Wetherill Park - Frank's Original Philly Cheesesteak & Dogs

One of the most memorable meals I had in my short trip to Melbourne was Sparrow's Philly cheesesteaks. In short, exquisitely cooked steak, coated with a healthy dose of melted American cheese, served in a hot dog bun. I was hooked, but also resigned to the fact that I had the rare luxury of experiencing probably the only Philly cheesesteaks made and sold in Australia. 

You could imagine my surprise then, when my local newspaper reported about a vintage car show jointly held by police officers and car enthusiasts over the weekend, and who was responsible for feeding this crowd? Frank's! I went from thinking my closest chance to a Philly cheesesteak was a flight away, to realising one was actually a short drive away. Needless to say I headed over there the next day. 

I was perplexed by the fact that I never heard of Frank's even though it was only a 15 minute drive from me. The place was located round the Greenway Plaza, what I would describe as a random collection of large retail outlets (think Spotlight, Petbarn, three different gyms), grocers and a growing food hub (the coveted XS Espresso is located here). Frank's however isn't in Greenway Plaza. Instead of turning right into the Plaza, make sure you inform your designated driver at the very last moment so that they may swerve dangerously back into the middle lane and drive further to the next right turn. 

Suddenly you will be hit with a long stretch of empty road, presumably filled in the daytime with trucks, as both sides of the road stand forlorn looking industrial complexes. Frank's will be on the right; you can tell as the neon fluorescent sign shines like a mysterious beacon on this spooky road. 

Perhaps because it was a Thursday night, but it was completely empty. Frank's consists of a shop stand from which you queue up to order your food at a very endearing American booth style of a counter, then wait standing by the side admiring its Philly style decor, and perhaps eat your food standing or sitting at one of the two red lacquered tables. 

A poorly taken photo, you just gotta be there man

Loud dance music was blasting from the speakers, though we were the only ones there. To make it even stranger, a makeshift fire pit was at full blaze at the front of the store. The guy working at the store kept coming out to add cardboard to stoke the flames. For whom? 

A ritual taking place

Anyway I digress (a lot). The menu is splayed on the side of the building, sporting the classic Philly cheesesteak and a number of variations. I ordered the Philly cheesesteak with mushroom and provolone while my boyfriend had the Philly dog. Both were massive. The cheesesteak was perhaps longer than a Subway footlong. There was a small table inviting a bottomless consumption of condiments which we gladly took advantage of. 

Mushroom Cheesesteak ($14) and Philly Dog ($12)

First of all, the bun that the cheesesteak came with, the Amoroso roll, was absolutely divine. The roll was slightly charred, making it delicately crispy on the outside but oh-so fluffy and soft on the inside. It reminded me of freshly baked garlic bread without the garlic. The roll itself is worth paying Frank's a visit. The steak was plentiful and succulent, marrying beautifully with the melted provolone cheese, onions and mushrooms (highly recommend getting it with mushrooms). The steak was not completely inundated with cheese as in Sparrow's, but just the right amount so that you didn't progressively slow down while eating. Definitely add a healthy swig of American mustard and ketchup to top it all off. The Philly dog was similar but came with a deep fried Vienna sausage. The sausage gave a delectable bite while being juicy and soft on the inside. Be warned, this is definitely a messy feed. 

Frank's wanted to bring a little bit of Philadelphia to some industrial complex in the middle of southwest Sydney and they delivered. We will definitely be coming back.