Pennsylvania hides secrets in the middle of nowhere, and Big Mike’s Steaks & Hoagies is one of the tastiest.
This unassuming general store doesn’t look like much from the outside. A faded sign, a little parking lot, maybe a few locals leaning against the walls.
Step inside, and the smell hits first—fresh bread, sizzling meat, and onions caramelizing just right. You know something special is happening here.
Big Mike doesn’t overcomplicate things. Every cheesesteak and hoagie is loaded with flavor, stacked generously, and served with a confidence only someone who loves what they do can have.
The rolls are soft but sturdy, the meat juicy, and every bite hits the perfect balance of savory, cheesy, and satisfying.
Sitting at a picnic table outside or grabbing a quick takeout, you get more than a sandwich—you get a piece of Pennsylvania life. Quiet, humble, and surprisingly unforgettable, Big Mike’s proves that the best food often comes from the spots you least expect.
Where It Sits: Covered Bridge, Creek, and Mountain Views
Pull into Forksville and the first thing you notice is the covered bridge framing Big Mike’s like a movie set. The shop sits at 22 Bridge Street, a modest general store that hums with the smell of grilled steak and buttered rolls.
With mountains rising behind and Lycoming Creek at your elbow, the vibe is relaxed, scenic, and unpretentious.
Picnic benches dot the property, so you can unwrap a hot cheesesteak with the creek rippling a few feet away. The location is practical too, minutes from Worlds End State Park and an easy detour from scenic drives.
Hikers, bikers, campers, and Sunday drivers funnel here like a happy ritual.
Because it is small and beloved, lines can form fast, especially on weekends and holidays. That said, service is brisk, the team communicates well, and food often lands in minutes.
Reviews consistently praise how fast orders are turned.
You might come for convenience after a trail, but you will linger for the atmosphere. Creek breeze, bridge views, vintage sodas inside, and a friendly crew that knows the menu cold.
It all adds up to a setting that makes great food taste even better in the middle of nowhere.
The Cheesesteak: Philly Style In The Endless Mountains
Big Mike’s cheesesteak has that Philly soul without pretense. Thin-sliced beef sizzles on the flat top, seasoned confidently, then tucked into a soft roll that hugs the fillings without falling apart.
Onion sweetness, melted cheese, and savory drippings do the rest.
Reviews from locals and travelers echo the same line: this is one of the best cheesesteaks around, full stop. One Philly native called it top tier, with the perfect ratio of meat, cheese, bread, and veggies.
Another happily drove a 200 mile round trip for lunch, and did not regret it.
Provolone is popular and praised, though you can mix it up. The team layers heat and cheese smartly, so each bite is balanced.
When they say fast service, they mean it; steaks often hit your table within minutes of ordering.
Expect a little grease on your fingers, the mark of a legit sandwich. Expect warmth, heft, and a roll that stays tender to the last bite.
Expect to crave it on the drive home. It is the kind of cheesesteak that makes a destination out of a quiet bend in rural Pennsylvania.
Hoagies That Rival The Steaks
Do not sleep on the hoagies. The Italian hoagie draws raves for freshness, crisp lettuce, and that toasted option that adds a little crunch to every bite.
The roll matters, and the team’s seeded version gets shoutouts for texture and flavor.
Cold hoagies skew classic, with balanced layers that never feel skimpy. Hot hoagies bring the sizzle, channeling the same attention to seasoning and melt as the cheesesteaks.
One reviewer praised the lettuce placement on top, where it stays crisp instead of wilting under heat.
Prices reflect quality and portion size, though not everyone loves the credit card fee. Pro tip if you are budget aware: bring cash to keep the total predictable.
Either way, most folks agree the value lands in the hearty, satisfying category.
Share one or order your own. On a day by the creek, a hoagie wrapped in parchment and sliced clean is the ideal picnic.
Whether you choose Italian, chicken cutlet, or a toasted special, the hoagies hold their own against the famous steak sandwiches.
Menu Highlights: From Garlic Fries To Vintage Sodas
Beyond the headliners, Big Mike’s menu has personality. Garlic fries get repeated praise for punchy flavor, crispy edges, and generous portioning.
Crabby fries show up on happy tables too, a playful side that pairs with a steak or hoagie.
You will find vintage sodas and old school candy at the general store counter, a nice touch that completes the nostalgic setting. Kids light up at the options.
Adults grab bottles for the drive or a picnic bench by the bridge.
There is a puppy bowl for four legged friends and a kids menu for smaller appetites. Vegetarian and vegan options round out the lineup, so the whole group can eat well.
Expect straightforward comfort food prepared carefully.
Seasonal touches appear, but the core stays steady. The kitchen works fast without feeling rushed, which is why crowded days still move.
Build your tray: steak, hoagie, garlic fries, a throwback cola. It feels like a tiny county fair of salty, crunchy, cheesy happiness.
How To Order: Windows, Speed, And Seating
Ordering here is a breeze once you know the flow. During peak seasons and events, you typically order at one window and pick up at another.
Tickets or names get called fast, and the staff keeps things moving with friendly clarity.
Food usually arrives in to go packaging, which suits the outdoor setting and creekside benches. Even when lines stretch, reviews note surprisingly quick turnaround, sometimes five minutes from order to table.
That speed is a hallmark guests celebrate.
Seating is primarily outdoors, with many benches near the bridge for prime views and breezes. Shade varies by time of day, so hats and sunscreen help in summer.
On cooler days, you will still see folks unwrapping steaming sandwiches without complaint.
If you are a planner, arrive earlier than typical lunch hour or later than peak dinner. Bring cash to avoid added card fees and keep the line moving.
Grab condiments, napkins, and extra forks for sharing fries. You will be sitting in one of the prettiest casual dining spots in Pennsylvania.
Local Love And Legacy: Big Mike’s Story Continues
Part of the charm is the human story. Reviews mention meeting Big Mike himself in earlier years, and more recent visitors note his children carrying on the legacy.
The result is continuity you can taste in the food and feel in the hospitality.
That legacy looks like consistent seasoning, smart portions, and an unwavering cheesesteak identity. It also looks like friendly banter at the window and staff who remember regulars.
When travelers return after years, they find the same spirit waiting.
Family run places do not coast on nostalgia alone. They earn loyalty with everyday execution and kindness, especially when crowds surge during holidays.
Big Mike’s threads that needle gracefully.
The location helps, but the heart is people who care about the craft and the community. It is the kind of spot where a few cents short gets covered with a smile, and tips reflect gratitude.
The next generation keeping standards high is why the line forms again tomorrow.
Pair It With Adventure: Worlds End And Double Run
Big Mike’s is a natural bookend to outdoor days. Hike the Double Run trail at Worlds End State Park, then roll into Forksville hungry and happy.
The quick turnaround means you will not wait long to refuel.
Scenic drives also make a great pairing. Ricketts Glen is not far, and the Endless Mountains roads invite leisurely detours.
The covered bridge beside the shop turns every meal into a photo moment.
Plan ahead with hours and seasonal crowds. On peak weekends, embrace the line, grab a soda, and treat it like an extension of your adventure.
The reward at pickup is hot, melty, and shareable.
Nothing beats that first bite when your legs are tired and the creek is singing. Add garlic fries for extra salt happiness.
Then sit back, breathe the pine scented air, and watch the bridge frame the afternoon. It is small town Pennsylvania at its most delicious.
What To Try First: Recommended Orders
Start classic with a cheesesteak, provolone, and grilled onions. Add garlic butter if you want extra richness, or choose the Dean Martin for bold garlicky swagger.
Split an Italian hoagie toasted for contrast and crunch.
Order garlic fries or crabby fries for the table. Grab vintage sodas if you like a throwback pairing, or water after a long hike.
If you brought the pup, ask for the puppy bowl to keep tails wagging.
For a seeded roll, speak up when ordering. It adds nutty texture that fans love, especially with the OG steak.
Vegetarians and vegans have options, so do not hesitate to ask for guidance at the window.
Keep it simple and let the ingredients shine. Big Mike’s does not need gimmicks, just good technique and fresh bread.
The best move is to commit to a hot sandwich and shareable sides, then eat outside where the bridge turns lunch into a memory.
Timing, Lines, And How To Beat The Rush
Weekends bring crowds, especially around holidays and peak leaf season. Reviews describe 50 person lines that still moved faster than expected.
If you can, visit slightly early or later than noon to thread the needle.
Weekdays often feel breezier, and the service crew is practiced at speed. Orders pop out in tidy to go packs that are easy to carry to the bridge benches.
Even when you wait, the setting softens the time.
Check hours on the website or by phone since seasons can tweak the schedule. Bring cash if you want to avoid card fees and keep the total predictable.
Parking is straightforward, but expect more cars during prime hours.
The best mindset is flexible and hungry. You are here for good food in a beautiful place, not a white tablecloth.
A bit of patience plus smart timing equals hot sandwiches and creekside views without a headache.
Budget And Value: What To Expect
Big Mike’s delivers hearty portions and quality ingredients at small town prices, though they are not rock bottom. Some guests flag a credit card surcharge, so cash can be your friend if you are counting pennies.
Most reviews still call the sandwiches worth it for flavor and size.
Two people can share a large side and leave satisfied, especially with fries that arrive piled and well seasoned. Rolls are soft and substantial, helping every bite feel filling.
The experience includes setting, service, and speed, which add value beyond calories.
Think of it as road trip dining at its best. You are paying for a destination you will remember, not just a quick bite.
The joy per dollar feels high when you are eating beside a historic bridge.
To keep the bill friendly, skip extras you do not crave and bring water bottles from the car. Or go all in with soda and sides and make it a feast.
Either way, the quality keeps Big Mike’s in the repeat visit category for many.
Tips For First-Timers: Parking, Cash, And Navigation
Navigating to 22 Bridge Street is straightforward, and GPS will get you there with ease. The shop sits right by the Forksville Covered Bridge, so if you see timber trusses, you are close.
Parking is limited but practical for steady turnover.
Check hours online before you roll, especially in shoulder seasons. Bring cash to dodge the card surcharge and speed the line.
If you are planning a picnic, pack napkins and a trash bag to keep the creek pristine.
Cell service can wobble in the mountains, so save directions and the number ahead of time. Dress for the weather if you plan to sit outside, since the breeze off the creek can surprise you.
Shade shifts during the day, so time your visit for comfort.
Finally, be ready for quick service once you order. Know your toppings, choose your cheese, and ask for a seeded roll if that is your style.
Then take your tray to the bridge side benches and prepare for a top tier, no fuss meal.