Water Ice! It reminds me of a slushy - but apparently this stuff is pretty popular on the east coast - and they have it here ice cream parlor style. I usually go to the John's in HB, but I felt like mixing it up so I came to this location. It's SO different from the HB one in terms of decor. This location is so cute, it has a 50's ice cream parlor feel. It's tucked back on a corner, not visible from PCH although it has a PCH address. The food is basically the same as the other locations (YUM!), but they scoop out the bread here. BF likes this - I'm kinda indifferent. I highly suggest this location. It's cute, the food is awesome, you can feel the ocean breeze, and they serve the italian ice water. Nice!!! read more

Ummmm... Did I order the wrong thing? Because I don't see the hype. Bland. Bland. Bland. Never should I have fries that taste more seasoned then a "Philly Cheese Steak w/ peppers"... I will say that the bread was on suuuuper point. Chewy, not too damn hard and not too thick. But the meat... Brown nasty shredded meat... Brown bland, dry nasty meat. *-* So I sat and watched my homeboys down there sandwich like it was the best thing on the planet. "What's wrong you don't like it?" "No its gross. The bread and fries are good though." I was tryin to be a rider and order the full size. Which is huge like it has to be more than a foot long. Great... Now I'm stuck with 2 huge ass nasty sandwiches...-_- O and they get real huffy if you call there "Philly Fries" Philly Fries... "May I have some Philly fries"? "Fries". "Um, yea Im reading the menu... Philly fries"... "ehhh Fries." I'm sitting there thinking why the hell do they cal them Philly fries? O... seasoning salt... I'm cool, I won't be spending my money on it. Someone elses... Of course. read more

Meh. If you've ever had a real Philly cheesesteak then John's is just OK. The biggest difference is the cheese. A real cheese steak uses (wait for it) Cheese Whiz! I never thought I'd like it (the thought still gives me chills) but ever since I took a business trip to Philadelphia a few years ago, my love affair with the cheesesteak has grown exponentially. On a recent visit to John's, I took my kids and we all had the signature cheesesteak. My mouth watered as I flashed back to my Philly experience. Sadly after the first bite I realized the entire sandwich lacked flavor and the veggies were mushy, not crisp. Let's face it, if you're going to consume an entire days worth of calories in one bite it better be AMAZING! John's also boasts about its root beer, cream soda, etc. My 8-year-old grabbed a cream soda out of the case and came back to the table to take a big swig. His face immediately changed. I took a sip and realized it was beer and the bottle had been mis-labeled. When I walked back to the counter to explain what happened the two kids working were apologetic. They told me it's happened before. Seriously, John's can't be that stupid!! An 8 year old drinking beer translates into lawsuit and closure. They didn't pull the remaining beer/sodas from the case, they didn't ask if he was OKAY, they simply apologized and handed us a new cream soda. Drunk 8-year-old aside, John's Philly Grille is an average experience at best. It's certainly not worth the calorie binge. For now I will continue my quest to find the best cheesesteak in California, but I assure you, it's not John's. read more

BEST PHILLY CHEESESTEAK IVE EVER HAD. I got a whole #4 aka "the works cheesesteak", it has mushroom, onion, and green bell pepper along with the perfect melted cheese atop the steak. The sandwhich came to about $10 and tasted AMAZING. Its cooked to order and is served piping hot with a fork. The whole sandwhich was too big for me so I had take the rest to-go. Not only was the sandwhich great, but the service was awesome. I didnt get the name of the lady who served us, but she went over the top to make sure we enjoyed our food. She was really nice and funny, and hands down one of the best servers Ive ever had anywhere! Overall the place was clean, ambience was good, both the food and service were amazing. Definitely give this place a try, you wont be disappointed ;) When Im im the area I'll be back to try their fried mushrooms. read more

I hate Philadelphia. I really do. I hate that this place is adorned with all of the loud mouthed, revelatory, self congratulating bullshit that so defines the Philadelphia sports scene. Having said all of that, it should speak volumes that I come back to John's, and absolutely love their food. I'm a masochist for good food, I'll suffer the sling and arrows of bold headlines announcing the Phillies trouncing of my beloved Dodgers for an amazing cheesesteak that's as long as my arm. It's not just the sandwiches either, the fries are golden fried and seasoned just right. You can opt for the cheese fries or the Bada-Bing! enducing pizza fries, and you will be 5,000 calories of bloated happiness when you leave. I suggest The Works with hot peppers and onions, fries and a Cherry Coke. Grab a Tasty Kake if you must, but please don't throw batteries at the locals. read more

My wife & I invited two of our good friends to discover the great Philly cheese steaks at John's Philly Grille last night. They were not disappointed. My wife & I had our usual cheese steak with pepperocini's, grilled onions and more steak than you ever thought possible in one steak sandwich. Excellent! Our friends settled in with the John's special and were raving about it's great taste. They said they will very likely be back in the near future. Hillary, the night manager was as gracious as ever, another reason to visit this fine & unique restaurant. read more

Came after surfing and the staff are really nice. I had a number 3 with extra crispy fries and watermelon ice cream. The garlic sauce on the steaks and fries is Amazing. If you're not a big eater you can totally ask them to split it in half and share with a friend. read more

This is the Long Beach location; haven't been to the ones in HB yet. Damn good sandwich. If you haven't noticed, I probably look like a sandwich. My main issue with sandwich places (Philly-themes places, especially) is that they either don't load 'nuff meat in the sandwich or they add stuff like lettuce/tomato...dude, a Philly that does not make. John's fits the bill nicely. The key is the bread, they're bread is super-fresh with the inside all soft and lucious with just a bit of crusty-crust. I've had The Works (#4) and the South Philly (#5). Yes, The Works is a real Philly cheesesteak with mushrooms, peppers, onions, cheese and hot peppers. I consider this a true Philly, no need to load it up with tomatoes or other nonsense. The South is a bit different with hot peppers, onions, provolone and homemade marinara. The difference is that they mix the cheesesteak with the marinara, rather than simply pouring sauce over the top. Makes for a tasty, albeit messy, sandwich. If you feel you just want a regular sandwich, just peruse the menu; they offer seven "Other Great Philly Sandwiches", twelve cold hoagie sandwiches, eight kinds of "Broad Street Bully Burgers", salads and appeitziers galore. If you want to avoid cheesesteak (?!), you can sub chicken for cheesesteak or beef for turket in the Bully Burger. Watch the steak fries...nice big wedges with copious amounts of Laurie's season salt, I like mine with a side of ranch. Also, the cheese on the cheese fries (gorganzola?) tends to get rubbery. I wanted to give 4.5 star, but the rickety tables and mismatched seats don't make for a real comfy experience, but the food rocks. They can also do sandwich platters and other assorted yummies for parties, just call ahead. Be sure to pick up a menu before you leave, you'll probably not see something on the menu broad and say, "ah, shit....shouldn've ordered that!". Don't order a large unless you real hungy and don't bother with a side. Expect to pay ~$12 for a #4, cheese fries and small drink (they only come in small and large). Yep, they do the Dew! Yay!! read more

John's Philly Grille, small shop, the crew that works there super chill very friendly and helpful. I've had plenty of Philly Cheese steak sandwiches, the trick here is the spicy twist they throw on it. The only criticism I have is add more of everything to fill the bun to the max, the only way you make "very tasty" even tastier is by adding more. read more

We recently had John's Philly Grille cater our engagement party and it was AMAZING! I must admit, when I first heard of the idea for the party, I was a little skeptical, but it turned out amazing and John really pulled through and did all the work and the food was DELICIOUS. So flavorful, so fresh and so different and tasty, everyone loved it! It was also great to be able to allow our guests to pick whatever they wanted on the sandwich. It was easy and quick to make and people loved how it was so different. I loved how it was hot, filling and I'm still getting compliments on the food, two weeks later. They came in, set up everything and took care of everything for the sandwiches. It was easy, and they cleaned everything up and were very professional to work with. It was a huge hit! Can't wait to head do the store front and get another great sandwich! Thanks again John's! read more

This is my first time trying their restaurant. I ordered the cheese steak which had no flavor, looked like dog food and too much fat & grisile. I won't be back. read more

This is definatley not LAKER country, that's the feeling you get when you're in John's Philly Grille. Anyways,. Broad Street Burgers are mouthwatering!! I'm love the Avocado Burger. It's served with a 1/2 order of steak fries, Yum!!! 3 blocks from the beach in beautiful Seal Beach, CA. I make frequent pit stops here when out cycling down PCH. The Philly Cheese is super legit!!! If you're lucky, John will cook you food too. They even have Gelatto and Italian Ice, a must on warm Cali day!!! Or anyday for desert really!!! read more

Best cheesesteak I've had outside of south philly. Usually you can bet the roll or the cheese or the nonsense that's in there that's NOT cheese meat or onions is gonna be jacked (bell peppers and mushrooms? No, stop that). Bread was perfect. "Whole" size got me thru the entire day. Definitely knocked me out of ketosis but was worth it. Go here. OH YEAH shout out my wife for encouraging me to go there cuz I was skeptical!! read more

Philly cheesesteak was great. I had their special Johns Philly. Seating is limited and you have to ask to go inside and wash your hands behind the counter. Their steak fries and cheese fries are a huge rip off though. read more

Okay first of all the one star is not because of the place it self. Great location, great 50's style dinner and GREAT Philly Sandwiches. The one star is for the putz that took our order. My girlfriend and I walked in to this place for the first time and quickly made a comment about how neat looking it was. So the very first thing we noticed was the guy and his unfriendly demeanor but hey no problem. So he took out his little piece of paper waiting to take our order without a hello or how may I take your order. Nothing....no smile. We looked at the wall menu but because on the menu they only have the name of the subs like "The Godfather" etc we had to ask how they were made. But noooo, we were actually bothering this guy...how dare us making him speak and work! So anyway I ordered a sandwhich and he started to write it down but I quickly changed my mind and he scribbled it out back and forth like I'm appalled that you changed your mind....exxxxcuuuuse me for making you work dude!! So I guess he did not like the way he scribbled it and tossed it to the floor and got a new piece of paper out and I made a comment (smart allec comment of course) that I apologized for ruining his little note. So we both finished placing our order hoping to god that we wouldn't mess it up , lord knows, he might have had a cow. Have you seen the soup nazi from the Jerry Sienfeld show? Um yeah...this was this guy. Along with our sandwiches I also ordered a coke and proceeded to pay. I took my receipt and we proceeded to go look for our table, but I had realized that I had forgotten to take my cup and turned around to go back and get it and this putz was just standing there holding the cup in his hand like um dude you forgot your cup. No sir your cup or hello here's you cup...nothing....not a damn thing, just standing there like an idiot with the cup on his hand waiting to see if I would turn around to come and get it or something. So I got it and made another smart allec remark out loud to my girlfriend, "hey did you see that...dude just standing there with the cup on his hand" and laughing. So that was our very first experience there. Would we go back again?....yeah sure just hope soup nazi is not there. Like I said, great food and great little place but this guy was a total putz. I used this word to described him because that's exactly what he was...a total rude condescending prick. I sure hope the owner quickly finds out about this guys because he's definitely not helping his business any and I swear if we walk in there again and this guy is still there and gives us another crappy service I'm liable to jump over and cut off his curled up rolly fingers looking mustache off his face. read more

This place is so yummy. There cheese steaks are too die for waayyyy better then the chains

This place was recommended by my boyfriends friend and it did not disappoint! I got John's Special Philly and my BF got the chicken philly. After my first bite I fell in love! You could taste how fresh and soft the bread was and the meat was so flavorful. We will definitely be back! read more

You won't go away hungry here! The sandwiches are huge and there is no skimping on delicious ingredients, ever! I've had several of their sandwiches but I keep going back to their Philly cheesesteak. The meat, cheese, onions, bread are all without equal. And everyone on their staff is genuinely friendly and proud of the great food they serve. Whether you eat in or take out, you will not be disappointed. I have to limit how often I go or I'd weigh 350 lbs. Parking is free and easy, music fits thematically with their near-the-beach vibe, and everyone is having a good time there. We LOVE this shop! read more

By far the best cheese steak I've tried in So. Cal! A mini hole in a wall place at Seal Beach. Always with a friendly staff. I suggest taking it to-go and eat it by the beach. Great fresh bread and hot food every time. :-) read more

John's Philly Grille - Need I say more? This is the yummy #6 John's Special. no lettuce, no tomato :-) - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Seal Beach, California

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Best Philly cheesesteak. Ever. And the servers are great! Friendly and great customer service. Plus they let my puppy sit in the dining area while I ate my lunch after a run. I love this place. I wish it was closer to the crib! read more

John's Philly Grille - Post run meal - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Seal Beach, California

Best Phillies in socal! I love this place. I'm looking forward to trying the meatball sandwich next time. Thanks John! read more

They never seem to pick up the phone for orders so it's best to just go there in person. You will not be dissatisfied when you order a Philly ( John's special) is the way to go. Try one of their hoagies they're good too! read more

"You've had the rest, now try the best!" What a perfect slogan for this little dive. John's serves mouthwatering burn your tongue cheesesteaks stuffed with freshly grilled beef and veggies drippppppping with cheese sauce. YUM! About $20 for two small sandwiches, fries, drink, and chips. What a deal. Never change John's, ya'll are doin juuuust fine! read more

Where to start? My boyfriend and I love Cheese Steaks. We went to Philly and ate at Geno's... This place puts Geno's to shame! John's has huge portions, large rolls! I STRUGGLE TO EAT A HALF. They have a huge variety of Hoagies, Steaks, Burgers, salads, and sides. They also have an assortment of Italian gelato flavors which always change....when they ask if you want peppers.. be warned they are pretty hot. Its not just sweet bell peppers. My personal favorites: The South Philly: a cheese steak, which has pizza sauce on the meat. tender! juicy! filling! The Turkey Hoagie: Turkey, provolone, and choice of veggie toppings. I asked for Avocado.. They gave me tons of it. The God Father: Juicy flavorful sliced Italian sausages, Sauce, and Home made meatballs, smotherd in cheese... I always eat myself to a tummy ache here. Their onion rings and Philly fries are AWESOME! They are hidden behind McDonalds in a shopping structure. read more

When I first found this place, ate here almost everyday in one week. Got a free shirt out of it. DON"T SLEEP on the garlic hot sauce in the small soda cooler to the right. You won't ever have a cheesesteak without that sauce. read more

My friend and I found this place while looking for a quick bite to eat around school. Me: The Works Friend: John's Special [or something with John in it] We should've ordered a whole and split it. It would've been cheaper and just as filling. Both sandwiches seemed like normal sandwiches until they landed on our table. It was like an entire cattle farm was chopped up with some cheese and thrown into a bun. Tons and tons of meat. Tasted pretty good and didn't disappoint with the portions. Fantastic meal. read more

I've got a boat docked in the nearby marina and being a huge cheesesteak fan I thought I found heaven when I stumbled across this place. I hate to say it but I was way disappointed... I didn't even finish the cheesesteak or come close to it. I felt bad because I made it abundantly clear to the dude I ordered from that I couldn't wait to try it. I hope he didn't see me toss it out. I've never been back but after reading the reviews on the rest of the menu items I might come back and try something different. Sadly, If your looking for a real Philly style cheesesteak you won't find it here. read more

This place is the best. I have had "the works" cheesesteak, the regular cheesesteak, and even their cheese fries. All of them were so good. The place is this little gem in Seal Beach. I live within a mile of the place and love going to it whenever I can. Also, customer service is incredible. They always make it a point to greet you with a smile and do whatever they can to make your visit the best. I've gone before a Philadelphia Eagle game on a monday night and the workers and I had a great chat about the game and he was so nice and entertaining. I even once bought cheesesteaks and fries for my girlfriend and I, but forgot a drink. I went to buy one and the cashier said I could have my drink for free. It was a small gesture, but it showed me that this place really makes it a priority to deliver the best customer service possible. I've been to other cheesesteak places, but none did it like John's Philly Grille. Their cheesesteaks are bigger, cheaper, and their customer service with secure your loyalty to them. It's a really great place with even greater people working there. read more

Just had their version of a Club sandwich. Fantastic. Great bread roll, fresh sliced avocado, bacon. lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc. Slightly different than what you think of as a Club sandwich, but so very good! read more

Outstanding! We stayed at the hotel across the street. This was a great find. So good we went there twice on the same day. Besides the Cheesesteak, the fried zucchini is a must. We told the nice lady at the store we were headed to the beach and she packed it up for us with paper plates. So tasty! I'll be back again! read more

John's Philly Grille - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Seal Beach, California

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I discovered this by happenstance and luckily, I'm stationed by the nearby naval base and lunch here is a definite must. Whether walking around Main street or wondering where to go, this establishment is for you. My favorite is The Works, order of fries, and if I'm feeling especially gluttonous, another order of fried mushrooms. read more

There are a few John's Philly Grille's in the HB area, but this one is the best one. It is pretty close to the beach, and has a nice diner-like atmosphere. It isn't as "Philly" as the Goldenwest location, but my friends and I agree that it is better. Save yourself a couple of bucks and get a whole sandwich with the works, grilled onions and hot peppers. You can split it with a friend and save a few bucks. (Whole = $9.95 and Half=$6.95) Don't forget the garlic hot sauce in the little fridge - it is deeper red color than the other sauces. This place is also cool if you'd like some Gelato. You won't find that at the other Philly Grilles. It is pretty cheap and delicious. We eat out pretty much everyday for work, and we'll usually go to this place a couple of times a week even though it is a bit further away. read more

I consider myself a sandwich expert. I pride myself on sampling sandwiches across the great United States from subs to hoagies to heros to grinders to po'boys and more. This is why I was surprised to find the best hoagie I had ever eaten in my entire life in ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA! The American Hoagie is the greatest sandwich in the entire world. The fries, wings, and cream soda are also unbelievable. read more

We used to eat at this place on a regular basis. Always getting the "Classic" philly cheese and seasoned fries. Always loved it. But, you know, the whole healthy eating thing made us stay away a couple years. Well, we went tonight, got the same order. It was WONDERFUL! Just as good as I remember! Same great price for the value. Guy who took my order was not the most personable, but he got my order right, and I left, so I'm not even gonna deduct a point. read more

Great little place! Awesome sandwiches, nice people. I've been a few times and the food has always been good. They're quick to make your order as well. Love going back when I'm in the area (: read more

This place is a favorite of ours! We always get the same sandwiches: chicken parm for me, the works for my boyfriend. The fries are really good too! Great service and prices. read more

Wow, the half a philly was all I could eat. Get the "The Works" Philly and don't leave out the peppers! This is the way a Philly should be made. I chose Divey for the Ambiance, but a place like this should be. read more

John's Philly Grille - Philly Cheeses Steak. - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Seal Beach, California

Johns Philly Grill claims to have cheesesteaks. While good. They were not cheese steaks like you get at classic Philly joints, for better or worse.. The fried zucchini was good. read more

John's Philly Grille - Cute little place in Seal Beach - Cheesesteaks Near Me - Seal Beach, California

We were in town for a short trip a few years ago and found this place with a quick search... top 5 Philly Cheesesteaks I've ever had! Will visit again if I'm in the area again! read more

Always good, I get mine with light peppers. My favorite cheesesteak around! You won't be disappointed.