After revisiting some established favorites, the quest for exceptional new cheesesteak experiences led me to Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and Guido’s Steaks. While not always at the forefront of online cheesesteak discussions, Guido’s Steaks consistently garners rave reviews, sparking my curiosity. Driven by my self-imposed mission to discover and rank the area’s best before finalizing my top cheesesteak list, I made the trip to Guido’s Steaks to see if it lived up to the hype.
Located in a modest strip mall on US-13 in Bensalem, PA, Guido’s Steaks boasts a surprisingly spacious and welcoming seating area, a notable feature for a steak shop. The atmosphere hints at New York City influences, particularly Brooklyn, blending Philly and NYC vibes seamlessly. Sports memorabilia from both cities adorn the walls, alongside a distinctive mafia-inspired decor that adds character to Guido’s Steaks.
While Guido’s Steaks menu is extensive, featuring a wide array of hot and cold sandwiches including an impressive selection of meatball and sausage options, my focus was squarely on their cheesesteak. Opting for my standard order – a cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp cheese and fried onions – I eagerly anticipated experiencing what Guido’s Steaks had to offer. Unless specified, Guido’s Steaks serves their cheesesteaks on seeded rolls.
My cheesesteak arrived promptly, within ten minutes of ordering, and its presentation was immediately appealing. Paired with Guido’s Steaks’ house black cherry soda, the anticipation grew.
From the very first bite, it was clear – this was an exceptional cheesesteak. Guido’s Steaks has crafted a sandwich that immediately ranks among the best. The seeded roll, while not the crustiest I’ve encountered, possessed a satisfying chew and substantial body without being overly doughy, a welcome change from some softer seeded rolls I’ve experienced recently.
The generous portion of meat, estimated around three-quarters of a pound, was expertly chopped and intensely flavorful, seasoned to perfection. The Cooper Sharp cheese was plentiful and well-integrated throughout the steak. While some cheesesteak aficionados prefer an abundance of cheese, Guido’s Steaks’ standard amount struck a perfect balance for my taste, ensuring flavor without being overwhelming. Those desiring extra cheese can certainly request it.
Despite a minor glob of cheese, the Guido’s Steaks cheesesteak demonstrated excellent ingredient blending and proportion. Whether Guido’s Steaks will ultimately make my definitive Top 10 cheesesteak list remains to be seen, but it has undoubtedly earned serious consideration. This visit confirmed that Guido’s Steaks serves a top-tier cheesesteak experience that is well worth seeking out in Bensalem, PA.
