1 Angelo’s Pizzeria vs 16 Geno’s Steaks
Geno’s Steaks came into the Tournament riding a one win streak. They beat cross street rival Pat’s in the ‘play in’ match to get into the tournament. The 1 seed Angelo’s Pizzeria was vulnerable in this match. Something was going on with the roll. There was a lot of moisture in the middle of the roll. Everything else about Angelo’s cheesesteak was pretty darn good and they won this match easily.
2 John’s Roast Pork vs 15 Cheerleaders Philadelphia
This was a much closer match than people would think. Cheerleaders has a good kitchen and makes a very good cheesesteak. This year for March Cheesesteak Madness we do NOT get mushrooms on the cheesesteak. Partly (mostly) due to John’s using a canned mushroom. This may have been the best cheesesteak I have gotten from John’s. The roll for the Cheerleaders cheesesteak was having a bad day. John’s gets the victory and moves on to the 2nd round.
3 Nipotina v 14 The Nut Hut Saloon
Two relatively new kids to the Philly cheesesteak scene. This year we used Google Maps ratings to seed the contestants. Nipotina rode a 4.8 google maps rating to the 3 seed. The Nut Hut Saloon has new owners, a fresh coat of paint and an upgraded cheesesteak. The nut Hut’s finely chopped meat, good cheese melt and seeded roll ( I would have liked scooped) gets the win. The roll for Nipotina didn’t like the short drive to the Navy Yard Marriott.
4 Bar Jawn v 13 Del Rossi’s Cheesesteak and Pizza Co
This is an interesting match. I got the Bar Jawn Cheesesteak drunk. I wasn’t the cheesesteak was. I got it with Vodka sauce( I hope that is what you call the sauce). It comes with cottage fries. This was probably a top 5 thing I have eaten in the last 5 years. BUT it is NOT traditional cheesesteak’esque. Del Rossi’s makes a very good traditional cheesesteak on a very good roll. BUT, Del Rossi’s grill person didn’t do a good job with my cheesesteak. It was a mess. Bar Jawn wins a shocker.
5 Dagwood’s Pub v 12 Jaxx Steaks Taproom
I am a big Dagwood’s Pub fan. I ate my cheesesteak at the bar. The couple next to me was sharing all of the appetizer specials. I had serious order envy. We were talking and the man told me about the great cheesesteak he had the other night sitting at the bar. My cheesesteak came out. He looked at and turned away. Jaxx continues to make a very good cheesesteak. Very good ingredients. Very good balance. Very well made. Jaxx gets the win.
6 Cafe Carmela v 11 The Sidecar Bar & Grille
Past Judge’s Champion Cafe Carmela. Cafe Carmela continues to make a very good cheesesteak. I don’t know if it’s the stigma of being a past champion or a poor memory but I expect Cafe Carmela’s cheesesteak to be better. I know exactly what it is with The Sidecar Bar & Grille. They make a Philly Aioli. It is hot enough to add great flavor but mild enough that I can eat it without tearing up my stomach. The Philly Aioli needs to be spread out and touching everything. This time it was clumped on the bottom. Cafe Carmela gets the win.
7 Callahan’s South St vs 10 Cleavers
Callahan’s South St Grille aka Callahan’s Bar aka Tommy’s Grille at Callahan’s South St, whatever you call it, I never had an uninteresting time there. Tommy runs a great Kitchen. Kelly runs a great bar. Interesting people everywhere. Cleavers is another sneaky good cheesesteak. Every year I wonder why I keep cleavers in the tournament. Then I eat the cheesesteak. I remember it is because they make a good cheesesteak. Sorry Cleavers, on this night Callahan’s did everything a little bit better. Callahan’s gets the win.
8 Jim’s South St vs 9 Tony & Nick’s Steaks
My dad took me to Jim’s when I was 9ish. I thought he was punishing me. That story is on my YouTube channel. Tony & Nick’s, we have a very good ‘how we met’ story. That may or may not be on my YouTube channel. Tony & Nick make a very good cheesesteak. I recently learned it is because they keep their grill at 200 degrees. The meat cooks slowly. It stays tender and juicy. I took my Jim’s cheesesteak to Lost Time Brewing. When I opened the wrapper I was sad. Tony & Nick’s get a decisive victory in round 1.