Good stuff.. I was thinking how can a franchise place with same food be different. This one has better cooks.. The Philly is good..not perfect but good for lunch hunger fixing. read more

Philly's Best - Good stuff - Sandwiches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Absolutely hands down the mist delicious cheesesteak I have had in 15 years!!! Roll is soft wirh a bit of chew to it. Meat so tender and cheese just oooey gooey!!! Service is quick and friendly! Definite must!!!! read more

Never been to Philly, so I guess I can say I've never had a true Philly Cheesesteak. If it tastes better than what I had here at Philly's Best, wow! The bread, Amoroso Rolls imported in from Philadelphia is fresh, soft and great. Nice amount of cheese, infiltrated thru-out the steak. I have it with white American, can't bring myself to try it with Cheese Wiz, as I don't like that. Tonight, probably the best I've had, so apparently the cook makes a difference. It was perfect. 5 stars is for the Cheesesteak only. The fries are good, about a 3 star. The onion rings are pretty good, although pricey for what you get. There is no ambience, so don't expect it or look for it. Come and eat here, or order to go and just enjoy a truly great Cheesesteak! read more

I've never been to Philadelphia and tried a cheesesteak from Pat's or Gino's or Tony Luke's or any of the famous joints there, so I won't even try to compare. What I can say is that I really love Philly's Best when I'm wanting a really good cheesesteak sandwich. They are always consistent for me, the meat is always tender the cheese always melted just right and I love the peppers on mine. Most of the time I like to add a little wiz. I like how it's all about Philly in there, they have that big sign on the wall of famous Philly people, places and things. They carry some snacks that I hear are famous in Philly, the sodas and some of the little cake type snacks. When you go you place your order and it doesn't take long to get your sandwich and it's always piping hot, and the cheese is all melted! So good! Their fries, they can be a bit soft and soggy, I have asked them to cook them a bit more well done, then they come out nice and crispy. It's just simply a good sandwich with a good amount of meat and lots of great flavor. read more

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Coworkers wanted philly cheesesteaks for lunch and suggested we order from Philly's Best and someone would pick it up. I was super excited because I love philly cheesesteaks and had been wanting to try it since it's been there since as long as I remember. I got the "Philly's Best" (cheese steak, sweet peppers & mushrooms) and it was okay. The hoagie bread was wonderful but did not make up for the underwhelming amount meat, okay cheese, and sad mushrooms that I had to pick out (and I love mushrooms!)! My coworker also said it was much smaller than it used to be... In my opinion, I would rather go to Frank's Philadephia or Le Cafe (in Costa Mesa) or Teddy's Deli (also in Lake Forest). All cheaper & more satisfying alternatives. read more

i was sad to see the ROCQ Cafe closed down. I didn't go there a lot, but the owners were nice people and excellent cooks. Wonder is they actually appeared on that TV show The Shark Tank? So I dropped into Philly's Best and had a cheese steak with onions, and red peppers. Excellent sandwich. It took around 10 minutes to get my order, as they cook it fresh. Worth the wait. read more

They ruined the Super Bowl! we ordered 12 sandwiches from these guys and Must say they Fumbled the ball on their first possession. How do you go into Super Bowl weekend, with the Philadelphia Eagles playing, your food is Philadelphia inspired, and run out of cheese! Doh! Perhaps the Owner/Management was in Minneapolis for the game because Running out of the most staple ingredient showed poor leadership skills in my mind. Halftime rolled around and we left to get the food from our called in order. Things only got worse. Unfortunately, that fumble rolled into the end zone for the opponent to score because the vegetarian sandwiches we ordered and paid for were not packed in with the rest of the order. Its 5 pm they closed and we couldn't get our food. I worked across the street from this place for many years. Now I look like a chump for the recommendation Thanks but no Thanks Philly's Best! Jersey Mike's, Here I come! read more

I've seen them all over and heard great things about them. Finally got myself to sit down and try one of their cheesesteaks. I got it with all the usually stuff and added mushrooms. It was Philly bliss. They had some chips there that apparently are by in Philly so I tried them. They were chips, but still good. I'd recommend Philly's Best if you're in the mood for a really tasty cheesesteak. Thanks guys, I'll be back soon! read more

Definitely Drool Worthy! Soft rolls, melty and oozy cheese and tender real steak. Sooooooo good. There are numerous locations and I believe they franchise. The inside or ambience is what you would expect, not very nice, but clean. They also carry numerous products from Philly: Tasty Cakes, Wise Chips, etc. You can also get a chicken philly, other hoagie-style sandwiches and they use the best, Boar's Head. Do your tummy a favor and savor. Don't miss out! read more

I kept noticing this place on Lake Forest drive every time I seemed to drive past it and it sounded like something that would be good to try out. I visited on my way home from work one night last week and as soon as I walked in I began to feel good knowing I was about to be in for a good philly cheese steak. I ordered the "Philly's Best" sandwich and a side of onions rings to go. I took my fist bite and began to feel sad by the lack of flavor in my mouth. All I could taste was milky cheese and bread. I couldn't taste the steak or peppers or onions. Out comes my trusty hot sauce to save the day but if I'm paying $6.99 for a cheese steak I shouldn't have to drown it in sauce. I've had better cheesesteak at Dennys. I wouldn't be keen on trying again. If you're into a grilled cheese sandwich disguised as a philly cheese steak come here as honestly that's what it tasted like. read more

Great place! Very friendly guys! I really enjoy coming here every time I have a chance. Highly recommend!

After eating at Tasty Thai next door, on a whim, we decided to try Philly's Best because SOMEBODY was craving a Philly Cheesesteak "wit" and I was stuffed to my ears with Thai food. Reluctantly, I stepped into the place and was instantaneously teletransported to The City of Brotherly Love. We split a cheese steak "wit" cheeze whiz and onions. Steak shaved? Check. Moist and juicy? Check. Cheese whiz? Check. Hot and cheesy? Check. Grinder rolls? Check. Taste? Check. Pretty fantastic, even though I was full. So imagine how much better it must be if I was super hungry! I recommend this place if you are craving a Philly cheesesteak and if you're nearby. Whoop. read more

I don't really know what constitutes a great or authentic Philly-style cheesesteak but I do know what tastes good! And I have to say, the cheesesteak sandwich I had with onions was mighty tasty. I loved how soft the bread was and how gooey the melted white American cheese was. Simple but so satisfying. I also got fries with it... which I think I'll pass on next time. Not that they weren't good, but there was something... "off" about them. Had a weird smell and aftertaste. Blah, who cares really since it's supposed to be all about the cheesesteak and that in itself was pretty awesome. Total for my lunch was $11.32. I'll probably try the onion rings next time. No comments on service, ambiance, or parking since my colleague picked it up for me. read more

We've been a fan of Philly's Best when it first opened in the mid 90s. Their sandwiches are consistently good -- just like getting one from Philly. They didn't compromise on the authenticity as they actually have Amoroso rolls flown in from Philadelphia. If you're from the East Coast and are missing Tasty Cakes, Wise Chips and Birch Beer, look no further. The sandwiches are all made to order. I prefer topping my cheese steak sandwich (beef or chicken) with the cherry peppers and hot sauce which are available at their condiment bar. The $5 sandwich special is a deal you shouldn't pass up. read more

For some reason we usually frequent this place during football season. Pretty nice combination watching a game or two and noshing on a sandwich from this place. We still manage a meal from this place every once in a while even though football isn't on the tv right now. Their cheese steaks are wonderful. And if you feel like cutting a few calories (10?) you can get a philly made with chicken instead of beef. My wife prefers the chicken, which means I get some too. Yum. If you live local, you should be getting some coupons in the mail every now and then. I use them every time. read more

Great service, the staff is friendly and accommodating, and the food is fantastic! It's a great location because even thought it's off of a busy street, it always seems to be perfect and not crowded. Went today, and it didn't disappoint! Always enjoy a good tastey kake too! read more

'Been wanting to come here for the last couple of weeks... I've been here once before, too long ago to do a proper review. ('And a good Philly Cheesesteak, is a good Philly Cheesesteak.) 'Walked in tonight, a rainy, Wednesday evening around 7:15pm, only one other table occupied with two people in the shop. I went up to the counter and looked over the billboard type menu hanging on the back wall... 'Choices, choices, choices. As I was looking over the different options, I heard a voice behind me apologizing for not seeing me walk in... 'Thought that was pretty cool gesture on his part but not necessary. If someone can't wait a few minutes to be helped, move along diva! I asked Rick what was the number one selling sandwich, his answer was the basic Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich, with or without grilled onions. As I was reading yelp*views about Philly's Best, I learned the bread used here is ordered from back east. In Philly's Best - 101, Rick said that one of the key things to making a good sandwich is the bread. He also told me just about everything at the shop comes from the Philadelphia area. Rick said that a lot of people walk in and say that it feels like they're "back home." I asked him about customers adding Cheese Wiz to the sandwich. That can be be done too, your choices are sliced American or Cheese Wiz. (Most folks from back east usually request Cheese Wiz.) I ordered a Philly Cheesesteak w/American Cheese, grilled onions, and a soda - $9 + tip See uploaded photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/w1c95M9lBYZhSp_yJqHc1g?select=C86zvVLFLBI28I8OwUnzGg (Cheese Wiz option added on my to-do list) The Philly Cheesesteak was pretty good. The bread was nice and soft, slightly chewy. The meat was flavorful, piping hot with cheese, covered in grilled onions. 8) They also have quite a few sandwich variations that I added to my to-try list. Note: Philly's Best is located between two other restaurants that have received 4/5 Stars by fellow yelp*ers, definitely coming back this way... Tasty Thai - http://www.yelp.com/biz/tasty-thai-lake-forest-2 Efyzn Greek - http://www.yelp.com/biz/efzyn-greek-lake-forest Rick said that I should swing by when there's a Philly game on, it's standing room only and people tailgate out in the lot. That sounds fun! ('Not particularly a huge sports fan but I am a big fan of a good time!) The food was pretty good, will be back to try other menu items. The customer service was top notch, professional yet personable and down-to-earth, answered all my inquisitive questions about this and that. I was very appreciative because I can be like a little kid at times... Okay, alright, a lot of the time, excitable and curious especially when I find something new. Mahalo Rick and Luis(the cook)! "Rick & Luis" - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/w1c95M9lBYZhSp_yJqHc1g?select=uDF30kOFcfqrzkOCH_IKyw - Aloha Food: 4 Ambiance: 3 Service: 5+ Value: 4 read more

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The steak is amazing and tender, the cheese is full of flavor, the bell peppers are great, the mushrooms are perfect, and the grilled onions are awesome! All that adds up to one ginormously appetizing meal! The service is excellent as they are super friendly. Shoot, the cashier went as far as giving us a packet of peanut butter chocolate covered desserts to try! Come back is imminent!! read more

I had some cravings for some Philly cheese steak sandwiches so I decided to check this place out. I'm glad that this place satisfied my basic needs. Decent meat and cheeses. The bread was not the best, but it got the job done. Maybe my late afternoon visit had something to do with the bread not being at par, but overall the sandwich was pretty good and I'll still come back for more. And they have alcohol here too. read more

I was sad to learn the Aliso Viejo location closes but say this location was somewhat close. The restaurant ya inside a business park looking strip mall. This location is extremely clean and the food is just as great as all the other locations I've been too. read more

Got that authentic Philly taste. Best cheese steak you can find in the area. Thanks Angel and Fadi for the quick food and great service!

My coworker eats here every damn day. Every damn day. It's all he talks about 'til my ears bleed. For Christmas he purchased us all gift cards from here so I finally made it out to give it a try. I was so pleasantly surprised! I went around the 2pm late lunch hour when it was pretty empty because I hear it gets crazy packed during lunch. It was the purfect time to go, it was quiet, i watched some TV, they serve beer, and the cooks were sooo cool! It feels like a mom/pop shop because of their service. My order was so huge that I wanted to pack it to go, they actually took it and boxed it up for me and threw in some fresh new seasoned fries. Definitely a fan now. My crazy co-worker wins. I LOVE a restaurant that can work efficiently under pressure and still have great attitudes and service after the lunch storm. These guys are just great. read more

Philly's Best - Sandwiches Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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Upping my review from 4.5 years ago. Why? Because almost 5 years later, they're still here serving what I think is the "best," most authentic steak subs here in the west coast. And their staff is still very friendly, welcoming... this is really a well run place and hope they stay for years to come. read more

It's a franchise place serving up classic cheesesteaks in rolls .... nothing too complicated right? My last visit was this past weekend. I buy lunch for my guys and let them pick.. Well this is where they wanted to go. The sandwiches were ok, not the best, but not bad. The portions of meat were rather small for the price so I personally wasn't impressed. A single sandwich will fill you but not make you full if you know what I mean. It's like a large snack with bread. I guess I would have expected much more meat for my $8. Anyway the taste was good but the portions were a bit small. I can't see myself making it a regular spot if I'm actually looking for a full lunch but that's just me. Give them a try. read more

My boyfriend and I probably have Philly's Best either at this location or on Barranca once a month. It's just so damn good. We also always order the same things, so I can't confidently comment on the whole menu. Mushroom cheesesteak and cheese fries. We split the cheesesteak and the fries since eating your own cheesesteak would just be too much for us. The cheese, the meat, the bread.. it's all mouth-watering. They do such a great job and they're consistent. The cheese fries are a true guilty pleasure for me - solid fries smothered in gooey, melty, liquid orange cheese. Definitely not for the healthy conscious :) read more

I ordered take out and I got my order in a timely manner. Everything was delicious and I will definitely be going back soon.

Oh heck yeah, at here yesterday since I was craving me a cheesesteak and Philly's best didn't disappoint. Totally worth it and satisfied my craving. Fresh yummy comfort food, doesn't get any better than that! read more

Great cheesesteak sub. Cheese fries are so good! When I order a cheesesteak with no onions I also order a side of marinara sauce. Great combination. read more

Love it!! I just moved to orange county from philadelphia, and my family took over a restaurant two stores down. This restaurant makes me feel like im still in philly! So far, this is the only place where i can get hoagie with sweet pepper! And i love their facts about philadelphia that are written on their wall. everything that you see on the wall is truee and only people from philly would know about it. My favorite = Tuna salad sandwich, in a roll with little bit of mayo, american cheese, lettuce and sweet pepper! P.s. this place would be perfect if they sell Philladelphia Water Ice!!!!!!! Plss tell me when you guys have it!!! read more

I stumbled on this place by accident. I went in to check it out, it was deceiving because its just this little hole in the wall place. The owner Bob asked me if I had any questions, told him I have never had a cheesesteak before but always wanted to try. I asked him for a suggestion. He made me a chicken cheesesteak with grilled onions. He explained the menu to me and gave me a little history about the place. I was really impressed and so lucky that I was experiencing my first cheesesteak from a real Philly owner. He showed me the different products that he carried from Philly and even gave me some free items on the house to try! I was blown away from the service I received. I took my food home and sampled everything he gave me. IT WAS AMAZING!!!! I am hooked! I will be back every week til I try everything on the menu. This is my new favorite place for my Philly fix! read more

I took it all! Yes, that's right, I took the whole shebang! It was huge! I love Philly's Best, I especially love the Philly's Best Chicken. It is made with thinly sliced chicken breast, cheese, sweet peppers, mushroom and onions. There sandwiches are cooked to order and served on a genuine Amoroso steak roll. I placed my order over the phone at 10:45 for pick-up at 11:05. I arrived at 11:07, waited in-line to pay, grabbed a side of pickles and took off. The sandwich cost a whopping $7.15 + tax= $7.70. =( I was a bit bummed, because I had a $1 off coupon but it had expires on the 14th. Until the next time. A bit expensive for just a sandwich, but it was a truly delicious sandwich. I was very hungry, but doubted myself that I would be able to finish the whole thing, but miraculously I did. I think it was close to 9 inches. 2.5 hours later, I am still full. =) read more

Wow.. this place is soo unexpectedly amazing!!! :) The food was sooo good & the staff super friendly! The owner even spotted me cash so that I could get a Thai tea from the cash only Thai place next door! That kind of friendliness and service is unheard of! I live in SD but was up north running some business errands. I was starving on my way home in rush hour traffic and yelp mobile wasn't being very helpful at the time. I saw the $5 cheesesteaks sign and just went for it! I was surprised how large & delicious it was for $5!!! I seriously cant believe anyone in this area would go to Subway! The sandwhiches are significantly bigger and only 10,000 times tastier!!! My goodness, their fries were good too!! I've been to the two famous spots, Pat's & Geno's, in Philly and enjoyed this sandwhich significantly more!! :) Thanks for the amazing experience guys! I will definitely go out of my way for this place in the future! ooo and LOVE the condiment bar!! Tastttyy!! read more

After a long cheesesteak drought, we finally quenched our cheesesteak thirst. Where better to do this than Philly's Best. We went on a quiet Monday evening and there place was empty aside from one other party. We got in, ordered a mushroom cheesesteak, onion rings, cheese fries, and a large iced tea. Once we sat down four other parties came in. I swear we are good for business, because whenever we go places, it doesn't get busy until AFTER we get there. But enough about our uncanny ability to attract business. The food came out pretty fast. One down side, we go fries, not cheese fries. But easy fix, I brought them back to the cook and he dumped cheezwiz all over the fries. Problem solved. The cheesesteak was tastey. The meat was flavorful and the bread was soft and a littley chewy. The mushrooms were ok. They were definitely not fresh, most likely out of a can or jar or something along those lines. The cheese fries were ubber cheesy. And the onion rings were crispy and tasty, but the portion was a little lacking. All in all, this is my go to place for a cheesesteak hands down. Would I go back? Sure. read more

I am never coming back to this location again. They are so cheap. I can't believe they would charge one dollar for a small cup of ranch. That should be free for spending 40 bucks in sandwiches. read more

I really like a good cheese steak, and I have been very pleased so far, the service is quick and with character. I will admit though the french fries taste terrible. read more

$5.00 cheese steaks? Yes please! Closest thing I can find to the real thing. I try to hit this place every other week. read more

I've been a customer since the early 2000s when I worked close by. An employee introduced me to this spot. I forgot about it for a couple of years until I discovered Shortys in NYC - the best cheesesteak place I have been to. When I returned to Cali I hit Philly's Best again when I was craving Shortys. My fav menu items are the chicken and cheese with pizza sauce and the cheese fries - can't go wrong with these. Phone in orders come up fast. Food is well wrapped so it stays hot. The only downside to the place is they close at 8 on Sat and 6 on Sun.. And sometimes it the place is dirty (tables, bathrooms, counters). Overall I recommend read more

Whenever I'm craving cheesesteaks near me I go to one place and one place only, I head on into Philly's Best. They've always hit the spot. I take down about 2 of those suckers they're that good. I'll normally get a classic cheesesteak and a phillys best. When I'm suppposed to be on a diet I'll just go for one vegetarian and maybe some cheese fries if I'm feeling frisky. read more

First time at Philly's Best, stopped for lunch with my coworker, asked the cashier what he would recommend, he didn't recommend what he likes but asked me what do I like & don't like, I don't remember his name but yeah that's the way to recommend :) I had the mushroom cheesesteak sandwich, was a good recommendation I definitely recommend trying out this place read more

No reply from the owner manager from my post on March 14. We were so disappointed in the lack of food safety protocols during Covid.