Ramona's Chopped Cheese — Local services in Hartford

Wanted to see the what the hype was all about. Not here to bash any small business but I'm here to honestly review food.

Ramona's is on Maple Ave in Hartford with street parking. It is a very TINY shop. The cook was sitting outside on a chair when we arrived (thought he was a patron). The order kiosk right inside the door said the Wagyu was SOLD OUT but the owner, Shavon, came out and said there's one left. I specifically went for the Wagyu so naturally I wanted to try it and agreed to take the last one but it may have been a sale tactic now that I look back at my experience. It was recommended by the owner and cook to get it fully loaded, the way it comes, "how Ramona made it." I'm thinking I can't mess up the original way it comes because they should know what they're talking about; it's their establishment. Ramona was Shavon's grandmother. Ramona passed away and left Shavon "a lot of money" and Shavon was one of 22 grandchildren. I thought it was TMI but I wanted to hear the story she wanted to share with me. Shavon is from Harlem and chopped cheese originated from Harlem so I am truly trusting my sandwich with Shavon at this point. It took about 15 minutes for it to be made.

Fully loaded Wagyu chopped cheese at Ramona's includes: Wagyu beef, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, barbecue sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, grilled onions and jalapeño peppers.

It was almost $17 and definitely not worth it, unfortunately. I was handed the sandwich and I immediately went to my car to eat it because it's a takeout place. The iceberg lettuce was completely wilted and the tomato was hard. I found it odd that the chopped cheese was recommended this way and I was very disappointed. Bread was soggy from absorbing all the moisture and condiments; sandwich dripping from the wilted lettuce and tomatoes. It did not hold up well. The only flavor note I tasted was spice. The spiciness overpowered everything. It was messy to eat and too spicy to enjoy. I took two bites and tossed the sandwich and I never waste food but this was not the sandwich for me. I eat parts of animals most people throw out (chicken feet, organs, etc). Ordering Wagyu, I thought there would be no problem with it.

Honestly, I was looking for the meat in my sandwich. There were more toppings/condiments than meat, which was disappointing. The meat didn't taste like Wagyu that I'm used to.

I wish Ramona's a lot of success but they have a lot of work to do in my opinion. There are many sandwich shops that deliver on flavor. I don't recommend Ramona's and I...

Very friendly, helped me with the kiosk there to place your order very high tech system to order chop cheese. You can add everything you want on your chop cheese right from the kiosk! Very Kool! I ordered the Porterhouse chop cheese with jalapenos and mayo and sauteed onions, cheddar cheese man that was delicious 😋 I've been waiting for this joint to open up for a while and let me tell you it was well worth the wait. Bread was just right not hard and not to soft. The meat was well cooked and very juicy. Do yourself a favor and come down and support this great new place and local business you want be...

I travel all over the state constantly for work, and this is by farrr the best cheesesteak I have found. Large sandwiches, extremely soft bread, lots of meat and cheese chopped and melted together. Outstanding. 5 different options of what kind of steak you would like even! The owner is the absolute sweetest and so welcoming and caring. So happy I turned around when I saw it as I drove by. Note everything is take out only. Go...