Big Mike’s Philly Steaks and Subs

507 Main St

El Segundo, CA 90245

310-726-9638

http://www.yelp.com/biz/big-mikes-philly-steaks-and-subs-el-segundo

Rating: 5 stars

Typical cost for lunch: $$ ($7 - 9)

What was ordered: Cheese Steak, Chicken Mushroom Steak, and Garlic Fries

Date of visit: 25 March 2011 (multiple previous visits)

Review:  I’ve never been to Pat’s or Geno’s in Philadelphia, but this is the best Philly Cheese Steak I’ve ever had.  They start with ribeye steak, slice it thin, and grill it up to order (without oil).  That gets piled into a freshly baked, soft and chewy, hollowed-out steak roll along with your choice of extras (grilled onions, hot peppers, sweet peppers, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce, and cheese).  For a little bit more, you can add pizza sauce or grilled mushrooms to the cheese steak.  Your cheese choices include Provolone, Cheez Whiz, or white American.  I usually get Provolone but if you’re feeling authentic, I have to admit Cheez Whiz (a poor excuse for cheese) is pretty tasty on there.

Lunch Combo: 6-inch Cheese Steak and Garlic Fries

If you are looking for something a little healthier, the Chicken Philly is the same thing made with thinly sliced chicken breast.  Big Mike’s also has subs, hoagies, and salads on their menu, but I have never been able to get past the cheese steaks.  They have lunch specials; for around $8 you get a 6-inch cheese steak with a soda and chips, fries, or garlic fries.  It’s a good deal - and the garlic fries are superb – however, if I’m feeling hungry for about 50 cents more you can just get the 12-inch cheese steak.  I don’t care much for the soda, so I figure I’m trading the garlic fries for another 6 inches of sandwich.  The garlic fries are tasty (lot’s of fresh garlic), but it’s a good trade-off in my book.

12-inch Cheese Steak

Now, you should only go to Big Mike’s if you have a big appetite.  The place is usually filled with El Segundo PD, TSA officers from LAX, and men from the surrounding companies eating big hearty sandwiches.  It is hard to daintily eat a cheese steak.  If you do have a big appetite, Big Mike’s is a great place to fill it.  5 stars.

-Ben