First things first. Watching Fresh Prince is about the closest I’ve ever been to Philly. So, when dealing with something as fiercely defended as the venerable Philly Cheesesteak, I guess I’m forced to admit that I’ve never had a real Philly cheesesteak. That being said, I’d like to think that Jersey Joe’s comes pretty close. Jersey Joe’s has quickly become one of my local favorites…not only because it’s close, but simply because I love cheesesteaks. I mean, what’s not to love? This is unpretentious Americana fare at its best: fatty meat, gooey cheese, and minimal vegetables, all conveniently stuffed into a deliciously artery-clogging sandwich. Throw in some fries and a pint of beer….and….damn, I am having a good day.
Well, the place is certainly not much to look at. Located in a corner of a unassuming shopping center, it’d be easy to miss Jersey Joe’s at first drive-by. No brushed wood inlays or track lighting, no, nothing fancy. And in this case, it’s perfect. This is your friendly neighborhood sports pub/sandwich shop. Sports flags and team posters share wall space with beer signs, all flanking the big-screen projector in the middle of the room. Yes, this place has a projector, along with four plasma TV’s at each corner of the room. Now, normally I’m pretty against having TV’s in restaurants, (see Burger Bar) but here, it just works, it fits. Walk in here Sunday or Monday night, and it’s easy to spend a few hours with the boys nursing beers and watching the Steelers on the big screen, while following the Red Sox on the corner TVs. Simply put, it’s great.
Jersey Joe’s has a pretty extensive menu, including hoagies, burgers, and other sandwiches…but let’s be honest, you’re here for the cheesesteaks. It all starts with your basic cheesesteak: a half-pound of sliced ribeye served with gooey American cheese and grilled onions. From there, a variety of add-ons await, like: sweet/hot peppers, mushrooms, pizza sauce, pepperoni, and (thank goodness) bacon. Get your doggy bags ready too, not only are they huge, but these suckers are dense.
I’m still working my way through the menu, but my current favorite has to be the sweet pepper cheesesteak. The flavor isn’t everything I would like it to be, I usually find myself wishing for some garlic, or laying on the hot sauce. That’s not to say there’s no flavor; the melted American cheese does a lot to mesh the fatty beefiness of ribeye (my favorite cut) with the slight sweetness of the peppers. But none of the components really sing. It’s a solid, good flavor, just lacking some punch. The texture, on the other hand, is great. No gristly chewy bits, just gooey, moist goodness that matches perfectly with a fresh set of crispy fries.
At roughly eight bucks a sandwich, Jersey Joe’s is definitely a little on the pricier side. But otherwise, it’s solid in every sense. Unpretentious fare coupled with a chill neighborhood sports bar feel. In fact, that’s what draws me to this place, it’s a good place to just come with friends and watch the game, while enjoying good sandwiches with a pitcher of beer. East Coast favorites on the West Bay. Nice.
Jersey Joe’s
21 El Camino Real
San Carlos, CA
(650) 592-7317
This place gets packed around lunch hour, so do your best to come before noon, or after 1.
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