PENNSYLVANIA - Let me tell you, on this Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, some of the most interesting finds come from the most unexpected places. My 1,228th unique cheesesteak led me to the Hilltop Crab House Restaurant in Toughkenamon, PA. A crab house for a cheesesteak? I was intrigued, to say the least, especially by their "make your own" Surf and Turf Cheesesteak concept.
I walked in on a busy Saturday night, and the first thing that hit me wasn't the food, but the service. The young woman managing the floor was giving a masterclass in hospitality. She was everywhere – chatting warmly with customers, directing her staff with a smile, and when the bar got a little backed up, she jumped right in to pour drinks and take orders. It was genuinely refreshing to see someone take such immense pride in their work. That kind of energy makes you root for a place before you even take a bite.
Now, for the main event. I ordered a cheesesteak with a side crab cake, ready to combine them into my own surf and turf creation. I'll be honest, when I tasted each part separately, I wasn't blown away. The cheesesteak itself was average. My crab cake was a touch on the dry side. But then, I put them together, and a little bit of magic happened.
The sum was so much greater than its parts! The cheesesteak meat and onions were finely chopped, which was the key. This made them a perfect, non-competing base for the crab cake. And the cheese – there was a sneaky good amount of cheese melted in there. It was just enough to add the moisture and fat needed to loosen up that crab cake and bring it back to life. Together, on one roll, they were absolutely spectacula!
It got me thinking. They should rebrand! The "Hilltop Surf and Turf Cheesesteak House" – it could be huge! This isn't just a crab house that happens to sell a steak; it's a place that has accidentally created a phenomenal, unique sandwich.
If you find yourself in Toughkenamon, be sure to stop by the Hilltop Crab House. The people are fantastic, and while the individual parts might just be good, the combination is a delicious revelation. It’s a perfect example of how the right ingredients, even unexpected ones, can come together to create something truly special.
Location: Hilltop Crab House Restaurant, Toughkenamon, PA
A Review by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
