07/06/20
Originally entered the doors to Elizabeth’s Pizza in hopes that it was a sister location to the Elizabeth’s Pizza I recently visited in the next city over in Winston-Salem. My sole intent was to get the Philly Cheesesteak that I previously had and judge if it’d match taste because it was the best one I’ve ever ate. My waiter wasn’t sure if the two locations were related and said he’d find out by asking his manager. Shoutout to my waiter too, super cool and I liked his temperament. I told him about my previous Philly Cheesesteak life altering experience and he proclaimed that it was one of their most popular items and word around the community is they make the best in town. “Say less sir,” I put in my order with everything on it. The dish arrived piping hot with Ruffle chips as a side. Red flag raised, I don’t recall the other Elizabeth’s came with potato chips as a side. First bite in, the bun was another indication that this felt different and didn’t hit me the same way. It was a lot harder and the breading was semi tough. All the toppings were identical: steak, cheese, lettuce, tomato, peppers, mushrooms, and onions, but it just didn’t have the same pleasurable taste to it. Don’t get me wrong, it was still a good cheesesteak, but after my bar was set higher than Zach Lavine’s vertical, it leaves me with no choice but to be a tough critic. If the bun choice were more quality and toasted in a better form, I’d give it a boost in rating. The toppings were decent, but it’s hard to dissect exactly how this cheesesteak didn’t come together quite like my original one. The piecing of the whole sandwich wasn’t fully fitting together. Couple puzzle pieces need to be tweaked and rearranged. Maybe offer different side options too. To conclude, the waiter revealed that this location is a separate entity and they just happen to share the same exact restaurant name. Makes sense. Due to such a high set standard on the Philly Cheesesteak and with that always in mind, I believe the only way to really triumph my stubborn palate is to visit Philadelphia now. Again, not a bad cheesesteak here and to the local fan base it will be good, but there is greater out there.