Trying the new Steak at a Favorite Burger Joint

I’ve already raved about Relish of Milmont Park, PA, in several earlier posts. They are the sort of old-school hot dog and hamburger joint that I’ve always idealized and sought out while traveling, but never expected to have within 15 minutes of where I live. 

While I may have mentioned in one of those earlier posts that Relish doesn’t serve cheesesteaks, that changed recently when they were added to the menu. My initial reaction wasn’t particularly positive. Their primary focus on franks and burgers was one of their main selling points for me. On top of that, the photos I had seen of the seedless long rolls they use didn’t look very good. So I was in no hurry to try one.

But that changed when Relish announced on their Facebook page last week that they had added optional seeded rolls. I also noticed they were offering Cooper Sharp as one of their cheese options. Those two factors combined were enough of a spur to get me back over there for an early lunch Thursday. 

There is no better place in the Philly region than a counter seat at Relish to enjoy a burger, hot dog, or now a cheesesteak. I love watching their grill chefs at work. 

The menu I photographed outside hasn’t yet been updated to include steaks, but there was a sidewalk sign urging people to try them and pointing out that they are made with ribeye. 

In addition to a cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp and fried onions on a seeded roll, I ordered a mug of their excellent draught birch beer. 

Although I couldn’t see my steak being worked on for the most part, as the grill chef blocked my view, I did catch a glimpse of him putting what looked like a whole lot of cheese on top of the meat before allowing it to melt and blending it in. I feared it might be too much.

Thankfully, that turned out not to be the case. The meat-to-cheese ratio was excellent, as was the seeded Aversa Bakery roll, which had a bit of crustiness but was ultra soft and fresh within. 

There appeared to be 8-10 ounces of ribeye on there and it was nicely seasoned but chopped a bit finer than I prefer. 

While it wasn’t up there with my favorites, it was a very solid steak. And the fact that I ate it in such a divine setting didn’t hurt.

As much as I enjoyed Relish’s cheesesteak, I see myself eating hamburgers during most of my future visits. Not only did I like the first couple I had there, but I also associate places that have that sort of classic look with burgers based on some of my past eating experiences while traveling in the Midwest.