Chink’s Steaks was established in 1949 by Samuel Sherman (his nickname was chink). Sherman originally worked at Pat’s King of Steaks before he got the idea to open his own place. He learned from the best steak place at that time and took his skill to a relatively untouched steak sandwich area in Northeast Philly. Sherman worked at Chink’s for 46 years before retiring. He then turned the business over to one of his long time workers, Joe. Chink died several years later.
Chink’s is extremely popular and has won many awards. In 2002, after Craig LaBan from The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Restaurant Guide published a complimentary article favoring Chink’s, their publicity grew. Also, in 2002 Best of Philly voted them “best cheesesteak”. They also received acclaim from AOL’s Citysearch, Sport’s Radio WIP 610 and many others sources. But as I keep telling you these awards don’t mean squat until it is reviewed here on the famous Best Philly Cheese Steak Blog. This is where real Philly cheese steak knowledge comes from.
I am extremely impressed by Chink’s Steaks in many ways. For starters, their sandwich is incredible. They use soft, golden, Italian rolls about 10 inches (not quite a foot). The steak is rib eye steak (if it is not rib eye steak then it is an immediate strike) that is stripped and layered maybe 2-3 thin strips on top of each other in the sandwich. The cheese is American cheese that is smoothed out evenly amongst the steak – paradise! The onions are small square chops that are lightly browned mixed well amongst the steak and cheese. The sandwich itself makes this a great cheese steak. But there is more…
Chink’s Steaks is situated inside of a old fashioned mom and pop cheese steak shop that still has the same look and feel of when it opened 60 years ago with its 1950’s decor. They carry a simple menu consisting of hot dogs, hamburgers, hot sausage, old fashioned sodas, milkshakes, and ice cream sundaes. This is a simple old fashioned menu that goes with their theme. Simple can be wonderful. Chink’s Steaks even has old fashioned jukeboxes (that don’t work) at each table.
I also like the cleanliness factor. It appeared that the place was well kept from the customer’s viewpoint (you never really know what is going on in the ceilings and basement). The steaks were cooked right in the front window. This is an opportunity to see your steaks being made to your standards. Always be leery when the cooking quarters is far away from the customer’s access.
The staff is very young, beautiful, friendly women running the whole place. There are several old fashioned booths where you can sit as well as at the counter. Although I didn’t eat any ice cream I plan to upon next visit.
Chink’s Steaks is a classic for Philly cheese steak fanatics. Chink’s is an original style joint as no other Philly cheese steak place will give you the same look and feel in addition to the excellent steak product it offers. They have been around for 60 years and with new, smart, self sufficient, forward looking management, I believe that they will be here another 60 years.
If I can explain the feel of this place with an analogy I would say that Chink’s Steaks is like Jim’s Steaks combining with Nifty Fifty’s Restaurant. Actually, with the pretty staff and the nostalgic atmosphere, you feel like you are being taken back in time to what the fifties were like (even if you weren’t born in that era).
Chink’s Steaks, I am honored to welcome you to the Best Philly Cheese Steak Club!
