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Print this page2-Minute Review: Chicago Cheese Steak Company
Chicago or Philly, a new sandwich shack downtown will fill your cheesy, meaty needs.
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, intern Jason Loeffler and I met to discuss some business and munch some sammiches.
The food was just what we’d come for: Filling, slightly greasy lumps of goodness only a guy with a Chi-town accent could whip up. The menu isn’t super long, but I tested what depth there was by ordering the catfish hoagie. The fish was perfectly breaded and very meaty, topped with lettuce, tomato, American cheese, seasoning and a hefty, sloppy helping of mayo. I enjoyed it, but recommend a fork for the bits of veggie and fish that will inevitably fall out of the bun. Jason’s Chicago-style hoagie was equally fulfilling, and piled high with toppings. “It’s very Chicago, very greasy spoon,” he mumbled between bites. “It satisfies that ‘gut’ feeling, when you just want something filling.’
CCSC’s home, the old Merle’s spot sandwiched between the new Merle’s and MudLounge, is tiny; there’s no getting around that. There are only a few square feet to move around, a wide-enough counter for ordering, and a bar along one wall for anyone who wants to eat there.
The only problem I had was that CCSC is BYOB: Bring Your Own Barstool. There were only two chairs, one a tallish barstool, the other a chair too short to be useful. Two people will not be able to dine together inside unless they stand, which Jason and I did. We felt very big- city.
Our recommendation: Call in a carry-out order at 417-865-1775.
Reader Comments:
Awful, simply awful service. In what language does “meat and cheese only” mean “oh, yes, please, put some mayo on it!” Took one bite and … GACK! “Oh,” he tells me, “you should have said what NOT to put on it.” Again I ask, in what language does a request for “meat and cheese only” mean it’s okay to add other things? And then, no apology, no offer to do over, and NO REFUND! Obviously, the owner/worker has got a huge chip on his shoulder about being stuck here in the Ozarks and for his sake, I hope he gets to go back to Chicago soon.
As far as authenticity of a Philly Cheese Steak -- c'mon --Mozzarella? Bad enough, but mayo? Just gross.
Sloppy food served up with an unhealthy audio dose of Fox News Radio.
If you're a fan of that crap then stand at the bar and eat the sandwiches that can be tasty at times. I can't even bear to go back in there. Hannity + Glenn Beck + mayo = GAK! And I agree that the Philly's are not authentic AT ALL.
The cheese steaks you get at this hole in the wall are the best in the entire state. The owner knows what he is doing and even offers a discount through a campus coupon for the college students. If you are ever in Springfield MO i can't think of a better place to grab lunch. I also hear that the owner is thinking about opening a cheese steak cart for downtown!!