Here are some of the best steak shops, whether you crave a Philly-style — simply onions and cheese — or Lehigh Valley-style cheesesteak — sauce, pickles and peppers.
Zandy's is a longtime family friendly staple in the city of Allentown, offering up the best in subs and sandwiches, hot and cold alike. The food's fast but rises above the 'fast food' stereotype, delivering great food in a fast-paced atmosphere. If you're looking for a stand-out cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia, this is your place. You'll never leave hungry and always leave happy from Zandy's.
Consistently voted as having some of the best cheesesteaks in the Valley, The Brass Rail could easily be called an institution. Featuring Italian and American bar food, this usually very busy restaurant packs in families and senior citizens and hosts a younger crowd in the later munchie hours. A relaxed spot with old-fashioned flair, “The Rail,” as it’s affectionately known among Valley residents, has hot, fast and tasty food.
There is a reason Matey’s Famous Steaks and Pizza labels its grub famous. Patrons flock to the Allentown eatery for mouth watering pizza, unrivaled in the area. The hugely popular steak sandwiches are available in an array of assortments while salads, wraps and an assortment of fried foods help satisfy all tastes. The restaurant capitalizes on its popular main attraction by allowing customers to purchase frozen pies.
Seward’s Steak Shop in south Allentown offers burgers, grilled chicken and other hot sandwiches, hoagies, wraps and hot dogs. But it is best known for its cheesesteaks, made with sautéed chipsteak, onions, a red sauce, pickles and peppers. Available on 6-inch, 9-inch and 12-inch rolls made by a local Italian bakery.
A casual pizza place that serves both the standards as well as slightly fancier fare, Armetta’s and More is nestled in the quaint downtown of Emmaus, where it is a local favorite serving a steady stream of pizzas to go as well as sit-down dinners. The menu ranges from the tried and true cheesesteaks and pies to antipasta salads and pastas that come in huge portions.
With a menu ranging from steak and pasta specialties to the standard wings-and-things bar items, there isn’t room for the indecisive at the Copperhead Grille. That goes for beverage as well. Factor in a full bar, plenty of beers on tap — often for no more than $1.25 — and one of the largest screen TVs around and you’ve got a treasure off the beaten path in Bethlehem.
A warm and friendly neighborhood tavern, serving sandwiches and cheesesteaks, pasta and prime rib. Situated in the former Windsor Hotel, the Center Valley Tavern has had a recent facelift: Owners-managers Jane Logan and Ed Martin gutted and refurbished the bar and kitchen areas. Logan says the tavern offers a full menu, ranging from "munchies" and sandwiches to dinners. Weeknight specials include cheesesteaks on Tuesdays, pasta on Wednesdays and prime rib and crab cakes on Fridays.
Carl’s Corner, near Moravian College’s football field, scores a touchdown with patrons, who are regularly summoned by the restaurant’s memorable steak sandwiches and subs. Hot dogs, burgers and various deep-fried treats are also available. Dining space is limited, as is the menu, but why experiment when you got a good thing going?
Eat in, take out, call ahead for fast service. On W. End Blvd. (Route 309), this Lee’s location (there are 19) has tables for casual dining on award-winning (voted Best of Philly, Bucks and Montco) hoagies, cheesesteaks, wings and salads, plus burgers and more. This Lee’s location uses D’Ambrosio Bakery breads delivered fresh daily from South Philly, but will serve any Lee’s hoagie made in a wrap instead of on a roll.
Chrissy's serves up steak sandwiches just about any way you want them -- steak or chicken; cheese or no cheese; regular or California-style. Cheesesteaks are its specialty.
On the paper placemats that top The Paddock’s wood-grained Formica tables, there’s an ad that says: “Our family serving your family since 1948” — an apt description of the unpretentious South Whitehall neighborhood eatery. With more than half a century of history serving generations of Allentonians, The Kloiber family’s Paddock has become something of an institution. The menu is basic — meat and potatoes, standard Italian, etc. — and prices are very low. If you want the full experience, order a cheesesteak. People swear by ’em.
