The Real Thing

Maaaaaaaaannnnnn this breaks my heart to do this bc I loved this place but Tony, if you're reading this, you are a GREAT owner & make an amazing cheesesteak. But whoever this other guy is that cooks the food, and runs the cashier needs to GO & I don't say things like that lightly. My first encounter with him was about a year ago, and he was so rude that I hadn't come back. Today, I was in Towson on business & decided to visit my fav cheesesteak establishment again, and when I walked in, and saw him, I instantly knew there was going to be a problem. For starters, his customer service is basura. He acts like he's mad that he has customers whenever someone comes in and places an order. From his bad energy, lack of warmth and the way he mumbles comments under his breath, the entire experience is just uncomfortable. Second, I forgot that you only take cash & approached the register with my debit card. The way he communicated to me that I needed cash was how you'd imagine an abusive Parent talking to an abused child. Who are you talking to w/ that tone? And what makes matters worse, there's an ATM inside of the building so there really shouldn't be as much hostility when I could simply walk five feet that way and get cash. After getting my cash, I came back to the register & tried to get his attention to pay for my meal & he completely brushed me off as if I was a fly or an animal. Straight racist vibes & that's an awful accusation to make so please know that I don't throw that around lightly. But, I'm glad he did bc while waiting for him to acknowledge me, I noticed him using his hands, ungloved to put together a customers cheesesteak, even using his hands to add the toppings. The customer was seated so he didn't see it but I kindly asked if he could put on gloves when he makes mine to which he snapped: I WASHED MY HANDS! Initially I remained calm, and told him: I understand but you're also touching a dirty counter. This makes me uncomfortable(having just recovered from Covid), could you please put on gloves. He snapped again: THIS STOVE IS 300 degrees!! At that point I had had it and met his energy telling him how rude and unprofessional he is and had been from the moment I entered the establishment. He could've grabbed my bun with foil. Anything. But he was so stubborn & plain mean. After going back and forth for awhile, I said: I need you to put gloves on before you touch my food & he refused & suggested I leave to which I gladly obliged. Tony, whoever he is, be it a friend, or family, he is damaging a brand that you worked so hard to build. He doesn't care about the community or quality bc he lacks it x a million. Sorry for the long review & I doubt you'll even see it, but man I wish you would.

The only real Philly cheesesteak we've found in the area! Wiz Wit! And they use Amoroso rolls so they're legit.

Yelp fam!This review goes all the way back to my college days. The Real Thing is the best cheesesteak in Baltimore/Towson. (RIP Pizans) I recently went back and was pleasantly surprised that nothing has changed. Same owner, same amazing taste, great portions & same location. This spot has saved me several times for my late night cheesesteak cravings! My go to would either be Cheesesteak hoagie- mayo,hots, provolone.If I'm feeling froggy- Either Mikes way or the "Real Thing" The service reminds me of Philly, no nonsense, make your order, move to the side. Pro tip****This spot is cash only **** also call in your order ahead of time & miss the line****The inside is chill, a few tables if you can't wait to get home. Overall the Real thing is bringing consistently tasty cheesesteaks to Baltimore and doing it very well. I ate my food before I could take the pictures. So I'll def be back!

What a great small business to support here in Towson. Great selection from the grill. Really huge pile of meat with your choice of toppings. Being from Philly, I loved the sound of the spatulas chopping on the grill. They've been here over 30 years for good reason. (Some parking in rear)

I just realized I've never reviewed this place. I haven't been in here in 2 years. The times I've been here the food has been delicious. I've had the cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, and fries. I would get this sauce they have that's similar to hot sauce and deep my subs in it. Since I no longer eat beef or chicken I no longer visit The Real thing, unfortunately. But if I did I would drive across town just to get some subs from here.Correction: I just saw they have veggie subs and tuna so I will be back!

It's 2025, and your search for the PERFECT cheesesteak ends here! Sounds corny and cliché, right? WRONG!!! This is, without a doubt, THE BEST CHEESESTEAK I HAVE EVER HAD--and yes, I'm shouting it from the rooftops! Believe me, I'm not exaggerating one bit. It's THAT good.Let's start with the bread: absolutely delicious. It's not soggy, even after a 15-minute drive home. Still hot. Still perfect. And it holds up beautifully, even with the monstrous portion of cheesesteak packed inside. Honestly, I'd eat this bread on its own--it's that amazing.Now, the steak. Oh. My. Goodness. It's so good, it feels almost too good, like it shouldn't be legal. I'm convinced it's outlawed in at least 17 states!Parking? I went around 2 p.m. and found plenty of spots, but after tasting this cheesesteak, I'd happily parachute in if I had to. Seriously.A heads-up: they're cash-only. But don't let that stop you--rob a bank if you must, just make sure you experience this cheesesteak!Oh, and the onion rings? Gigantic, plentiful, and absolutely worth every penny. The portions are so generous, you're getting way more than your money's worth.To top it all off, the service is quick, courteous, and the owner is genuine and friendly.If you haven't been here yet, drop everything and go NOW. This place is a game-changer!

There isn't a better place around for a cheesesteak. Bread is clearly at a different level.

Drove down from Westminster to check this place out. Paid $5 for parking. The place looks like it is closed and shut down. Went around the block and had great hotpot instead.On the walk back to the car, we see that it is now open.PLEASE! Post new hours if you can't adhere to your posted business hours. It's very disrespectful to customers... I'm so disappointed you didn't care about me.

This spot has been a fixture in Towson for 40+ years and it is truly 'The Real Thing'. Look, I've been in Bmore the majority of my life and I have had my share of subs and fries. This spot is it as alot of the previous spots that I came to know are no more. I recently ordered a cheesesteak sub at The Real Thing that had onions, provolone cheese, lettuce, tomato and mayo with fries. Let me break it down for you... the bread is legit where it is lightly toasted and whatever you get on it, believe me, the bread will hold it and still give you a slight crunch along with that chewy texture. Now, on to the steak that made it to my bread... fresh and tender (not a steak-ums); the provolone cheese was fresh and melted over everything and for that reason, going in on this sub was just a moment of perfection For me. YUUUUM!This spot has a neat and clean eating area where you can sit and enjoy. The entire place including the kitchen is clean and just gives off a plain and easy chilled vibe to sit and eat a banging sub.Do know that before I pulled off to head home with my food, I had to open my sub and take not just one bite but I had two bites. After that meditative state that I fell into, I called the owner, Tony and let him know that he definitely has 'The Real Thing'. He is so nice and funny too. Call Tony if you need to park around the back - he will guide you in - it can get busy in Towson and parking can be hard to find. Consider giving Tony some love if you are on board with what he prepared for you. Reviews are a good thing especially for small businesses. Let's keep Tony and The Real Thing in Towson for another 40 years in the Towson community. Thank you and God Bless!

To my darker skinned people beware. I walked in and the lady cooking looked at me as if I was insane coming in there then proceeded to ask me "huh" instead of how may I help you. I instantly walked out. Maybe their customer service is like that with everyone though.