Ask any Philadelphia transplant in Southern California about cheesesteaks, and you may get a long sigh. Plenty of places sell a steak sandwich, but few get the bread right, and the bread is where the argument starts.
One small counter on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles decided to skip the debate entirely and ship the rolls in from the East Coast. It also stocks pork roll, Tastykake, Herr’s snacks, and birch beer, items that rarely show up this far west.
Eagles gear covers the space, the owner often works the counter, and people who grew up in the tri-state area keep calling the sandwiches the real deal. Keep reading to find out where this spot sits, what to order, when to go, and how to handle the parking puzzle.
A Philly Outpost on Melrose Avenue
The address is 7350 Melrose Ave A, Los Angeles, CA 90046, United States, right in the busy Melrose shopping stretch near Hollywood and West Hollywood.
The shop is Philly’s Best Cheesesteaks, a counter-serve sandwich spot that belongs to a small California chain. The chain is known for cheesesteaks and hoagies, with burgers and other Philly-style favorites filling out the menu.
This Melrose location is one of the newer members of the family. It sits on a walkable strip, so plenty of people discover it simply by passing by on foot.
Some neighbors admit they walked past for weeks before finally heading inside. Once they did, many became regulars.
The format is simple. You order at the counter, grab a seat if one is open, and wait for your sandwich to come off the flat top.
There are no hosts or table servers here. Even so, the staff tends to treat the casual setup with a surprising level of care, which comes up again later in this story.
Its 4.6-star standing across more than 100 opinions on Google Maps hints that the formula is working. For a sandwich shop with a lot of East Coast pride to live up to, that is a solid start.
A Founder Who Missed Home
Every good cheesesteak shop starts with a craving. In this case, the chain’s founder shared a struggle familiar to many East Coast transplants: finding an acceptable cheesesteak after moving to Southern California.
That frustration became a business plan. Instead of settling for a West Coast interpretation, the chain set out to recreate the sandwich the way Philadelphia does it.
The result has won over a tough crowd. Former Philadelphians and New Jersey natives who have been let down before describe the sandwiches here as authentic and just like home.
One group traveling from Philadelphia stopped in and left calling it the real deal. That kind of approval from people who grew up near the original does not come easily.
The skeptics have a point, of course. Plenty of cheesesteak claims fall flat outside the tri-state area, so a little doubt is healthy.
Here, though, the doubt tends to fade after the first visit. Some first-timers even head out to other locations afterward to see if the quality holds, and it seems to hold up at more than one.
So what exactly makes the difference? The answer begins with a very particular loaf of bread.
The Amoroso Roll Rule
If it is not on an Amoroso roll, it is not real. That opinion, voiced by a Jersey native with Philly family, sums up why this shop gets so much attention.
Amoroso rolls are a Philadelphia bakery staple. Philly’s Best ships its bread in from the East Coast rather than baking a local substitute.
The rolls earn praise for being soft and fresh while still sturdy enough to handle a hefty filling. Diners note that the bread does not fall apart halfway through the meal.
There is also a smart construction trick. The cheese goes on the bottom, which helps keep the sandwich from leaking out the base.
The filling may spill over the top and the ends, and that is part of the charm. Fans from Philadelphia say that is exactly how a proper cheesesteak should behave.
For those who want a twist, a sesame seed roll is also available. The owner has recommended it paired with a Cooper cheesesteak for first-timers.
Bread may seem like a small detail. In cheesesteak country, it is basically the whole constitution.
Cooper Cheese and the Classic Lineup
Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. Philadelphians have argued about cheese for generations, and this shop brings another contender to the table: Cooper cheese.
The Cooper classic is one of the most talked-about orders. Many people say the Cooper flavor stands out, and several call it the best cheesesteak they have ever had.
A popular combination is Cooper with grilled onions. The owner often suggests it to newcomers who are unsure where to begin.
The signature Philly’s Best sandwich takes the classic and adds sauteed mushrooms and sweet peppers. It comes with white American cheese and grilled onions on an Amoroso roll.
Portions are large. The meat is thin-sliced and generous, and many people say one sandwich is all they need.
Extra options exist, such as double cheese and an extra chop on the steak. Still, some fans suggest skipping the extra cheese because the standard amount already hits the mark.
Not sure which way to go? Ask at the counter, because the staff seems to genuinely enjoy guiding people through the choices.
Pork Roll, a Jersey Rarity
Mention pork roll west of the Mississippi and you may get blank stares. At this Melrose counter, it sits right on the menu.
Pork roll is a processed meat closely tied to New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. Finding it in Los Angeles is a pleasant surprise for East Coast natives.
Many Californians have never heard of it. Happily, the staff is ready to explain what it is, and more than one curious diner has left planning a return trip just to try it.
Its presence says something about the shop’s mission. The goal is not just one famous sandwich but a broader slice of tri-state eating habits.
Fans who grew up with pork roll have praised the shop for carrying it. Even those who do not eat pork have pointed to it as proof that the place takes its roots seriously.
The hoagie menu offers more ground to explore too. Between cheesesteaks, hoagies, and burgers, there is room for repeat visits.
Consider it a small history lesson served on a roll. Class is in session whenever the grill is hot.
Beyond the Beef
Steak gets top billing, yet chicken has quietly built its own fan club here.
Chicken cheesesteaks come up often, and regulars say both steak and chicken versions are strong at this location. The Cooper cheese works well with either.
Spicier options appear too. A Nashville Hot Chicken Cheesesteak and a buffalo cheesesteak give heat seekers something to chase.
Fair warning: these sandwiches can get messy. Diners describe them as decadent and worth the extra napkins.
Some people like to customize further. Pickles are one add-on that has earned a recommendation.
The menu is full of options, which can feel like a lot at first glance. Many first-timers start with the house signature and branch out on later visits.
That approach makes sense. With this much variety, a single trip barely scratches the surface.
Fries, Rings, and Tastykake
A cheesesteak rarely travels alone. At Philly’s Best, the sidekicks deserve their own spotlight.
Onion rings are a crowd favorite, earning the kind of enthusiasm usually reserved for main courses. Cheese fries and regular fries are popular too, and thin fries arrive hot and crispy.
Then come the East Coast snacks. The shop stocks Tastykake treats and Herr’s chips, two brands that Philadelphia natives instantly recognize.
Birch beer is also available. For many from the region, spotting it in a Los Angeles cooler feels like running into an old friend.
These touches matter. They turn a sandwich stop into a small tour of tri-state favorites.
One Jersey native grabbed one of every snack, a buffalo cheesesteak, cheese fries, and a drink, and still kept the bill under 50 dollars with tip.
So leave a little room. Dessert from a familiar wrapper might be the sweetest part of the trip home in spirit.
Bob Behind the Counter
Owners who chat with every customer are rare. Bob, the owner here, seems to make it a habit.
He often works the front counter. Newcomers describe him explaining what they are about to eat, answering random questions, and offering cheese samples without being asked.
His recommendations carry weight. Several people followed his advice on the Cooper cheesesteak and left calling it a highlight.
He also visits tables. That small gesture leaves a strong impression in a counter-serve setting.
Tri-state natives find a kindred spirit in him. Conversations about different cities from the region he grew up around are common.
Plenty of people mention wanting to bring family back after meeting him. One lunch-break diner planned a return with his son.
Food may bring people in the first time. The welcome seems to be what keeps them coming back.
A Crew That Stays Gracious
Arriving 15 minutes before closing usually means a rushed meal. Here, late arrivals keep getting a warm welcome instead.
Staff members such as Brandon, Miguel, and Jazzmen have earned praise for being polite, alert, and approachable. Miguel once handled the shop by himself and still made a customer feel like a valued guest.
The register team draws compliments too. Cashiers have patiently explained menu items to newcomers.
The kitchen moves quickly. Sandwiches tend to arrive fresh off the grill without a long wait.
Not every moment is flawless. One diner found the register a bit disengaged, and one recent experience with the food was strongly negative.
Still, the overall pattern leans heavily toward friendly and efficient. The word welcoming comes up again and again.
Good sandwiches are one thing. Good company behind the counter makes them easier to recommend.
Eagles Green on Melrose
Go Birds. That rallying cry fits right in, because Eagles decor shows up all over the space.
The interior leans hard into Philadelphia pride. A wall mural is a standout feature, helping set the hometown mood.
The vibe is generally mellow and relaxed. Many describe it as a chill spot right on Melrose.
Space is limited, though. The dining area is a bit tight, and music can sometimes get loud enough to make conversation tricky.
That makes it great for a quick lunch, a solo bite, or a small group. Larger gatherings may want to plan around busy times.
Philly natives tend to feel at home right away. Curious Angelenos get a crash course in East Coast culture.
Across the street sits Happy Ice, a water ice spot run by a Philadelphia native. Together, the two make this corner feel like a tiny piece of the tri-state area.
Hours, Costs, and Parking Tips
A little planning goes a long way on Melrose. Here is what to know before heading over.
The shop opens at 10 a.m. every day. It closes at 7 p.m.
Sunday through Tuesday, 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, and 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday.
Costs are reasonable for the portion size. Two classic cheesesteaks with cheese fries and regular fries came to about 45 dollars and fed four people.
Parking is the main challenge. Street parking in the area is paid and can be tough to find.
A handful of spots sit behind the building. They fill up, and maneuvering can be tricky for large trucks or SUVs.
Walking or riding in may save some headaches. The area is pedestrian friendly, and many locals arrive on foot.
For more details, the chain’s website is eatphillysbest.com. Checking ahead never hurts.
Worth the Trip for the Roll
Authenticity is a big word for a sandwich. This Melrose counter backs it up with real decisions rather than slogans.
Shipping Amoroso rolls across the country shows commitment. Stocking pork roll, Tastykake, Herr’s, and birch beer shows it even more.
The Cooper cheese draws loyal fans. The generous portions keep wallets and appetites in balance.
The people matter just as much. An owner who explains, recommends, and chats turns a quick meal into something memorable.
There are trade-offs. The room is snug, the music can run loud, and parking takes patience.
For homesick Philadelphians, it offers a taste of home. For everyone else, it offers a friendly introduction to a sandwich with serious roots.
Bring an appetite and a few extra minutes for parking. The roll is ready when you are.
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