Piccolos

Went there as a Frank Sinatra fan. Came back disappointed. Food quality was poor as was the general upkeep of the restaurant. The service was cold and not friendly. Had to ask for a receipt. When that came, it was dated 2016. Payment had to be by cash only. Very strange indeed.

The food manages to satisfy on multiple levels at once. The place succeeds with its comfort, cleanliness, and looks. Many diverse plates have pleased me. The employees display outstanding kindness. Visitors and locals alike recommend the quality here.

I saw the great reviews and figured I'd try out this landmark cheesesteak shop - and boy it did not live up to the hype. When I arrived the shop stood out with it's weathered brick and classic font signage. The interior kept up the facade, giving off 70s diner vibes. The servers at the front desk were ok and helpful with explaining what was available and reminded me they only take cash. I tried out the cheesesteak sandwich with fries on the side and the ravioli with meatball. The meat on the $12 cheesesteak was cut thick, dry, and chewy. Other than the onions, they were stingy with the toppings, there was very little cheese and peppers on top and barely noticeable in each bit. Overall the cheesesteak sandwich was downright boring and bland. The fries were also forgettable - they were grocery store brand quality. The $14 ravioli had 6 raviolis with marinara sauce and a single meatball that also tasted like they were value store bought with some Ragu sauce on top. The old school ambiance is appealing, but this meal was a waste of $30 bucks on some of the most bland food I've had at a restaurant in my life. I've had better cheese steak sandwiches at corner bodegas! Do not come here thinking you will get a Philly cheesesteak level flavor experience or you will be deeply disappointed. All the love this shop gets is likely from native New Jerseyans showing their city pride.

Hands down Best Cheese Steak Sandwich ever. I’ve been to Philly and had both of the versions that are supposed to have the best. Piccolo’s bets them and all while maintaining the classic Jersey atmosphere.

Best Steak Sandwich!! I’ve been going to Piccolos for over 40 years. The steaks are always tender and flavorful, and the bread is always fresh. The service is friendly and the atmosphere is true Hoboken. It’s a must!!

Always a pleasure to have an old school lunch at one of Hoboken’s top local restaurants. It’s good old times on a roll. Enjoy 😉

What a find! Love local spots where everyone knows your name. Cash only, but typical old school lunch spot. The history on these walls was fabulous. Quality is the best word to describe the cheesesteak sandwich. Not like a Philly cheesesteak. A true Italian sandwich. The bread and steak is very good and what makes the sandwich excellent.

staff and a simple, classic menu evoke a bygone era in this diner-ish establishment. The cheesesteak is smaller than usual, with one piece of good steak instead of the more common shavings, on a fresh Italian roll. We also enjoyed lentil and pasta soup and the roast beef special with fries. Reasonable prices—cash only, but there’s an ATM on site—and an open door to pets and small children enhance the appeal of this gem.

Best cheesesteaks around. Nothing like it. Old school set up and service. This place has been around forever and will continue to be a go to destination.

A legend in the game. Been hearing about it for at least 30 years but FINALLY got the chance to try it. Old school charm in the every changing facade of Hoboken. Parking is a nightmare but the workers assure you if youre getting food from them, there's nothing to worry about. We got 9 cheesesteaks to go and one order of fries because I HAVE to have fries. The cheesesteaks weren't like I imagined. They should be called steak sandwiches because the meat is not like chopped meat. It was delicious nonetheless. You can taste the char from the grill. The bread was good too. A well composed sandwich. The fries coulda been cooked longer but still good. Not the best but good and solid.

Was pretty disappointed with the cheesesteaks, it was like a patty instead of chopped piled meat. The bread good and the peppers were good, really liked the peppers were on the table too so you could put on as much as you want. The fries were good too! The cashier was really short with us, it's as if they are not friendly with new people because as regulars walked in everyone was friendly and catching up but we felt very unwelcome.

I saw the great reviews and figured I'd try out this landmark cheesesteak shop - and boy it did not live up to the hype. When I arrived the shop stood out with it's weathered brick and classic font signage. The interior kept up the facade, giving off 70s diner vibes. The servers at the front desk were ok and helpful with explaining what was available and reminded me they only take cash. I tried out the cheesesteak sandwich with fries on the side and the ravioli with meatball. The meat on the $12 cheesesteak was cut thick, dry, and chewy. Other than the onions, they were stingy with the toppings, there was very little cheese and peppers on top and barely noticeable in each bit. Overall the cheesesteak sandwich was downright boring and bland. The fries were also forgettable - they were grocery store brand quality. The $14 ravioli had 6 raviolis with marinara sauce and a single meatball that also tasted like they were value store bought with some Ragu sauce on top. The old school ambiance is appealing, but this meal was a waste of $30 bucks on some of the most bland food I've had at a restaurant in my life. I've had better cheese steak sandwiches at corner bodegas! Do not come here thinking you will get a Philly cheesesteak level flavor experience or you will be deeply disappointed. All the love this shop gets is likely from native New Jerseyans showing their city pride.

Every dish stands as proof of their quality. Good eating that doesn't break the bank. All staff members are respectful to customers. The setting here creates its own category. Every element here works beautifully and I'll become a regular customer !

Had the cheesesteak with fried onions and it was excellent! The bread reminded me of bread I used to get what I was a kid. Utterly fantastic.

Solid - old school vibes. Sandwich was good, everyone should check out this spot atleast 1x! We tried a cheesesteak with onions and fries. (Asked for peppers but it wasn't on sandwich, we later saw a small jar on the bar that looked like it was for customers but unsure tbh) overall great little lunch! Plenty of seating inside too which was great (and unexpected!)! Cheers!

Great food and some fun tributes to Frank Sinatra here! Easy to get to and in a cute area.

I lived in Hoboken for years, recently came back on business. Found this place on yelp decided to have breakfast here one day. Bacon and egg sandwich was good . It's cash only as many have said .

Different cheesesteak #1092 in the last five years. Not a traditional cheesesteak. It was a steak on a roll. It was a good steak on a roll. I liked the taste of the roll but it split down the back. I got the everything. The peppers added great flavor and the french fries added french fries. Cool old spot. Eating it inside would have helped the whole vibe.

Subway!! A real steak with cheese, not all chopped up, beats Philly... would love to be able to use a card, so bring cash

Finally after 8 years of living in town I pulled the trigger and made my way into Piccolo's. A hoboken LANDMARK. What they lack in overall quality they make up in absolute STYLE. Cash only, greasy spoon that will win you over with charm and nostalgia. Not a traditional "Philly Cheesesteak" but if you are craving a steak sandwich, it scratches your itch. Just a breathe of fresh air, in a world filled with Shake-Shacks, we must keep these hometown joints alive. Here's to another 70 years!

very disappointef ordered a hot dog. The hot dog was not cooked and the bun was state. I was a long time customer although haven't been there in years. The food was terrible and the service was worse. such a shame piccolos used to be great

Cheesesteak is a little misleading, its closer to a steak sandwich. And its freaking amazing!! I lived in Hoboken for years and never seen it opened before I tried it on a random weekday and it was packed - ton of locals and regulars that seem to be having the time of their lives. I had the sandwich with the fries and they were okay, I like it a bit more crisp but they did the job. The food was a 4 for sure. I think my disconnect was there was nothing I saw about cash only. I had used atm which made an 8 dollar meal to 11. Then the waiter said its actually 9. Hmm very odd.

omg my favorites steak sandwich. fantastic grilled rib eye on an incredible sourdough baguette. add cheese, onions and peppers. just for fun, 30 years ago when i lived in nyc it was my favorite ( and still is). when i had my first child piccolo's sent me a steak sandwich in the hospital. the absolute best! thanks patty.

Holy shit honestly, the sandwich might be the best thing I've ever ate my entire life. If you do not love piccolos, you don't love yourself

This is comfort food done well. The steak on the sandwiches is thicker than the steakums most cheesesteak places use and perfectly charred and delicious. The onions and hot peppers are great with the cheese. The bread is from Dom's Bakery down the street I'm pretty sure and that's the best bread around. Their fries are always great and I ask for well done because I like them on the crispier and darker side. Don't sleep on the hot dog either. I grew up eating "Texas Weiners" from The Hot Grill in Clifton and Johnny and Hanges and places like that. These dogs are similarly cooked by deep frying them until they get a nice crisp on the skin. It pains me that I can't get a hot dog "all the way" around Hoboken but this gets me by as the best option when I want a dog.

This place is a Sinatra approved Hoboken institution! Idc what Philly does or whatever half rate places you want to compare this to. The cheese steaks at Piccolos are not pretentious and neither are the locals. Get with the program. The peppers are in a bowl on the counter and the sandwich speaks for itself. If you you know you know. Period. Now go get the cheese steak and thank me later.

No frills cheesesteak restaurant. They also sell grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, etc. the cheesesteak is a piece of cooked steak and I always add peppers and onions ( but they only have hot peppers).

I really wanted to like this place, cash only, vintage interior and exterior, really cool looking inside with all the walls brick and covered with pictures, even an old school counter. However, the cashier made it seem like I wasn't welcome there and didn't acknowledge anything I said. I was hoping a great cheesesteak would redeem it for me, and I knew that it wasn't a philly style traditional steak going in, but I have to say, there was absolutely no value in getting a 6 inch with one thin steak on it for $11. Listen, it was cooked well, the break was good, the steak was good, and the onions were good. It's just that there are so many better options for value in the neighborhood, that also serve good food but for a way better value. That combined with the poor service means even though I live 2 blocks away, I can never see myself coming back to Piccolos. A shame!

This place is legit. Cheesesteaks are unique in that they are a whole cut of steak, nicely charred on the grill, served on excellent bread. I'm from Hoboken and played for Piccolo's little league team 25 years ago. It's the same owner, who has done everything consistently well for decades. Check this place out and get a cheesesteak with onions.

This place speaks for itself & certainly doesn't need my review. But what the hell. Cheesesteaks are best in town by a LONGSHOT. Fries & burgers also great. There once a week

For such a "famous" cheese steak place, the service is pretty horrible. I simply asked for the onions on my cheesesteak to be well done, and was rudely told by the cook that the onions are "already premade" And I couldn't grill the onions according to order... All it took was for the cook to throw the onions on the grill directly for 5 to 10 minutes. Pretty pathetic. I'll never go back here again. Waste of $10.

Haven't been to this gem since quarantine and I was so excited to come back! I'm incredibly happy that they're still in business and hope they will continue to stick around. Their cheesesteaks are $10 each and they only accept cash. Luckily, they have an ATM right near the door. Their portions are very generous and the whole sandwich was filled to the brim with fillings. I'm not a huge fan of peppers so my usual order doesn't involved that, but that might be up your alley. The onions, on the other hand, are so good with this sandwich. The meat tasted pretty good, was slightly tougher this time around and that's what's pushing me to a 4 stars but it's usually more tender. Combo of sweet onions, savory meat, toasted baguette, and creamy cheese whiz here is *chef's kiss* Do not skimp on this place, I know I will definitely be back

If you're expecting Philly cheesesteak style/quality you're going to be disappointed. However if you're craving a steak sandwich that isn't some frozen sports bar take on it, then you'll be more than satisfied. No frills place, but good quality, price and an authentic experience.

Awesome food in an old school hangout establishment with great service. I would travel from Brooklyn to go there.

Place is solely living on its past. Sandwiches are now really small and really not spectacular. The only saving grace is that the meat is a real steak not that chopped up stuff at other places.

Best traditional and one of the last real Hoboken cheese steak places patty is a legend

Looking for something to eat a coworker told me stop by Piccolos for a cheesesteak, I'm glad he told me.best place I have eaten in Hoboken since I been here.

Ummm how have I lived in Hoboken and never eaten here? Yeah I don't understand either. The way to go is a cheesesteak with hot peppers. At first the meat looks like it's going to be too thick for a cheesesteak but it's so tender!! And everything just works from the bread, cheese, meat, onions and the beautiful addition of peppers. Had it without the peppers one time it was good but needed something to balance the richness- peppers do the trick. Everyone is really nice in there - common in if you are like me and never realized what I'm missing out on!! *enjoy*

My new fav spot!!! They just literally grill a full steak and put cheese on top. Cooked onion goes very well with the sandwich. Their hot peppers are to die for. They are truely Incredible! Steak is cooked so perfect. Their fries are hot and fresh. 10 dollars per sandwich. I looove everything about this place!

Have you ever just had a craving? Today I was in the area & just felt like a steak sandwich.Using my yelp app I saw that this place was close,open & bookmarked.Ok let's give it a shot. It's definitely old school.Opened in 1955,it has the brown paneling on the walls with tons of black & white photos from yesteryear. Don't be confused because technically it's a rib-eye sandwich not a cheesesteak.But it was very good.It was served with Carmelized onions and cheese on a hoagie roll. I do understand that Hoboken is not known for these kind of places.But if I can nitpick just a little,$8.50 for a sandwich this size was a tad pricey.But I guess that since these places are kind of limited around town, they can charge a few dollars more. Let's keep in mind that this place is a landmark.It's not a cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia,where they are located every other block.(No disrespect to our neighbors).Let's just enjoy these places while they still are around.

I've been meaning to try Piccolo's for awhile now because of the great reviews and it's super close to my apartment. They close at 4:30p.m. so I didn't get the chance to go until yesterday when I needed to get lunch on the go. The space inside is very cute and old-timey. I ordered the regular cheesesteak with onions and hot peppers. Whew, those peppers are pretty spicy...and I'm usually very good with spice. The meat was not the greatest, to be honest, and kinda hard to bite. For $9, it wasn't a bad lunch, but I've definitely had better cheesesteaks elsewhere. TIP: They only do cash and there's an ATM inside.

Old school cheese steak place. The guy behind the counter is a real jersey guy. It is very refreshing that this place doesnt try to be anything but a cheese steak place. That being said i found the cheese steak greasy. The flavor was good but even the peppers and onions were greasy. Bread wasnt bad. It isnt your classic cheese steak it is more of a steak sandwich. Not a big deal but it isnt like the cheese steaks you normally get. The fries were definitely store bought but you dont come here for them.

This place is truly a local gem . Anyone who says they've had a bad experience here either has bad manners or just doesn't realize this place isn't exactly trying to be a michelin star restaurant. They do simple a breakfast & lunch , made well & have great cheese steak . An open flame grilled steak with onions & pepper juice on legit good bread ... this place can't be beat and has stood the test of time .

The absolute best! I called up asked for a cheesesteak to go and boy did i get the experience with it! Patty boy answering the phone is a scene out of a movie. When you show up it all makes sense. They make incredible cheesesteaks different then any other place. I got the cheesesteak with hot peppers it was so good and not to heavy. Next time i may have to order 2 of them! Wow so happy i found this place. Thank you Patty it was really incredible. Love this neighborhood spot.

The steak was absolutely delicious! The beef was seasoned and grilled perfectly, the crusty hoagie roll was perfect. Delicious onions, loved the cherry peppers on the table. I have no complaints about the sandwich itself. It was just perfect. My criticisms are around some hygiene issues. Number one --the short Latino chef handled money operated a cash register without gloves, them picked up a piece of beef and placed it on the grill --dirty hands on good beef-- a no-no. Number two --the condiments on the table -- the mustard container was dirty. The ketchup bottle too. Number three- the place was a throwback to the old days for sure and the place reeked of cigars and cigarettes of. Bygone era. But just to reiterate, about the cheesesteak sandwich it's self-it was outstanding.

I hesitate giving this place any sort of good rating because I am afraid that the cheese steak mafia is going to have me whacked. There are certain foods that many people believe they are "experts" at and, if something is not prepared perfectly in line with "the way it's supposed to be", the food nazis go crazy. BBQ is one of those foods that gets lovers of souther-style smoked meats emotional. No one in these parts can ever be satisfied with Italian food because they always know someone who makes a version of something much better. And cheese steaks are something that the Philly purists defend furiously. Piccolos cheese steak will piss the Philly "Pat and Gino's" crowd off tremendously but, I'm sorry to tell them, Piccolos can give Philly a run for its money any day. Everything is worth trying hear (start with their homemade soups, they are always great), but the cheese steak stands out. Thick, tender, and char-broiled with just enough fried onions (should you choose) and hot peppers (should you be daring enough). The excellent bread helps round it out. Most certainly the type of place that causes a craving...

This is not your normal cheese steak. You do not get thin slices of sauteed beef and onions/peppers with cheese. The cheese steak here is a grilled ribeye with cheese and onions/peppers. It is phenomenal! So good that I eat it up before taking pictures of it (this is rare). I tried other items before and the food is decent. I highly recommend trying cheese steak and fries! Note: Bring cash!

This place was attached to my building when I lived in Hoboken and is one of the things I miss most about the city. Steak sandwich is unreal. I've tried a few other things there and they don't compare to that sandwich. This place makes you feel like you're in an episode of Sopranos.

Sandwiches are great and but not worth the Multiple racist encounters with the cook Me and my frien went to here because I told him this place had amazing steak sandwiches we walked to the front door the cook bang on the window saying wear a mask my friend pointed out they have a sign which said "masks inside just ask" so we went in the cook started yelling get out no mask I told him to chill your door says to ask for one realizing he was an idiot he said ok rolled his eyes and stared at us majority of our stay burnt our food I demanded a refund he suggested to make another i said f**k you you lost customers and best believe I'll spread the word. So please if you choose this place for the steak be aware of the Ignorance also count change the cashier can not count don't get finessed also ask for bigger bread they'll make a small portion for the same price.

We love their cheesesteaks! Real steak is used which is a plus for us,will definitely go back!

If you're too early for lunch, they make a mean breakfast. The rib-eye steak sandwiches are fantastic. You will never want another philly-style fast food cheesesteak once you've tasted one of the hand trimmed proper rib-eye steak sandwiches here. A proper rib-eye steak sandwich from Picollo's makes one realize that the "cheesesteak" sandwiches we've been eating in PA or elsewhere are just fast food for children.

Yummy yummy yummy. That's all! Don't miss a cheese steak, after 11, don't know why you can't have one for breakfast earlier.

Basic. Nothing that great, but basic sandwiches. Yes, I know they have Ben around forever but it doesn't make the sandwiches anything that special.

Outstanding cheese steak; a good char flavor on the meat. Be sure to get it w hot peps. Soup is really good too. Cash only.

First off I'd like to start by saying to compare a Hoboken cheesesteak to a philly is wrong. In Philly, they roast the entire loaf of meat then slice it thinly into what you all are used to seeing. At Piccolos, they actualy slice the Rib Eye steak raw and cook it on a char grill. The cooking practices differ by a mile. I just had my first cheesesteak from Piccolos In about 10 years and they taste exactly as I remembered when I first had them. The steak was very tender, the onions were cooked to perfection, the cheese was oozing and that old world italian bread combine to make this a great sandwich. This is the makings (in my opinion) of a great Hoboken cheesesteak! I will visit Piccolos again soon. I love that in a small town like Hoboken, Hidden gems like Piccolos are available. I like to keep them secret because then I wouldn't be able to get another ever again.

This is a difficult review to write, because the food isn't carelessly made, it just doesn't taste good. The 'cheeseteak' is served as a piece of cheap, thinly sliced steak, on top of a an equally poor quality toasted hero. I don't know what kind of cheese was on it but it was nothing to write home about. The french fries were hot but didn't have any salt. I'm sort of amazed that this place has such great reviews and that people rave about the food because the sandwich itself really did not taste good.. When I think of a cheesesteak I picture a philly style chopped up (better quality) meat and this is miles from that. The place did have some charm and the people were nice, I just thought the food was actively bad.

If I had one last meal in my life I would go right to piccolos !! soup and cheese steak w/ onions. perfection!