As I was walking my cheesesteak off, I saw a woman with a parasol, those that look Asian inspired, not from the Antebellum period. It was a pretty shade of pink. And yes, I clipped it for show and tell purposes. I note this because it echoes the consideration that Cheesesteaks by Matu offers its customers. As I approached the Matu line, I saw many green umbrellas, the same shade as the sign of this place. My first thought brilliant, for who wants to be blistered by sun rays as they wait for meat between bread, adorned with melted cheese. Then my second thought was how do I get one? Eventually, a Matu staff member came and offered umbrellas to the patrons. He approached a pair in front of me. He had a limited supply in hand. He offered one, one of the pair took it, and I stretched my hand to get one too, and the second person in the pair took it, she had first dibs, I know. I just did not know that she had not gotten one. The staff member came back with one, and I stretched my hand to take it, and he pulled his hand back, and then gave me the umbrella opened. This awkward encounter that feels all too familiar (I am sure we have all reached for something, and someone pulls it back for a reason or other- like I am thinking of this time when I went to get a bag from an uber driver, and she pulled it back to give it to me from the bottom, and not from the bag ears) can be embarrassing, frustrating, with the list of emotions continuing exhaustively. I saw the staff member repeat the same hand the umbrella and pull back dance with another customer behind me. I also saw how people were like I am ok, I don't need one, but then take one, not only because it was needed (the sun was ticked-off) but also because the price was right. After the line, one enters to a combined space for Hi-Ho burgers and Matu. I ordered and I was given a pager. The wait was abut 10 to 15 minutes long, not short, but also not long, not frustrating, it is just felt. I got a regular lunch tray: Dr. Pepper. Matu house chips and a sandwich. I There Matu Philly Cheesesteaks has Long Hot Pepper and Grill onions. I have grown to hate heat, so I only did the onions. Which means that I build my own cheeseteak with onions, or I remove the longhot pepper from their spotlighted original. The sandwich was easy to enjoy. The flavor was deep, its taste light, and with a soda can and chips dip in ketchup everything was easy to understand, and like I said enjoy. But will I return with excited step? Probably not. Easy to enjoy is good, for sure. But easy to enjoy also means predictable and boring. I mean, vanilla is easy to join, but vanilla with swirls of caramel, and chunks of chocolate covered gum, is a complex bite to know and discern. And I like complexity in my food. But don't get me wrong, I am glad I went to try the Norwegian sensation but I do not agree that it is a bite of LA that is worthy of praise for days that stretch Sunset Blvd. However, if I ever get the chance to try the cheesesteak at Matu proper then I will. I am hoping that the atmosphere of Beverly Hills adds a touch of glitz and glamour that will make each bite more than easy to enjoy. I also paid about 35 dollars for one properly assembled lunch that was still basic--- main, side and drink. I see some people writing that this is price is a lot but I think that you are paying for the experience that begins with a line that gives you umbrella, that is lux behavior. So I was ok with that. It is not an everyday lunch kind of thing. At least not for me. But subway sandwiches are now that kind of price. Do I recommend going here? Yes and No. It depends on what type of eater you are. But if you like to dine far and wide, then this place might just be ok. If you eat as a task, then move this place along. If you kind of sit in a table in between these polar spectrums then go here--- you will be ok, and maybe enjoy the deep and easy flavor more than I did. read more

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After waiting so long to finally try Matu, my husband and I left feeling underwhelmed. The sandwich was very rich and, although it had a peppery kick, it lacked the acidity needed to balance everything out. It just didn't wow us the way we expected. The wait was also a bit much, about 20 minutes just to order, followed by another 15-20 minutes for the food. That said, they were thoughtful enough to provide umbrellas while we waited in the sun, which we appreciated. Would I come back? Probably not..but I'm still glad we gave it a try. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Really solid cheesesteak and the flavors you can taste the meat was good quality stuff. Pretty big sandwich and you can share if your not super duper hungry. The kick from the pepper in the cheesesteak was amazing and those tallow potato chips are a good compliment to the sandwich. Service was nice but the wait for you food can be awhile if they have a lot of orders. read more

The hype is real on this one and it died down. I think the bread and the quality of meat is great. I think my cheesesteak could have used more cheese but that's just my preference. Would I have it again, yes! Would I go out of my way to have it, no! The service is good and your sandwich is made to order so you're likely waiting 10-15 mins maybe, not bad. I went on a Monday around 2PM and there wasn't a line at all. It's a small charming place that would fit maybe 30 ppl but it shares a space with a burger joint. I wouldn't recommend for large parties. Max 4 ppl forsure! The restrooms are clean, I would go #2 if I had to. read more

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After hearing about this place, I had to check it out for myself. After reading the reviews, especially the negative ones, I have to say that I did not experience any lines, found plenty of seating (I went around 5/5:30pm) and even though the cheesesteak sandwich was a tad dry, it was still VERY flavorful! If you like cheesesteak sandwiches, I guarantee you'll love these! Here are some tips/advice if you're thinking of going: - Depending on what time you go, you'll find plenty of seating or it'll be crowded. Even though I did not go at lunch time, I can only assume that's when it's most crowded. - While a normal cheesesteak sandwich has mayonnaise in it, this one does not so I would suggest bringing some mayonnaise packets just in case you find it too dry (I got a little to-go container of mayo from Urth Cafe across the street) - While the price may seem high, remember these sandwiches are made with Wagu beef which is a very expensive type of beef - The chips are SOOOOOO worth ordering but they're just enough for one person so get a bag per person - The sandwiches are quite large so come hungry! Lol On a side note, they share their space with HIHO Burgers so if you think you're entering the burger place, you'll also be entering for Matu Cheesteakes as well read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've actually tried to dine here a few times since they opened up but waved the white flag as the line never seemed to move. As we were heading to CAR to pickup some croissants for a friend, we decided to just wait in line. Now I have had their cheesesteak in BH and wasn't a huge fan given the steep service/health fee for their workers but thought it was an ok sandwich. Not sure what it was but actually really enjoyed the sandwich more at the Pasadena location than I had expected. It's still a pricey sandwich and we had to wait 35 mins in the sun and another 20 for our sandwiches to come out. I would come back again if the line was fairly short but they need to hand out umbrellas to patrons waiting in the sun as it's brutally hot here in the SGV. They also need to expand their hours into the evening. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Finally tried this spot after all the hype died down a little. I went once when they had their soft opening, in which I was turned away after they had sold out. This was disappointing as there was no indication, but I understand. Today, initially when I was ordering I didn't really understand the difference between the Matu cheesesteak and the build your own, since the difference was basically if you want onions or not. Didn't understand the need for 2 of the same item on a menu with 3 total food items lol. I noticed they slapped on a small fee on the bill since I said I was dining in. Overall, the sandwich is good but $32 for some chips and a cheesesteak is a little insane, even for Pasadena standards. Cheesesteak, 8/10: Really liked the sesame bun I gave a little bit of a toasted flavor that held its shape nicely. Came piping hot. They make their sandwiches to oder, which I appreciated. The cheese is properly melted and isn't too overpowering. The pepper it comes with has a nice little kick. Wish they gave a bigger one on the side. Needed something to cut the greasiness of the sandwich. However, the meat is good quality and has a rich smoky flavor. Wish there were more onions. Wagyu tallow chips, 6/10: I had opened the bag and saw that they only gave 8 chips. I went to go clarify with the cashier in which she said this is the normal amount they give. The chips were too greasy. Somehow under salted. Definitely felt ripped off by this. read more

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Loved the cheesesteaks. The chips were good but the fries from the burger spot (in the same space) were betttttter. Seating is a mess. The line can get crazy. But my husband and I will still return. Oh everyone was still so friendly in the crowded space. Sharing chairs and letting people know when they're leaving so they can take a table. I know that's not about the service per se, but it added to having a good experience. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Mexican Coke - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

I came here to see for myself what all the fuss was about. I had not heard of Matu or their cheesesteaks before. They have 2 fancy sit-down restaurants on the Westside, where apparently the lunch and bar menu cheesesteaks became famous. The Pasadena location offers only cheesesteaks and beef tallow-fried potato chips, plus wine, beer and sodas. The cheesesteaks are a grass-fed Wagyu ribeye and sirloin blend. The tallow is also Wagyu. The newish Pasadena location has gotten a lot of publicity; they will soon open a similar concept in Calabasas. The Pasadena location is tiny, the size of one small storefront that it shares with its sister eatery, HiHo Cheeseburger, which has Wagyu beef burgers and chicken sandwiches. There's a small dining patio in front that fills quickly. There are restrooms and an ice and water machine. I knew beforehand there's usually a line in the sun, so I brought my own umbrella, sunglasses and water, although just before opening they passed out cups of ice water and umbrellas. They open at 11:30. I arrived at around 11:05 and there were 5 people ahead of me. They were letting people in to order 2 groups at a time. You get a buzzer after placing your order. There's a window on the side of the tiny kitchen where you can see them in action. The cheesesteaks run $22-$24 and the chips are $4. There is no line to add a tip when you pay, but there is a 6% fee added for some reason. There cheesesteak comes with cheese of course, and you can add grilled onions and/or a long hot pepper. I heard the pepper was pretty spicy, so I only got the onions. The bread is a sesame roll. I also ordered the chips. It took about 20 minutes to get my order, during which time I also placed an order at KazuNori Sushi next door, a Japanese handroll place very popular in its own right. The cheesesteak was fine, but really not worth the fuss or wait. I guess my palate is not refined enough to discern the quality of the beef. The cheese was not very pronounced, and I would have preferred another type of bun because the sesame was a bit potent. The chips were good, although not freshly fried (they weren't warm). They are only open 2.5 hours per day 11:30-2:00. Initially they were open longer but would have to close early because they would run out of meat. HiHo has longer hours and less crowds. I'll visit again if/when the crowds die down. And frankly I'd choose KazuNori over Matu if I had to choose. read more

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It's solid. Bestie wanted to take me after going w her husband and knowing I'm a Waygu gal. It was after 1 and she remembered their 2 pm close, so instead of walking, we drove over. It was around 1:30 and still busy. The patio was full and it was totally jumpin for a Wednesday. The options are minimal. We did the cheesesteak w the tallow chips. Almost $33! I asked for it to be halved, but that's standard practice. The guy that took our order was nice, we got a buzzer and went outside. I was expecting a call I subsequently got, so I lost track of the wait time. It wasn't more that 12 or so minutes. It was tasty, but I had to remove the pepper. Entirely TOO hot. I liked the toasted bread and sesame seeds. The chips were cool too. I don't have anything bad to say, it just wasn't the fun, exciting pop the line and price would suggest. The meat was tender, it just wouldn't rank high on my cravings list. Juries out for me. Try it and decide for yourself. read more

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Hubby has been seeing this spot all over social media and has been wanting to try them out. So Super Bowl Sunday we decided to go since we finally had time and can make it to their odd opening hours (11:30-2pm). We got there and waited about 30 minutes in the hot sun. Ordered and then waited another 35 mins for the food to done. Ordered: *Matu Cheesesteak $24 *BYO Cheesesteak $22 Flavor wise, it felt a bit on the let down side. It lacked a lot of flavor if you ask me. Their cheesesteak is made with 100% Grass Fed Wagyu Ribeye and Sirloin but you honestly can't really taste why it is so special. You would think that they would make the cheesesteak flavor shine through but nope I do not understand the hype of this spot. The cheesesteak is served in an freshly baked sesame roll and I can honestly say I was not a fan of the roll. Staff is nice. And seems like they are shared between Matu and HiHo. I will not be back because the price tag is way too high for something that is not that big or justifiable for the cost, the line is way too long, and flavor wise was meh. Tips: *Street parking or parking lot around the corner. *Indoor/patio seating but limited and shared with HiHo Burgers *Credit card accepted *Restroom available *Casual environment. read more

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I'm not exactly sure why Cheesesteaks by Matu has a lower rating on Yelp, but whoever's giving this place a bad review might need to reset their palates or they were bothered by waiting in line. Y'all saw the videos on social media, expect the line to be there and don't judge them for it. Not going to beat around the bush--there's no denying it. This is easily the best cheesesteak I've had outside of Philadelphia. I've been chasing this exact flavor for years here in California, and this place finally nailed it. It's clean, simple, and straight to the point. Melted cheese, juicy beef, onions, and long pepper all packed into a perfectly toasted sesame bun. That's it. No gimmicks. No unnecessary extras. Just a perfectly executed cheesesteak. There's nothing pretentious about it. It's not trying to be fancy--it's just doing one thing really well. And honestly, that's all you need. I also added them potato chips and it was meh. But I didn't go there for that, so it's irrelevant. One piece of advice: order it and eat it there. Don't take it home thinking you'll enjoy it later. That's almost disrespectful to the sandwich. Eat it right away while it's hot and fresh--the way it's meant to be. Definitely worth my one-hour drive, and I'd do it again without hesitation. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Matū Philly Cheesesteak with House-made Wagyu Potato Chips - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came for the very hyped cheesesteak sandwich. Waited in line about 20 minutes to order. The menu is simple - just cheesesteak, with or without onion and pepper, and chips fried in beef fat. The sandwich was good - with high quality beef that's almost free of fat and sinew. However, the bread is a bit dry and hard. The sesame crust is too overpowering. When I took a bit, it's mostly the sesame flavor and very little beef flavor. The high quality cheesesteak comes with a high price tag at $22 without onion and pepper. Beware there's a 6% fee on the bill. I asked them about it, they say it's because they have a no tipping policy so the 6% is to help running the operation. The space is really small and share with another burger joint. Limited tables available. read more

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Finally got a chance to visit Cheesesteaks by Matu in Pasadena to try their NZ Wagyu beef cheesesteak and chips and it was definitely a delight. The sandwich was incredibly juicy. Once you lift it, you'll notice a little oily goodness, but surprisingly it wasn't as greasy as I expected. The toasted sesame-seed bun paired perfectly with the tender beef, along with a long chili, onions, and a light layer of cheese. I actually expected it to be overloaded with cheese, so the lighter touch was a bit surprising but worked well. The food is worth trying, though it's on the pricier side and the wait was about 30 minutes. Luckily, it was still enjoyable once I got it. The only odd part was that they wouldn't wrap one sandwich to go while I dined in, so I ended up having to wrap my husband's sandwich myself which is one of the reasons why I knocked off a star. That and the pricing. The staff was extremely friendly when I was there. The person managing the line to the person who took my order and gave me my cheesesteak. On the bright side, there's three hours of free parking behind the building, so no need to stress about finding a spot. I would recommend trying it out if you have never had it. I was surprised by the low ratings as I thjnk this spot is pretty decent for what it is! read more

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I love a good cheesesteak. And the ones in Philly didn't hit it for me. But this place. Hit all my expectations. The hype was real Love the bread. So good. The meat quality was great. Good cheese. Not too oily but enough to make it not dry. The chili was spicy. And made it so good. What an amazing sandwich The chips. 4 bucks for a bag. Well worth the price. So good clean. Great tallow flavor. I loved it read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Excellent. Get the chips - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Finally tried the famous cheesesteak sandwich by Matu! I hate to say I can live without it. It's really good, don't get me wrong. But I do feel like I can satisfy my cheesesteak quicker and at a more affordable price elsewhere at a local butcher/sandwich shop. Our two sandwiches came close to $50. We also waited over 50 minutes for it. Their meat is very high quality and you can clearly taste it. I was starving towards the end. I also have to admit I'm not crazy about their sesame bun and I also don't think the hot pepper belongs on that sandwich. I'll probably be back but not for a while! read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

I was debating if I would rate cheesesteaks by Matū a four or a five! I ended up rating it a five due to the service they provided! It was top-notch. My sister wanted to try this place so we headed to Pasadena and got prime parking right in front of the restaurant. We arrived at 11 am and there was no line. We got to sit in the car until about five people were in line. Around 11:20, the workers started passing out water for everyone. I thought that was a nice touch. Ordering was simple. Pay at the counter and wait for your buzzer to go off. There are a couple of seating. The cheesesteak is around $24 and the chips were $4. The cheesesteak was good. The bread was crunchy and full of sesame flavors. The ratio of beef to cheese was perfect. All sandwiches come with a piece of spicy peppers and they aren't lying about spice. It was one hot pepper. Overall, if you're cravings for a cheesesteak, try this place out. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Delicious cheesesteaks! We parked in the parking garage down below. It has 3 hours validation at the restaurant. So yummy but downside is it is pricey for just a cheesesteak. And there's a wait to order and to get your food. They have limited seating so we wound up eating in our car. It was busy in there. They do charge a service fee but no tipping. It was good though so we're probably just going to continue to get it togo if we're craving it and in the area. Would recommend trying!! At least once even if you aren't happy with the price. read more

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Finally got to try this place out! Gotta say yes their sandwiches are tasty! Enjoyed mine very much but opted out to get chips & a drink cause it was already pricey without all that lol $28 with tax! So yes it was good, but maybe a 1 & done for me. Glad to have tried it & recommend going during the week & not the weekend cause I hear there could be a 2 hour line to wait in & I'll tell ya it ain't that worth it! Went today around 12pm & walked right up to order, not a long wait to receive my order either So was pretty pleased! Small little joint with tables nothing crazy about the inside / outdoor feels. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of the better cheesesteaks you can get in the LA area. Is it pricey for a cheesesteak? Yes, but I will say the bread and meat were top notch. I would come back again once the wait time calms down a bit. Only reason not 5 stars is the chips were disappointing. Side note: There is 2 hour free parking in the garage behind the location. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Went for my birthday and enjoyed a yummy cheesesteak. I may have had a unique experience, since there was no line--just a few people waiting for their orders--so I didn't have to battle the long lines I always hear about. That alone felt like a total win. My sandwich came out in about 10-12 minutes. The bread was a nice, firm sesame bun, and the meat was great quality. However, I could definitely do without the long chili--it overpowered the flavor and honestly ruined it for me. Once I took it out, the sandwich tasted much better. It also helped that they have a water station so you can skip buying a beverage, and calm down your mouth after the "long". The sandwich was very light on cheese, 93% meat , 7% cheese. I could barely see any cheese. I get that they're letting the steak do most of the talking, but a cheesesteak needs cheese to be a true winning combo. This is definitely a more "fancy" take on a beloved classic. My mom used to make cheesesteaks at home when I was growing up, and I've been known to eat six Geno's cheesesteaks over six days in Philly--so I appreciate a new take with great meat. I just wish it came with a little more cheese please . Overall, it was good, but I'm not sure I'll come regularly because of the $24 price tag. If money were more plentiful these days, I'd definitely visit more often. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Not worth the long wait. Went on a Saturday and waited almost 2 hrs. Probably the longest I ever waited for food so my expectations were high but it was just ok for me. read more

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Meh. All social media BS hype, bros. As usual. Thirty-minute wait for a $25 Philly cheesteak? Maybe if it were $15 and 10, I'd consider revisiting. Maybe. Sure, they use expensive wagyu sirloin cuts. But they underseason the meat and the sandwich lacked a critical component: FLAVOR. They might as well used top sirloin cuts and you really wouldn't know the difference. Maybe add more cheese? Or something flavorful to keep it from being MEH. I get the gourmet angle here, folks, but cheesesteak sammies are meant to be greasy, sloppy, full of flavor, and not break your damn bank. And the bread. What's with the uber sesame French roll? So much sesame and so unecessary. I got the sesame burps after downing half of the sandwich. How about just using a plain roll, crisp it up a bit and let the meat do the talking? Just a thought. Oh yeah, and the lines are super long and the seating so very little. Fortunately it was a cool day. I can only imagine how uncomfortable it would be mid-July, sweating up a storm and all huddled together to wait a half hour for an overpriced meh sandwich. It'll be like the Hunger Games and patrons will be fighting over who gets the shaded spots to sit on uneven, wobbly tables! If you're there and the line is too long, just go to HiHo right next door instead. Better value for your buck! read more

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Having been to Matu recently for a dinner that included the cheesesteak as part of a large set course meal, I was pretty hyped to find out that Cheesesteaks by Matu was opening in Pasadena. I really enjoyed the cheesesteak at Matu, but it came at the end of that set course menu so we were already super stuffed. So of course, I absolutely had to come here as soon as possible! Based on the reviews, it became pretty obvious to me that I had to get here ahead way ahead of opening to ensure that I didn't have to wait very long to put in my order. Ended up being the right move as there were only eight people ahead of me when I got in line on a Saturday morning. By 11:30 am opening, there had to have been 50 people behind me in line. I can see why they moved the operating hours to 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. So does this hold up to the cheeesteak at the actual Matu restaurant? It sure does, and it might be even better (although part of it might also be the fact I could actually enjoy this without being stuffed). The wagyu beef is so flavorful and the Cooper Sharp cheese is blended perfectly into the meat. The grilled onions were good. The pepper is low-key pretty spicy and once again kicked my ass. I always thought the bread needed to be an Amoroso roll like all authentic Philly cheesesteaks, but honestly this is better. The sesame bun bread is a bit hard on the inside, but really soft on the inside and adds a ton to the cheesesteak. The bread really adds to the overall product. I do wish that we got more beef tallow chips as we did at Matu itself. There were maybe 15-20 chips in the bag. For $4, it's kinda meh. The hack is just to go over to the HiHo Cheeseburger booth and order their fries, which are WAY better. Staff here are super friendly. Everyone was very welcoming! Scott was walking around and making sure that everyone was enjoying their food. Enjoyed chatting with him as well! At $24 + mandatory 6% service charge, this cheesesteak is certainly not cheap, but it's definitely worth it. The quality is apparent here and I don't mind paying a little more for a cheesesteak that is quite obviously better than the rest. Here's hoping to their continued success! read more

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Delicious cheesesteaks? Absolutely. Worth the price? Unsure. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this sandwich. The ingredients were high quality, I loved the sesame roll (unlike some other reviewers), and the sandwich was juicy and indulgent without being overly greasy. I just don't know how often I could justify coming here for the price point - though I could see myself coming back if the cheesesteak craving really hit. The seating options aren't great - no tables open when we arrived and had to wait for a spot. It's a no-fuss casual atmosphere, just eat and be on your way. Definitely worth trying, but may or may not return. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Matū Philly Cheesesteak - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

We arrived around noon on a Sunday and there was already a long line. We waited about 30 minutes in total. Cheesesteaks by Matū was born out of overwhelming demand for the cheesesteaks served at Matū and Matū Kai in Beverly Hills. You order at the counter and receive a pager to pick up your food when it's ready. The space is shared with HiHo Burger, which makes it a great spot if your group is craving different things. The cheesesteaks are made with 100% grass-fed Wagyu ribeye and sirloin, topped with Cooper Sharp cheese on a toasted sesame roll. You can customize your sandwich with grilled onions and long hot peppers. We were told they only make about 600 sandwiches a day, and once they're gone, they're gone. They also prepare the sandwiches in "rounds." My friend, who ordered just ahead of me, received her sandwich fairly quickly. Unfortunately, I must have missed a round because my order didn't come out until about 35 minutes after we ordered. I mentioned the long wait to one of the workers, and I really appreciated that he offered me a complimentary Coke. At $22-$24, these are definitely on the pricey side for a sandwich, but they're incredibly delicious. While they're not an authentic Philly cheesesteak, the quality of the beef and the perfectly toasted bread honestly made me like this version more. Don't skip the fries or the Willie Mae chicken tenders next door at HiHo. They also validate underground parking for two hours, with the entrance on Madison. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Build Your Own Cheesesteak - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Aww man, soo good! I went on a tuesday before open 11:30am-2pm and there was already 20 people ahead of me! They share this space with their sister resturant HIHO burgers. It's one of the best cheesesteaks i ever had and the meat on the cheesesteak had great flavor and definitely top tier quality wagyu beef, comes with peppers which can make it a bit spicy with little cheese mixed in which is fine because the wagyu meat is the star of the show. It's expensive at $24 bucks. You can also add onions for a $1. They don't use the amarosa buns or cheese whiz like the ones in philly but the sesame seed bun and cheddar cheese slices they have works. If you feel this is too expensive and looking for a cheaper option, johns philly has 3 locations and have a half $10 and full $17 amazing cheesesteaks. I also ordered the chips $4 which i would skip next time and the move is to order the cheesesteak first then go across to HIHO and order their fries with it imo. The wait was about 45 minutes from line to sittng down to getting my order. They have mexican coke and sprite. There are only a few tables inside for both places but i was lucky to find one with people in line i spoke to during the wait. I can't imagine the weekend lines so be prepared. The employee who was monitoring the line letting people in was nice and offered water to these waiting. They have free self serve water and ice machine inside. They have two bathrooms in the back area which is a huge bonus. The manager i believe came by our table and asked how everything was. They have a validate parking machine to punch your ticket at the window also. Would i come here again? On the weekday yes! Its definitely worth the wait! I would say if you do go on the weekends as you're only time, get here early so you won't be dissapointed if they sell out before they reach you. Food Rating Matú: Cheesesteak 9.4\10 it will be the best cheesesteak you ever had. read more

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Cheesesteaks by Matu opened in Pasadena on January 14 and they announced limited hours of 11:30am-2:30pm. They share the space with their wagyu burger spot, HiHo burgers. Matu is a steakhouse in Beverly Hills, known for their grass-fed Wagyu sourced from their own farm in New Zealand. Their cheesesteak was a very popular/viral lunch item at their restaurants, and this newest spot focuses solely on these sandwiches with Wagyu Beef. Given that they're using Wagyu Ribeye and Sirloin cuts, their $24 price tag isn't a surprise. The sandwiches are served simply on a sesame seed bun with grilled onions, a long pepper, and cheese. I also wanted to get their house made chips, fried in beef tallow. We came at 11:00 (ahead of their 11:30 opening) on a Saturday morning and the line was already down the street. I can understand the three star reviews, given the over-the-top hype train at the moment. Wait times are crazy, seating is limited, and the food isn't cheap. Quality is high and price does seem fair, given they give a half pound of wagyu sirloin and ribeye. It's juicy and beefy. The sesame seed covered baguette holds up to the juicy beef. The cheese and onions are understated, and the pepper is actually quite spicy, which can dominate the flavor. Meat quality is good; however, I prefer the wagyu in their burgers in HiHo (located next door) to their cheesesteaks at Matu. The potato chips are pretty basic - I also prefer the fries at HiHo to the chips here. I'd consider coming back after the hype dies down a little; however, I'm more likely to come back to this spot for their wagyu burgers at HiHo. Right now, the long waits and the very limited seating make for a suboptimal experience. read more

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Yesterday (same day the other reviewer mentioned them selling out by 7:30) we stopped by at 4:30 to try the cheesesteaks and was surprised to find no line. After parking, which as we all know is tons of fun in Pasadena, we only then discovered that they're out of bread and it'll be at least another hour before they have more bread so no cheesesteaks. I imagine the lack of sign outside is so that they can drive traffic to HiHo (same owner) if they're out of cheesesteaks, which feels scummy and disrespectful of customers' time. Saw plenty of people debate whether they should just get something from HiHo since they're there. I held off reviewing to see if I'd be able to get some cheesesteaks today. Got there at 11:30 and there was a ~30-40 person line outside. Not sure if people have a bad sense of time but some newer folks stopped to ask how long we've been in line for (35 min from the palm tree outside KazuNori to right outside the seating area) and were being told 20ish minutes from the end of the line, which by then had extended way past the tree. Expect to wait an hour from the palm tree. I ordered around 12:30 and got my food around 12:50, 1 hour 20 minutes total. I want to say they're overrated and not worth it etc but the cheesesteak is actually delicious. Very beefy, far less greasy than HiHo's burgers, nice cheese flavor despite looking like not a lot of cheese, love the long hot. My husband lived in Philly for 5 years for school and he said it's not the most authentic but he also likes it. Chips are rich in flavor, very crispy, but small portion. Fries from HiHo are better value. There is a non-removable 6% service fee both here and at HiHo. Staff have been friendly both times at both counters. The "we're outta bread/cheesesteaks" guy was delivering iced waters to the people standing in line outside later on. About 15 tables (indoor and out) and the place is nice and clean. Parking validation available although I have no idea for where. Worth an hour and a half wait? Maybe. Definitely not if you're coming from far away AND later in the day cause chances are you're gonna get nothing but disappointment. They changed their hours to 11:30a-2p so definitely come early. Also reheated it using the included reheating instructions and it came out almost better than the fresh to-go. Bread wasn't soggy and had a great crispy crust, beef was still beefy and cheesy. My friend was blown away it reheated so well. read more

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HOLY COW! After seeing Cheesesteaks by Matū all over my TikTok feed, I finally had to try one, and I'm so glad I did. There was a bit of a wait upon arrival, about 25 minutes, give or take, but the line moved quickly and was absolutely worth it. A staff member was outside greeting and directing guests and even offering filtered water while we waited, which was a really nice touch. Seating is first come, first serve, with both patio and indoor options. Turnover was solid, and I didn't have to wait long for a seat while waiting for my buzzer. The atmosphere is casual and fun, and it even shares space with Hi Ho Hamburgers, giving it a mini food hall vibe. What I ordered: Matū Philly Cheesesteak ($24) The meat was high quality and incredibly tender. I was dipping the sandwich into the drippings, no flavor wasted! The bread was crisp on the outside with sesame seeds that added a toasty flavor, perfectly complementing the meat and the "long hot" Philadelphia pepper. Mild heat, about jalapeño level spicy. House Made Wagyu Potato Chips ($4) Perfect texture and flavor, and a great pairing with the sandwich. Pro tip: Consider grabbing French fries from Hi Ho next door to go with your cheesesteak. Next level combo. Overall, this is a solid spot in Pasadena that I'd highly recommend. Great service, quality food, and options for both cheesesteak and burger lovers. Cheers to much success, Cheesesteaks by Matū! read more

I stopped by on opening day. Luckily the wait wasn't too long. There were 3 people in front of me and it took like 20 minutes to get my order. I got a cheese steak and chips. Keep in mind it's not a traditional philly cheese steak but the ingredients were really fresh and the sandwich was delicious. I also ordered a burger and fries from Hiho. Personally, I would recommend skipping the chips and getting an order of fries from Hiho. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant and if free with validation. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

Checked out Matu Cheese Steak right at lunchtime when they opened. Waited about 30 minutes just to place the order and another 30 minutes to get the food, so be prepared for a wait. The sandwich was a decent size with onions, cheese, meat, and peppers. I actually liked the toasted sesame bun the most, it was probably the best part of the whole sandwich. The meat is supposed to be wagyu, but honestly I couldn't really tell. The grilled onions on mine were mostly burnt, which was pretty disappointing. Felt like there wasn't much quality control going on. I also ordered their beef tallow chips. They were thin and crispy, which I liked, but my bag only had maybe 10 chips inside, felt kind of skimpy. Overall the sandwich was good, but nothing spectacular. For almost $35 for a sandwich and chips, I expected a lot more. I've definitely had better cheesesteaks for way less money. Glad I tried it, but I probably won't be rushing back. I'd rather go to Hiho next door. read more

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Drove 30 minutes to try this place out. Arrived at 7:30 and they are open until 10. However, supposedly the sold out at 6:30. I get that they have only been open for a couple days, but pretty unacceptable. Guy was just standing in the front and telling people they sold out If anything, this is where you give a 50% off voucher to build some goodwill. However, nothing was offered besides a chuckle. And then we were told to come back tomorrow and wait in line. I prob won't be back for a while. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Guy smiling that they sold out at 6:30 today. Nothing offered. - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I had the signature Matu cheesesteak that comes with 8 ounces of wagyu beef, cheddar cheese, grilled onions, a long hot pepper, and it's served on a sesame seed bun. I give the sandwich five stars even though they don't ship in the Amarosa buns from Philly. The sesame seed bun is an excellent replacement. It's crunchy and has a good bite and chew to it. The sandwich is top notch. Very flavorful and meaty tasting. The grilled onions add a juiciness that is needed and the cheese and long pepper are a great combination as the cheese smooths out the mild spice from the pepper making the sandwich a flavor bomb in your mouth. Also, It's the chopped steak version unlike Philly's Pat's Steaks that does not chop the meat. But chopped in Philly is the way most places do it. The sandwich isn't traditional for the most part, but it's delicious and feeds the fix. There is no whiz option, cheddar cheese slices are your only option but they work. I think I'd call it an LA cheesesteak because it has a different vibe, yet you can taste the influence of Philly. The service is quick and I can't say it's friendly but it's also not unfriendly. The service just moves quickly and you move with it. The ambiance was a bit loud, but that's because the space is very small and tight with people crammed in. Most people appeared to be having a good time. Also, it's in the same space as Hiho burger (both restaurants share the same small room), so it's a super busy location. The sandwich is $24, and I'm not totally sure I think it's worth it, but I'll definitely be back and pay for it again; I know, it makes no sense. Parking can be difficult as it's in the playhouse district of Pasadena which is typically crowded in the evening and on weekends. I'm glad Pasadena finally has a legit Philly cheesesteak spot, and I can't wait to eat so many of them that it becomes old hat. All said, I totally recommend it to get your cheesesteak cravings in check. read more

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Super hyped up place but was so meh. Sure it's kinda pricey for a sandwich but it's Wagyu, which is usually nice, but unfortunately it was very greasy. The sesame roll was pretty good and the size is fair. The pepper is quite hot. Sandwich could have used a horseradish aoili or something to brighten it against the grease. The beef tallow chip were also very oily and heavy for potato chips, especially when you want something crisp to balance the greasy sandwich. Saw some people order fries from the neighboring Hiho, which would be a better move. Stood in line in the hot sun without shade for 20 minutes and another 15 after ordering (and fighting for limited seating). My husband thought his cheesesteak was pretty good (a 4/5) so we will compromise and call this a 3 in fairness read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

I came here for the hype on a Monday right at opening at 11:30am. Thankfully, parking is easy in the apartment complex garage for 2 hours for free. I don't think I would want to fight for Pasadena parking in this area. There were less than 10 people ahead of me in line. It was crazy hot. There's someone managing the line, handing out umbrellas and iced water. Prepare with sunscreen, water, and umbrellas if you come! It will get worse in the summer. The store inside is very small. Seating takes up most of the space and there isn't much space to wait. Go early so you can get a seat inside. It took less than 40 minutes from standing in the line to getting the food. The cheesesteak hype is real; the pepper adds heat and the ooey gooey cheese sauce is delicious. You must eat it fresh! I had the cheesesteak at home and it wasn't as good. I also got the chips and wish I ordered more. Be aware that the sandos are pricey at $24 and there's an additional 6% charge on top of everything you order. That's LA for you! I would come back for a 40 minute wait but 1 hour+ is too much. read more

They have free parking in the back. The lines is more intimidating at 1/2 way down the block but it took less than 15 minutes to get in on a Saturday at 1:15 pm. Super friendly greeter that had an umbrella for the sun he shared. When you walk in the left side is Shiho burger and the right is Mary cheese steak. 98% were there for Matu. Good flavor on the meat but the spicy on the pepper was in consistent. read more

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Sometimes the hype works against you. Here's the thing, this is a very solid cheesesteak. The bun is sturdy, the onions add just the right amount of sweetness, and the meat is clearly quality because it leaves a clean flavor rather than being overwhelmed by grease and regret. However, at the end of the day it's nothing more than a solid sandwich. Long lines, long wait time, and the high price, means that off-peak hours you're paying $27 and waiting 40 minutes for just a solid sandwich. Just not worth it in my book. Would I eat this sandwich again if someone gave it to me. Absolutely! Would I wait in line and pay $27 for it? Not anytime soon. read more

Yummy Philly cheesesteak. Luckily there was a burger place the same area that we bought fries and ranch. I personally like to eat sauce with my food, but overall it tasted good. read more

Situated in the Pasadena playhouse district, this savory cheesesteak is one to write home about. Normally, it is a long line to enjoy this gem, but you can have a nice chat with their staff, who even offered me an umbrella to avoid the sun. Upon entry there are a couple of tables to dine at which share the space with Hi ho Cheeseburgers. Water is available on the south end and restrooms are accessible. Once you order your cheesesteak, they prepare in just a few short minutes. Beer and wine is also available to purchase with your sandwich as well as their beef tallow chips which are a fantastic accompaniment. The sesame seed baguette is the star of the show along with juice wagyu meet and hot melted cheese. The pepper is not spicy at all and is needed to enjoy all the flavor components of this sandwich. Don't miss out on this hot spot of Pasadena. read more

Cheesesteaks by Matū | Pasadena - GOOEY CHEESE WAGYU MMM SESAME SEED BAGUETTE - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Pasadena, California

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