Sometimes it only takes one “no, thank you” bite to discover a new favorite food. Years ago, that’s exactly what happened with cheesesteaks. One hesitant bite transformed into a full-blown love affair with savory steak, melty cheese, and soft rolls. Since then, we’ve tried recreating our own versions at home—experimenting with different cheeses, buns, and flavor twists. But nothing compares to sampling the real deal right from the source.

On a recent road trip through Delaware and Pennsylvania, we decided to take our cheesesteak appreciation to the next level. Armed with a list of recommendations from friends and family, we embarked on a taste test journey. Here’s what made the cut from our local friends:

On the List to Try:

• Italian Sub from Casapulla’s North, Wilmington, DE
• Cheesesteak from Casapulla’s North, Wilmington, DE
• Cheesesteak from Carmen’s, Philadelphia, PA
• Meatball Sub from Wawa, Wilmington, DE
• Herr’s Wizwit Potato Chips
• Herr’s Old Bay Potato Chips

We didn’t just gobble them down on the go—we turned our taste test into a mini picnic
experience at Brandywine State Park in Pennsylvania.

The Results:

• Herr’s Wizwit Potato Chips: Unfortunately, these got a thumbs down. They just didn’t hit the spot for us.
• Herr’s Old Bay Potato Chips: A major thumbs up! The Old Bay seasoning added a classic, savory kick that paired perfectly with the sandwiches.
• Casapulla’s Cheesesteak: Out of everything we tried, this was the standout favorite. The
  balance of tender steak and cheese, plus the quality of the roll, made it a winner.

The other sandwiches were fun to try—especially the Wawa Meatball Sub and the Italian Sub from Casapulla’s—but the cheesesteaks topped the list.

This little road trip tasting taught us something: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Even if one snack turns out to be a “no, thank you,” you might find another that becomes your new go-to favorite.