When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew
Why Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew is a popular New York City eatery renowned for its authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks and a great selection of craft beers and cocktails. Located in vibrant Midtown and Nomad neighborhoods, it offers a cozy tavern atmosphere with plenty of televisions showing sports, making it a perfect casual hangout for friends. The cheesesteaks are served on fresh, handmade hoagie rolls sourced daily, filled generously with quality sliced steak and a variety of cheeses such as White American, sharp provolone, and a flavorful cheese whiz. Apart from cheesesteaks, the menu features specialty sandwiches like Roast Pork Special, Buffalo Cutlet, and Italian hoagies, as well as thick-cut fries and wings that are well-loved. The staff is known for friendly and attentive service, enhancing the welcoming environment. With a solid 4.7-star rating from over 400 reviews, this spot is a favored choice for satisfying an appetite for classic cheesesteaks paired with refreshing brews, ideal for casual meetups or watching a game.
Here's what people think of Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew
As of recent, Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew holds a 4.7-star rating based on 439 reviews.
Reviews for Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew are mostly very positive, highlighting the quality of the food, particularly the cheesesteaks and the generous portions. Many customers praise the authentic Philly flavor and the fresh bread, along with the good beer selection. Positive reviews also emphasize the friendly and attentive service, which adds to the overall experience, as well as the lively and inviting tavern-style setting. Some mention the great happy hour deals and the convenient location near Times Square and Nomad as additional perks. On the other hand, some negative reviews criticize the pricing, noting that cheesesteaks are relatively expensive (around $18-$20) for the portion size, especially considering the Midtown location. A few found the amount of meat lacking compared to expectations and felt that the value could be better. Despite these criticisms, the majority of reviewers conclude that the taste and atmosphere make it worth a visit, especially if you want a reliable spot for Philly-style sandwiches in NYC. Overall, Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew consistently receives high marks for quality, flavor, and service, making it a solid choice for cheesesteak lovers and groups looking for a casual dining experience with good brews and sports on TV.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Kevin Drost
I heard this place serves authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks in NYC. They most certainly do. I’ve been to Philadelphia and it’s just as good as any cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. It’ way better than Pat’s or Geno’s. However you shouldn’t go to those places for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks anyways. I heard the owner is actually from Philadelphia which makes sense on how good they are. The special is a cheesesteak fried and a beer or soda. Of course I got the beer lol. And it’s all for $20 how can you go wrong in?
Toni Lewis
We had the authentic cheesesteak lunch-time deal with a beer and fries for $20 and it was unreal! The cheesesteak was so juicy, flavoursome and piping hot, tasted so good! Fries were seasoned really well. The Old City amber ale was great too. I highly recommend this place, me and my fiancée loved it! Svetlana made the whole experience even better her service was the best in NYC!
N. Scott White
Unbelievable!!!! This is one of best Cheesesteaks I have ever had. The roll was was perfect for the meat and cheese. I wanted the Authentic with Whiz and fried onions. It did not disappoint. I’m a foodie and I will definitely be back, when I’m a lot hungrier. Frankie my Server is top notch, made me feel welcome and made sure everything was great!! I would give 10 Stars!!!!!
Greg “Gregory” M
Great place, had the Cheesesteak, added onions, sweet peppers, and mushrooms. Amazing flavor. Chose the American cheese. Did not disapoint. Also had the cheesesteak eggrolls and the mango haberno wings. All reasonably priced, great service. They need more business.
Danielle Violante
LOVE the broccoli sandwich special, but adding chicken steak. The combo of broccoli + chicken goes together so well. I love that the sandwich is flavorful and not greasy at all. The sub bread quality is unbelievable and helps make the sandwich - not stale, good flavor, soft but also crusty enough to hold up to the fillings. I like to order mine with a side of marinara (which I appreciate they sell on the side so the sandwich doesn’t deliver soggy).
How to reach Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew
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Why Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew with your friends? Because this spot offers more than just great food—it’s an experience perfectly tailored for gathering and celebration. Nestled in the heart of New York City, Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew stands out with its combination of authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks, a broad variety of craft brews, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels just right for groups. Whether you’re meeting up for casual catch-ups, sports-watching, or simply a good time, this place answers the call with its convivial vibe and spacious layout. The staff’s friendly service makes everyone feel like a regular, setting the tone for a comfortable and immersive outing. With a sterling 4.7-star rating from over 400 reviews, it’s clear that customers appreciate both quality and ambiance here. So if you want a place that serves up hearty eats, refreshing drinks, and the perfect hangout energy, Olde City is a natural rallying point for friends and family who want to share memorable moments over fantastic food and brews.
What activities are available at Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew that make it perfect for a group meetup? First and foremost, the centerpiece activity is enjoying their legendary cheesesteaks. Known for their generous use of sliced steak and melty, abundant cheese varieties stacked on crusty hoagie rolls from LeBus Bakery, these sandwiches satisfy even the biggest appetites. Their menu caters not only to those craving classic Philly cheesesteaks but also creatives looking for unique twists, such as garlic aioli-infused versions. Alongside the main draws are their distinctly thick-cut, crispy-on-the-outside yet fluffy-on-the-inside fries which come with customizable options like Italian seasoning, Old Bay spices, cheese, or truffle parmesan, accommodating different taste preferences within your group. Beyond food, the bar offers a solid lineup of craft beers and specialty brews that perfectly complement the savory dishes. The convivial tavern-like space has multiple TVs throughout, creating an engaging environment for watching sports games or cheering on Philly teams, which naturally adds enthusiasm and energy to any gathering. This combination of great food, drinks, sports entertainment, and vibrant atmosphere makes it ideal for friend groups to relax, share conversations, and make lasting memories.
Why is Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew especially suited for group outings compared to other New York venues? One significant reason is its spacious, long-room layout allowing groups to congregate without feeling cramped, which is often difficult in busy NYC spots. The décor and ambiance are casual yet spirited, reminiscent of a classic sports tavern, encouraging jovial interaction. For groups enthusiastic about sports, the multiple screens create a mini viewing party environment, enabling everyone to catch the action from whichever seat they claim. Another plus is the food portion sizes—each cheesesteak and side dish is hearty enough that sharing or ordering varied items for group tastings feels both practical and satisfying. Service staff are known for their welcoming, attentive approach, often remembered in reviews as outstanding, which enhances the overall group experience by ensuring everyone’s needs are met smoothly. Whether celebrating a special occasion, hosting a spontaneous meetup, or settling in for a game night, Olde City offers a combination of elements—space, food, drink, and atmosphere—that support a lively, communal vibe perfect for gatherings of any size.
What kinds of foods and drinks make Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew stand out as a destination? Their email address to the Philly cheesesteak tradition is evident with the star dishes, packed with quality sliced steak and multiple cheese choices such as Whiz, provolone, and sharp cooper sharp American cheese. Beyond the cheesesteaks, their appetizers like garlic-battered cheddar bites provide comfort food staples with a twist—fried cheese curds served alongside marinara dipping sauce add variety and delight for sharing among friends. Their wings come in multiple sauce options, including hot or mild buffalo, garlic parmesan, and spicy honey, catering to different heat tolerances and flavor preferences, though some reviewers consider prices a bit steep. The Italian fries, topped with parmesan and Italian seasoning, are a crowd-pleaser that complements the sandwiches effectively. To wash it all down, their beer selection includes local and craft brews that resonate with the “brew” part of their name, creating an ideal pairing with their menu. Collectively, this carefully curated food and drink lineup is tailored to satisfy diverse palates, enhancing the experience for groups looking for both quality and variety.
How does the vibe and service at Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew enhance the group experience? The space resembles a tavern with its long, open room design filled with communal energy, making it easy to strike up conversation or immerse in lively banter with your group. The installation of multiple TVs creates a sports bar atmosphere perfect for catching live games, especially appealing to Philadelphia sports fans who have found a home away from home at this venue. The upbeat music selection complements the casual, energetic feel, encouraging guests to linger and enjoy. Crucially, the staff—highlighted repeatedly by patrons for their friendliness and attentiveness—help make group visits special, greeting guests warmly and accommodating needs promptly. Service professionalism paired with the laid-back ambiance strikes a balance that feels both welcoming and fun. Together, these elements create an environment where groups can rally, relax, and enjoy shared moments with ease.
What makes Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew a reliable venue for happy hours and casual socializing? The pricing, while at times considered premium due to location, tends to reflect the quality of ingredients and generous portions, which many groups find worthwhile for the overall experience. The bar caters well to happy hour crowds, providing comforting food selections and craft brews that help unwind after work or kick off an evening out. It’s a favorite spot among nearby office workers, indicating a dependable quality and atmosphere suitable for casual after-work meetups. Even customers not originally seeking the Philly cheesesteak experience often find themselves returning because of the friendly vibe and dependable menu. It seamlessly blends New York City energy with a neighborhood feel, making it ideal for both impromptu and planned gatherings. Whether celebrating small victories or simply catching up with friends, Olde City provides an accessible, fun space that supports many group occasions.
How can groups maximize their experience when meeting at Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew? Planning around sporting events can heighten the energy and excitement, given the bar’s extensive TV coverage and enthusiastic vibe during games. Trying a mix of their signature cheesesteaks alongside appetizers like the garlic cheddar bites and wings allows everyone to share and sample different flavors, fitting the communal spirit. Pairing these dishes with the curated beer selection enhances the sensory experience while encouraging lively conversation. Early arrival during off-peak hours can ensure preferred seating that accommodates the entire group comfortably. Also, taking advantage of friendly and attentive staff to customize orders or receive recommendations enhances satisfaction. Groups looking for a memorable meetup will find that embracing the combination of great food, drinks, sports, and amicable service at Olde City creates the perfect recipe for a successful and enjoyable gathering.