Part of the living history in the Lehigh Valley, Pa
Thanks to a post on Facebook, I found out Vince's is celebrating 60 years in 2013! They are a serious part of the Lehigh Valley's living history.
This review is from their stand at the Allentown Fair 2013. In September, I plan on stopping the restaurant and interviewing Vince.
I have heard of Vince's Cheesesteaks for over a year. My father told me I have to grab a cheesesteak while at the fair. Last night, I walked past a few times. When they hit a rare slow point, I stopped by. At the very least, I wanted to wish them a Happy Birthday! After doing that, I decided to screw the lack of budget and do this week's food review. Cheesesteaks are in my top 10 favorite foods; especially in Eastern Pa where you can get a true "Philly" (Google / Bing Philly Cheesesteaks if you are curious).
In the Lehigh Valley, an average Cheesesteak would be considered above average to excellent in other areas. The standards / expectations are high here. This is a rare occasion where you will words like "legendary" and "almost perfect" appear in any article / review.
In case you have not figured out by this point, Vince's is legendary in the Lehigh Valley. 60 years is a long time for a local business. I don't care where you live. Over the past 3 years, I have heard about Vince's from several people. Comments include: "Best cheesesteaks in the area." "I can remember...". Time to see if they are really the "best" or is it just talk?
Realizing the cash was getting low, I went for it! The main special was a fully loaded cheesesteak / 24 oz. drink for $10.00. Ordering, I went for everything except sweet peppers. For me, a true philly includes: mushrooms / peppers / pickles. Waiting for the food, I had a conversation with some people working. This leads me to the first point...
Level of service: Excellent! Even though opening night for the fair was slammed with people and a large crowd; everyone was very friendly. After a few minutes, I gave one person my card and was introduced to Vince! He was nice enough to take a few minutes and talk to me. How long did I wait? about 3 minutes. It was about the same for everyone. Of course, this depends on how many people are there and what you order.
Now for the main part: the Cheesesteak!
Right off, they give you give a fork. Trust me on this one, you need it! For a fully loaded cheesesteak, you will not be able to finish it without making a slight mess and using the fork. Instead of describing the sandwich, how about seeing it?
This review is from their stand at the Allentown Fair 2013. In September, I plan on stopping the restaurant and interviewing Vince.
I have heard of Vince's Cheesesteaks for over a year. My father told me I have to grab a cheesesteak while at the fair. Last night, I walked past a few times. When they hit a rare slow point, I stopped by. At the very least, I wanted to wish them a Happy Birthday! After doing that, I decided to screw the lack of budget and do this week's food review. Cheesesteaks are in my top 10 favorite foods; especially in Eastern Pa where you can get a true "Philly" (Google / Bing Philly Cheesesteaks if you are curious).
In the Lehigh Valley, an average Cheesesteak would be considered above average to excellent in other areas. The standards / expectations are high here. This is a rare occasion where you will words like "legendary" and "almost perfect" appear in any article / review.
In case you have not figured out by this point, Vince's is legendary in the Lehigh Valley. 60 years is a long time for a local business. I don't care where you live. Over the past 3 years, I have heard about Vince's from several people. Comments include: "Best cheesesteaks in the area." "I can remember...". Time to see if they are really the "best" or is it just talk?
Realizing the cash was getting low, I went for it! The main special was a fully loaded cheesesteak / 24 oz. drink for $10.00. Ordering, I went for everything except sweet peppers. For me, a true philly includes: mushrooms / peppers / pickles. Waiting for the food, I had a conversation with some people working. This leads me to the first point...
Level of service: Excellent! Even though opening night for the fair was slammed with people and a large crowd; everyone was very friendly. After a few minutes, I gave one person my card and was introduced to Vince! He was nice enough to take a few minutes and talk to me. How long did I wait? about 3 minutes. It was about the same for everyone. Of course, this depends on how many people are there and what you order.
Now for the main part: the Cheesesteak!
Right off, they give you give a fork. Trust me on this one, you need it! For a fully loaded cheesesteak, you will not be able to finish it without making a slight mess and using the fork. Instead of describing the sandwich, how about seeing it?
How did it taste? Near perfect!!!! I am not a huge fan of peppers. I should have said to go a little light; but, what the hell, why not???? There is something very different about getting a Vince's cheesesteak at the Allentown fair: the cheese. It is not just melted on top. The cheese is melted throughout the entire sandwich. Most places, it's either on top or bottom. I did find out the secret here. No, I am not going to tell you! :) Hey, if possible, I want you to stop by and ask.
At first bite, all I could taste was the peppers. As I started to get into the sandwich, the cheese, sauce and meat started to take over. The roll was fresh and soft. Yes, I did need the fork. Basically, it fell almost fell apart half way through. Was it filling? Definitely! I was not hungry for the rest of the night after this one.
Overall value / recommendation:
For a fair, the value was very good. Even though the sandwich was not that large, the amount of steak / cheese / toppings packed into it made it worth the price. Throw in the 24 oz. Diet Pepsi, yeah it was worth the $10.00.
Is Vince's the best cheesesteaks in the the Lehigh Valley? Honestly, that is not for me to tell you. If you are ever in the area, you have to make that choice. Sorry, I try very hard not to do a "best / worst" in any area. Food is one of the many topics that is up to your, individual, taste and preference. At least now, you have mine.
Before I forget, in addition to cheesesteaks, they have sausage and other items available. Had to go with a favorite on this one.
Check out Vince's online and look for the interview next month!:
http://www.vincescheesesteaks.com/
At first bite, all I could taste was the peppers. As I started to get into the sandwich, the cheese, sauce and meat started to take over. The roll was fresh and soft. Yes, I did need the fork. Basically, it fell almost fell apart half way through. Was it filling? Definitely! I was not hungry for the rest of the night after this one.
Overall value / recommendation:
For a fair, the value was very good. Even though the sandwich was not that large, the amount of steak / cheese / toppings packed into it made it worth the price. Throw in the 24 oz. Diet Pepsi, yeah it was worth the $10.00.
Is Vince's the best cheesesteaks in the the Lehigh Valley? Honestly, that is not for me to tell you. If you are ever in the area, you have to make that choice. Sorry, I try very hard not to do a "best / worst" in any area. Food is one of the many topics that is up to your, individual, taste and preference. At least now, you have mine.
Before I forget, in addition to cheesesteaks, they have sausage and other items available. Had to go with a favorite on this one.
Check out Vince's online and look for the interview next month!:
http://www.vincescheesesteaks.com/
