Pop's Philly Steaks

[Bluntfacts]

Located at 501 S Decatur, on the SE corner of Alta & Decatur.

Date of visit: Thursday 9/7/06 @ 11:15PM
Overall: A
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: A

I had left Caesars Palace after a great session and after taking Twain under I-15 to Valley View, I was all set to turn left on D.I. and make the long drive to Hualapai. But there was an accident and I had to keep going north, so when I got to Charleston, I turned left. Was feeling hungry and then I remembered Pop's, a place I had not been to in probably 10 years. So I turned right on Decatur and figured if it wasn't there, I could still just get on 95.

But it was there and is still just as I remember it. You walk up to the "grillmaster" and place your order. I chose the Steak & Provolone sub ($6.99) with an order of fries ($1.95) for carry-out. There is a well-lit outside quasi-patio if you want to eat immediately, and even at the late hour, there were two couples dining. My order was ready within 5 minutes and off I went, although I did attack the fries on the freeway. Got home and the sub was excellent; shaved steak, cheese, and grilled onions; just what I needed.

Overall rating is based on my belief that the place succeeds at what it sets out to do. Atmosphere rating is the same thing; the place is a wonderful little hole in the wall alternative to the national fast food chains.

[markem]

Have to check it out when I'm out on that side of town.

Thanks!

[piscesleo1]

I went to Pops last night for a Cheesesteak.

Food = A
service = A
Atmosphere = A
Price $10.60 including tax.

I would describe Pops as an urban or college cheesesteak stand. These places are usually pretty good and stay open very late and process orders very quickly. No exception here. I walk up to the window, ordered the mushroom cheesteak with grilled onions and provolone and a large fry. 5 minutes later they were done and I was on my way home. They have a few parking spots and a few tables outside the stand and it was clean and there were no homeless people there unlike chicago or LA. The two guys working there were in a good mood and service as mentioned was fast.
I got home and was not dissapointed. Now these places tend to make their stuff on the greasier side or at least it seems greasy, but I knew that and expected it and you know what, sometimes greasy hits the spot, especially if you've had some drinks, which i didnt. But even so, the steak was good, the fry's were good and i wasnt dissapointed. The only thing is that I think it was a little pricy, I mean 10.60 is alot and it was not as big as what you get at capriottis or jersey mikes. but those places do close earlier so if you need a cheesteak very late Pops is a good place to go.

[Bluntfacts]

I think you said it better than I did. It so reminds me of many places I have visited in my life; and most were in big cities or college towns. The kind of place you kind of stumble across, or someone tells you about. They don't have an advertising budget like the big guys. But they are usually down to earth; they know they aren't selling gourmet food, but the food usually tastes great. They kind of place that always is grilling some onions. The kind of place where their livelihood is on the line with every order.

[piscesleo1]

Yes, the people there did care about the place even though I am not sure if they owned it. I mentioned to them I was trying it out because I read about it on this board. They were happy to hear that and they were very interested in reading the reviews.

[Aqualung]

I had take away from their once, and it was terrible. The meat was dry, and they got the order wrong. McDonalds tastes better, and that stuff gives me indigestion.

[Bluntfacts]

Dry? That steak grilling on the grill at Pop's was STEAMING.. To compare McDonald's with Pop's; well if you like McDonald's, you might as well just pour SODIUM down your throat before you bite into a Big Mac.

[Aqualung]

I can't stand Mc Donalds. The best burger that I've ever had was at Kilroy's. I heard that they closed their kitchen because of Question 5. The burger at Kerry's Sports Bar on North Rancho is pretty good.

[JustMe]

Originally Posted by Bluntfacts Located at 501 S Decatur, on the SE corner of Alta & Decatur. Date of visit: Thursday 9/7/06 @ 11:15PM Overall: A Food: A Service: A Atmosphere: A I had left Caesars Palace after a great session and after taking Twain under I-15 to Valley View, I was all set to turn left on D.I. and make the long drive to Hualapai. But there was an accident and I had to keep going north, so when I got to Charleston, I turned left. Was feeling hungry and then I remembered Pop's, a place I had not been to in probably 10 years. So I turned right on Decatur and figured if it wasn't there, I could still just get on 95. But it was there and is still just as I remember it. You walk up to the "grillmaster" and place your order. I chose the Steak & Provolone sub ($6.99) with an order of fries ($1.95) for carry-out. There is a well-lit outside quasi-patio if you want to eat immediately, and even at the late hour, there were two couples dining. My order was ready within 5 minutes and off I went, although I did attack the fries on the freeway. Got home and the sub was excellent; shaved steak, cheese, and grilled onions; just what I needed. Overall rating is based on my belief that the place succeeds at what it sets out to do. Atmosphere rating is the same thing; the place is a wonderful little hole in the wall alternative to the national fast food chains.

The fact that you give this place an A for atmosphere is a clue to your inability to provide a descent review. Isn't this that the really old tacky A-frame building painted black with a huge sign painted on the roof? That is one of the ugliest eyesores in that part of town. I can't imagine anyone rating that place better than A C for atmosphere. As I recall there wasn't even any place to eat indoors. Just beat up old picnic tables next to a busy street.

I tried that place years ago and I was not impressed. The food was overpriced and average. Post #3 said $10.60 for a single sandwich. That's too much.

[JustMe]

Originally Posted by Aqualung I can't stand Mc Donalds. The best burger that I've ever had was at Kilroy's. I heard that they closed their kitchen because of Question 5. The burger at Kerry's Sports Bar on North Rancho is pretty good.

Too bad for you the owners cared more about smoking than food.

[Bluntfacts]

Originally Posted by JustMe The fact that you give this place an A for atmosphere is a clue to your inability to provide a descent review. Isn't this that the really old tacky A-frame building painted black with a huge sign painted on the roof? That is one of the ugliest eyesores in that part of town. I can't imagine anyone rating that place better than A C for atmosphere. As I recall there wasn't even any place to eat indoors. Just beat up old picnic tables next to a busy street. I tried that place years ago and I was not impressed. The food was overpriced and average. Post #3 said $10.60 for a single sandwich. That's too much.

Well, you are again overlooking the facts. This place is a hole in the wall sub shop on freaking Decatur for gosh sakes. The mere fact you don't have to have a holstered 9mm is a plus. Let me be blunt; the area ain't even middle class (like 80% of this town). So for a hole in the wall place, it gets an A for atmosphere. It succeeds at being an urban hole in the wall. So very similar to hole in the wall places in college towns, Chicago, Philly, Cleveland, L.A.; the list is endless.

But the nice thing is the cooks speak English.

[lvkewlkid]

Average income in 89107 is 57295 in 2004, I got that from city-data...doesn't that sound middle-class?

[piscesleo1]

People need to understand what pops is all about. Its a place to get a very quick hot sub and fries at a late hour. Where else can you get that?

Also, places like Pops have a different taste to their fries and other items than a fast food place like Burger King or Mcdonalds. Thats entirely why I would go there at midnight rather than a fast food joint. It tastes different and I would say better, especially if you have had a few drinks. I wouldnt go there for a business lunch or a weekday early dinner.

Its great for what it does. Go Pops!! Theres a reason why its been there for a very long time folks.

[Bluntfacts]

Originally Posted by piscesleo1 People need to understand what pops is all about. Its a place to get a very quick hot sub and fries at a late hour. Where else can you get that? Also, places like Pops have a different taste to their fries and other items than a fast food place like Burger King or Mcdonalds. Thats entirely why I would go there at midnight rather than a fast food joint. It tastes different and I would say better, especially if you have had a few drinks. I wouldnt go there for a business lunch or a weekday early dinner. Its great for what it does. Go Pops!! Theres a reason why its been there for a very long time folks.

Well said. As my original post shows, it was 11:15PM. I had been gambling downtown and afterwards, I wanted something to eat. At that point, it was either a bunch of B.S. bar/taverns; or fast food (no freaking way ever); or turn on Decatur to the 95. and drive home. And there...like an oasis.. Pops. Well lit...and open...For that, atmosphere gets an A. I knew exactly what to expect; and when I got home, that sandwich hit the spot. Whether it was $6; $12; or even $20 would not have mattered, that sandwich hit the freaking spot.

But...Drive miles to go there for the so-called atmosphere? Of course not. Feeling a little impact and want a freshly made sub? Rating A.