This Ohio Hoagie Shop Is So Good, Locals Say It Could Fool A Philly Native
Tucked away in Westlake, Ohio, sits a sandwich shop that’s earning serious street cred from both homesick Pennsylvanians and curious locals.
The Original Steaks and Hoagies claims to bring authentic Philly flavor to Northeast Ohio, and judging by the buzz, they’re not just talking smack.
Whether you’re a cheesesteak purist or a hoagie enthusiast, this spot promises to transport your taste buds straight to South Street without the five-hour drive.
A Little Bit of Philly in the Heart of Ohio
Westlake might not be the first place you’d expect to find legitimate Philadelphia-style hoagies, but The Original Steaks and Hoagies is changing that narrative one sandwich at a time. Located in The Promenade at Crocker Park (30325 Detroit Road), this unassuming spot proudly bills itself as the only authentic Philly-style steak and hoagie shop in Northeast Ohio.
Walking in feels like stumbling upon a hidden gem that locals want to keep secret but can’t help bragging about. The menu doesn’t mess around with fusion experiments or trendy twists—just straight-up, no-nonsense Philly classics done right.
For anyone who’s ever craved that East Coast flavor without booking a plane ticket, this place delivers the goods with surprising accuracy and zero pretension.
Built on Authentic Philly Roots
Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword here—it’s baked into every decision the founders made when opening their doors. They emphasize true Philly-style preparation and use Amoroso rolls baked in Philadelphia, signaling a genuine commitment to cheesesteak tradition rather than a loose interpretation.
The commitment shows in details that casual diners might miss but Philly natives immediately recognize. Amoroso-style rolls arrive fresh, the steak gets hand-shaved rather than pre-chopped, and the cooking technique mirrors what you’d find on a South Street corner.
One reviewer who moved from Washington DC and used to drive to Philly for Geno’s cheesesteaks swears these stack up against the legends, calling them the best in Ohio.
The Secret Is in the Bread
Ask any true Philadelphia native what separates a mediocre hoagie from a legendary one, and they’ll tell you without hesitation: the roll makes or breaks everything. The Original Steaks and Hoagies understands this fundamental truth and treats their bread with the reverence it deserves.
The shop uses Amoroso rolls baked in Philadelphia and shipped in for that unmistakable chewy texture and crisp exterior that defines a true Philly sandwich.
The bread holds up to juicy steak and melted cheese without turning soggy, yet yields perfectly to each bite. It’s the foundation that lets every other ingredient shine.
Cheesesteak or Hoagie? You Don’t Have to Choose
Menu paralysis hits different when everything sounds incredible, but The Original Steaks and Hoagies makes the struggle real in the best possible way. Classic cheesesteaks come loaded with your choice of melted provolone or the controversial-but-beloved Cheez Whiz that purists swear by.
If you’re leaning toward cold cuts, their Italian hoagies stack high with quality meats, crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and that essential oil and vinegar finish. Both options satisfy die-hard East Coasters who thought they’d left good sandwiches behind when they moved west.
Fries are a consistent favorite among reviewers, though most praise centers on the cheesesteaks and hoagies rather than side dishes. Whatever your craving, this place has it covered.
Locals Swear It Could Fool a Philly Native
The ultimate test of any Philly-style shop outside Pennsylvania comes down to one question: would someone from Philadelphia actually be fooled? According to customers who’ve lived in or near the City of Brotherly Love, the answer is a resounding yes.
Reviews consistently mention that you’d swear you were eating in Philly, with one customer stating the steaks are right up there with legendary spots like Geno’s. That’s not faint praise—that’s putting your reputation on the line.
Another diner called the food absolutely incredible with quality service to match. When people who know the real deal give their stamp of approval, it carries weight that no marketing campaign could buy.
Not Just a Sandwich—A Nostalgic Experience
Step inside and you’ll notice this isn’t some Instagram-ready designer sandwich shop with Edison bulbs and reclaimed wood everywhere. The vibe is refreshingly simple and no-frills, with a quick-serve counter and focus squarely on what matters: the food.
The sizzle of ribeye hitting the griddle, the aroma of caramelized onions filling the air, the rhythmic scrape of the spatula—these sensory details create an atmosphere that prioritizes flavor and familiarity over flash. One visitor gushed about how cute and clean the place is while praising the owner’s friendliness.
For transplants missing home or locals discovering what authentic Philly tastes like, it’s less about fancy décor and more about that emotional connection to quality comfort food.
The Love for Authenticity Runs Deep
Running a tight ship when it comes to quality control isn’t easy, especially when you’re trying to replicate a regional specialty hundreds of miles from its birthplace. The Original Steaks and Hoagies operates as part of a small franchise network, maintaining consistent standards across locations while still feeling local and personal.
This commitment to Philly tradition over shortcuts has earned them repeat customers and growing regional recognition. They’re not trying to reinvent the wheel or create some Ohio-Philly fusion monstrosity, they’re sticking to what works.
That dedication shows in consistency, from the ingredients they source to the cooking methods they employ. When your reputation depends on matching beloved originals, there’s no room for cutting corners or getting creative with fundamentals.
Why Ohioans Keep Coming Back
At the end of the day, what makes this spot special isn’t just technical execution or ingredient sourcing—it’s the emotional connection people forge with food that reminds them of somewhere or something meaningful. For Pennsylvania transplants living in Ohio, biting into one of these hoagies is like taking a brief trip home.
For locals who’ve never set foot in Philadelphia, it’s discovering that world-class sandwiches don’t require a road trip east or a plane ticket. The Original Steaks and Hoagies bridges that gap beautifully.
While a few reviews note occasional service delays during busy hours, overall customer feedback highlights consistency, quality, and authenticity that keep fans returning. That’s the power of authentic flavor done with respect.