A cheesesteak so stuffed it rips straight through the bag sounds like a problem. In one corner of Washington, that’s practically the house signature.
This counter-serve spot keeps the menu short and focused. Cheesesteaks lead the way, while fried chicken, catfish, and seasoned fries hold down the rest of the order.
The dining room won’t win any design awards, and nobody pretends otherwise. I like that the energy goes into the grill instead of the decorations.
One Philadelphia native calls it the only cheesesteak place outside Philly worth their time. That’s a bold endorsement from the toughest crowd in sandwich history.
I believe the best sandwich shops earn loyalty one messy lunch at a time. Folks have driven in from Oregon just to find it again, and first-timers keep turning into regulars.
So what makes a plain little counter this hard to forget?
A Sandwich Counter That Puts Everything Into The Grill
Some restaurants chase trends, and some just keep flipping steak until the neighborhood falls in love. The Original Philly’s in Seattle belongs firmly in the second group.
It’s a simple counter-serve spot built around Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks. The menu also covers fried chicken, wings, fried fish, and fries, so the cravings are well covered.
Don’t expect white tablecloths or a fancy host stand. You walk up, place your order, and wait for a hot bag stuffed with something worth the trip.
The no-frills approach is part of the appeal. When a place skips the extras, the food has to carry the whole show, and here it does.
The shop holds a 4.3-star rating across more than 1,400 Google reviews. That’s a lot of folks weighing in on one humble sandwich counter in Washington.
Cheesesteaks dominate the conversation by a wide margin. Cheese fries, mushrooms, and the Deluxe show up again and again too, which tells you exactly where to start.
So think of this as a sandwich shop with priorities. It knows what it does best and keeps doing it, lunch after lunch.
Rainier Valley Roots On Martin Luther King Jr Way
Location matters for a sandwich shop, and this one sits right in the heart of South Seattle. You’ll find it at 3019 Martin Luther King Jr Way S, Seattle, WA 98144.
The address places it in the Rainier Valley, a diverse stretch of the city packed with local businesses. Fans have described the shop as a solid spot to support in the neighborhood.
It has also taken part in Plate of Nations, a Rainier Valley food event that celebrates local restaurants. That’s a nice sign of how woven into the community this counter is.
Ask around among folks who used to live in South Seattle, and the name tends to come up. One fan noted it surfaces every time they chat with former neighbors.
That kind of reputation doesn’t come from billboards. It comes from years of steady sandwiches handed across the same counter.
Some people even describe it as an oldie but goodie. In a city that changes fast, a place with staying power feels pretty special.
So when you head here, you’re not just grabbing lunch. You’re getting a taste of a neighborhood that clearly takes its cheesesteaks seriously.
The Classic Philly Cheesesteak Everyone Talks About
Two hundred and fifty mentions. That’s how often the Philly cheesesteak pops up in feedback about this place, dwarfing everything else on the menu.
The basic formula sounds simple enough. Soft, fluffy bread meets tender, well-seasoned steak with just a touch of vegetables mixed in.
The sandwiches arrive loaded, with plenty of filling packed inside. One happy fan joked that when it rips through the bag, you know it’s going to be good.
Former East Coasters seem especially pleased. One person said it took them right back to Pennsylvania, while another called it the cheesesteak they’d been hunting for years.
Not every opinion is identical, of course. A few folks wished for more cheese, and one found it a touch salty, so tastes clearly vary.
Still, the overall picture leans heavily positive. Plenty of people call it the best Philly cheesesteak in Seattle without hesitation.
The Original Philly’s gives you extra napkins for a reason. You’ll want them, especially if you plan to eat this beauty in the car.
Start here if it’s your first visit. The classic is the sandwich that built the reputation.
Why First-Timers Keep Getting Pointed Toward The Deluxe
First time? Get the Deluxe.
That advice shows up so often it almost feels like an unofficial house rule.
The Deluxe cheesesteak comes loaded with meat, cheese, and onions. It’s the go-big option for people who want the full experience on one roll.
Size is a recurring theme with this one. Fans have described it as huge, and some have walked away with leftovers for later.
One couple from the Portland area ordered the Deluxe and called it as big as a sandwich could possibly get. They liked it so much they came back twice during one trip.
There’s also a chicken version for folks who prefer poultry. The deluxe chicken sandwich has earned its own praise as a delicious alternative.
Keep in mind that the Deluxe doesn’t automatically include peppers or mushrooms. If you want those extras, it’s smart to mention them when you order.
Honestly, the biggest challenge might be finishing it. Plenty of people don’t, and nobody seems upset about having a second meal waiting at home.
Hungry, curious, or just indecisive? The Deluxe answers all three problems at once.
Mushrooms, Peppers, And Even A Pizza Twist
Mushrooms get a surprising amount of love here. They show up in close to thirty mentions, which says plenty about how well they pair with the steak.
The mushroom cheesesteak gives the classic an earthy, savory upgrade. It’s a great pick if you want something a little richer without straying far from tradition.
Spice fans have options too. One fan described the pepper cheesesteak as huge and just the right amount of spicy.
Then there’s the pizza cheesesteak, a fun mashup that gets its own shout-outs. It’s the kind of order that makes the person behind you in line suddenly rethink their plan.
Variety like this keeps repeat visits interesting. You could come in every week and still have something new to try for a while.
Hot sauce has been kept on the counter in the past, so heat seekers can tweak things themselves. A little extra kick never hurt a cheesesteak.
So go ahead and wander off the classic path. The kitchen at The Original Philly’s seems happy to load a roll however your taste buds demand.
Seasoned Fries And Cheese Fries Worth Fighting Over
Fries rarely steal the spotlight from a cheesesteak. Here, they come surprisingly close.
The fries are seasoned rather than plain, and they arrive crispy and fresh. Some folks have even called them the best part of the meal.
Fun detail: the fries use the same seasoning as the wings. One fan called that a smart move, since everything on the tray tastes connected.
Cheese fries are the other big draw, with around forty mentions on their own. One earlier fan described them as seminal, which is high praise for a side dish.
Fair warning for the salt-sensitive crowd. One longtime customer felt the seasoning on everything added up, so you might balance your order accordingly.
For most people, though, those fries are non-negotiable. Ordering a cheesesteak without them feels a bit like skipping the frosting on a birthday cake.
They also travel well enough for a takeout feast at home. Just try not to eat half the container at red lights.
Grab a large if you’re sharing. Trust that someone at the table will suddenly want more than they claimed.
Juicy Wings With A Seasoning All Their Own
Cheesesteaks get the headlines, but the chicken wings quietly build their own fan club. Plenty of people order them as a sidekick and leave talking about both.
The wings come fried, with a seasoning several people describe as unique. It’s simple but effective, letting the chicken shine without a heavy sauce.
Fans describe them as juicy all the way through. One called them fried to perfection, while another said they were perfectly cooked every bite.
Since the fries share that same seasoning, a wings-and-fries combo feels like a matched set. It’s a tidy flavor plan from a no-fuss kitchen.
Fried chicken is on the menu too for anyone wanting a bigger poultry fix. The Original Philly’s clearly treats chicken as more than an afterthought.
Wings also make a great add-on for groups. Toss a few orders in the middle of the table and watch them vanish in minutes.
So when you’re torn between a sandwich and something crispy, don’t stress. Order both and call it research.
Fried Catfish And That Homemade Tartar Sauce
A cheesesteak shop serving fried catfish might sound unexpected. In South Seattle, it makes perfect sense, and it’s one of the menu’s quieter treasures.
Fried fish is a regular part of the lineup here. Catfish in particular gets its own mentions from people who wander beyond the sandwiches.
The real secret weapon might be the tartar sauce. It’s homemade, and at least one longtime fan singled it out alongside those seasoned fries.
Homemade sauces are a small detail that says a lot about a kitchen. It shows someone cares about the extras, not just the main event.
Catfish also makes a good pick for anyone in your group who isn’t craving red meat. Everyone gets something satisfying, and nobody has to settle.
Pair it with fries for a classic fish-fry plate. Add a little hot sauce if you like a bit more personality.
Next time you visit The Original Philly’s, consider giving the fish a shot. It might end up being your surprise favorite order.
Save Room For Coconut Cake If It’s Out
Dessert at a cheesesteak counter? Yes, and it comes with a dose of grandma energy.
Coconut cake sometimes makes an appearance here. One recent fan urged others to grab a slice if it’s available.
They compared it to something your meemaw would make. That’s about the warmest compliment a homestyle cake can earn.
The key phrase is if they have one. Availability seems to vary, so treat it like a happy bonus rather than a guarantee.
That uncertainty makes spotting it even more fun. Few things beat finding cake waiting after you’ve already committed to a giant sandwich.
Is there room after a Deluxe and cheese fries? Probably not, but cake travels nicely and tastes just as good later at home.
A sweet ending also balances all that savory, seasoned goodness. Your taste buds deserve a soft landing after the main event.
So keep an eye out near the counter when you order. If coconut cake is there, consider it a sign from the sandwich universe.
Bare-Bones Seating With Big Takeout Energy
Nobody comes here for the ambiance, and that’s completely fine. The building is decently worn, and the inside could honestly use a refresh.
Seating is limited, with fans describing it as not much of a place to dine. There’s a little outdoor seating too, though it rarely comes up.
Ordering is straightforward counter service. You step up, place your order, and wait for the bag with your name on it.
Because of that setup, many people treat it as a takeout spot first. One fan suggested ordering an extra sandwich for later, which sounds like genius planning.
The staff tends to get kind words even from people critical of the space. One customer praised a server who was helpful, quick, and funny.
It also tends to be busy, so expect company at the counter. A steady crowd is usually a good sign at a sandwich shop.
Think of The Original Philly’s as a launch pad rather than a lounge. Grab the food, find a park bench or your kitchen table, and dig in.
Who Will Fall Hardest For This Counter
Homesick East Coasters, take note. One Philadelphia native said this is the only cheesesteak spot outside Philly they actually like.
Big appetites will feel right at home too. Sandwiches come in hefty sizes, including footlongs that couples have happily split.
Value seekers are another natural fit. Several fans say they’ve paid the same or more elsewhere for far less food.
To be fair, not everyone agrees on that point. One customer felt prices didn’t match the casual setting, so expectations matter.
Groups and families can cover a lot of ground with one order. Steak, chicken, catfish, wings, and fries give everyone something to grab.
Travelers exploring Washington may find it worth a detour. One fan said it’s now a must-stop whenever they’re in Seattle.
Anyone craving a polished sit-down dinner should probably look elsewhere. This place rewards people who care more about flavor than furniture.
And if you love introducing friends to great food, you’re in luck. A common pattern here is simple: come once, then bring someone new next time.
Hours, Light Rail Access, And Smart Ordering Tips
Timing your visit is easy once you know the schedule. The shop opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Sundays are a no-go, since the counter is closed. Plan your cheesesteak cravings accordingly, or stock up on Saturday.
Getting there without a car is surprisingly simple. It’s a short walk from the Mount Baker light rail station on the 1 Line.
That transit access makes it a handy stop from downtown or the airport side of the city. Drivers will find it easily along Martin Luther King Jr Way S too.
Online ordering ahead of time is a smart move. One fan noted the thirty-minute estimate was spot on, and their bag was ready on arrival.
Waits can stretch at busy times, and orders have occasionally been mixed up. Double-checking your bag before leaving is a small habit that pays off.
Closing at 7 p.m. also means it’s more of a lunch and early dinner stop. Late-night cravings will need a backup plan.
Go early, order ahead, and you’ll be eating faster than you expected.
The Kind Of Sandwich Shop Worth Hunting Down Again
A couple once drove from Lake Union, unsure of the name, following only memory. When they spotted the building, they both shouted that this was it.
That story sums up The Original Philly’s pretty neatly. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after the napkins are gone.
The building is plain, the seating is limited, and the menu stays focused. Yet the sandwiches keep pulling people back across years and even state lines.
I like that it doesn’t try to be anything else. A counter, a grill, and a loaded roll can be plenty when they’re done right.
Not every visit will thrill every eater, and some folks wish for more cheese. Still, the warm feelings far outnumber the shrugs.
For South Seattle, it’s a neighborhood staple with real roots. For Washington cheesesteak fans, it’s a serious contender for the top spot.
So grab extra napkins and maybe a friend. One fan put it best by asking the shop to never change, and that feels like the right wish.
