Fredo's Philly's in Pasadena...

[Joe]

I've read lots of good things about this little joint so I decided to go check it out yesterday. Knowing the mini-mall and the overall area, I wasn't expecting a fancy place. Just a good hole in the wall serving-up some authentic fresh cheese steaks.

Once I arrived, it was exactly as I thought it would be. The service was a bit slow but once I got a hold of the sandwich, all that didn't matter anymore. I ordered the works Cheese Steak. The roll was fresh and soft. The meat a little overcooked but had just the right balance of cheese, meat, bell peppers, mushrooms and seasoning. Although it was a large, I devoured it and was left craving for more. Very well done!

Good fresh food, good portions with reasonable prices. If you're from the Philly area, they have Tasty Cakes as well as Hank's Root Beer, which will surely give you some melancholy for Philly. Just be patient as the service isn't the fastest. To be expected, considering it's recent popularity.

http://www.fredosphillys.com/

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Fredo's Phillys
720 N Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91104

[grubjay]

In response to exilekiss and the gristle query. I was there a couple of months ago for the second time and was disappointed to find quite a bit of gristle in my sandwich. I’m hoping that experience was rare and not the norm. I’ll give it another try someday, but not in a hurry to return.

[Velvet Elvis]

I have been there several times, and I haven't had any gristle problems. However, I would definitely mention it to Dan if you ever go back. He seems to be the kind of guy who wants to please his customers, and I am sure he would do what he can to correct the situation.

[exilekiss]

Thanks all (about the gristle question).

I'll definitely be back to give'em a 2nd chance. :)

[MsAC]

Oh yeah, it is good. Worth noting, too, that they do them "wit Whiz" if you ask. :-)
(and no, to exilekiss, I've never had a gristle problem)

[exilekiss]

For all the Fredo's regulars, I have to ask:

* Is a fair amount of "gristle" normal at Fredo's, or was I unlucky?

I tried it 3 weeks ago, and the *flavor* was amazing! Probably one of the best Philly Cheese Steaks I've ever had. But in my sandwich, there was a lot of gristle that I had to spit out between the normal soft beef.

Thanks.

[Joe]

No gristle to speak of during my experience. To be fair, I've only been once but I'll pay attention and report back, if any is encountered.

[duke_of_mildew]

I've been there 4 or 5 times (most recently 3 days ago) and never had a problem with gristle.

Their battered onion rings are pretty good, too.

[JimmyC]

the real deal