossed it in a metal container and gave it back to me. Great, I thought until we got home. It's the same fries as he originally gave it to me, no garlic oil, no flavor. Bag it came in was dry as can be. What was he tossing?!? Not garlic fries. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Suppose to be garlic fries, so dry and no flavor. - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Food was pretty good, but found a couple hairs in my food. atmosphere inside was akward and not very nice. Still if your looking for something quick its decent food. read more

Don't let anybody tell you, if you're coming to a cheesesteak place you just want a fixin of meat and cheese in bread bro. Judging solely off that fact, this place is straight GAS. I might not be a Philly native but this sandwich just sent me to high heaven read more

You would miss this place if you did not know about it. Clean, basic menu with a nice selection of fries or onion rings. Fast walk-up service. Really large portions, too. Not crowded. But they seem to do good takeout business. read more

I love this place. The staff is always friendly and they always prepare the food to perfection. I have always received great service and food at this location. I look forward to my next visit to this shop!!! read more

Awesome place to get cheesesteaks in this part of the peninsula. The steak is very tender and tastes incredible when adding in peppers + some lettuce. The curly fries are a nice side item too! read more

Great little cheese steak shop, which pretty much serves nothing but great cheese steak and fries. Reminds me very much of Philly and East coast style cheesesteak. It's a basic over counter order type of place, fast and good service. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Cheese steak & curly fries - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

The vibe is fab Philly Cheese Steak place right in Sunnyvale! Ordering online was a breeze! Ashley warmly greeted me! Got a chicken. Delish! A vegetarian. So healthy! And of course the Gilroy! So sinfully delectable! Love the garlic! Would order everything again! Woohoo! read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Philly feel. Philly taste!!!! Thanks, Ashley! - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

I am a steak fry girlie and while that may not be the draw for most, I am kicking myself for not getting the half sando and large fries because this place makes outstanding steak fries. Having read other reviews, I learned that fries can get soggy during busy times, and the curly fries get the most praise , but these steak fries took me back to the ones my college boyfriend used to make. He used super long potatoes, would soak them and then blanch them and then season and fry them in peanut oil and I still think about them. The steak fries that they used to serve at Barney's in the Marina come closest ( not anymore alas). These fries were slightly glistening from the oil, but not greasy. They were a perfectly golden brown, with the potato starch caramelized to a slightly deeper mahogany hue at the corners and along some of the angles. They tasted of only potato and salt and not of leftover fry oil. I heard them hit the fryer as soon as I ordered them and once I tried the first one, my full cheesesteak with cheddar sauce and sweet and hot peppers and onions was virtually ignored. Then I was pretty full, had some bites and took the uneaten half home. This being said, it was the best cheesesteak that I have had in the Bay Area. I spend about 6 years in the Mid Atlantic in my late 20s/ early 30s and have, in my distant past sampled cheesesteaks from Philly, Baltimore, Jersey and DC. I am a fan of Jersey Joe's, but find their cheesesteaks a bit too greasy ( this is greasy food, but their sandwiches must be immediately consumed or else the globby mess is unappetizing ). This sandwich is superior in terms of flavor, soft but substantial bread roll that does not detract from the yummy cheese, steak and peppers, but does not add to the taste either. Because I got a regular and did not add extra meat, the sandwich was not overstuffed and the peppers were the outstanding ingredient-having not been grilled with the meat, they offered a hint of acid and brightness as well as sweet heat. Maybe next time (thank goodness this is pretty far from my home, an order of cheesesteak fries? This is a small, clean restaurant that seems to cater to take- out ( only a handful of tables), but eat in or immediately as this food will offer diminishing returns as it sits. read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Beautiful Steak Cut Fries were the star but the cheesesteak with sweet and hot peppers and cheddar cheese sauce was good too. - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

We had a takeout order. The sandwich was very good and I'm originally from Philadelphia area. It was a little heavy on the sauce (which tasted good), making the bun a little soggy. Maybe that wouldn't have happened if we ate there. The flavor was great. I will definitely go back. read more

If this helps you calibrate your evaluation of my opinion, I'm just gonna say that I really miss Steven's, that I don't love Amato's (too bready), and that the mushroom cheesesteak I got at the Cheese Steak Shop yesterday hit the spot that Steven's used to. Thank goodness! I got a combo of a half sandwich (5 inch) with steak fries, but I almost wish I'd gone for the full sandwich instead of adding the fries. Their steak fries are fine, but a good cheesesteak is a rare commodity here -- a half sandwich was plenty filling, it's just that I was sad when I was done. Mushrooms are cooked down with the beef, which is as it should be. Would return. (Also now need to check out the location in San Jose a bit closer to me.) read more

I never leave reviews but I stopped here for lunch today and this "Philly cheese steak" wasn't even edible. My first clue should have been how empty it was, not one person eating but an employee. My food was soaked in grease and the bread was soggy. Taste wasn't any better. The peppers were squishy and chewy, glad I ordered only a half sandwich but even that alone was almost 12 bucks for a small crappy sandwich (refer to picture which only has 1 bite taken) read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Philly Joe's - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

First time trying this spot, but it's f for sure going to be my go to anytime I go to a niner gm. It's about a 10min drive from the stadium, so if your looking for a good cheesesteak this is definitely the spot. I had the Philly King which is basically your regular cheesesteak, the meat was thinly sliced and very good, you have the choice of getting sliced cheese or cheddar cheese, also the curly fries are amazing there identical to jack n the box curly fries so if you like Jack curly fries then you will definitely like these read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Cheesesteak and curly fries - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

Located in a strip mall with Popeyes, Dim sum Kingb,a Vietnamese pho house, an Indian market aNd the now clowed Michael's craft store . Positives (+) Yummy all around Hot and tasty sandwiches Soft bread, well cooked veggies. Very clean shop Negative (-) Felt it heeded a little more cheese Fries and Onion rings were minimal All in all, I'd come back and highly recimmebded. read more

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Just really good food- But my sweet reds & bell green peppers were Jalapeños, not green bells- still good read more

Best ever Philly Cheesesteak. The meat the cheese the peppers are to die for . The bread is always fresh and warm. Staff is very nice and the dining room clean. read more

I'm coming on to say that I visited today by request from family for two Philly cheese steaks. With peppers and onions. I got two and split one to enjoy with him. Luckily I took a bite first because it was LOADED with spicy peppers and he cannot have those. I felt bad as this was a direct request so I hopped in my truck to come down and buy replacements. I explained no spicy peppers please and the restaurant graciously replaced the two items, free of charge. This type of customer service redeems so many bad experiences that we experience elsewhere. Please come visit these folks. Good sandwiches and good people. Thank you! read more

Decent Spot! The place is small- maybe 6-8 Tables. But they guys are friendly. This is the first time i ate here, and i was pleased. First off- they are a Pepsi shop, so Diet Pepsi for the win. The sandwiches are made to oder, although it did look to be preassembled and frozen (Note: LOOKED Like, i cannot confirm that). I would have liked to see slices of beef grilled and chopped up, but it is what it is. Cheesesteak was balaced, not greasy, not overcooked. Bread was soft. Didn't have a ton of flavor, but def would eat it again... read more

Cheese Steak Shop - Motown Philly w/ Shrooms (Small) - American Near Me - Sunnyvale, California

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