King of Steaks?? That’s what Rick is trying to claim, but on the looks of location, I think not. I guess being born and raised into the ‘steak making business would give you the honor of claiming the title “King of Steaks.” After assuming the role of his late Grandfather, Pat Oliveri, Rick continued the awesome legacy and opened up a second cheesesteak grille. From 1982 to 2008, Rick’s Original Philly Steaks resided at the oh so popular Reading Terminal Market. After their lease had expired, Rick made the big move to the West side of Broad Street. This past June, Rick’s Steaks made it’s debut at 200 South Broad Street, downstairs of the Bellevue on Broad and Walnut.
Well, once I discovered this tid-bit of information, I checked out Rick’s newly vamped website. I’ll let you judge for yourself based on the pictures provided:
Rick's Steaks' Website
Looks like an AWESOME cheesesteak place right?! It incorporates everything a “King of Steaks” kind of place should have… flashing lights, cool photos, appealing colors, a great layout.
And now I will show you what we found once we pranced down the steps to the bottom level of the Bellevue…
Rick's Steaks
Rick's Steaks
OK, I thought we were on the same page. Keywords: Food Court. Dinginess. Dull. Uneventful. BORING.
I was so disappointed to have witnessed where the “King of Steaks” resides… in the corner of a downstairs food court. Not up-to-par with the infamous Pat’s, Gino’s, or Tony Lukes, etc. Like the cheesesteak I wrestled with, it was lacking flair, energy, tradition and atmosphere. SUCH A LET DOWN, RICK! I know you have it in ‘ya… but seriously, what were you thinking?!? A place ABOVE the street might have been a little bit more appealing and authentic… wouldn’t you’d rather wait outside in the cold for a steaming hot, melting cheese covered delish’ cheesesteak, than eat one in a lonely, drab food court nestled in the bottom of a building?!
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Day 