An authentic Philadelphian has brought their famous cheesesteaks to Pacific Beach. Calozzi’s Cheesesteaks opened on Garnet Avenue in April 23 and has been busy satisfying East Coast cravings.
Owner Al Calozzi grew up working at his family’s cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia. In 2006, with nothing but a rickety wooden table, a propane grill, and a beach umbrella, he brought his passion for genuine Philly cheesesteaks to Seattle. He was serving bar crowds from that small stand until his first stand-alone eatery opened in 2008 in the Emerald City. Now with a location in Pacific Beach, Calozzi says his “dreams have come true.” Calozzi says that San Diego customers have been unbelievably positive with their responses after trying the food. “We have five different sandwich options on our menu, but people started making their own combos, which was really cool. Everyone so far has just been excited to come and try the food, which is great because making people happy is my whole goal,” he said. The popular cheesesteaks sandwiches range from $10.75 to $12.50.
Calozzi’s eatery was named on the “10 Best Cheesesteaks That Aren’t Made in Philly” list by Men’s Journal. It also has a 4.5 star rating on Yelp, with many San Diegans leaving outstanding reviews about how there is finally a “real Philly cheesesteak” in the area.
When Calozzi is asked what everyone’s favorite sandwich is, he answers, “all of them!” However, he went on to say that he if had to pick the public’s favorite it would probably be the “Donnie,” which comes with mushrooms and is named after his friend from Seattle, who loves mushrooms on his classic cheesesteak. Calozzi’s Cheesesteaks Where: 1146 Garnet Ave, Suite A.
Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
Info: 858-412-5180, calozzis.net.