AJ's Cheesesteaks

If you are looking for a delicious cheesesteak and you want one quick, look no further than here!I highly recommend the bacon ranch cheesesteak! The page is exactly as advertised and it is more than enough for two people if they each order a fry... but trust me. You will want your own because you won't be able to stop eating it. The interior is small and fine for lunch but I feel like their main type of dining is take away.

Every so often you come across a sandwich that defies everything. A sandwich that defies expectations and makes you rethink dining out. That challenges you to consider your place in the universe. And when such a sandwich appears in the most unexpected of places, it's even more special. AJ's Cheesesteaks outside Madisonville in Cincinnati, Ohio, is serving such a sandwich. Now, I recognize the initial reaction is "A good cheesesteak? In Cincinnati? Right." And I understand that gut reaction. Usually, results are mixed when a regional delicacy is attempted to be replicated outside a 50 or so-mile radius of its creation. For example, Cincinnati has Penn Station. A regional chain serving up cheesesteaks. Perfectly serviceable sandwiches sure, but no one claims that the replicate the authentic Philly experience. But it's what we had. I cannot imagine eating at Penn Station ever again. AJ's started out as a food truck slinging subs and fries from a Norwood parking lot. The good word of Ty's (the owner, AJ, is his son and the restaurant's namesake) sandwiches spread and eventually moved to a brick-and-mortar at the corner of Whetsel Ave. in Madisonville. You'll know you're near as the smells of grilled steak waft through the neighborhood, beckoning all who love expertly seasoned and grilled thinly sliced steak to enter their doors. As we neared the new shop, guided solely by scent, we encountered a couple meandering down the street toward us. "Headed to AJ's?" They queried. We sure are, we replied absently, the smell of grilled steak intensifying the closer we got to the restaurant. "It's so good! You're going to love it!" They shouted enthusiastically, obviously intoxicated by the cheese and steak filling their bellies. My excitement grew proportionally to match their expressed elation. AJ's could not be more unassuming. It's a small space with limited seating. Filled with the intoxicating aromas of steak, seasoning, fresh bread, and lingering smoke. A simple board gives you your choices. Several different cheesesteaks in 7 or 9-inch variants with a variety of tasty accouterments, including cheese, onions, banana peppers, bacon, mushrooms, and jalapeños. There's also fries and a fridge full of soda. Subs can be customized to order with any of the aforementioned accouterments. I settled on a steak with cheese, onions, and jalapeños with a side of fries. The sandwich was huge, stuffed full of deliciousness, and the heavily seasoned fries nestled alongside the sandwich. I've been to Philly only once. The taste of the subs I had there decades ago is still fresh in the recesses of my mind and taste buds. AJ's honors Philly's culinary legend and then some. Expertly seasoned steak and grilled topping are stuffed into an imported Amoroso roll and served hot and fresh. Waffle fries are generously, and I mean generously, coated in the same delicious seasoning that covers the steak. To say everything is outstanding is an understatement of sorts. The sandwich bursts with umami flavor. The steak, melted cheese, and toppings intermingled in a delicate dance of flavor. It's both simple yet complex. The seasoned fries complemented and improved the flavors of the sandwich. Look, someone from Philly may come here, take only a look at this sandwich, scoff, and walk away, dismissing it as a local one-off version of Penn Station on the right roll. But I have a feeling this not only honors Philly's top culinary legend but gives Cincinnatians a chance to enjoy one of America's great sandwiches whenever we like. My recommendation is to run not walk to AJ's Cheesesteaks and immerse yourself and certainly become a Cincinnati legend. https://www.hyperbolefree.com/blog/ajs-cheesesteaks-brings-a-philly-legend-to-cincinnati

It may be a bit of a wait, but it's worth it. Unfortunately, there's no seating inside. It's an order up counter for takeout. The egg rolls are new to the menu. They're crisp with not much filling at 2/$10a. I like them but they're really greasy. The Aj's sauce is really sweet but seems to add something to the bacon. The fries with dry seasoning is good but also too much. The food it's really good.

If @Mullet_Review can give this place a 69 out of 10, I think I can splurge for a 5 star review. I've been a fan of AJ's for many years now, when they "just" had their food truck. To call it a "food truck" does not do it justice. Their truck in Norwood is easily the nicest food truck in Cincy. Now, to compliment their truck, they've opened up a brick and mortar location in Madisonville at the corner of Whetsel and Bramble(I believe). Contrary to the person that gave them a 1 star review during their (probably) first week in business, they now have seating. Two 4-seat tables, and two 2-top tables. They still have the same bread, same great cheesesteak options with spins on the original. They also have deli sandwiches and the different fries options. Get in there and show some love to one of the best phillys in town. I used to be a die-hard Penn Station fan, but for the last couple/few years, they've really cheaped out on the sandwich meat, and that's a shame. While PS is a locally based chain, they've appeared to veer from the path to deliciousness, which creates room for upstart local competition, and that's AJ's Cheesesteaks. Go here, eat well!

Friendly staff and incredible food! They now have tables and chairs to enjoy the delicious cheesesteak and waffle fries!

Great local spot for high quality cheesesteaks. Their wings are also really good. Their staff is friendly and helpful. It is a carry out place so be mindful of that when planning your visit but the food is worth your time.

This was the best cheesesteak I have had in the Cincinnati area. The service was tremendous and the owner was very nice. I would highly recommend.

Came all the way from Liberty Township to try this place but when we walked in there was only one table and no chairs. We did not want to eat in our car so we turned and left. The place looked run down and uninviting. I had high hopes but left disappointed and hungry.