My brother and I were in town for an event and decided to find something to eat after dropping off people at the airport. We knew we needed something quick, but good. So we pulled up yelp and found fat Phillies. This is what I would call a classic Bodega/hood joint (They have all the flavors of Rap Snacks) that does a great job of serving up a good variety of sandwiches and sides at an affordable price. Now this establishment is housed inside of a convenient store in a strip mall that also has a Chinese food place and a couple of other establishments. This is a typical convenient store with groceries drinks and a couple of casino machines at the other end of the building. We pulled up to the counter as they were shutting down, so unfortunately, the wings weren't available. So we decided to go with the standard Philly cheesesteak, and fries. Sandwiches were ready in about 10 minutes and they were cooked to order. Both of us were very satisfied with the sandwiches. Mine did have a little bit of grissel and tougher meat, but not necessarily something I didn't expect given the price. Overall, this is definitely a place I would likely stop through every now and then just to grab some sandwiches and other items that I can't find in a Whole Foods. read more

Decided to have this for a lunch meeting. Overall, the food is very affordable and tastes good. It's more of a hole in the wall place, no glitter and glamor. Although they are a great place for a quick meal that's nice going down. I got the 12" Philly, and my coworker got the Italian sub. Pretty good amount of meat and cheese, the hoagie roll is soft as well. They do give a hearty amount of fries that are seasoned very generously. Same goes for the Italian sub--good amount of meat and toppings. Overall this place is a fair spot to get a nice quick lunch read more

Looking for that diamond in the rough, I made an impulse stop at this place. Regrettable decision for sure. Everyone was friendly but the food was not very good at all. The meat was crusty. I have no other way to explain it. Like they had been hanging onto it for a while. It had lots of seasoning, it just wasn't good. The fries, like the meat, tasted old. It's basically a convenience store so my expectations weren't very high, but this place fell well below. To add insult to injury, it's expensive. I paid over $16 for a combo!! My suggestion, skip this place. Drive the few extra miles to Charley's Cheesesteaks where the ingredients are fresh, juicy and flavorful. read more

Fat Philly's - Cheesesteak combo with fries and drink - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Fat Philly's was recommended me to be a family members neighbor when mom and I were discussing what was nearby and where we wanted to score some food. It was close and she said it was good enough to be worth a 25 minute walk (we were driving, so it was much quicker). On the outside, the sign is faded and it is tucked into a little strip of shops at the corner of Azelea Garden and Robin Hood Road. Easy to miss. Don't miss it! Chef Chris is very personable, answered my questions readily and happily. I asked if his bbq was NC style, he told me it was chicken only and homemade, but delicious. I had the chicken BBQ sandwich combo and mom got the fish and shrimp combo. Both served with fries and a fountain drink. Everything that was fried was fried to crispy golden perfection and that chicken bbq sandwich was pretty much inhaled. I agree it was indeed delicious. Keep in mind, fountain refills are a buck and they only have a handful of small tables outside to sit at, if you can deal with that, you should definitely stop by if you're in the area. read more

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Man, fat phillys is a staple! However, these past few times I've gotten a cheesesteak it seems like they're falling off. The meat is really dry and there is hardly any cheese. So disappointed because I was really looking forward to this sub today. I might have to find a new go to, which is unfortunate because I used to LOVEEEEE their subs! read more

Fat Philly's - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Best cheesesteak in town order it loaded with spicy and the fries with Cajun sauces amazing

Found this bodega like gem after a doctors appt, glad I stopped, everyone working was happy, engaging convo and the young man taking our order was super well mannered, then the food - AMAZING - my cheesesteak was yum delicious read more

Then cheese steak sub was outstanding! Great roll, and everything was seasoned very well. Only complaint is there is no area to sit except outside. read more

Made a special trip during posted business hours to support this small local business, only to be turned away. Closes at 9. It's was 8:05. Open signs illuminating the windows; a well lit menu displayed overhead. Four employees within view. To my dismay, when placing an order I was informed that the "grill is closed" by the young man in charge. Regularly ordered from here a few years ago when I lived in the area. I remember it being good. Must admit that now I'm less inclined to give it another try in the future. Saw three other customers turned away in the time it took to write this review. Someone should let them know that this is how small businesses begin to die--why leave money on the table? Especially when it comes walking in the door on its own? Inconsistent service = inconsistent customers. Eventually the'll stop coming. Such a shame. read more

Some days a good beef hotdog is needed. This was the day. I called it in asked for grilled onions, chili cheese ketchup and mustard and it was yummy yummy in my tummy!!!! The local hotdog places only serve raw onions. So I was excited when he said yes that he would grill them. I believe it was about $6 or $7. Quick cheap fix to satisfy those midday work cravings. read more

Fat Philly's - Close up and personal - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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Just ordered from here. Lunch for my mother, brother, and self. I got bbq sandwiches, a hot sausage, chili hot dog, wings, fries and steak and cheese. Something someone ordered came with "lemonade." How does the food taste? Mom loves their hot sausages. I'm a fan of bbq sandwiches but found the Cole slaw too sweet and chunky. The hot sauce was concentrated in a single splat on the back end of the sandwich. The taste of the bbq itself is delicious. The bun is also really, really good. The fries taste disgusting. They aren't well seasoned and are flash fried I'm guessing because they have a raw-like crunch as if they're undercooked. They're.just not appetizing. In fact, no one wanted to eat them. The cheese steak isn't anything special in my opinion but I think it depends on how hot and fresh it is when it gets to you. The wings are okay. The "lemonade" has a taste and smell...1. it smells like toilet water. And 2. It tastes like toilet water and what I'm guessing must be urine. The fact that there is ice in the cup is very bizarre. I'm so confused...there's no way no one noticed this. It's as if someone took a ladle to a toilet and put it in a cup with ice and coloring to throw folks off. Establishments need to taste their "drinks" before serving because clearly one of the cooks stirred this with their dirty pissy dick and I'm sick of it to be quite frank. The health department needs to go undercover and investigate these local restaurants because this is just crazy. read more

Fat Philly's - Bbq sandwich. - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

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I had stopped by for a sub since i was in the area. I had already tried the steak sub and i enjoyed it. So today i was happy to try the chicken cheesesteak. It was about $10 for 12 inches. So i ordered that and 2 8 inch subs. The owner greeted me when i walked in, but he was going off on one of the cooks... I was surprised that he was screaming and that lit in the store, but he was nice to me.. Lol. So it was a little weird at first. They were out of every soda as fountain drinks except 2 flavors. Smh. It took about 8 minutes. So the wait was fine. The subs were hot and fresh!! So i thought... My kids loved their cheesesteaks. I sit in the corner with the stink eye looking at them because my chicken sub was made with canned chicken i think... Lmbo... Canned meat doesn't taste the same. It was seasoned but weird. My brain wasn't grasping that concept. I'll never get it again... I can say the fries were delicious... I'll go back for the cheesesteak most likely and the fries, but thats it... read more

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A+++++++++ Visiting from Arizona and Wow, it is the best Philly cheese I ever had. Service was awesome, I believe it was the owner who we talk to and even gives us samples of the food. Thank you for the good food and services. Sorry for not posting's a picture food was too good that I forgot about a picture lol. read more

Haven't had they're subs in awhile and thought to go get one and noticed the prices went up and service went down,they do make it fast but the flavor has become more bland, I prefer and suggest going to one of the watergates throughout norfolk. read more

I haven't eating from fat philly's in so long they are so good I love the chicken sub it's the best to me and I will be eating there again

You want a real tender ribeye cheesesteak with real cheese then this is your place. Every time I've been here the subs have been amazing. I only get the Philly since that's the name of the place. Service is quick for what you are being served a shaved fresh cooked steak and fries. Somehow is faster than Jersey Mikes is beyond me they only have to cook the steak that is already portioned. My gripe with Jersey Mikes is the cut the meat too think and that's not a real Philly. A real Philly has meat in it lol. Plus the store has other things you can buy. Very convenient. So I don't get why people complain the soda machine is out. The dude has a whole store of refrigerators full of drinks lol. That's how you know people get on Yelp just to complain. Ambiance I'm not too crazy on just be safe out there and careful while you in the store is the best advice I can give you. read more

The owner is passionate about the Philly cheesesteak's they make. I was hungry and in the mood for a Philly sub. Place i normally go to In Norfolk was closed so I hit Yelp to see what was open around me. Glad I found this place ... great sandwich staffed by friendly people. Guy I talked to is originally from Brooklyn knows his subs ! read more

Highly recommend. Don't be deterred because of the convenience store atmosphere; this was one of the best cheesesteaks I've had in the 757. I ordered a large cheesesteak combo with fries and a drink for about $15. The fries were delicious and crispy with the perfect (good) amount of seasoning to go with a philly. Ordered the sandwich "plain" with just mayo, cheese, onions and the meat. Good portions - lots of meat! The owner seemed like a really passionate guy and was very friendly. Will definitely stop in next time I'm around the area. read more

The food was nasty. The steak was tougher and Mike Tyson fries salty it's just a definite do not. It looks nasty on the inside as well.

The food was delicious and the people there are very friendly. This place looks like a market on the corner but don't let that fool you. They have good quality food!!! read more

I can definitely say nothing but amazing things about this place. Service is very welcoming and the food is always amazing. Thank you guys keep up the good work. read more

The philly cheese steaks are legit, i love the spicy peppers added! Very good classic deli n food, prices have sky rockets and aren't fair anymore. Owners can also be very inappropriate and sexist so I suggest ordering ahead of your a girl so you don't have to be in there long. read more

Looking for a good cheesesteak and fries.... This is it. Looking for somewhere to sit and eat.... Go some where else . Food is authentic hood food. I love it. Staff is funny...good people! Looks can be deceiving. Looks dingy but it's like an up north bodega. read more

inexpensive delicious takeout!! big fan of the classic steak sandwich with side of fries. the fries are seasoned to PERFECTION and every element of the sandwich hits just right. read more

A lot of bread and Mayo, minimal meat and cheese. We got the combo which came with about 6 French fries, a medium fountain drink and a bread-heavy sandwich. There's only two cheesesteak options: beef or chicken. We asked for one to have both meats (a chicken-steak cheesesteak) to which the guy seemed agreeable. We we opened our to-go containers it was just chicken. Otherwise, it seems like a cool spot. The foot traffic was heavy read more

I certainly don't mean to be a Debbie Downer, but I will cover more than just the great tasting sandwiches from Fat Philly's. This joint has been bookmarked for many months after Joe D. said it was his favorite place for a cheesesteak. Those are fighting words I thought, I already had a couple of really solid places and even created a list as I continued my quest for rivals. As I traveled to Fat Philly's I quickly realized that I have never been to this section of Norfok. Very commercial, industrial with residential sprinkled in too. A working class neighborhood and nothing wrong with that except for it's had better days. It's been let go to the point it may seem even unsafe to some customers. It did not appear unsafe to me during the day, but definitely got the idea that the area is in serious decline. Fat Philly's is located on the corner of Azalea Garden Rd. and Robin Hood. It's a restaurant within a market, that caught me by surprise. They take up half of the little strip which also has a few other shops. The parking lot is adequate size for the businesses. The placement of the strip is excellent for visibility. I was disappointed to see minor litter in the surrounding area including the lot. I noticed out front that there was a truck that had Fat Philly's name on it and delivery. With a slight bit of trepidation I entered the store and was quickly met by a young man at the walk up ordering area. He said he would be happy to help when ready. The menu of items is on a board making it easy to find what you want. The young man smiled and had energy that you rarely find in the industry. He went over a few options, but it seemed like a no brainer to get the cheesesteak combo for $8. I ordered it with onions and mayo which is standard. The eating area has 8 tables and is at the end of the business. Most of the tables were occupied at around 12:30ish. I got my drink and reserved my spot to look around. The small store seemed to be like a 7-11 with it's variety of items, but not nearly as organized, or franchised. But more properly like an inner city Bodega is the best way to describe the feel. As I wait for my food I struck up a conversation with owner Nate who has operated Fat Philly's with his brother Joe for 13 years. They are native NY/Philly and opened the business 1 year after relocating to Norfolk. They pride themselves on being local, offering what the area needs regarding merchandise and of course trying to knock out awesome authentic Philly type food in their small kitchen. Nate was over the top personable and I found out the young man who I first talked with is his son. His other son was also in the store assisting. I really liked Nate and could tell he was passionate about the combination of retailer/restauranteur. My food was up in 10 minutes tops and served in a styrofoam container. Steam lifted off the 12 inch sandwich that was cut in two pieces. The aroma was quite yum, I was ready to dig in. The owners son came over and gave me some ketchup packets with the other tables having the squeeze bottle. He asked if all was okay before I took a bite. The first bite was quite shocking. The taste of a hot and delicious ribeye steak, gooey cheese with soft authentic hoggie bread was on point. The fries were seasoned nicely and plentiful. I was amazed at the terrific taste for the price, half of what it would cost me at my current favorite cheesesteak joint, that is huge! The owner came over and checked on me, his son cleaned tables as the lunch crowd dispersed. After finishing up I went to use the restroom. The facility was clean and had soap and paper towels. However, the door would not lock and appeared broken. The owners son fiddled with it and said he could get it, but never could. That is a problem, but not a reason to knock them down a ton. Hopefully they invest $15 bucks for a new knob. Not a biggie, but address a problem you were already aware of. If the review was only for the food and service I would be at a 4.5, no problem. However, in looking at the whole picture the place is dirty, dingy and trashy on the outside. The neighborhood is not one that I would go to after dark. This is not to say it's unsafe, complete perception on my part. I could overlook some things, but not the fact they are not investing in keeping the store up. A great cleaning with a coat of paint on all the walls would elevate them a great deal. It makes one wonder what the kitchen looks like, I don't want to go there. I know Fat Philly's has it's fans, I just happen to be one that is a little more realistic. An overall rating of a 3.5, rounding down is where I need to be. I would return and possibly get the wings which customers beside me raved about. The atmosphere of local vs. franchise is always appealing to me, they just need to clean up and not loose that awesome friendliness that brings regulars back in the door. read more

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Close to the airport so really convenient. No tables inside but the Philly cheesesteaks are the best I have ever had. Better than downtown Philadelphia! read more

It been rough for me... Its been rough for alot of us. I like the experience of going to a restaurant. Looking @ the scenery. Appreciating or not appreciating the service. Fat Phillys was aight (yes I spelled that right). With the covid around u almost feel bad about leaving a neutral or bad review. I enjoyed the sandwich but bruh. Somebody tell dem to get a mop and a swifer duster and put in some customer care by cleaning (especially in this corona environment) read more

Fat Philly's - Philly - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Interesting place. It's a convenience store sort of like 7-11 and they make cheesesteaks and subs in the back. The place is pretty run down. The ceiling was leaking from rain near where they were cooking. Yikes! Overall, it's kinda dirty. The cheesesteak is so so. It doesn't come on an authentic roll. The quality of the meat was not great. A combo with fries and fountain drink is under $10. That would be a good deal if the place was clean and the cheesesteak of higher quality. The workers shout among themselves (not in English) which makes for a chaotic feeling. The fries were good. I'd skip the cheesesteak. Much better cheesesteaks can be found elsewhere. read more

it took over 40 minutes to get 2 subs, a salmon egg roll, fries, and onion rings. The people that came in and placed orders after me received there food first. I asked the owner if it usually takes this long and he said it depends on what you order and had the audacity to say we don't serve fast food we serve good food. I won't be going back and I should have requested my $55.00 dollars back and left his so called good food there. read more

2 minutes ago I Nomally would not do this, but i have to leave a couple suggestions after a very unpleasant experience, and as a native of Philly as well as Louisiana but I was raised in philly mostly, The meat is good, The bread However is not the Right Bread, you need to find Amoroso Bread..it should be crusty and flaky on the outside with soft snd chewy on the inside, The steak does not need Pepper unless people ask for Pepper, very over powering and takes away from what a Cheesesteak actually is..its sbout the steak and the bread action...Now Philly Stesks on Tidewater Drive in Norfolk is The Traditional Way..but they need more meat on them but they got it right...That is your exsmple..I hope you guys get this right because that's not Philly..I want to see all small businesses thrive.. 1 read more

I refuse to ever spend a dime of my hard earned money in this establishment. The fat guy (no disrespect) is beyond RUDE and disrespectful. I walked in this little raggedy store after my coworkers raved about it....I was inside literally only 5 minutes & the fat guy, who worked the counter, was asking for my phone #..NO! After rejecting his advances.....I stupidly purchased the philly combo. So as i'm waiting for my cheese steak to be cooked and I realized the soda (Orange FAGO) was EXPIRED by 9 months. I walked to the counter to tell him and his EXACT words were "there is a 7Eleven around the corner, go there. You females do nothing but complain"....WTF??? That's how you talk to paying customers? Now the food is NOT as good as everyone is saying... I want to know which Fat Phillys you all visited so i can try bc there is no way in hell its the one in Norfolk...My philly combo was unseasoned, and dry. I would rather go to "no forks" on Va bch boulevard. If i could give this place ZERO stars i would. read more

Fat Philly's - Fries were good. Philly nope - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

As you can see me and my buddies have demolished this food. Wonderful service! Great ambiance read more

Fat Philly's - Cheesesteak fries and ham sandwich - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

My wife and I went in to grab lunch. It looked a little busy and I was carrying the baby seat so we turned around and left. Half way through the parking lot one of the guys came out and said "I'm not busy come on in and I'll get your order now". After giving the order and paying he then told me to go on out to the car and he would bring it out for us. Customer service at its finest! Food is amazing also. read more

Great place to go if you're looking for an all-in-one type of spot. Hot food and convenience store type items. They had a large selection of things in the store as well as a good amount of food to choose from. I ordered a Philly with everything with fries and a drink for under $10. Not the cleanest place but my Philly was pretty good and fulfilling. It was extremely hot when I went which was at night a few days ago. Made for an uncomfortable wait. Otherwise the food/value was pretty good and this is not the first time I've been here. Will be back again. read more

So today I was totally craving a good juicy Philly cheese steak. I thought to myself...... Where can I find one at that I can be totally satisfied. And have a huge smile afterwards. Lol! So I thought and thought about it and I remembered my best friend taking me to Fat Philly's yeeaarsssss ago... So I got in my car and headed there. When I got there I already knew what I wanted. The two 8 inch philly cheese steaks one with all the works. Lol! And one with no mayo. Lol! That one was not mine. lol! I decided to just go all out and big ball since I had a whole $20.00 bill on me. Lol! I just straight went for that full on combo got those bomb diggy fries that had this really good seasoning on it. It also came with a drink. My total came up to about 16.00 and change. I had a coupon off my Allstate app. Lol! Customer service was awesome!!!! And my food came out pretty quick. It's a family owned business. If your driving on a road trip, passing through Norfolk and need a good quick bite to eat. And need a bunch of snacks. Since it's also a convenience store. I hope I spelled that word right... Lol! Anyways you know what I meant. This is the place you need to stop at. I totally will be back!!! That philly cheese steak was on POINT!!!! read more

Fat Philly's - Philly cheese steak!!!! Yummy!!! - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Phat Philly's does it again! I cannot say enough about this place. Every single sandwich I have ever ordered from there is spot on! I'm a life long customer! read more

If you're driving the speed limit or blink for too long you may just miss it, but don't. Not having a steak and cheese from this place is a mistake just as much as it is a missed steak. I was doubtful, initially, Bc of the neighborhood and some of the people hanging outside. Don't let it deter you; even the shadiest of the seemingly shady were friendly. Oh and the sandwiches are made with highest quality bread, meat, cheese AND love. They take pride in their craft and it shows. read more

Fat Philly's - Philly steak and cheese NOMMMM - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Norfolk, Virginia

Delicious, well prepared food, service always awesome..Seasoned fries, lemonade, bbq, always on point..

The store closes at 9pm get there at 825pm and stand in line for like 5 minutes just for them to tell me and the lady in front of me that the grill was closed.. Y'all need to do better if your going to close the grill early then it's needs to be posted, and don't have people waiting for no reason. read more