Wow. I stopped in looking for a sandwich and had the most relaxing, pleasant meal. It was way after the lunch rush so I was the only one in the dining room. I chose the Philly cheese steak and chips. It was an absolutely melty, tasty steak mix on a flaky grilled bun. The owner was charming and the service was quick. The next time I'm passing through, I'll definitely come back. read more

Critics Choice - The Philly - Sandwiches Near Me - Alexandria, Louisiana

Great little hole in the wall sandwich shop downtown. A local favorite. Owners are from Philadelphia originally, which I consider a plus especially if you're looking for cheesesteaks, hoagies or grinders instead of po-boys (if you know the difference). I've loved this spot for a long time. Delicious sandwiches. Always hot and fresh. I love the Philly cheesesteak and the Italian grinder. Used to religiously order the veal parm grinder which was exceptional but is unfortunately no longer on the menu. Meatball sub is also delicious. I've never been disappointed. The restaurant is not fancy, but clean, subtle and inviting. Staff is so friendly and service is wonderful. A real gem of a local small business knocking out high quality delicious sandwiches in Alexandria. Buy local! read more

We stopped here passing through driving up to Shreveport. The Hoagies were better than any we have had in years. The cannoli was amazing!

I ordered the hamburger and chocolate cake for my family. As many other guests explained there is nothing spectacular about this restaurant. For 15+ dollars the sandwich did not include a side nor drink. And the portion of cake for 6.60 was not worth it. I ordered via door dash and asked for my toppings not to be put on the burger and the directions was not followed.i was glad i tried this restaurant but it's not worth me coming back. The food is too overpriced and not flavorful. read more

Philly cheesesteak is very good. Got hot peppers and they seem mild. Maybe it's my Omnicron effecting it Lol. I do recommend the place. They weren't rude They were just to the point. Have your order ready when waitress comes to your table read more

Critics Choice - Philly Cheese Steak with mushrooms and Hot peppers - Sandwiches Near Me - Alexandria, Louisiana

Staff so nice but food was just fair. I have tried about 3 times because it is so close to work. There is nothing memorable except service.

$14 for a turkey hoagie with turkey meat only on the edge of the hoagie bun, very little, for $14...insane and $1 for a small bag of chips. Rip off read more

The Italian grinder is delicious and their Philly cheesesteak is no slouch either. Lots of meat and other goodies, so the bread is not the most prominent thing. Hoping to try other menu items soon. read more

Decent subs mom and pop style set up really enjoyed my philly cheese steak sandwich. They order was prepared really first and was really good read more

Consistently the best Philly Cheese Steak sandwich anywhere! Atmosphere is low key and pleasant. Staff is knowledgeable and friendly.

Good poboys and sandwiches. Wouldn't turn down going here, but also wouldn't be my first choice. Quaint, quiet place. read more

Critics Choice - Italian Grinder. Excellent bread. Good flavor, just not enough meat. Perfect size sandwich. - Sandwiches Near Me - Alexandria, Louisiana

I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out how this restaurant ended up in Central Louisiana, but they do serve philly cheesesteak sandwiches that equal what you get in the city of brotherly love. Alexandrians needs to respect this place, this is definitely better than the stuff you get in those chain restaurants around this town. Critic's Choice, there is this piece of technology called the internet. You may remember Al Gore claiming he invented it. Please post a website to show everyone your menu! read more

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I'm so glad I tried this place because now I go at least once a week for the Italian hoagie. Their cheese fries are really good too and the staff is so friendly! Wish I would have tried critics choice when I first moved to Alexandria. I am not from Louisiana but this place has the best sandwiches I've had in Louisiana by far. read more

Best sandwiches...and everything else ever. Definitely order with the peppers, they aren't too spicy. We have eaten here countless times and have never been disappointed. Highest possible recommendation for food and service. Note: this is not fast food, it's made to order. Your patience will be well rewarded. read more

I love Critics Choice. It's a long time family owned restaurant with two locations. I have gotten the Ham and cheese grinder for 25 years. Bread is tasty. Quaint, they serve you a bottle of Coke with a glass of ice. No free refills. Chip served are wavy lays and only a serving. Old vintage decor with lots of famous people's autographed pictures all over the walls. read more

The way restaurants work in Alexandria seem to be like this: The uglier the decor, the better the food. This place is completely outdated in decor and the food is delicious. The Philly Cheesesteaks here are fantastic and have always been fantastic. I've had the sandwiches for over 20 years now and I still love it. I am not living in Alexandria anymore, but this is always a favorite and love to come back for when I'm visiting family. read more

UPDATED REVIEW: I recently came back here and the food was PERFECT. The hot-sandwich was extremely big and tasty. The extra side of curly fries I ordered were probably the BEST curly fries I have EVER tasted (seriously). I was completely shocked because the first time was not the best (see review below). _____________________ ORIGINAL REVIEW: Critics Choice is located in downtown Alexandria and is known for serving important locals and business people who work downtown during lunch. The inside is old fashion and there is usually one waitress serving the entire restaurant (since this place is never packed). The owner of the restaurant also makes his way to each guest to make sure their visit is pleasant. The staff is obviously very friendly and down-to-earth. However, the food is a different story. The menu mostly serves sandwiches (cold, hot, grilled) and potato chips or fries. The cost of a soda is about $2.00, but the soda comes in a bottle the size of a kids cup. AND THE SAD PART is you have to PAY for refills (even when the drink takes two sips to empty the bottle). The sandwiches are AVERAGE (meaning your average grandmother can make better tasting sandwiches) and the rest of the menu is just as "forgettable." The average price is $7.00-$10.00 per person, read more

I grew up on the hot Italian Grinders with mixed peppers at this authentic Philadelphia spot in Cenla. This is one of the best sandwiches I've ever had -- toasted bread with melted cheese, italian meats, tomato, shredded lettuce with a delicious dressing, onions... I have never tasted anything else like it! Other people rave about the philly steak, turkey, and waffle fries -- I am stuck on the Italian Grinder (you can also get hoagies). They serve cokes in glass bottles. I don't think I'd recommend their oyster po boy -- stick to what they do best. It's the best Philly fare in Louisiana! (Make sure to check their hours before you go -- This location is open for dinner; the downtown location is not.) read more

Critics Choice? More like Wrong Choice! This place takes your money and laughs when you walk out the door. Everything is overpriced and then they want to charge for fries on the side as well. The chicken sandwich that I got looked like an average Wendy's chicken sandwich. To be honest I would rather the Wendy's. I will never go back there again to waste my time and money. The service is horrific as well. No one in the restaurant besides our table and we had to wave the waitress down to get any help. This place used to be better. They have driven themselves in the dirt. I'm Done. read more

Great little local place that is off the beaten path. Had shrimp Poboy and the battered mushrooms. Both were good. Knowledgable server as I think it was he owner. Great food and time. Highly recommended. read more

I've never tried anything other than the Philly steak sandwich because it's the local favorite. It's actually very good! I get everything they suggest on it and it's well worth the visit. It comes with chips so don't expect any fancy sides. Don't pass this place up! read more

Best sandwiches in Alexandria- Philly cheese steak (with hot peppers) and a chicken grinder. Do yourself a favor and get waffle cheese fries and a (root)beer in their chilled mugs. read more

Critics Choice - a glass of beer on a table - Sandwiches Near Me - Alexandria, Louisiana

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Enjoyed our meal. We shared a meatball grinder (homemade meatballs and sauce) and a Philly cheese steak. Both comes with ruffled potato chips. Both were very good. Simple fresh and yummy! I'm picky about bread. I really liked the French bread they use. Held all the juices/sauces without falling apart yet still soft and warm. The service was quick and friendly. I really appreciated that it wasn't crowded or real noisy. It is small enough (20 tables) that you will hear the conversations around you though. Seems to have a good to go business. 5 pick ups while we were there. $23 + tip for 2 large sandwiches, side salad and 1 drink and 1 water. Will be back! Gonna have to try the homemade cannolis. read more

Found this place on yelp, decided to give it a try. Started off with some Zucchini fries which were alright. Wife had the hot beef sandwich and it was pretty awesome. I had the corn beef sandwich and I didn't really care for it. It was served cold with coleslaw on top. I'm a big fan of coleslaw and this one wasn't really that good. Also had the cheese waffle fries and they were delicious. Ended everything with a cannoli which was homemade and good. Plan on coming back and trying something new. Everything is homemade and I heard the Philadelphia cheese steak was really good. read more

Critics Choice - Corn Beef Sandwhich - Sandwiches Near Me - Alexandria, Louisiana

Never knew a Cheese Steak Sandwich could taste so good. one of my favorite places around town, read more

I have been going here since I was born! This is the epitome of a family owned business. There is one waitress and if you are a regular like my family, she already knows what you want to order. The Philly cheese steak is AMAZING. The draw back is that the sodas come in a small bottle and you have to pay if you want another. It doesn't bother me much because when I travel, that's how it is everywhere else but America! Maybe we need to stop and think "do I really NEED this much soda?" read more

I've been coming to Critic's Choice for quite a few years. I've tried a good bit of the menu and have never been disappointed, but I always keep coming back to the Philly Cheesesteak. There's just something about it. The onion rings are pretty good too. Yes the drinks come in glass bottles which is the reason they cost $2.00, but do you really want to fill up on half a gallon I sugared soda anyway? It's a small, very friendly restaurant and the staff are great! Highly recommend. read more

The food was very good. The service was slow but we were told that before we went so it wasn't unexpected. The appetizer was very small and not enough. I would go again but not necessarily recommend it. read more

Not impressed @ all. My mom ordered a coke which came in about an 8oz bottle, not even enough to fill her glass. I had a turkey sandwich that was something like my 4 year old daughter can make and it came with Ruffles chips which happened to be the crumbs from bottom of the bag. Will never be back. read more

This is a small under-rated restaurant! They have really great food and fantastic service! I love the meatball grinder with sweet peppers and waffle fries! It's cool that soft drinks are served in the small glass bottles that are really cold! This is a great lunch stop located just off of Jackson St extension. read more

Had the Philadelphia Chees Steak sandwich with hot peppers. One of the best philly Chees steak sandwiches I ever had.

A great local place with awesome, authentic Philly cheesesteaks! They have their rolls shipped from PA and it makes all the difference. One of the top 5 cheesesteaks I've ever had and I grew up an hour from Philly. This reminds me of a place you'd see on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Nothing fancy but really good food and friendly service. read more

My wife and I saw this place and the parking lot always looked empty. We decided to go on a Friday evening and were nervous because we were the only ones there. That just happened to work out perfect because we had very fast service. 5 minutes from ticket to our table. We split a Philly and it was perfect. Hot, full of juice, perfect toasted roll. The meat was perfectly seasoned and delicate (not chewy like some places). The waitress and chef bid us a farewell and wished us a happy weekend. We will definetly go back. 4 stars only because I wish the menu was a little bigger. read more

Nothing fancy about this place...just GOOD FOOD, period. The bread is so soft with just the right amount of crustiness on the outside. The sandwiches they bring you are right out of the oven and the taste proves that! The ingredients are all crisp and fresh. You can't beat this place for a real treat. I've had several menu items, and now I have trouble choosing what I want because they have all been so tasty! read more

Critic's Choice has decent food and a cute atmosphere. However, it also needs some help in the service area around lunch time. It can take a half an hour to place a "to-go" order during a busy lunch. Dinner time is the best time to go- then you get the good food and the good service. read more

First the bad: This place is many years overdue for some decor updating. Also, our Dr. Peppers came in 8 oz bottles, so you'll need to do some rationing. Now the good: Our server was courteous and knew the menu well. Both my wife and I ordered hot grinders which were very, very tasty, and served on what seemed to be fresh-made rolls. I would most definitely return based upon the food and service. read more

A great Philly Cheese Steak sandwich!! Perfectly grilled onions and peppers on a fantastic bread roll. Not the friendliest of places but to get a Philly Cheese Steak like this you can put up with the lack of friendliness! read more

Food was okay nothing worth going out of the way for if in the area. The Italian was actually better than the Philly Cheesesteak. Also whoever the guy in the back was (owner I think) was extremely rude! He yelled from the back of the restaurant telling us to hurry up and informing us of the tempture outside! Excuse me sir sorry I had myself, my husband and two small kids I needed to get in. Door was open less than a 45 secods if that! Our waitress though was extremely good and sweet! To bad whoever this guy is because we won't ever be back and be beware to all that have kids going to this place! You might get yelled at for not rushing in through the door. To the man sitting in the back you need to work on manners! read more

I think that this restaurant is very well deserving of a five star review. I grew up eating here since i was a little kid. For the last twenty years, they have kept a consistent high quality of food. They are best known for the philly cheesesteaks but the grinders, hoagies, heros, and other sandwiches are also fantastic. The bread roll they use is just like the rolls in philadelphia. In many ways, I like this cheesesteak much more than the greasy cheesesteaks in Philly. They have perfected this sandwich. This is THE BEST cheesesteak in Louisiana. I live in New Orleans and can't find anywhere that's even close to Critics' philly. I had the same problem when I lived in Baton Rouge. I have to get my fix at Critic's Choice in Alexandria or cook my own at home. It's always my favorite place to eat when I come back in town to visit my parents. You must eat here if you are a local or just in town visiting. read more

What a pleasant surprise! A true taste of NY/NJ/Philly in the heart of Louisiana. On our trip through town, we stopped in to eat based on Yelp reviews. Friendly staff, delicious sandwiches, just what we needed for a late lunch. This will become a regular stop on our travels between Texas and Florida. read more