Carl's Steaks brings some brotherly love to the Big Apple, sharing Philadelphia's most renowned culinary (and perhaps cultural) contribution with New Yorkers. This Murray Hill neighborhood staple (there's also one in TriBeCa) is perfect for late-night noshing (open until 4:30 am on weekends) or for fulfilling any craving for greasy goodness. Though a veggie sandwich, a low-carb cheese steak platter (no bun) and chili cheese fries are available, the draw here is the substantial hoagie roll topped with sliced sirloin, grilled onions and cheese. American and provolone cheeses are available, but the processed Cheez Whiz is the legit way to go. Mushrooms, peppers, tomatoes and lettuce are add-ons. No alcohol available. Serving lunch, dinner and late-night daily.
Zagat 2008: 22 Food Rating (Very Good to Excellent)
New York magazine: Critics' Pick
The Village Voice: Best Steak-Umms, 2008 Critics' Pick
"Carl's authentic Philly Cheesesteaks start with thinly sliced sirloin steak grilled to perfection. We stay true to our cheesesteaks and offer the original 'cheese whiz' or your choice of provolone or white American cheese with or without grilled onions. To top it off we use only the freshest hoagie roll that is fit to handle an authentic cheesesteak. As everyone knows it's all in the roll." - Carl's Steaks website
"Best Antidote to a Vegetarian Feast ... Carl's Steaks takes the prize, not only for its obscenely great cheesesteak oozing with the unholy trinity of chopped meat, Cheez Whiz, and onions, all barely contained by a grease-thirsty roll, but for its spot-on ambience." -
New York magazine "Hoagie perfection is all about the bread ... [and] the firm, fresh buns make Carl's cheese steaks taste like something you'd nosh between visits to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell." -
Time Out New York "... the sandwich comes as close to the original as anyone ever will on the East Side of New York." -
Village Voice