Bites Nearby: Chrissy's Steak Shop

In this great commonwealth of Pennsylvania, cheesesteaks are a staple, and there’s no shortage of restaurateurs that come forward to claim that their cheesteaks are the best outside of Philly -- if not better.

Chris Cappello, owner of in Palmer Township, makes no such claims. She lets her 14 years in business and her made-to-order food do the talking.

At the centerpiece of Chrissy’s menu are 16 different steak sandwiches -- with the choice of chicken or beef -- and each unique in its toppings. Some are topped with sauce and onions, others with lettuce and tomatoes, and still others with the steak sauce made from Capello’s family recipe. 

But really, the steak sandwiches on the menu are just suggestions.

“Whatever tastes good, whatever someone asks for, we’ll put on it,” Capello said.

The long list of extra toppings goes above and beyond the average steak sandwich: like bacon bits, garlic mayo, salsa, sweet or hot peppers, and more.

Also on the menu are salads, burgers, wraps and pasta. The all-you-can-eat spaghetti special is a steal at $5.99, and comes with the choice of tomato or meat sauce -- both homemade by Capello herself.

In fact, everything at this steak shop is made to order; Capello pointed out that unlike some cheesesteak joints, Chrissy's Steak Shop never uses pre-cooked meats.

“You order it, it goes on the grill,” she said.

Besides the steak sandwiches, another local favorite are the specialty French fries. The "Chrissy Fries" are topped with Italian dressing and hot sauce, and the "House Fries" are drizzled in ranch dressing and hot sauce. Capello claims it’s nothing secret or special, but admits that the locals go crazy for them.

The most appetizing thing, however, is that nothing on the menu at Chrissy’s Steak Shop tops $8.

Inside the eight-table restaurant, there’s a definite Coke theme going on: classic bottles line the counter and vintage signs hang on the wall. Capello said that most of the decor was given to her by customers, who continue to bring her Coca-Cola merchandise to add to her collection.

Capello, an Easton native, opened her business in October 1997. Before that, she worked at Pizza D’oro in Easton, which is owned by her family, and other restaurants, before choosing to strike out on her own.

Chrissy’s Steak Shop is located at 3063 William Penn Highway in Palmer Township. The shop is open Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and is closed Sundays. All major credit cards, including Visa, Discover and MasterCard, are accepted.

Everything on the menu is available for take-out, and Chrissy’s offers lunch delivery on weekdays, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., to area businesses.