Okay Nomsters, I need to talk about a cheesesteak I’m still thinking about. I finally lunched at Cheesesteak & Co. in Elkridge, and wow, they do not mess around! I love a good cheesesteak, so my expectations were high walking in, and their Original Cheesesteak might honestly be one of the best I’ve ever had.
This little carryout spot on Washington Blvd is turning out ribeye subs on real Amoroso rolls with cooper sharp cheese, and every single bite was juicy, tender, and ridiculously hot off the flat-top. It’s a straight-up 10/10 for me, and I already can’t wait to go back for the spicy chicken version. If you’re anywhere near Howard County and you take your cheesesteaks seriously, you gotta get to Elkridge for this one. Real talk, it’s just that good.
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What Makes Cheesesteak & Co. A Must Try
Here’s the thing that sets Cheesesteak & Co. apart: they’re obsessive about the details that actually matter. The meat’s 100% real ribeye (no mystery steak here), the cheese is cooper sharp white American, and the rolls are legit Amoroso rolls, which is the same Philly bread the best cheesesteak shops swear by.
That combo’s exactly why the Original tastes the way it does. They’re mainly a carryout operation, so this isn’t a sit-down situation, it’s a grab-your-sub-and-go kind of place, and the menu goes way past cheesesteaks too. You’ve got burgers, hand-rolled egg rolls, wings, and sides like jalapeno poppers and fried pickles if you want to make it a whole thing. But the cheesesteaks are the reason to show up, and they’ve earned their 4.6 stars across more than a thousand reviews for good reason.
What to Order at Cheesesteak & Co.
You already know where I’m starting. Here’s everything I got, plus what I’m eyeing for next time.
Original Cheesesteak (small, $11.99)
This was PHENOMENAL, and quite possibly one of the best cheesesteaks I’ve ever had. It’s made with ribeye, cooper sharp cheese, and grilled onions on an Amoroso roll, and the meat was cooked to perfection: each bite juicy and tender, and it showed up piping hot, which matters so much with a cheesesteak. The cooper sharp and the Amoroso roll do exactly what they’re supposed to do here. I will genuinely be thinking about this handheld for a LONG time! If it’s your first visit, this is THE order, no notes.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Cheesesteak (small, $14.99)
Their cashier recommended this one when I said I wanted to try a chicken option too, and I’m glad I listened. It’s chicken breast, bacon, ranch, cooper sharp, and grilled onions, so I mean, what’s not to love there? It fell apart on me a bit more than the Original did, so it’s a little messier to eat, but the flavors were spot on and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just know you’ll want extra napkins for this one.
Make It a Meal (+$4.99) and What’s Next
For $4.99 more you can turn any sub into a meal with a drink plus tots or fries, which is a solid move if you’re actually hungry. I didn’t get to the burgers, egg rolls, or wings this time, but they’re on my list, and next visit I’m 100% trying the spicy chicken cheesesteak since I’m a spice fiend. If you’ve had any of their other stuff, tell me what to order.
What Makes a Cheesesteak Actually Authentic?
If you’ve ever wondered why some cheesesteaks taste worlds better than others, it usually comes down to three things, and Cheesesteak & Co. nails all three. First, the meat: a true cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye, not chopped-up mystery beef, and ribeye’s marbling is what gives you that rich, tender bite.
Second, the cheese: the Philly classics are cooper sharp, provolone, or Cheez Whiz, and cooper sharp (what they use here) melts into that creamy, tangy blanket without going oily. Third, the roll: an Amoroso roll is soft inside with just enough chew to hold everything without getting soggy. Get all three right and you get a sandwich like this one.
The Vibe and Experience
Set your expectations right: this is a carryout spot, not a hang-out. Seating inside is super limited, just two small tables, so plan to take your food to go or eat in the car (no shame in it). The upside of that focus is that they really dial in speed and consistency. It sits in a strip on Washington Blvd, and fun fact, if you want a totally different vibe in the same plaza, my beloved Curry & Pie for Indian pizzas in Elkridge is right there too, so you could grab both and have yourself a little Elkridge feast.
Good to Know
- Location: 📍6500 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075
- Hours: Monday to Saturday 11am to 9pm, Sunday 11am to 8pm
- Order online: you can order ahead through their website, which is clutch since it’s a carryout-first spot
- Style: mainly carryout, very limited seating (two small tables)
- Price: affordable, subs run around $11.99 to $14.99, and it’s +$4.99 to make it a meal
- Menu beyond cheesesteaks: burgers, hand-rolled egg rolls, wings, jalapeno poppers, fried pickles, desserts, and more
- Good to know: there’s a vegan cheesesteak made with Impossible steak if you’ve got a plant-based eater in the crew, and a second location’s on the way in Owings Mills
Would I Go Back to Cheesesteak & Co.?
Of course! This is quite possibly one of the best cheesesteaks I’ve had, so much so that it earned a spot in my roundup of the best cheesesteaks in Maryland. If you love a proper ribeye cheesesteak and you’re anywhere in Howard County, this is a must. It’s affordable, it’s consistent, and that Original is the real deal, just so, so yum! Just come knowing it’s a grab-and-go operation, not a dine-in date spot.
So that’s my two cents on Cheesesteak & Co., Nomsters. If you’re already in the area and want a quick, casual bite another day, El Sopon’s food truck in Elkridge is another one of my go-tos. Have you guys tried Cheesesteak & Co. yet? Let me know your order in the comments, and if this put a cheesesteak craving in your head, send it to your favorite sandwich buddy.