Phatter is Better

There once was a hidden gem of a joint, tucked away just on the outside of downtown Tulsa hot spots. Delicious Philly cheesesteak sandwiches were magically created and served well into the evening to cure those late-night cravings. This post-bar grub oasis was the secret stash of those in the know and delicacy for hardcore sandwich fans. After a short hiatus, the story of Phat Philly's continues, with a souped-up new location and a menu with some new hits and old favorites.

Phat Philly's new digs are a far cry from their original home on 11th and Detroit, which is now home to another late-night favorite, The Dog House. Not only is the new Philly's much larger, with tables and comfortable seating for about 50, they also have a bar with a beer tap featuring local beers, a selection of bottled beer and even a few wines. It's sleek, comfortable and now a perfect spot not just for late-night cravings, but for lunch or a casual dinner.

Heath Sharp

The Phat Philly's original cheese steak is filled to the brim with chopped steak, melty cheddar cheese, grilled onion and peppers rolled up tight in a hoagie roll. People are quick to squabble over what "authentic" Philly cheese steak is supposed to be. But Phat Philly's classic meat, cheese, bread trifecta with flavorful grilled onion and bell peppers is fantastic. They offer two sizes: 7 inch Phat ($7) for the lightweights and the 11 inch Phatter for ($10) -- for those with the serious munchies.

Philly's also offers a variety of extras so you can fatten up your Philly with mushroom, jalapeno, provolone, pizza sauce, bacon, egg (!), black olive, chili or extra cheese. Let your imagination run wild for only fifty cents each ($1 for the Phatter 11 inch).

Now the next part of this review may get a little controversial, especially for those Philly purists. Instead of the chopped steak, you can also get chicken if beef isn't your thing. I ordered up the 7" chicken Philly ($7) and added grilled mushrooms to the mix. Needless to say, my cheese steak chum scoffed at the chicken, as if I were a heretic. That is until he had a bite. Juicy white meat chicken seemed to have more flavor and it was absolutely divine with all the tasty toppings. So don't fear the chicken, man.

Phat Philly's also added a few new items to their line-up since their last go-round. Introducing the Phat Burger ($7) -- and it's as good as it sounds. A hamburger patty is placed on the hoagie bread used for the cheese steaks. Throw on some cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and mustard, and it was the real stunner of the night. They can also do a burger up Philly's style with the grilled onion and pepper magic.

Phat Philly's also caters to those who are tee-totaler vegetarians, and their Phat Rabbit ($7) is a nice frolic through the garden, with provolone, tomato, cucumber, baby spinach, red onion, black olive, red bell pepper, creamy garlic horseradish sauce and chopped pepperoncini.

All of these sandwiches would be almost meaningless without some fried potato goodness, and Phat Philly's has the goods. Waffle fries, French fries and tator tots ($2 sides, $5 basket) are on deck, and you are welcome to dress those babies up however you like. Maybe a little chili, perhaps some cheese? Yes, please. I ordered up their cheese fries because it's what you do at Phat Philly's. You add cheese without one thought of consequence. Theirs did not disappoint, with a nice helping of cheddar cheese on top of crispy waffle fries. I don't regret a thing.

Phat is sexy. This late-night Philly cheese steak joint now has a bigger location that's sleek and comfy with a bar, beer tap and all the melty, cheesy, peppery goodness you can handle on a hoagie. Heath Sharp

I happen to think that the highest form of potato is the Tater Tot. These perfect puffs of fried potato are superior to the French fry and put curly-fries to shame. So it is a moral imperative for me to order up the tots if they are available. Philly's aren't really a standard tot, mind you. They are really the crowns of the tot. Sure this is a Tater Tot technicality, but you don't tease a girl with tots and give her just the tops. Luckily for them, they were still absolutely delightful.

I've saved the best for last, folks. Imagine being able to comfortably lounge, while indulging in one of their cheesy delicacies and then washing it back with an ice cold brew. It wasn't possible at the old Philly's, so my first time at the new Phat Philly's felt better than a flashback. With my Marshall's IPA in one hand and something from Phat's in the other, I found my happy place. So roll on over to the new Phat Philly's and you'll be in for a whole new experience with the old favorites you crave.

Send all comments and feedback regarding Restaurant to aevans@urbantulsa.com.