1st Round Match ups
1 Verona Pizza vs 16 Goombas Pizzaria
I’m surprised Goombas is the 16 seed. I’m a big Goombas’ fan. Everytime I go I get at least 2 chocolate covered biscotti. This trip I got garlic knots for my daughter. She loved them. Goombas was up against last year’s Judge’s Champion Verona Pizza. Verona likes hosting the Judges cup. They are off to a good start in their title defense. They use a very good roll but it is a little bread. Other than that this is the same winning cheesesteak I remember from last year. Verona moves on to the 2nd round.
2 Johnny’s Pizza Bryn Mawr vs 15 Seven Tap Tavern
Seven Tap Tavern rode the Eagles Super Bowl victory into the tournament. Seven Tap Tavern is at all of Ron Jaworski’s Golf Course. I went to Downingtown Country Club. I was shocked at how nice this place is. Nice bar area with a good view of the golf course. I liked my cheesesteak. Except the roll. I think it was cut on the top. Coincidentally, I don’t like Johnny’s roll either. I appreciate that he is trying something different with a small batch baker. It’s a good roll but not for my cheesesteaks. Johnny does everything else very well and moves on to the 2nd round.
3 Marrone’s Deli and Catering vs 14 Steaks West Chester
When people tell me the roll is the most important part of the cheesesteak I send to Marrone’s. One bite and you remember the meat is the most important part of the cheesesteak. I look forward to going to Marrone’s every year for March Cheesesteak Madness. I usually get a baked good. Steaks West Chester burst onto the cheesesteak scene several years ago. They haven’t slowed down. They make a very good cheesesteak. Watch the video, Steaks moves on to the 2nd round.
4 Mama’s Pizzeria vs 13 Bridgeport Rib House
I am really glad Bridgeport Rib House is in this year’s tournament. I forgot how fun and welcoming this place is. It was Bingo night. At least one person from every generation was there. I think everyone was eating something. I liked my cheesesteak. Then there is Mama’s Pizzeria. Mama’s three cheese blend is amazing. Her cheesesteak is heavier than most cheesesteaks. 1,200 different cheesesteaks and this is the one that I can feel my arteries shrinking with every bite. Mama’s moves on to the 2nd round.
5 The Trappe Tavern vs 12 Ugly Oyster Drafthaus
Two of my favorite places to get a cheesesteak. Ugly Oyster and I have a great ‘how we met story.’ Find it on my YouTube channel. They charge you a dollar to put peanuts on your cheesesteak. It’s worth every penny. George Washington ate at The Trappe Tavern. They can cook. The employees work great together. George Washington’s favorite cheesesteak beats the Peanuts and Trappe Tavern moves on to the 2nd round.
6 Gazzo’s Steaks vs 11 Stolen Sun Craft Brewing
Stolen Sun Brewing was a nice addition to March Cheesesteak Madness. fun/interesting spot. Fun selection of beers. Engaging staff. Brisket cheesesteak. I think I am done with brisket cheesesteaks. Good brisket doesn’t need anything. Stolen sun has very good brisket. Gazzo’s Steaks has smoked cooper cheese. I think Gazzo’s has found the proper smoked cooper to meat combination. Gazzo’s moves on to the 2nd round.
7 Tony G’s Pub and Eatery vs 10 Stable 12 Brewing Company
I remember my 1st trip to Stable 12 like it was yesterday. I had a cherry beer and the bartender gave me great ‘The Blob’ info. They have a great variety of beers on tap. They’ve upgraded the menu. Unfortunately on the night of judging my roll was a mess. A very distracting mess. I remember my 1st visit to Tony G’s like it was yesterday. They have an upstairs bar/lounge complete with heavy leather chairs. On the judging visit I learned Tony G’s is a 2nd generation family business. Who knew? Now we all know. Tony g’s was on top of their game. Tony G’s moves on to the 2nd round.
8 Curly’s Comfort Foods vs 9 Workhorse Brewing
My love-hate relationship with Workhorse Brewing continues. I love the $4 citywides. I dislike that any questions about the menu and you’re directed to QR code. I love their beer cheese. The guy sitting next to me turned out to be a beer ‘influencer’ from Chicago. I told him about the beer mustard and how much I loved it. He ordered a pretzel with beer mustard. They were out of pretzels. Aside from all that, Curly’s cheesesteak seemed smaller this year. AND I loved it!! It is big and edible!! Curly’s cruises to the 2nd round.