1 Michael’s Sandwich Shop v 16 Delco Steaks
My cheesesteak brain thinks they switched seeds. We used Google Maps rating to seed the tournament and the seeds make more sense. I have been going to Micheal’s for over 55 years. It is always a pleasure to Michael behind the grill. I am still waiting for Delco Steaks to win the tournament. Delco wins this round with a bigger cheesier cheesesteak.
2 Johnny Paisano’s vs 15 Wolf’s Superior Sandwiches
This is Wolf’s last year in March Cheesesteak Madness. I feel bad for them. Every year while I am waiting for my cheesesteak I read their specials and get order envy and don’t like my cheesesteak. This is a case of ‘it’s me not you.’ In any case this would have been a tough match to win. Johnny can cook!! I got the Steak Anthony so Johnny coils show off his cooking abilities. It was very tasty! Johnny gets the win.
3 Centrella’s Deli & Italian Market v 14 Barnaby’s Havertown
Interesting match. Both cheesesteaks limped into this match. Neither had their best day. They both have been victims of their own greatness. Barnaby’s was just off. Even parking felt different. We couldn’t get in sync with Barnaby’s and the cheesesteak didn’t help. At Centrella’s, I had a lovely chat with the nice lady behind the cheese counter. She complimented my hoodie. You know that helps in a cheesesteak competition. In a close match Centrella’s wins with a better tasting cheesesteak.
4 Prime Steaks v 13 Murray’s Bar & Grille
WOW!! Northeast Delco wins this match. In the middle of desert, these two cheesesteaks side by side, it is tough to pick a winner. Both are very good. Both need something to make them better than everyone else. In a match I won because I got to eat both. Based on the totality of the visit, Murray’s wins and moves onto the next round.
5 Chef Reeky’s Cafe vs 12 DiFabio’s Market & Tap
Chef Reeky’s Cafe is representing the Vegan community. 3 vegan options. I went with the mushrooms. I am a fan of the mushrooms and sauces. I am not a fan of vegan rolls. You know I love a good bathroom. I am a fan of pretty much a fan of everything DiFabio’s. We tested DiFabio’s culinary skills with Frankie Steaks. That was a good choice. DiFabio’s moves onto the 2nd round.
6 The Tattooed Pig Media vs 11 39 North Taproom
This was a much closer match than I thought it was going to be. It with 39 North Taproom being better than I thought they were going to be. I had a lovely visit to 39 North Taproom. It was slow and I had a chance to talk cheesesteaks with the man who runs the kitchen. The Tattooed Pig I was getting order envy while I waited for my cheesesteak. But then I saw the grillman cover the meat and cheese while they cooked. Two very different visits. Two different cheesesteaks. Tattooed Pig gets the win with a tender gooey cheesesteak.
7 Leo’s Steak Shop vs 10 Pop’s Pizzeria
This is an interesting match. Last year when I unwrapped Pop’s cheesesteak I thought I was looking at the winner of March Cheesesteak Madness. Leo’s, I don’t think Steve has changed anything, except adding hand cut french fries. Leo’s makes a big meaty cheesy cheesesteak. I don’t think Pop’s is making the same cheesesteak they made last year. Leo’s gets the win and moves on to the next round.
8 The Original Thunderbird Steakhouse vs 9 Rize Pizza
The tale of two different Broomall cheesesteaks. The Original Thunderbird, Bill & Tom are doing their family legacy proud. Very good cheesesteak and dare I say a better milkshake? I love the nostalgia and old Broomall pics on the wall. Meanwhile, the sun is rising on a new kid in town, Rize Pizza. Aside from the beer, very good pizza and day old cookies for $1 each, they make a very good cheesesteak. It starts with a very good roll. The meat, cheese and onions work very well together. Last year someone called me a sell out to fancy rolls. I guess they are correct. Rize gets the win.