Aug 13 2009
Philly Cheesesteaks and Burgers
Philly Cheesesteaks and Burgers
Location: Pioneer Courthouse Square (near the corner of SW 6th and Yamhill) and SW 4th and Hall Pod
Description:
[Originally written Nov. 2008; updated Aug. 2009] Philadelphia Freedom! Perhaps it is this monumental 2008 election year, but after dropping off my ballot at the Multnomah County drop box downtown, I found myself craving a cheesesteak. I mean, really, what is more patriotic than life, liberty and the pursuit of melted American cheese on tender grilled and thinly sliced beef?
For it was in 1776 that the founders of our great nation declared, in Philadelphia, the Declaration of Independence. In 1976, during our nation’s bicentennial I traveled to Philly for the festivities. Wearing a red, white and blue bell bottom jumpsuit, star printed tennis shoe laces on my converses and sporting a Dorthy Hamil haircut, I made the Spirit of ’76 pilgrimage. I went to the Liberty Bell, visited Independence Hall and watched actors and actresses in period costumes and white wigs talk in big words that I had no idea what they were saying. I do however, remember my first cheesesteak on that very same trip. It was dripping with grease, filled with grilled peppers and onions, thinly sliced tender beef and loads of oozing American cheese. It was heaven on a hoagie bun.
Philly Cheesesteaks and Burgers knows all about this particularly American sandwich. Their version is also pretty darn close to the ones found in Philly. With a simple menu that also includes that other quintessential American food, The Hamburger in all its forms, Philly Cheesesteaks is a quick, cheap and filling bite of Americana.
Sample Menu:
Philly Cheesesteaks – Thinly sliced steak grilled with onions, green and red bell peppers, mushrooms topped with melted white American cheese and served on a soft hoagie roll.
Small – $4.25
Medium – $5.25
Large – $6.25
Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers – $4.00 – $6.25
Soda – $1.00
Extra Steak – $1.75
Lettuce, tomato, extra cheese, pepperoni – $0.75 extra
Hours: Lunchtime Mon-Fri
Phone: Unknown
Website: Unknown
Email: Unkown
The election gave me a cheese steak hankering too, however I got mine from Christopher’s Gourmet Grill on MLK. I look forward to trying this one!
My only question is how on earth you managed to write a review about this fabulous PDX cart without even a mention of Ben the wonderful gentleman that serves up those delicious cheesesteaks and burgers every Monday-Friday without fail?!? Some days I make the trip down from PSU not because I’m actually craving that delightfully cheesey, perfectly-seasoned thin sliced steak on the best hoagies in town (although I usually am by the time I get there), but simply because I know the five minutes of friendly chit-chat with Ben will be one of the best parts of my day. From your first time at the cart you will feel like a regular, Ben just has that great style of banter that pretty much anyone can relate to, and is almost always hilarious. I know that Portland has more than its fair share of incredibly friendly and wonderful food cart servers, but I have yet to have another one brighten my lunch hour like Ben does.
I completely agree with Janelle! Ben is a great guy and my boyfriend and I really enjoy coming to get our cheesesteaks from him, because he is so personable and nice!! The cheesesteaks are incredible!!
Hands down the best cheesesteak in this town. period. Way to serve-em up Ben!
Is this cart still currently there and opener biz ?