A Good Steak and Cheese

When I moved to New York a year and change ago, I assumed that, since cheap pizza is ubiquitous around here, it would also be easy to get a decent sub (or hero, or hoagie, or whatever you call them), specifically a good steak and cheese. In the Boston area, which is where I'm from, good pizza/sub shops are all over the place, but while I have had plenty of great culinary experiences since moving here, I have been suprised and disappointed at the lack of quality subs in New York. I'm not talking specifically about a Philly cheesteak, more like a sub from the chain D'Angelos (I know there are at least a few posters from MA on this board, so you'd be familiar with that, though it's not the best example of what I'm looking for). I have been to Carl's in Manhattan, which I thought was pretty good, but not great, and definitely in the Philly mold. Can anyone recommend a place (anywhere in the city)? Am I just not looking hard enough?

Here's a thread from a while back - http://brooklynian.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=803&highlight=philly+cheesesteak I have since tried 99 Miles to Philly and I wasn't impressed, mainly because of the dryness of the sandwich... I'm thinking that a) I was there at a bad time (3pm), maybe catching them during a lunch rush would yield better, more freshly prepared results and b) I had provolone, maybe the cheez whiz would have been a better choice...

Now that I think about it, I should make my own damn steak sandwiches... I have a new-ish double-burner, cast iron griddle that should do the trick... It's been the best and most versatile addition to my kitchen in a long while... but where to get the rolls?

Try Juaga's on Carlton and Park Place. Tell them you want a steak sandwich with cheese. They're not bad although the cheese will be mild because they won't have provolone. Most of the Dominican/Latin places should be able to help you out with that. Otherwise, you're probably stuck with the bagel place by Carroll and 7th for a semi-decent hero.

Idlewild wrote: Try Juaga's on Carlton and Park Place. Tell them you want a steak sandwich with cheese. They're not bad although the cheese will be mild because they won't have provolone. Most of the Dominican/Latin places should be able to help you out with that. Otherwise, you're probably stuck with the bagel place by Carroll and 7th for a semi-decent hero.

Do't forget Albaz on Flatbush!

I'm spoiled, the steak sandwiches at both Fanelli's in Soho as well as at Grey Dog on Carmine (near the office, natch) are so superior to anything I've found local in PH...

I grew up way outside Philly in the boonies, but upon a recent trip home I realized how much I miss cheese steaks & Italian subs/ hoogies. I've been dying for an Italian Sub. Anybody found any in the hood? And no, I don't mean meatball or chicken parm sandwhiches (not that they don't hold a place in my heart & tummy, too)

Steak and cheese, huh? Heh, heh, heh...

Subject: subs!

Russos on 7th in the Slope (7th and 11th?) has good Italian subs. But amen to missing New England Italian grinders! No one in NY seems to really get those - Russo's is the closest.

The bagel shop on 7th across from the high school makes decent grinders. The Godfather there rules.

I am still looking for the perfect tuna grinder! D'Angelos did make great sandwiches as well as the greek pizza place on the corner!

Wicked good!

There's an A&S pork store in Park Slope, I think on 5th, that makes unbelievable italian subs. A little pricey, for sure, but quite good. Also, if you're willing to tell them everything you want on the sandwich, you can get a pretty decent one from the fancy-ish Key Food on flatbush.

Thanks for the tips. Is a grinder the same as a sub? Yes?

as far as I know, hoagies, subs, grinders, and heroes are all regional words for the same thing. I prefer the term "hero," because, to me, a great sandwich deserves a triumphant name.

very good sub place on bergen between flatbush and fifth - blanking on the name, but you can't miss it. order any sandwich "toasted and hot."

Thanks for all the tips... I'll have to try out these places.

Almost. A grinder (Philly-style anyway) is a hoagie that is toasted in the oven for a few minutes after being prepared.

teddyballgame wrote: as far as I know, hoagies, subs, grinders, and heroes are all regional words for the same thing. I prefer the term "hero," because, to me, a great sandwich deserves a triumphant name.

Don't forget the Westchester-based term for a hero: the "Wedge". At least, Westchester is where I always see it. The best cheesesteak I've had in NY was in Hoboken on Washington - pretty dry like 99 Miles To Philly. That can be a good thing.

BBs, which I think is at W.3rd and 6th Avenue (across from Blue Note), makes one of the ebst sandwiches in the city. Its called a Cheese Steak, but is a much different beast than the traditional Philly version. Its 4 bucks and is rediculously delicious, so rather than describe it, I'll just say go eat it. Its the only thing on the menu.

I sort of like the "Philly" cheese steak at Wing Wagon (on Flatbush) but when it comes on a pita it's a little hard to justify using the word Philly with it.