Cash only! Lied and said he turned off his credit card machine for the night. Apparently from these reviews, he never takes credit cards. The place was truly a hole in the wall and absolutely filthy. The only explanation for all the positive reviews here is that 99% of the clientele are drunk and stoned college kids ordering after the bars closed at 3 in the morning. read more

After watching amazing reviews for The Real Thing I decided to head to Towson, on a hot, lazy Saturday, to see what the hoopla was all about. To be honest, I've never been a fan of the "Philly Cheese Steak". I've grown up on Baltimore cheese steak subs and prefer provolone to whiz, onions to onions and peppers. My preference is lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, mayo, lite hots and sometimes even a little ketchup. So, for my first experience at The Real Thing that's exactly what I decided to order. Upon entering, as expected, all indoor dining was closed off. One couple was ahead of me was chatting with the server/owner (based on other reviewers). Though not rude, I was greeted rather unenthusiastically. I was immediately told " Cash only, cash only!", hands waving. No worries was my reply. I placed my order... $10.00 is a little pricey but ok. Strangely, my order was placed though the window in less than 5 minutes by the other worker. He said "give me $10!". I was like, huh? that can't be mine. He again he said, "give me $10!". (I had already paid) Maybe his shot at humor... The other guy clarified that he had been making a sub for someone else and since that person wasn't there he overheard my order and made it mine. Honestly, I was a little off put so I clarified that it was mine and said, Oh well. I jumped back into the car to head home and devour what I thought would be culinary gem based on reviews. I should have gotten a heads up when I noticed how light my bag was, but anyway you never know. I get home, open my container and was immediately disappointed. Where was all of the overstuffed, amazing sub of delight pictured in numbers of reviews?! The first thing I saw and tasted was lettuce... Where were the tomatoes? The onions? The hots? The ketchup?! Half way through I found the the solely existing, very thinly sliced tomato and a few strings of onion. If there was mayo it was extremely sparse. From there the rest went back into the container... Was it inedible? No. Was it noteworthy? No. Will I comeback? The jury is still out on that one. The whole experience was just, meh. Maybe I came on an off day, maybe because I'm not a regular I didn't get the extra effort or the extra meat and condiments. Who knows but what I do know is that it wasn't worth the 15 minute trip. The hype... nope. read more

I went here on a cheat day as I had a craving for a great cheesesteak. Needless to say, this once BEST, has seen better days. Perhaps due to COVID there was a shift. The bread was hard, meat was sub-par and overall 30 minute wait didn't match my expectations for what was called The Best. I'd type more but really not motivated. In short, save your coins and go to Subway. read more

Omg they have the best cheesesteak sub the meat is seasoned deliciously the cheese tasted great the roll super good my new home away from home My husband loved the grilled chicken wrap jumbo size and they will even bring it out to your car read more

This place has been a Towson staple since I went to school there about 10 years ago now. If you're craving something greasy and really satisfying, then this is the place to go. Real Thing has cheesesteaks that are not only the real thing, but better than most I've had in Philly. They are huge, filling, greasy and just what you're looking for. I always like to get the cheese fries, best cheese fries in town, and unhealthiest cheese fries in town, but they are so good. He doesn't skimp on the good stuff either. "I didn't get enough cheese," said no one EVER. I can't come here a lot the food is as bad for you as you can imagine, but it is so good to your soul. I've only eaten the cheesesteaks and anything fry related but that's enough to keep me coming back when I'm in town. read more

Great customer service waited no more than 10 mins for my good subs were so fat im taking a half home excellent food reasonable prices n its very fresh read more

The Real Thing - Cheese steak sub and gravy cheese fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

The best cheesesteak in Baltimore is exactly rite the roll is almost like a original philly roll and it makes the entire experience better the sirloin is perfect and the extra special twist is the home made hot sauce !!!! read more

I'd give them 3.5 stars if possible. Sandwiches are really great. Bread is amazing (I think they steam instead of toast), fresh and delicious, cheesesteak was good ("chop the life out of their meat" style for those asking). Cheese fries had actual cheese sauce and shredded cheese melted all over it. Pretty decent. The "meh" part - were out of ham for another sandwich, not a whole lot of cheese selection for those into cheddar choices. Cook was a bit gruff, but you know, I get it. Not the end of the world. Took a minute for it to be prepped and ready, but thats what happens when you make food from (somewhat) scratch. Overall decent experience. Might try pizza fries in the future. read more

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If I could do 3 1/2 I would. I walked in and the place smelled kind of weird and it was empty. I almost wanted to leave because it just felt really dirty. But I didn't. The man behind the counter was very sweet and I heard the place was really good so I had to try it out. They have a limited amount of toppings for their subs which made me sad. The mayo tasted a little off and the cheesesteak was very greasy. But what is a cheesesteak if it's not greasy, right? It was good. I enjoyed it. I couldn't even finish it in one sitting. Overall, it's a good spot. Especially if you're hungry late at night. read more

The Real Thing - Cheesesteak - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

They don't use gloves when preparing food. Came in late one night and noticed that the individuals preparing the food do not bother using gloves. I don't care how "busy" an establishment is. That's nasty practice. Also the place gets rowdy on the weekends. Belligerent drunk loud college kids make this joint a turn off for me. Eat at your own risk. You may end up with several " real things" in your sub!!! Thumbs way down :( read more

Found this place on Yelp. Wasn't really looking for a sub but when I saw the pictures and red the reviews I had to try it out. I ordered the Real Thing Cheese steak and onion rings. When u arrived I was greeted by the owner who was super nice and amusing. He made me feel very welcomed in his establishment. You would be surprised that you can walk in to patriotize someone's eatery and they are aloof to you. He warned me not to eat the who thing because it would put me to sleep. Lol. Not before I do this review. The sub was huge. Definitely worth it's $10 value. All the vegetables were fresh and crunchy. The spunion sauce just enhanced the flavors of the meat and veggies. The onion rings were good too. Fresh made with real onions. Even after they went cold they we still crunchy. I'm as super pleased with this food. My treat for the week indeed. read more

The Real Thing - The Real Thing Sub and onion rings. - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

Best little locally owned independent sub shop in Towson. Long standing great reputation. Still over stuffs the subs and uses fresh ingredients. read more

The Real Thing takes the cake in the greater Baltimore area - best cheesesteaks, hands down. I literally dream of the gooey, chewy, slightly spicey deliciousness and you will too once you've tried it. First off, you're going there for the food but expect some entertainment with it. Each time I'm there, I am in awe of the one man show that is the owner. He single handedly makes all the sandwiches, grabs drinks and rings people up. Plus, he recognizes everyone that walks in the door. (He'll know if you've never been there before and ask how you heard about his place and help you choose your perfect order.) It's incredible. My suggestion - the chicken cheesesteak, provolone cheese, with mushrooms, lettuce, tomato, hots and his homemade hot sauce. It's quite generous and I can get two meals out of the smaller size, so even the owner will tell you pass on the fries if you don't have a Kobayashi sized appetite. As mentioned above, he pretty much runs the place all by himself. So during peak times, be prepared to wait. But you won't be bored and the food will be worth it. Go here now! read more

The Real Thing really serves the best cheese steaks in town. The cheese steaks come in 6 and 9 inches, and I love how orders are fresh off the grill. The hours are awesome. If you're ever craving greasy food or in need of a bite after going out, The Real Thing will be available. I'm a fan of the The Real One (basically a Philly cheese steak on roids) and their pizza fries. Gyros are also available, but I haven't tried them yet. Tip: Bring cash. They charge a $1 fee if you use card. read more

A nice little sandwich stop right outside of Baltimore. Very little parking that I could see with no private lot. Inside is nothing to look at, small dining area for those inclined to eat in. Bathroom says no public restroom but I don't know if that means for non-customers or no bathrooms for non-employees. Staff was okay but not overly friendly, one guy working behind the counter which was fine as the place was next to empty around 1pm on a Sunday. Guy behind the counter took the order efficiency and made the order relatively quickly. Sandwich was decent, I ordered with everything but everything didn't include very much as it was basically, meat, cheese, lettuce and onions. Meat was seasoned well and was of a decent quality, cheese was gooey and the bread was fresh and tasty. All in all a decent sub spot for a quick lunch or perhaps later night treat. read more

The Real Thing - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

I've been chompin' down Tony's subs for over a decade and I have the body to prove it. You want the meat? The Real Thing brings it! These love handles didn't grow themselves! Don't even consider another option in the Baltimore metro if you are in need of a juicy, meaty, cheesesteak. This is no place to bring your first date to, or your relatives from out of town. This is the spot for when you are hungry, you need something satisfying, and you aren't concerned about your waistline. Later for anything else when its time to grub. Get down to The Real Thing and get your fill on some cheesy, meaty, tasty hoagies that makes your belly happy. Crack a few jokes with Tony and the crew while you wait and get ready for meat nirvana. read more

Great cheese steaks. Good any night but especially on a night out. This place has been in Towson forever and i hope it stays

Mouth watering, juicy, flavorful experience! A 9 inch sub and fries with no drink cost me 14 dollars. (13.78 to be exact) I waited about 5 maybe 10 minutes and the food was ready. Quickly drove home and opened it up. It looked amazing! I took my first bite, hoping the sub will be worth the 14 dollars. By the time I finished the sub, I had totally forgotten about how much I paid. The meat is well seasoned, the bread is soft but not too soft to get soggy from the meat. There was just enough cheese and the hot sauce was a nice touch. (I recommend getting the hot sauce on the side so you can try the sub without it, which is what I did). The fries were great too! Not too greasy, crispy on the outside soft on the inside. Would I go back? Yep. The owners are cool the food was great. I don't like to say anything is the "best". But it was definitely delicious. read more

The Real Thing - Tastes just as good as it looks - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

Best cheesesteak in Maryland, hands DOWN. No questions asked. I order from here after a night out, they are open pretty late which is nice. After Covid I feel like most places close earlier now. The people who work here are awesome and friendly people. Great little mom and pop shop. I love it! read more

I'm a Philly area native and I lived in the city for 6 years. I'm not going to write a very long review about this place, but I'll give you my impressions... No cheese steak is complete without cheez whiz, so they have that going right for them. The rolls they use are close, but certainly not a traditional philly style roll. The steak itself was greasy, but not in the usual good way. It was more of a wow, they need to clean that griddle kind of greasy. Anyone who says these are as good as any cheese steak from any random place in Philly has obviously never had a real steak. read more

3 stars for service and 4.5 stars for food. Cheesesteak all the way with hots. By far the best I've had since being in the DMV this year! read more

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Great cheesesteaks , better than Greek village ..not to dry and worth the price..the fries could have been more crispy

Ordered over the phone , came in to pick up my order and saw the cook touching the raw food and putting it on the sub with no gloves and did not wash his hands. I kindly asked if he could put gloves on before preparing my sub , and he responded "my hands are clean" , I said "that's fine, I would just like you to use gloves when touching my raw foods" , instead of simply saying sure , he rudely said " Oh my god , you are crazy " . I wasn't disrespectful at all lol . His response was disgustingly disturbing, and I could clearly tell he has no respect for his customers . So I took my money elsewhere. Not the cleanestg look place to add to it . 0 stars for me. read more

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Best cheesesteak I've had in MD. Got it w/ the hot sauce, totally worth a 35 minute drive.

Geno's and Pats in Philly has nothing on this place....AGAIN, no disappointment! It's a great place to bring your family or if you got to eat on the run plus she can call ahead of time and your sub will be ready by the time you pick up a case you have a short lunch break. If you go get the cheesesteak you got to get "the real one" but there are other types of subs I can be customized upon request. read more

Listen....don't go here if you're looking for a renown restaurant experience. Go here if you're looking for the best cheesesteak outside of the Philadelphia metro area. read more

I've been looking for the best Chinese take out food for so long in Towson. This is the place. I got the sesame chicken with fried rice and it's so unbelievably delicious. It was so hot and crunchy and fresh and the flavor was so incredible. I will be ordering again from here very soon. read more

Not only are the Cheesteak's delicious and priced reasonably- the owner is genuinely nice and decent folks. Highly recommend!

5 stars aren't enough! Tony was more than amazing. The food was impeccable. Definitely will be back. Don't forget to try his home made hot sauce. read more

I love cheese steak sandwich, so we stopped by this place to order 5 sandwiches. The place is old and filthy, and the food is expensive for the quality that you get. I'll never order from this place again. read more

Great customer service. He can have his own comedy show. The cheesesteak satisfied my tastebuds.

By far, best cheesesteaks and service that I have experienced!! Friendly, efficient, personable, and awesome food; I'm just beginning. To satisfy a late night, hungry stomach takes a lot! The Real Thing has never let my friends and I down. If I worked in Towson, I would be there everyday for lunch. The staff knows how to make everyone welcome and at the same time serve awesome food! No matter my request ( I can be a picky eater) she always gets it right! I would recommend The Real Thing to any local, visitor, family member, friend, coworker, and stranger. :) enjoy!!!!! read more

I read reviews, searched and searched for the best in the area. Finally decided I would drive to towson. On getting there it was empty. I was happy becos i didnt have to wait at all. I tried it and it really was just ok. I didn't taste or feel the hype. I'm only being honest. Would I recommend them to someone else. Sure! Will I go back....I highly doubt it.! read more

The Real Thing - The Real Philly Cheesesteak! Townson, MD - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

Uhmmmmmmm.... The Steak and Cheese was ok! Ive had better and worst and it didnt grab me on the first bite! The meat was good but I think the bread threw me off. It wasnt too bad but wasnt too good to say the best in the area‍ read more

The Real Thing - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

Literally sooo good and the owners/workers were so nice!! Definitely will be coming back. Thankyou guys! read more

The Real Thing - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

Definitely don't know what the hype is about. The cheesesteak was lacking flavor and the bread was soggy after a 20 min ride home. I've had better cheesesteak than this from the hood spots for sure. We asked for salt, pepper and ketchup on our fries and only to find the fries DRENCHED in ketchup. Needless to say they were not good enough to eat. Last, this is TMI but this is the only thing I ate that night and the next morning I felt very sick. I continued to feel uneasy and ran to the bathroom (If you know what I mean) all day long. Maybe it was a bad night. If I ever go back, I'll try something else besides the cheesesteaks. read more

Came in with a friend on St. Patrick's Day. There are tables to eat inside, but my friend and I were the only ones there. As we entered, there were two guys at the register who were joking around and using profanity not appropriate while working, especially in front of customers. We had to wait about 5 minutes before they were done chatting before we could order. I ordered The Real One and although it was indeed a huge and loaded sub, there was no flavor and a lot of grease. My overall experience here was not great; I will not return. read more

The BEST in the city. Homemade FRESH CUT FRIES, Biggest Philly Chicken and Philly Cheesesteak EVER. This is always a hit at our home. Thanks for the cleanliness and great food. Not many like you anymore! read more

The Real Thing - Yummy Thick cut homemade fries. - Sandwiches Near Me - Towson, Maryland

With all the hype and having lived in Philly for over 20 years... I consider myself an expert on cheesesteak ....Simply put...I Was not impressed.... friendly staff but the cheesesteak wasn't anything special .... The place looked dirty...kinda was scared to eat there It was again ok but will not be coming back as there are better places to get a better cheesesteak...sadly the cheesesteak spot at the Towson mall is in fact better than this spot... read more

Great Sandwiches and Great Staff. The owner Tony is extremely personable and he has fair prices! I eat here every time I'm in the area for a quick bite! Would HIGHLY recommend. read more