Finding a true Philly cheesesteak in New England can feel like a long hunt with few rewards. Plenty of places slap some beef on a roll and call it a day.
One small shop in Norwich, Connecticut, takes the job far more seriously. The steak is sliced thin, the cheese choices follow Philadelphia tradition, and people happily drive an hour just to grab lunch here.
Former Philly residents have even called it one of the best versions they have found outside the city. Keep reading to learn where this spot sits, what makes its sandwiches stand out, which sides earn their own fan club, and when to show up so you are not left staring at a locked door.
A Philly Outpost on Sherman Street
Some of the best lunches hide in plain sight. Philly’s – A Taste Of Philadelphia sits at 33 Sherman St, Norwich, CT 06360, in eastern Connecticut, United States.
It is a dedicated cheesesteak restaurant, which means the menu centers on one famous sandwich and the things that go well with it. Plenty of locals admit they drove past the building for years before finally stopping in.
Once they did, many became regulars. The shop holds a strong 4.4-star standing from 779 diners, a solid number for a small, focused kitchen.
The place is often described as a small hole in the wall. That modest look is part of the charm, since the attention goes straight to the food instead of fancy decor.
Its reach also goes beyond the Norwich storefront. The brand runs a food trailer in Groton too, so the Philly spirit travels a little around the region.
Still, the Sherman Street shop is the home base, and it is the one worth putting into your map app first.
Years of Cheesesteak Credibility
Bold claims tend to attract skeptics. The shop has long promoted the idea of serving a top cheesesteak in America, and a few Pennsylvania natives have rolled their eyes at that line.
Then they tried the sandwich. One Pennsylvania transplant admitted that the signature Philly came pretty close to the ones back home.
That kind of praise has followed this kitchen for nearly a decade. Diners going back nine years have called it a Philly cheesesteak done right in Connecticut, which is no small compliment in a state better known for pizza.
Someone who lived in Philadelphia for years recently said it was the best version found outside the city in a long time. It even exceeded expectations, which is a tall order for a homesick fan.
Earning respect from people who grew up with the real thing takes consistency. That steady track record is a big reason the shop keeps its loyal following.
For a sandwich with such a famous hometown, getting the nod from its own people might be the highest score possible.
Thin Steak, Big Payoff
Thin is the whole point. A proper cheesesteak relies on shaved beef, and that is exactly what this kitchen serves.
The steak comes sliced thin but still juicy, which keeps every bite tender. The shop uses ribeye, the classic cut for this style of sandwich.
Grilled onions join the beef in the traditional build. Some folks would trim the onion count a little, while onion lovers will be perfectly content.
Customizing is easy here. Diners add mushrooms and mayo, and the bacon cheesesteak gives a smoky twist on the original.
The roll matters too, and the bread is soft enough to hold everything without fighting back.
Portion talk comes up often. Older stories describe sandwiches so stuffed they turned into a second meal, while a few recent diners felt their sandwich ran smaller than expected and wished for extra ribeye.
Hungry eaters may want to order a side or a bigger build just to be safe. A little planning beats a growling stomach on the drive home.
Whiz, American, or Provolone
Every cheesesteak debate eventually lands on cheese. Here, the classic trio is on offer: Whiz, American, or provolone.
Cheese Whiz earns the most chatter by far. Longtime fans urge newcomers not to fear the Whiz, calling it the best way to enjoy the sandwich.
That advice reflects true Philly habits, where Whiz is a beloved standard. Purists will be pleased to find it treated with respect rather than as a gimmick.
American cheese offers a creamy middle ground for people who want something familiar. Provolone brings a sharper edge for those who prefer a sliced cheese.
Delivery orders can occasionally get mixed up, as one unhappy diner found when the wrong cheese arrived. Double-checking your order before leaving the counter is a smart habit anywhere.
Picking a favorite is half the fun. Some regulars rotate through all three, treating each visit as a chance to settle the argument again.
No matter which camp you join, the choice is yours to make, and no one at the counter will judge.
Fries That Steal the Spotlight
Sometimes the sidekick nearly becomes the star. The fries at this shop get almost as much attention as the sandwiches.
Loaded fries keep their crunch even under all the toppings. That is a real achievement, since soggy fries are a common letdown.
The cheese sauce wins a devoted crowd. One first-timer said the fries ranked among the best ever and planned return trips just to have them again.
Flavor options keep things interesting. Vinny’s sweet ranch fries, BBQ fries, honey teriyaki, and buffalo chicken fries all appear on order slips.
A parent and daughter team shared the honey teriyaki and BBQ versions and called them worth every bite. Families clearly find something for everyone here.
Pairing a cheesesteak with a tray of fries makes for a filling lunch. Splitting a loaded order among friends is also a smart way to sample more.
Plan on fighting over the last fry, because nobody seems willing to leave one behind.
Egg Rolls, Wings, and Grinders
Creativity shows up beyond the classic roll. Cheesesteak egg rolls are a fan favorite, packing the sandwich filling into a crispy wrapper.
The mini cheesesteak egg roll draws repeat orders through delivery apps. Some people take them home and dip them in ranch for a fun twist.
Wings are another frequent pick, popping up again and again in diner conversations. They make a handy add-on for groups who want variety.
Grinders are the most talked-about item of all after the cheesesteaks. In Connecticut, grinder is the local word for a hot sub, so the menu speaks the regional language.
A chicken Philly is also available for those skipping beef. It earns mixed feedback, with soft bread praised but the chicken seen as more ordinary than the steak.
Sticking with the steak is the safer bet for first-timers. Branching out on later trips keeps the visits fresh.
A menu that blends Philly roots with Connecticut habits gives everyone at the table something to grab.
Friendly Faces Behind the Counter
Good energy is hard to fake. Staff at this shop consistently earn praise for being welcoming and quick.
Team members happily help newcomers choose from the menu. That guidance matters when the list of fries and add-ons keeps growing.
Specific names come up often, with a staff member named Kevin known for upbeat greetings and a chef named Jelani making sure food goes out hot.
The owner gets credit too, described as super friendly by regulars who call this their favorite spot in Norwich.
Cleanliness is another common theme. The dining room is repeatedly described as very clean and even immaculate.
Service speed has its own legend. Years ago, one order came out so fast that a coworker assumed the diner had walked out without paying attention.
The Groton food trailer has drawn a few complaints about waits and attitude, so experiences can vary by location. At the Norwich shop, though, the vibe stays warm.
A smile at the register can make an ordinary lunch feel like a small treat.
Hours, Prices, and the Road Trip Question
Timing your trip saves disappointment. The shop opens at 11:30 AM Monday through Saturday.
Closing time is 7 PM Monday through Thursday, stretching to 8 PM on Friday and Saturday. Sunday runs shorter, from noon to 5 PM.
Prices land in a moderate range. A cheesesteak can run around 14 dollars, and some diners call the menu a little pricey while still saying it is worth it.
Many people praise the reasonable prices for a premium product. Delivery apps sometimes run deals, which can stretch a budget further.
Distance does not seem to stop fans. Diners regularly drive 20 miles or a full hour each way, and many say the trip was worth every minute.
Ordering through DoorDash or Uber Eats is an option for those nearby who prefer staying home. Checking the order before the driver leaves is always wise.
The official website at therealphillys.com offers online ordering details.
A Friday or Saturday evening visit gives the most breathing room before closing.
Worth the Detour
Small shops rarely get headlines, yet some earn loyalty the old-fashioned way. This Norwich kitchen has built its name one thin-sliced sandwich at a time.
The appeal is simple. Ribeye cooked the Philly way, a real choice of Whiz, American, or provolone, and fries that people plan return trips around.
Friendly staff and a clean room round out the experience. Those details turn a quick lunch into a habit for many locals.
No restaurant is perfect, and portion size or delivery mix-ups have frustrated a few diners. Ordering in person and adding a side helps avoid surprises.
Fans who grew up near Philadelphia keep giving the shop their blessing. That alone makes it worth a stop for anyone chasing an honest cheesesteak in Connecticut.
Families, solo lunch breakers, and road trippers all fit in comfortably. The casual setup means no reservations or dress code to worry about.
Bring an appetite, pick your cheese, and let Sherman Street settle the cheesesteak question for you.
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