Shay’s Steaks — Restaurant in Philadelphia

Today I had the second-best cheesesteak of my life. In the interest of full disclosure, the BEST came with foie gras on a house-made roll and a half bottle of champagne and set me back $140. So, let's be a little fair here.

The Wagyu steak at Shay's is every bit life-altering. Served medium-rare (as requested) it was as rich as biting into a hunk of fine European butter. It's the kind of sandwich you wish would never end. But we had to make room for the New York strip version (which we had with Cooper Sharp. We chose American for the Wagyu as Cooper could have overpowered the delicate flavour and mouthfeel of the precious Wagyu beef.)

SPG seasoned both and the fried onions were sweet and perfectly executed. There was an enormous number of options, from various cuts of beef, seasonings, peppers, etc. that you choose at a kiosk.) These were served on Liscio's seeded rolls, obviously fresh, as we saw the delivery walk in the door.

Personally, I would kill to taste one of these on a Sarcone's or Carangi, but the Liscio's actually let the beef be the star of the show. Of course, ingredients are only part of the complex cheesesteak equation. As you'll discover in a handful of the GOAT contenders (like John's Roast Pork) the attention to detail that comes with passion completes the calculation. When every steak is made for YOU (try asking for medium-rare at D'Allesandro's sometime) It's YOUR steak. We were lucky to get there before crowds showed up (from as far as Paris.)

We got our lunch in under 10 minutes (including a "before" presentation of the insanely marbled freshly sliced beef that we'd chosen by the proud proprietor, Scott. It was almost a Morton's experience. It took quite a bit of convincing to get my friend to leave without tasting the rib version. But the size of these steaks was perfect given the richness of the Wagyu in particular, as we found on the drive home. It gives us a reason to return.

Came with my Center City son for Father's day. Split a Wagyu and the Filet special. Rolls have gotten way better. I suspect they may special order from Liscio's....

What can I say that others haven't already? This place is simply the best when it comes to Philly cheesesteaks of the highest quality. Sure, there are other more famous landmarks that are perhaps "grimier, perfect for a hangover”, but Shay's was an unexpected surprise. Having graduated Penn, I had not been back to Philly for years, so the one chance I had to take my fiancee to visit the city of brotherly love, we decided to hit up this joint for her first "authentic" philly cheesesteak experience. We were staying by Rittenhouse Sq so decided to venture into the rainy night to Shay's due to its superb reviews. As soon as you get in, you are welcomed by the cleanliness and cozy atmosphere, and friendly staff. We went for the regular Philly and it came out piping hot, flavorful meaty morsels, dripping with cheese, and the softest rolls I've ever bit into. My fiancee was floored--she said not only was it the best cheesesteak she's ever had, but the best SANDWICH she's ever tasted. It wasn't long before Scott the owner came down to greet and chat with all the patrons and recount the glorious history of Shay's steaks where it once originated. Scott explained that the ribeye slices are fresh daily, never frozen, and he has guys back in the kitchen slicing meat all day. We thoroughly enjoyed the experience so much that the next day my fiancee demanded we go back for a second round, and we got the Philly Special truffle cheesesteak which didn't disappoint either. Scott was handing out wristbands and rushing in and out as the Philly marathon was in town and Shays was making hundreds of steaks to feed the masses. As a business owner myself, i also noticed the staff were all happy, cracking jokes, and Scott tells us they are rewarded with bonuses for high performance. All in all, an unforgettable dining memory and puts to shame all the other cheesesteak restaurants in Philly that can't match its deliciousness and fantastic hospitality. Mark my words, this place will earn some awards in the...

Every so often you will find a place that is shocking in its quality and deliciousness. Shay’s Steaks is this place. In Philadelphia the best cheesesteak is a hotly debated topic amongst foodies as it should be. To be sure there are many great places to get such food. But how gratifying it is to find this newer place, making its presence known, using the tried and true principles of proper management, top-notch ingredients, and highest level of service to dominate the market.. First, you’ll find the meats are absolutely fresh and hand cut in the back by the chefs, reference the videos/photos I am posting. These are the highest quality meats and several of them are offered in your sandwich. I got the prime rib and that was the correct choice for me. The bread is fresh, crusty and chewy at once… just like we like it. Other ingredients are also fresh, they know they do not even have a freezer and everything has to be prepared fresh daily. Living in Utah I am always reminded how awful the food scene is there. It is synthetic. The Philadelphia food scene is real and it seems to me all players have to bring their top game in order to survive . Shay’s is one of those players. I suspect they will be highly successful and will grow and open new locations with the principles you’re using at this first one. Also know this success is happening in a tough economy. This again proves the axiom with proper management, high-quality food that everybody loves, and great employees you will be successful. Everybody needs to eat. Being a normal customer, I was also shocked that I was given a tour, impromptu mind you, of the Kitchen and my videos represent this. This is a destination food place you should put on your list when you go to Philadelphia, congratulationsto Shay’. And please remember this is an unpaid honest review from a foodie just...