The Real Thing

412 York Rd, Towson
(410) 583-7211

Recent Reviews

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DVC Ray

The Best Cheesesteak in Baltimore, AND Tony makes you smile every time you go in.
We've been going for 30 years since they were in the old location. All my kids were raised on The Real Thing. So good.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Caleb Gladfelter

Was MAJORLY craving a cheesesteak while my girlfriend and I were in Towson and this was Google's top recommendation, and for good reason.

Your classic, hole-in-the-wall shop that's known for making up for its small size and atmosphere with their service, charm, and food especially!

Was my girlfriend's first ever cheesesteak and it was solid 👌🏻 loaded with meat, super cheesy, dripping with juices... truly hit the spot and the fries were perfectly crispy and salted.

And the owner was a true charmer, making jokes and jabs at customers that just brings a smile to your day. Just super friendly overall.

Would definitely go again!

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything, French Fries

Malarie Armistead

The steak real one is the way to go

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Alicia Ross

I wish I could move them to Waldorf. Yes, we travel alllll the way to Towson for this deliciousness. The best in Maryland hands down.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything, Philly Cheese Steak, Onion Rings, French Fries

Darryl English

Very good Philly cheese steak

Parking: The owner doesn't mind if you park in his private space behind the restaurant

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Philly Cheese Steak, Cheese Steak Hoagie, French Fries

Ann Hess

A small place in the heart of Towson. I got a mushroom cheesesteak and my husband got The Real Thing cheesesteak. They were outstanding. My husband asked for spicy and the cook added some Indian peppers. It was great. It was our first time there but not our last! Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Cheese Steak Sub

Gabriel Onyijen

Great food great service. Tony’s got an amazing personality. Great hole in the wall and place to support local business. Amazing 10/10

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Erynn Colvin

The cheesesteak was a good size and had plenty of meat for what I paid. It did seem like it could use a touch more seasoning, but I liked it overall.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything

Abasi Clinton

In Towson, this is the most consistent cheesesteak in the area. All they do here is make cheesesteaks all day. They have all the typical toppings, and the french fries are crispy and hot. You can't go wrong with enjoying a cheesesteak from 'The Real Things. Oh, they only accept CASH and there is a ATM inside!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything

G Jo

Trash can establishment it stinks and it's dirty overpriced and the owner has an attitude problem. Go directly across the street you won't be disappointed cheese steak is way better with real steak chunks

Preston Davis

It’s 2025, and I’ve officially found the HOLY GRAIL of cheesesteaks! I know, that sounds dramatic, but trust me—this place is life-changing. THE BEST CHEESESTEAK I HAVE EVER HAD. Period. I’d scream it from the mountaintops if I could!

Let’s talk about the bread first: perfection. It’s soft but sturdy, not soggy in the slightest—even after a 15-minute drive home. It stayed hot and fresh, and honestly, I’d eat this bread on its own because it’s that good.

The steak? Unreal. It’s so flavorful and tender, it feels like it’s too good to be true. I’m convinced they’ve unlocked some kind of secret recipe, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it was banned in a few states because it’s THAT incredible.

Parking was a breeze when I went around 2 p.m., but honestly, I’d walk a mile, climb a mountain, or even skydive in just to get my hands on this cheesesteak again.

Quick note: they’re cash-only, so come prepared! Don’t let that stop you—it’s worth whatever effort it takes to get here.

Oh, and the onion rings? MASSIVE. Crispy, plentiful, and absolutely delicious. The portions here are unbelievably generous—you’ll feel like you’ve gotten way more than you paid for.

To top it all off, the service is fantastic. The owner is warm and welcoming, and the whole experience feels like you’re being treated like family.

If you’re reading this and haven’t been yet, DO IT. Go now, thank me later. This place is a gem, and you don’t want to miss it!

Parking: I had no issues. Plenty of metered street parking. But you wont be in their long at all (unless dining in). The owner is a REAL PRO, he gets you in and out with no fuss!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything, Philly Cheese Steak

JC Isennock

The BEST cheese steak sub I've had a long time.
1/11/25

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything

mitchell phillips

Delicious local and high quality food served by an extremely friendly shop owner!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Regular Cheesesteak with Everything

M K

The best dj in towson

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Royalty Methods

Place stunk. Poor customer service. Cash only.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Philly Cheese Steak, French Fries

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