Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks

American food is now fairly ubiquitous in Melbourne, from the New Orleans-inspired gumbo and po’boys to Buffalo wings and Southern fried chicken.

Enter newbie, Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks – a drinking den-cum eatery nestled out the back of Fitzroy’s Catfish bar that’s capitalising on Philadelphia’s most famous food export, cheesesteaks.

While not the first to offer Melburnians a taste of the sloppy beef, onion and cheese sandwich, the experience is enhanced by a sun-filled, spacious courtyard and craft beers.

Cheesesteaks include: classic (with American or provolone cheese), pizza steak (pizza sauce, black olives and mushrooms), mushroom steak, and the hot pepper steak to name a few. Vegetarians are also well catered for with a tofu cheesesteak and vegan chilli on rice.

Not to forget, the all-important ‘drip’ factor – but not the overly sloppy trickle-down-your-face-kind – it’s a key element in mastering the cheesesteak, according to Sparrow’s and fellow aficionados.

And Sparrow’s delivers on ‘drip’ with its thinly sliced sautéed rib eye beef—it’s unctuous and crispy, encased by a sweetish bun, melted cheese and crunchy onions.

Each cheesesteak is $12, with the addition of fries for $15. With a generous dollop of sour cream and jalapenos, the side order of chilli cheese fries and sinfully addictive onion rings are a highlight.

While it may not win brownie points for the healthiest meal ever ingested, the satisfaction of feasting at Sparrow’s far outweighs the pain of exercising the day after.

SPARROW’S AT CATFISH BAR
30-32 Gertrude Street, Fitzroy
9417 6420
5pm to 12.30am Mon-Thurs
12pm to 12.30am Fri-Sat
12pm to 10.30pm Sun
sparrowsphillysteaks.com