REVIEW: The Real Thing (Towson, MD)

I've lived in the Baltimore area for more than 20 years now and had pretty much given up on finding a decent cheesesteak. Every now and then I'll find a pizza joint or sub shop that does a passable job with the guts, but it's usually packed inside a garbage roll that splits or falls apart as soon as I bite into it. 

With the Eagles kicking off the 2025 NFL season tonight, I decided to bypass my usual homemade cheesesteaks and try The Real Thing, a nearby hole-in-the-wall on York Road in Towson that boasts the "best cheesesteak in Baltimore". 

I'd heard that Tony, the owner and cook, was quite the character, and he did not disappoint. We had some friendly banter as I ordered my chicken cheesesteak with American, a traditional cheesesteak with Provolone, and sides of fries and o-rings. It was nice to hear the familiar chop-ching-ching-chop of a spatula against a grill that reminded me of my Philly stomping grounds and the whole place has a laid back college town vibe. 

Sandwiches were a decent size on what appeared to be Amoroso's rolls. Both could have used a little extra cheese (will remember that next time) but had good flavor. Since I was splitting the sandwiches with my wife I bypassed any toppings, but would probably go extra cheese, fried onions and mushrooms on my next solo visit. 

Was very pleasantly surprised by the sides. Fries were crispy on the outside, hot and fluffy inside, with a generous salting before being packed for transport. Onion rings were also above average, featuring a crispy outside and a soft but not soggy inside that you could bite through without the whole thing pulling away from the coating. 

Don't expect a cheap eat. Two sandwiches and two sides (and no drinks) came to an even $40, but I'll be willing to go back again for a little taste of home. — Dan Taylor

Dan Taylor is the editor/publisher of The Hungover Gourmet and his favorite cheesesteaks in Philly can be found at John's Roast Pork, Dallesandros, Steve's Prince of Steaks, and Cosmi's.