ALLENTOWN, PA - The great thing about this cheesesteak adventure is that you never know where you'll find a hidden gem. I found myself in Allentown on an early Sunday morning, hoping to discover something new, something different. I might have been picturing an old farmhouse or a forgotten corner store, but I’ll take my gems however they come. And I found one at Not Just Bagels.
Walking in, the place was bright, clean, and busy – a great sign. Most of the tables were occupied, and there was a steady flow of takeout orders. The staff was polite and helpful, managing the Sunday morning rush with a smile. It was a welcoming spot right from the start.
Then I looked at the menu, and my eyes lit up. They had a Cheddar Cheese Ball Cheesesteak. You know I had to get it. This is what the adventure is all about! To lean into the "Not Just Bagels" theme, I ordered it on an everything bagel.
This cheesesteak, which came with peppers and onions, was absolutely bursting with flavor. The unique component, of course, was the deep-fried cheddar cheese balls. Now, I was hoping for that moment when you bite into one and get a gush of warm, liquid cheddar sweetness. That "burst" didn't quite happen, as the cheese inside was more solid.
However, what I got instead was a fantastic textural surprise. The crunchiness of the fried cheese balls was a really nice addition to the sandwich, providing a great contrast to the soft meat and the chewy everything bagel. It was a creative and enjoyable take on a cheesesteak.
My final verdict? Not Just Bagels is a fantastic hidden gem in Allentown. They're serving up creative, flavorful food in a clean and friendly environment. While I didn't get the cheddar explosion I was dreaming of, the crunchy, cheesy, flavor-packed experience of the Cheddar Cheese Ball Cheesesteak made my 1,230th unique cheesesteak a memorable one. It's a spot that's definitely worth a visit.
A Review by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
