A little over a year ago my friend Russ Salazar and I had lunch at the Wild Bill’s in Folsom. We tried one of their Original Cheesesteak sandwiches and a Chicago Dog. They were both good, but the Cheesesteak didn’t have grilled peppers on it and the Chicago Dog was missing both a pickle spear and the necessary celery salt.
A month or so ago Russ noticed that a Wild Bill’s had opened in Cameron Park, so we decided to give it a try, this time with a better idea of what to order.
It is located in big shopping center with Safeway, but on the far west side right side across from McDonald’s, near the street. The address is 3326 Coach Lane.
When we walked in we were immediately, and happily, greeted by a young lady named Kathleen. She then asked us what we wanted to order, but we replied we first wanted to look over the menu on the wall.
The menu was a bit different from Wild Bill’s in Folsom (no Chicago Dog), but after looking it over, we decided to split a large Cali, which has steak, a choice of cheese, along with bell peppers and onions. The cheese choices were American, Provolone, Pepper Jack or Cheese Whiz (is that really cheese?). I said Provolone, but should have taken the American (white), which is what would probably come on it in “Philly.”
As I mentioned last time, white American cheese is the most authentic cheese for this sandwich, but Provolone is right up there with it, according to the afficionados in Philadelphia.
Instead of another sandwich to split, we went for sweet potato fries. We are finding that two sandwiches, and a side or two, is actually too much for us to split, eat and still feel comfortable.
While we were waiting for the food, I went to the condiments table and filled two small containers, one with sweet peppers and one with hot peppers.
The sandwich was beautiful, filled with grilled steak and peppers and nice and moist. I’ve had them that were served very dry and this one wasn’t at all. It was delicious, especially when a few of the hot peppers were added.
Like at the restaurant in Folsom, it was served on an Amoroso roll, the proper roll for a Philly sandwich. Amoroso’s Baking Co. is in Philadelphia, if you are wondering.
I should add a note about the hot peppers. They are not that hot and really add to your sandwich, as do the sweet ones. Kathleen said they could be added to the sandwich in the kitchen when it was made if you ask.
The sweet potato fries could have been a bit crisper, and there could have been a few more of them, but they were very good.
After most of the lunch rush had left, Kathleen came over to us to see how we liked the food. We told her we loved the sandwich and gave her our comments on the fries. I then asked about one item on the menu, Bill’s Chips.
They turned out to be thinly sliced potatoes that they buy and then deep fry. Yes, freshly made potato chips!
Kathleen had some cooked for us to try. They were very good, but go for the really crispy ones. We actually fought over those. Russ thought they were the best thing on the menu.
Overall the food was very good and the service likewise.
Their menu includes a number of variations on the Philly sandwich and a lot more. You can choose Philly sandwiches with double meat, bacon, mushrooms, garlic, lettuce and tomato, spinach, barbecue sauce, peppers and onions (#9, the Cali), au jus, Frank’s Hot sauce, pepperoni (#12 the Freak) and more. There are 12 Philly sandwiches to choose from and you can substitute chicken for the steak if you want.
They also serve burgers, hot wings, fish and chips, hot dogs, Polish dogs, Cheesesteak nachos and a Cheesesteak salad. In addition, there are speciality sandwiches like the Guido, hot pastrami with lettuce, tomato, mayo and more (Why lettuce, tomato and mayo on pastrami?), pulled pork, a Vegi and a grilled ham and cheese.
For sides the have steak fries, Bill’s Chips, tater tots, twister fries, onion rings, fried pickles, garlic fries, cheese fries, chili cheese fries, jalapeno poppers and Mozzarella sticks. Oh, yes, there is also a kid’s menu and extras you can add to your sandwich.
Drinks include soda, tea and Calypsos (flavored lemonade).
Wild Bill’s Cheesesteak & Grill is open from 11 until 8, except Sunday. On Sunday they close at 4. For more information, call (530) 677-5221.
The food was good, the service was good and the place was clean.
Oh, look closely at the “How to Order” list on the wall to the left of the menu. You can get your sandwich “wit” or “witout” onions.