I Like My Sandwich How I Like My Women: Hot and Cheesy

Provolone? American? Pepper jack? Mozzarella? Or maybe cheese whiz?

Life is rough when the most taxing decision of the day is what cheese to smother your cheesesteak with. South of Philly at 4353 S. Sherwood Forest Blvd. deserves all the thanks for the stomach-dividing choice.

Fortunately and unfortunately, that’s not the last loaded question the cheesesteak joint throws on the grill. 

Do I want steak or chicken between the Amorosa bun? To guzzle down a Guinness or Newcastle? French fries or onion rings?

Thankfully, at South of Philly there are no wrong answers.

What the poboy represents for the South, the cheesesteak does for Philadelphia, and South of Philly does the sandwich justice. 

Stringy, melted cheese forms a flimsy bridge between mouth and bread. Juices drip from the frizzled ribeye, dirtying fingers that should only be cleaned by licking.

The phillies are served “wit or witout onions,” a choice of five delectable cheeses and a variety of complimentary toppings such as A1 steak sauce, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, lettuce, pickles, tomatoes mushrooms, banana peppers, jalapenos and grilled peppers. 

My cheesesteak preference consists of the classic steak, provolone, grilled onions and a squirt of mustard and mayonnaise. The gooey cheese teams up with the well-seasoned meat and condiments to make a superfood team of deliciousness.

Thinking about the simple, yet palatable, concoction forces saliva to flow like Niagara Falls in my mouth. 

A stand-alone Philly is satisfying enough, but why not indulge? South of Philly’s appetizers are just as enjoyable as its sandwiches. 

The french fries and onion rings, which are served in generous proportions, triumph in the battle of starters. The hand-cut fries are cooked to a perfect consistency between soggy and crunchy and are some of the best in Baton Rouge. The crispy onion rings are served as exceptionally seasoned, manageable-sized hoops.

South of Philly doesn’t exclusively serve cheesesteaks. Chicken, shrimp, roast beef, hot ham-n-cheese and french dip poboys are offered, as well as salads and built-to-your-request burgers grilled on the flat top. 

The restaurant’s attempts at customer satisfaction don’t end with its flavors; it offers food specials as well. Children eat free on Tuesday and a different $5.99 combo served with fries and a drink is featured on each weekday. 

Feeling like a bum? South of Philly delivers and provides drive-thru ordering for those craving ultimate comfort along with yummy food.

There is a downside to driving through or placing an order for delivery and that’s missing out on South of Philly’s selection of draft and bottled beers like Abita Amber, Guinness, Newcastle, Red Stripe, Michelob Ultra and a handful more. 

South of Philly also serves its modestly priced food at locations in Prairieville and Gonzales.

Put away the suitcase, cancel the hotel reservation and hold the plane tickets. There’s no longer a need to travel cross-country to satisfy the overwhelming craving for a bite of Philadelphia’s best. Just pack your biggest appetite and roll over to South of Philly.  

Onions rings and cheesesteak with provolone