Rizma W.
Yelp
The oxtail cheese steak is AMAZING, but I had to knock off a star for how difficult it was to get it.
My best friend and I drove over 200 miles (one way!) in a tropical storm to get this damn cheese steak.
Was it worth it? Hell yeah!
Was it a pain in the ass to get? Also, yes.
The online menu was a little confusing because it did not show the main menu item we came for. We called the shop the night before our trip and they confirmed that they do sell them.
We made our way up to Philly with the intention of grabbing two oxtail cheesesteaks as well as some of the other menu offerings. When we went to place our order though, we were extremely confused after the person behind the counter kept replying, "Nah, we don't have that" after literally everything we ordered. We were trying to figure out what to do next and how to salvage our trip, and mentioned that we had come all this way just to try the oxtail cheese steak.
The girl behind the counter thought for a second and then said, "Okay, I got enough for ONE oxtail cheesesteak."
Okay, so why not offer to sell us that one then? Were they trying to keep it for themselves or something? When we tried to order two, they said they were out; Not that they only had enough for one, but that they had NONE. Come on now...
She then explained how the business is closed on Sunday and Monday so they try to clear out all of their inventory by Saturday. That doesn't make it any easier for the customers though, when you've got a full (but inaccurate) menu posted both online, and posted in the shop.
I completely understand the dedication to upholding freshness standards, as well as the financial prudence of maintaining optimal inventory levels to minimize unnecessary food loss. However, it's important to balance that with managing customers expectations and still meeting demand.
At this point, they're better served just going old school with a whiteboard or a chalkboard. Erase or cross out what you don't have, so customers won't try to order what you don't have. And either update that online menu, take it down completely, or at least add a caveat saying that it's not updated in real time and that the most accurate menu is available in the shop.
Like I said earlier, the cheesesteak was WELL worth the drive. The oxtail was tender and so full of flavor. Seasoned perfectly. You didn't even need teeth to eat it. Even though we each only had half a cheesesteak, that half hit the spot! It was so filling. We just wish we had some to take home.
I definitely recommend checking this spot out, but if you've got something in mind that you want to order, call ahead to make sure that they actually have it first. Better yet, just place your order while you have them on the phone. Save yourself the headache.
Oh, and don't come in there on a Saturday expecting a full menu. You'll be sorely disappointed.