The American Cheesesteak Co. brings a little bite of Philly to Vancouver

Don’t be fooled by its name. The American Cheesesteak Co. is in Vancouver, and it isn’t a chain either. Vancouver-based chef and sometimes Food Network star Anthony Sedlak opened this restaurant recently with a focus on one thing, and one thing only: Philly cheesesteaks.

Never had one? Well, I hadn’t either, until I stepped into this surprisingly roomy eatery today for lunch. The American Cheesesteak Co. (781 Davie Street) has indoor and outdoor dining areas, with booth and bar seating inside. There’s an open kitchen right when you walk in, where you can watch the cooks create hot, fresh sandwiches, and breathe in the heavenly aroma of sautéed onions, beef, and melted cheese.

On the menu are three traditional cheesesteaks ($8 to $12), the Philly, the Classic, and the New Yorker. Each sandwich, which is available in 6-inch or foot-long sizes, is made with shaved prime rib, come with or without sautéed onions, and is topped with your choice of American cheese, provolone cheese, or cheese whiz.

Further down the menu are six specialty cheesesteaks ($9 to $22), including the BBQ sauce-infused Cowboy, the Frenchified Le Bifteck (it has double cream brie and Dijon), and the beef-free Good Earth, where plump portabello and forest mushrooms make up the bulk of the sandwich. There’s also an ultra fancy cheesesteak, the Big Shot, made from wagyu beef and topped with truffle aioli and fontina cheese; however, since this was my first time, the person at the counter recommended the Classic, with onions, mushrooms, and American cheese.

A piping hot cheesesteak was in my hands about 10 minutes later. The bun had just the right amount of crunch and held in all of the juicy, cheesy fillings, and the beef was succulent and flavourful. The sautéed onions and mushrooms were cut fairly large and held heir own amongst all the flavours, and the cheese found its way into every fold of beef and made an impact in every bite.

In terms of sides, ($3 to $6) there’s the usual hand-cut fries, onion rings, and salad, but I honestly suggest you forget all of that and spring for the ACC fries, which are tossed in garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese. If you still have room for dessert afterwards (which I did not, their servings are generous), you can cool down with either an extra thick milkshake or housemade ice cream sandwich (both $5).

Below, Michelle da Silva photos

The American Cheesesteak Co.

The Classic cheesesteak topped with sautéed onions and mushrooms, and American cheese.

The ACC fries, tossed in garlic, parsley, and parmesan cheese.

You can follow Michelle da Silva on Twitter at twitter.com/michdas.