Philadelphia, PA - On my 1,243rd different cheesesteak, I stopped into O'Jungs in South Philadelphia, and let me tell you, this one was an adventure in flavor from the very first bite. This is not your standard cheesesteak; it's a creative, gourmet-inspired creation that really thinks outside the box.
The description alone had me hooked: Seared Filet Mignon, Cooper Sharp Cheese Sauce & Caramelized Onions on Butter Toasted Mini Everything Seasoning Pretzels.
Now, I'll be honest, I usually don't like a whole steak on a roll. I'm a firm believer that you should be able to see what you're biting into. But this was different. This was good. Really good. I don't know why I was surprised—it's filet mignon, after all! The meat was incredibly tender. The caramelized onions added a fantastic, deep sweetness, and the Cooper Sharp cheese sauce was, in a word, creamy and dreamy. LOL.
I really liked the outside-the-box thinking of using an everything pretzel as the roll. It added a very good seasoning and a unique, salty crunch that you don't get from a standard roll. However, I have to say, it doesn't do a very good job of holding everything together. This is a very messy sandwich to eat, so be prepared!
But the food was only part of what made this a great visit. The vibe at O'Jungs is fantastic. The bartender was great—you can probably hear her in the background of my video. There was a steady flow of takeout orders and a couple of regulars at the bar. We ended up having a very good cheesesteak conversation/talk/debate, which is one of my favorite parts of this whole adventure.
My final verdict? Flavor for days! This is a delicious, unique, and memorable take on a cheesesteak. Just be ready to get your hands dirty. It was a great visit all around, and it's a spot I'd definitely recommend for anyone looking for a more gourmet cheesesteak experience.
A Review by Jim Pappas, The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
