South Philly Steaks & Fries

- Newark International Airport St, Newark, NJ 07114

## Introduction / Overview

For New Jersey locals and the millions of travelers passing through the Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), the need for a quick, satisfying, and flavorful meal is constant. South Philly Steaks & Fries addresses this need by bringing a taste of Philadelphia’s most iconic sandwich right into the heart of the Garden State's major transportation hub. While officially identified as a specialized Cheesesteak restaurant, the establishment functions in the quick-service category, offering hot, savory steak products that fulfill a casual Steak house niche.

The brand’s appeal lies in its dedication to the classic Philly cheesesteak, which involves thinly sliced grilled steak, a selection of melted cheese (including the authentic Cheez Whiz option), and customizable toppings, all served on a genuine Amoroso roll—a detail highly prized by purists. The menu is expanded by its namesake offering, a variety of French fries, from simple and crisp to specialty “Loaded Fries” topped with steak and cheese.

The entire service is structured for Takeout, emphasizing speed and convenience for airport travelers. However, it is paramount for New Jersey users to note the publicly available, highly mixed customer feedback. While the food is frequently praised for its taste, the experience is often marred by reports of extremely slow service (30-minute waits are cited), staff sarcasm, and serious concerns regarding food handling and sanitation (e.g., cross-contamination and bare-handed preparation). This creates a unique proposition: high flavor reward, but high operational risk.

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## Location and Accessibility

South Philly Steaks & Fries is centrally located in one of the most critical logistical points in the New Jersey area: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).

The official mailing address is: Newark International Airport St, Newark, NJ 07114.

More specifically for travelers, public records indicate that this restaurant is typically found within the secured, post-security area of Terminal C. This location is strategic, as Terminal C is a major base of operations for United Airlines and other international carriers. Accessibility is therefore restricted to ticketed passengers with valid boarding passes for flights departing from or arriving at the terminal, or those connecting through it.

The entire airport infrastructure—including the AirTrain connecting all terminals, parking, and public transit links to Newark, Jersey City, and New York City—ensures the physical location is easily reachable for regional users. However, given its post-security placement, accessing the restaurant means navigating the security checkpoint, a time commitment that is separate from the dining experience itself. The exclusive Takeout service is designed to be the final, speedy step in the dining process.

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## Services Offered

The services at South Philly Steaks & Fries are streamlined to cater specifically to the demands of the traveling public:

• Takeout Service: This is the only service option available, ensuring orders are packaged for immediate consumption or portability.
• Customizable Cheesesteaks: Patrons can choose between thinly sliced steak or chicken, and select from essential cheese options like Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or White American.
• Variety of Sides: Offering more than just plain French fries, the menu often includes specialty versions such as Cheese Fries, Pizza Fries, and fully loaded Cheesesteak Fries.
• Extended Menu Items: Depending on the franchise setup, the location may also offer other hot sandwiches, burgers, or even breakfast items designed to appeal to airport traffic.
• Combo Meals: The availability of bundled sandwich, fries, and drink combos helps expedite ordering and provides a convenient value proposition.

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## Features / Highlights

The key features of this establishment make it stand out among the general airport food offerings:

• Authentic Regional Specialization: It provides a genuine, high-quality version of the classic Philly cheesesteak, which is a significant culinary draw for New Jersey residents and visitors familiar with mid-Atlantic food culture.
• Prime Airport Real Estate: Located within the highly trafficked EWR Terminal C, it is conveniently situated for a large percentage of airport passengers.
• Signature "Loaded" Products: The brand is known for its inventive take on fries, such as the "Philly Loaded" versions, which offer a unique and indulgent comfort food option.
• High Customization: The ability to choose the exact components of the sandwich, including meat type, cheese, and toppings, ensures a personalized order.
• Substantial Meal Portions: The sandwiches are generally known to be hearty and filling, providing a complete meal necessary for long-haul flights or layovers.

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## Contact Information

For New Jersey users and travelers seeking current information or details regarding this airport location, here are the core contact details:

Address: Newark International Airport St, Newark, NJ 07114

Phone: (973) 622-5245

Mobile Phone: +1 973-622-5245

As an airport business, the operating hours are typically long, often beginning well before sunrise and closing after the final evening flights. It is always best practice to use the provided phone numbers or check EWR’s official dining directories for the most current schedule.

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## What is Worth Choosing

South Philly Steaks & Fries is a location worth choosing if and only if the absolute priority is obtaining an authentic, satisfying, and hot Philly Cheesesteak. The product itself is consistently noted by reviewers as being “Good food,” offering a comforting taste that few other airport establishments can match. For New Jersey residents who appreciate this regional specialty, the opportunity to grab one before boarding is a genuine treat.

However, the decision to dine here must be made with a full awareness of the significant, documented operational drawbacks. The risk is high: service is often "VERY SLOW," with patrons reporting wait times of 20 to 30 minutes, which, in an airport context, could mean you "won’t catch your connecting flight." Furthermore, the public record raises serious questions about professionalism and hygiene, detailing staff sarcasm, and concerning reports of basic food safety lapses (handling raw and cooked items with the same utensils, bare-handed food preparation). The management’s standard, impersonal "copy and paste" response to these complaints suggests that these issues are systemic and unresolved.

Therefore, a patron should only choose this spot if they have an ample layover—at least 60 to 90 minutes—and can tolerate potential rudeness and significant delays for the sake of the specialized cuisine. If speed, certainty, or guaranteed service quality are primary concerns, the risks associated with South Philly Steaks & Fries, despite the delicious nature of its main product, may make it an ill-advised choice for the hurried New Jersey traveler.

South Philly Steaks & Fries

Newark International Airport St, Newark, NJ 07114, USA