Jake’s Steaks (San Francisco, CA)

While on a recent trip to San Francisco, I found myself in the Marina District in between business meetings, hungry and in need of some beers.  Per the recommendation of a local, my friend and I headed over to Jake’s Steaks.

Walking in, we were greeted with a big “You’re in EAGLES COUNTRY” banner, as well as lots of other Eagles and Phillies paraphernalia.  The wall to the left is adorned with a blown up photograph of Boathouse Row.  And while small, the bar provided a nice late afternoon place to chill out, throw back some of their 22-ounce “pints,” and watch the Tigers and Twins battle for the AL Central playoff spot.

GET IT: At the counter, there was a small stand of Tastykake treats, which was definitely a nice touch.  However, I was a little put off by the menu telling me how to “properly” order a cheesesteak: “Go traditional, ‘Whiz with’ (This means: cheese Whiz, with onions!)”  How exciting!  Mind you, I’ve never been to a cheesesteak place in Philly outside of Pat’s or Geno’s that made me order with that vernacular.  Nevertheless, I ordered: “12 inch, Whiz, without,” and sat back down at the bar and continued with my beer and baseball.  After about an inning, I had my cheesesteak.

EAT IT: The sandwich came out on a delicious looking Amoroso roll, and the whiz was evenly distributed throughout the thinly diced steak, just how I like it (as opposed to the longer, wider cuts of a Geno’s or Pat’s steak).  They also don’t skimp on the meat, as this thing was loaded.  Not sure if this is the best way to describe it, but it was a little “soupier” than I’m accustomed to in that the juices from the steak and the Whiz, combined with how thin the steak was sliced, created an eating experience that didn’t involve as much chewing as a typical cheesesteak.  The only negative to this, really, is that I was able to hoover this thing down quicker than normal.

WELL? This sandwich definitely hit the spot.  Coupled with some brews, it was definitely an enjoyable eating experience.  Apart from the texture being slightly off, and throw in the price ($6.65 for 8 inch, $8.09 for 12 inch), thing was a HOME RUN!  (Get it?  Because I was watching baseball!  Home run???)  Mark it…

CHEESESTEAK!!!