I was there on the Fourth of July on a FIFA game day. 104 degrees, thunderstorms, people funneling in relentlessly. Unbelievable service start to finish - never thought 6-7 people could sling so many steaks. Just finished enjoying mine and dang, that's a good st. Shay ought to pop those staff with a little bonus.. they killed it tonight. read more

This is hands down the best cheesesteak I've ever had - the prime rib is perfectly cooked and seasoned with just the right amount of heat (and you can get more with seasoning and hots), and the roll is ample enough to grab the juices and hold on to the fillings without being hard and crusty. Our experience here was especially delightful with an extended conversation with the owner Scott about the origin of Shay's, and his desire for this to be a safe place for everyone of all stripes to come and enjoy some Philadelphia hospitality and amazing food. It's clear this is a passion of his and he infuses that passion into every ounce of this place! read more

CAUGHT SLIPPIN! This place had A LOT of hype... we walked 17mins carried baby 8 blocks to be disappointed We got a Classic Philly and Philly special. Not a lot of cheese on either one. The classic had more flavor than the Philly special. We were confused.. the full name for this dis is. Philly cheese steak? And they didn't put hardly any cheese. Very disappointing and we couldn't try another place because we wasted so much time on this one. They have yelp signs and awards... but for $50 for 2 sandwiches I'd try somewhere else. I literally asked them for some salt because it was just so bland. Then it just tasted like a poured salt on it. oh.. and the bathroom open to the public! I love that.... but it was a 0/10 so nasty I think someone had just vomited? It smelled like sickness. The toilet seat looked like someone put their shoes on it. Toilet paper on the back of the toilet (you have to touch it) same with the paper towels... read more

After visiting Franklin Institute with my family, we headed over to Shay's for a late lunch. Even though it was after lunch hours, there were still a decent amount of people there. We each ordered a different cheesesteak (The Classic, Plain Remi James, Philly Special, Great Gabe (with hash browns). I wanted the cheesesteak with American wagyu but they were sold out by the time we got there. First off, the portions of the cheesesteaks are big. The beef is tender and mixed well with the melted cheese. The soft sesame bread also went really well with the beef. There is actually a fair amount of seating. If you head further back, there's another room with more seating. It's a casual no frill place with great cheesesteak! read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic, Plain Remi James, Great Gabe, & Philly Special (starting from top going clockwise). - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great juicy moist not over cooked like in California, real American cheese steak Better cheese and I eyed the prime rib model but missed it Here's a pic of my yummy sandwich from last summer read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I found this place thanks to Yelp reviews, and they absolutely did not disappoint. When I first walked into the shop, the staff was busy preparing a large corporate order and didn't notice me right away. Rather than waiting around, I was able to place my order easily through the kiosk and settled in to wait. What really stood out was the customer service. The manager noticed the delay, kindly apologized, and even offered me a drink and chips while I waited. That level of hospitality goes a long way and left a great impression. I ordered the Philly Special along with the Hot Honey chips, and both were delicious. The sandwich hit the spot, and the chips were a perfect addition. Yum! Sometimes it's not just the food that makes a place memorable, it's how you're treated. The team handled a busy moment with professionalism and kindness, and because of that, I left happy and impressed. I'll gladly be back the next time I'm in Philadelphia. Another visit definitely awaits! read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I think that this was the best cheese steak I've ever had!!! I went on a Sunday afternoon on a visit to Philly from NYC and it was quite busy. The order came out rather quickly regardless and service was fine. I ordered their original cheese steak with cooper sharp and let me tell you... IT NEEDS NO ADJUSTMENTS!!!! The sandwich is full of flavor and plenty of cheese, which I love on a cheese steak. It's a small place with seating for about maybe 10 people, but many grab and go like I did. That said, I ONLY took off a star due to the price relative to the size of the sandwich. I went to three places yesterday and this was the smallest of the sandwiches yet the most expensive at $20 a pop. I mean, maybe it's due to the higher quality meat, but that's still outrageous to me. Either way, I'm def returning on my next trip to Philly read more

Easy...repeat EASY 5-start sandwich. In from out of town and based on research, a first-hand interview (shout out Uber driver) and proximity to my hotel, I landed on Shay's. Very glad I did. I had the The Classic ($19.95: Prime Rib, Cooper Sharp Cheese, Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning, Sautéed Onions). Great seeded roll, perfectly melted cheese, and grilled onions. Service was great. Went to the shop off-hours / around 2:30 on a Friday. Probably 10 people there, so my steak was served up quickly- maybe 5 minutes max from order to handoff. The staff was helpful and patient walking through a rookie on what to order. The shop is un-assuming. Not tons of signage, not a lot of quirky decor on the walls. I visited on one of the first very hot days of the spring. I decided to get the sandwich to go and devoured it at my hotel. Best Cheesesteak is a hot topic in this town. No real point in trying to say one's the best but some food for thought from an out-of-towner: 1) Research. Ask around. Listen to the passion with which they offer their recco. 2) Highly consider Shay's. I really enjoyed the Cheesesteak and the entire experience. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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YUM! This is a great spot for steaks. Don't want a 2 foot stomach bomb but want a QUALITY steak? Come here! Perfect size, high quality, and simply delicious. There are many types of steak to choose from and seasoning so you're able to find the perfect taste for you. Ordering is easy at screens at the front and even when busy you get food quick, staff has always been friendly as well. Quick stop in vibe with limited seating but there are some spots when it's not as busy. Limited beverage options is my only complaint, they just had coke when I went. Would recommend! read more

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This Philly phavorite sells incredible classic cheese steaks. The sesame seed soft roll holds up to the chopped prime rib, onions and wet cooper sharp cheese. This sammy is drippy, hot and packed with flavor. Pair it with a big bag of Utz chips and a soda, but preferably a beer which they don't sell. This meal holds up against the other spots that claim top billing in Philly. The owner is opening two more locations in Vegas. That's a good gamble to succeed. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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One of my bucket list in life is to hit up as many Philly cheesesteak spots as I can. Ranked #3 in Yelp's Top 25 Steakhouses in America for 2024, I bookmarked this place. It's listed as a steakhouse because they use premium cuts of steak in their sandwiches. Menu: they are so busy on the weekends that you can only customize the sandwiches on the weekdays. I let my son order and he chose "The Classic" for us to try. Since we were having dinner in a couple of hours, we decided to share. It is pricey for the size. I'm used to having it a footlong at most other places and these are more like half the size. After placing our order on the kiosk, it was ready within minutes. The Classic consists of prime rib, Cooper sharp cheese, buttery steakhouse seasoning with sautéed onions all held intact by this sesame hoagie. OMG!!! My son and I loved it!! I'm salivating as I am writing this review. The Cooper sharp cheese just melts everything together. You can tastes the high quality cuts in their meats. It is now in my top #3. I will definitely be returning to try their other popular creations. Seating is limited. My one little complaint is that I wish they would wipe the tables and barstools down. It was sticky and dirty. Service is excellent even with the soccer match crowds. read more

Ordered a classic Philly cheesesteak to share with a friend. We were not very hungry, and the portion size was just right for sharing. The fries smelled so good that we ended up ordering them afterward -- great seasoning and definitely worth it. A piece of buffalo chicken sandwich was offered for free (it seemed like every table received one), which was a nice touch. That said, I still preferred the beef cheesesteak. The restaurant has around 10 tables, which is pretty good for a cheesesteak spot, though finding a seat during rush hours can be a bit challenging. read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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YESS!!!! What a tasty cheese steak!! The establishment is fast food style with space to sit and enjoy your meal. The owner stopped by to ask us how everything was, he was very friendly and shared with us the story of his business, he just opened it within the last year or so (don't quote me) and I was thoroughly impressed! The cheesesteak was SO GOOD. OH MY GOODNESS. Super tasty, hot and fresh off the grill. The cheese and meat truly just melt in your mouth, the bread was perfect. Everything about this cheesesteak was amazing. It was seasoned and cooked to perfection. A quality cheesesteak! I love that the menu has options for what kind of meat you want as well. I'm not a fan of mystery meat and fake cheese and here you feel like you're getting quality ingredients and a quality meal. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Philly! A must try! read more

Shay's Steaks - Ribeye cheesesteak - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

My whole reason of coming here was to try the wagyu steak. They didn't have it. Or the filet steak. They didn't have it. So I got their prime rib cheesesteak. The meat was cut entirely too thick. Like chunky! Wouldn't recommend. read more

Shay's is a no frills cheesesteak joint. We stopped by after a lot of downtown World Cup festivities. We wanted an authentic cheesesteak experience & saw Shay's was highly rated on Yelp. My friend ordered the classic, I got the Philly special. We had 1 handcut fries. $46.65, $3.74 tax, $7.00 tip. Total = $57.39. You order at a kiosk & wait for your # to be called, with some nuances. The service was terrible. We waited 40 minutes before inquiring. 1 worker said everybody was waiting as long. He could not expedite. But I did see people with a higher order number get served their complete meal before we did. At some point we got fries. We waited 15 minutes. My friend got his sandwich after we nearly finished the fries. Another 10 minutes & I got my classic cheesesteak, because it took more effort to make. For ~$28/person, we shouldn't wait an hour for staggered food. The staff were hard working & pleasant, just overwhelmed. The cheesesteaks were fantastic. But the fries were REALLY over salted. Shay's could be a 4, even a 5 if they fixed the service. I really loved the sandwiches. Lots of meat, perfect cheese melt, nice chunky onions, peppers, & great bread. I'm a fan. Fix the service & don't over salt the fries. You got something good here, take it the rest of the way. read more

FLAVOR, that's it‼ For customization order with a person not the kiosk Lunch is a busy time so go earlier to avoid the wait and crowd read more

If you're in the area this is a good option! I grew up here, so I don't have to eat cheesesteaks ever again and I would be great. My bf on the other hand wants to try everyplace in the city. We had chicken cheesesteaks and it was good to me. They forget the extra add ons we ordered. But this place is a madhouse and the people at the register don't seem to have it together always. They gave me my order without 2/4 of the four sandwiches I ordered. Fries were, meh! Limited seating, long lines, order from a kiosk. Loud and exciting as you wait for food. read more

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Great quick service and a casual vibe. I am in Philly for a conference and just had to try a highly-rated cheesesteak place before I leave town. I ordered "The Classic" with fries. The steak sandwiches was HUGE - I couldn't eat it all. I am really not a big cheesesteak guy (being from the Chicago area) but this one had perfectly cooked meat, great onion and butter sauce and cheese. The fries were great, half a click down from my all time favorite, Five Guys. All in all, well worth your trip - highly recommended - 4.5 stars!!! read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Holy crap what good sandwiches absolutely delicious. This was our first meal in Philly and it did not disappoint. Their classic with the peppers and onions and jalapeño spice was divine. My wife's chicken Philly was great too. Service was great and prices as to be expected. Good was absolutely delicious like one of the best Phillys ever. They live up to the reputation! Would absolutely recommend a visit. They've got plenty of indoor seating available and it was a bit warm in there but otherwise it was perfect. read more

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We came here for a later lunch and this place was busy! With a few tabletops in the front of the restaurant with a few more tables in the back it is def. cozy. My husband and I split "The Classic: which consists of Prime rib, cooper sharp cheese, buttery steakhouse seasoning and sauteed onions and peppers. We also got an order of their hand cut fries (pricey at almost $7!). The sandwich came out pretty quick and smelled amazing. First bite and you know the steak was seasoned very well. Loved the cheese throughout. I also loved how they hollowed out the bread so its filled with meat, cheese and veggies. This might be one of my favorite cheesesteaks in the city! The hand cut fries were also pretty tasty with ketchup. Fried a perfect golden brown and were really good. Solid place! And a place where you can actually sit down. We def. will be back to try other sandwiches. read more

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We headed over for dinner and wanted to try another Philly cheesesteak recommended by a friend. The interior has some seating along the windows and it is pretty bright inside. The staff were nice and helped us with choosing something since it was our first time. We opted for one of their preset options already to make it easier. The Classic - This was so savory, rich and cheesy. The prime rib meat that we selected was so soft and the bread, while thick, was easy to bite through. All together the flavors worked well from the meat, different melted cheeses and the caramelized onions. Fries - It wasn't too salty and nice to eat on the side with the more flavorful sandwich. We did take it to go so it was a little soggy but it had good seasoning. Overall, this gave a good impression of cheesesteaks after trying some other ones and we are interested in trying some of their other meat cut options as well as maybe building our own. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic, Fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Stopped by here after hearing lots of good things about this place. I had been craving a cheese steak after shopping at the Christmas Market in Center City. Lucky me, I found a nice parking spot right across the street from Shay's. Upon entering the door, I noticed the place is rather quaint, so I looked around and spotted kiosks where you could place your order and a few tables to sit in the front of the restaurant followed by a few tables in the back. I placed an order for a ribeye cheese steak with Cooper sharp cheese with black salt, pepper and garlic. I tried to order fries, but was told there were no fries on Sundays. So, I can't review them. I waited maybe 10-12 mins when my name was called. I was handed a plate with my cheese steak. I loved the fact that the steak was pouring out of the bread. I immediately tried a fork full and smiled. The cheese steak was well-seasoned, the meat was tender and the meat to cheese ratio was spot on. The roll was soft and held the contents well. I was happy with the cheese steak and wished that I had some fries to go with it. Lol! Overall, Shay's makes a solid steak that I would gladly grab again whenever I am in the area. read more

Shay's Steaks - Cheese steak with Cooper Sharp (front view) - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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When in Philly, a Philly cheesesteak is a must! Shay's did not disappoint - an overstuffed, hot, and fresh sandwich that was absolutely delicious. Hands down, the best!!! read more

Shay's Steaks - Classic Philly Cheesesteak with provolone - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I was in Philly for a business conference and the first night Shay's was recommended. This place has the best Philly cheese steaks. Meat is sliced to order and they are plentiful. The owner who is a local District Criminal Judge opened this place up 18 months ago. We got a tour of the kitchen and a lesson on a proper Philly Cheese steak. As you can see from my pictures, I ate the first half and almost forgot to snag a picture. Service was fast considering there ere about 15 of us. We were entertained while we dined with a history of the owners family. Listed currently as the number 3 steak restaurant in Philly, check them out! read more

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The Cheesesteaks are the thing here. They tasted amazing. We happened to be there on a Saturday early afternoon on a Phillies game day and it was crazy packed with people. The manager and staff dug in, dis what they had to do to make those waiting comfortable, and churned out an endless supply of food for a long period of time. It was truly heroic. Thankfully, everyone remained patient and the delicious sandwiches and fries were their reward. I can't wait to go back. read more

PRETTY CLOSE TO PERFECT I don't know if this place has the best cheese steak sandwich but it was delicious. Got the original eith the caramelized shopped onions, melting cheese, and the sweet tender brisket all in a sesame bun and it was chefs kiss. I shared one but could have def ate a whole one. I tried another sandwich at oh brother not too long before this and will say Shay's def was on a whole another level. Gotta mention the shop smelled so f good. Will be craving another sandwich from here for a longgg time. read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I was once in Philly a long time ago and remember enjoying a cheesesteak, so u was looking forward to that again this trip. This place did not disappoint! I'm not a cheesesteak aficionado, but I loved the flavors of the sandwiches here. We shared The Philly Special and The Classic; both were great and delicious in their own way. If I had my choice again, it would be The Philly Special. I was particularly impressed by soft and fluffy the bread was. The Philly Special was so flavorful with a spicy kick. The Classic was also tasty but with a different flavor profile. You really can't go wrong; the quality and flavor of the meat is amazing! A great start to our trip. read more

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You order at a kiosk and pick up from the counter. I don't mind this type of setup, so no complaints there. There are some tables in the main are and several more in the back for larger groups. The sandwich was amazing! Cooked well, perfectly seasoned, and the right amount of cheese. It's also a huge portion, so you could easily split it if you wanted to. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The food is delicious and the servers are so very kind. Truly lives up to its reputation as one of the (if not the) best steak sandwiches on the planet. The place where this wonderful is made, however looks like an active dumpster. Trash on the floor, torn up signs, a bathroom that is unusable, with an empty paper towel dispenser hanging off the wall. Gross, sticky tables that have not seen a wipe down for a decade all give you pause. Quickly changed my order for takeout and prayed the kitchen was cleaner than the front of house. read more

Philly special was tasty. A little small in size. When cut in half looks more like two burger buns. I expected a longer sandwich. Fries are unreal. I'm still thinking about them. Loved the Cajun spice on top. The chips were terrific too! Met the owner and the whole story of how it started. Very friendly and you can tell he loves it. read more

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Amazing place. Easy visit, not too crowded. Dropped by our ride share. For fast food this is a nice restaurant and you can either order via the kiosk or a person can take your order. We got the Shayquon inspired by Saquon Barclay who helped create this amazing cheesesteak. First off start with Wagyu steak, add cheese and onions and other stuff and get an amazing cheese steak. There were six of us at the table and we all wanted to try to his marvel and it was hands up 5 star BUT I only ate half of my sandwich, saving the other half for later After reheating the other half, it seemed too cheesy, perhaps a tad less cheese. But the beef remained flavorful just a little overwhelmed by the cheese. We had the fries which were generous and tasty read more

Incredible cheesesteak definitely a must have, can't wait for there OC location to open soon so I can have it again

Let this be your new spot when making the rounds of Philly's Best Cheese Steaks Shops. This place screams quality. No freezers. All hand trimmed beef in a variety of cuts. Prime Rib. New York Strip. Filet Mignon. American Waygu. You will taste the difference, first with your eyes as your steak comes steaming hot coming off the grill, and next with your mouth as you take that first bite. Tender, tasty and cheesy. The staff is beyond friendly, and if the owner Scott is there it's next level. Plenty of seats to enjoy your steak there or take it with you. Enjoy! read more

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The best cheesesteaks in Philly. The bread is perfect. The owner provided fries to customers waiting for their orders. read more

Shay's Steaks - Philly Special - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ordering was easy at the tablets up front. Staff was friendly and owner came around and chatted. Food was good. Meat was well seasoned and there was lots of cheese that was mixed in. Bread was fresh. Fries could not have been any fresher and a good sized portion. They were also cooked perfectly. Overall a great option for a cheesesteak. read more

Shay's Steaks - Hand cut fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I thought about going to one of the better known spots but heard good things and decided to try it. Simple, unassuming restaurant with kiosk ordering and basic tables, but you're not really here for ambiance. I tried the philly special which is their basic plus the garlic pepper sauce. I brought the sandwich back to my hotel and when I opened it, it was still piping hot. The bread held up well given the amount of melty cheese and sauce on it. Good quality meat and liked the flavors of the onions and peppers. The cheese was melty and gave the whole sandwich a creamy, rich taste. The fries were great, seasoned well, and cooked just right. I had to hold back from overdoing it. All in all, this was a pretty good philly cheesesteak. There was something missing though, that wow factor, that prevented me from giving it 5 stars. Also, the drink options were pretty mediocre. Would be cool if they had some craft sodas or something. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend it but is it the top of the top in a crowded cheesesteak market? Probably not. read more

Shay's Steaks - The philly special. Great flavors, great quality meat - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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While in downtown Philly we came here for our second try of cheese steaks. The place is very small and basic. You can order on a kiosk or with the staff. The bathroom was jot working which is unfortunate after walking for hours but the manager once he talked to us was kind enough to let us use a bathroom in a nearby business. Their bathroom really didn't work. The sandwich was loaded with meat and tasty. It was a 9 outta 10 for me. No frills but straight to the point and fast service. Some tables and sodas. The fries were super crispy and seasoned and again a great portions. read more

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When in Philadelphia, you absolutely must try cheesesteak. This place had a 4.8 rating on Google Maps and wasn't far from Center City, so I was glad to visit. The Classic: Another meal that shocked me with the amount of meat, after in Hershel's! Philadelphians, you really eat well! The beef was perfectly tender, mixed with melted cheese--it was the irresistible aroma of fat that hit right at the heart of your being. The onions were only lightly stir-fried, removing their spiciness, leaving them crisp and juicy. While it didn't quite cut through the richness, it was better than nothing. But it would also be true conversely, so I got completely overwhelmed halfway through... Before eating, I was thinking of trying a few more places to compare, but now I can say this is the last time I'll ever have cheesesteak; I just couldn't take it anymore. However, this is typical of cheesesteak, not that this place did a bad job. Actually, what surprised me most was the bread. The chewy exterior and soft interior were perfectly balanced, with a rich wheat aroma. This bread would be delicious with anything, or even eaten plain! Server: You've came to the right place, the best place in the city! read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As soon as we entered we knew we were in for a treat. Not just because they've won awards and are rated so highly but because of the aromas that met us at the door. When our orders were ready, I snapped a few close up pics below to capture the tenderness of the steak, the creaminess of the cooper sharp cheddar, and the freshness of the sesame seed roll. The steak sandwiches here are the standard that all steak sandwiches should be held to: tender juicy steak seasoned to perfection, creamy bold cheese with a flavor that pops, fresh wholesome rolls that can stand up to the juiciness of the steak without getting wimpy or soggy. I had a New York strip steak sandwich with cooper sharp cheddar, sautéed onions and bell peppers, seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic. My son had the same thing, minus the ad ons. The service was fast, friendly and the owner came by our table to ask how everything was-he's really kind and welcoming. I definitely recommend eating here. Great experience! read more

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Who knew you could get fancy cheesesteak with filet mignon?! I sure didn't, but I know now, and you know now too. Filet mignon is technically less fatty than the other steak options, but it sure didn't feel like it with the cheese, fried onions, and sautéed mushrooms that I added to it. To be extra fancy, I added their black garlic and truffle seasoning. I placed my order on an easy-to-use kiosk and got my sandwich in about 10 minutes. My sandwich was quite hefty, with lots of meat, so consider sharing one. It's best to dine-in, as my bread became steamed inside the foil during the 10 minutes it took me to drive home. It was still delicious though! read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania