Uncle Sam's Subs (restaurant)

What can I say about Uncle Sam’s Subs? A beautiful Philly cheese steak restaurant in Pittsburgh, PA that makes a sandwich so good it had me thinking about it for 2 and a half years. And I recently got to have it again. What bliss! They have different options for all you indecisive types, and “Ultra” versions for the particularly ravenous. The first time I visited, I was able to split an Ultra Mushroom Cheese Steak and walk away completely sated. This most recent visit, I ordered a Mushroom Cheese Steak and added grilled onions. I particularly love the tangy mayo, especially as it pairs with the cold tomatoes and lettuce, cozied up against the piping hot cheese steak, mushrooms, and onions. I ended up saving the second half for later (despite my best efforts). Their fries are decent - not the worst, not the best, but they are infinitely helped along by the addition of seasoned salt that is available for the customers to use. I believe the best french fry requires no sauce, and after a healthy sprinkle of seasoned salt, these fries can be enjoyed as such.

The service is great at the restaurant. Even though you order at the counter (and pay cash - it’s a cash only restaurant), they know exactly who to bring the order out to after you’ve taken a seat. Their fountain offers Coke products, another plus in my book.

The decor is kitschy and homey, with signs asking you to bus your own table because “your mama doesn’t work here.” There are photos of teams that the restaurant has sponsored on the wall, dating back almost 30 years and beyond. According to locals who’ve been visiting far longer than I have, the decor has not been updated since at least the ‘90s (if not further back). 

Movie Recommendation: Back to the Future (1985). A taste of timelessness that never needs to be redone. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. An instant icon that you’ll return to time and time again.