Carla's Cafe

I had just been thinking that it had been way too long since I ate a cheesesteak. I was grabbing lunch the other day at Carla's, and on my way out I saw that the next day's special was a Philly cheesesteak. It was fate!

I didn't have very high expectations, but the food at Carla's is pretty good, so I thought maybe I would be pleasantly surprised.

The staff at Carla's is very friendly. If you're a girl, you get cute little pictures drawn onto your to-go box. Sometimes its a bird, or a flower. One time it was taking awhile and my cool coworker Ty asked if he was drawing me an entire beach. I got my box, and it was in fact an entire beach. Here is an example of one of the pictures:

The wait time is never too long for your food. It can get a little backed up at the cash register sometimes, but Miss Betty always gives you service with a smile.

Ty and I both got the cheesesteak special, so that we could compare notes. We hung out by the grill to see how the steaks were being prepared.

The steak was in long strips, not chopped up very much. The peppers and onions were placed on top at the end, right on the cheese. They did not melt and mix the cheese in, but there was enough covering the entire steak, so it was fine.

I took my first bite, and the meat was tender, not too chewy. It reminded me of pot roast. Unfortunately, it was bland. There was no seasoning on the meat, and it really could have used a little S&P. The roll was a little soft Italian roll, and while it didn't really feel like it was a cheesesteak roll, I didn't mind it. The peppers and onions felt very separate to me, and never really blended with the sandwich. The fries at Carla's are always good.

I have to say, I felt very sad eating a steak without my good friend Leigha.

Ty and I were pretty much on the same page. Not great, but fine enough. It really could have been much better with just a little seasoning. Here is a random shot of the dining room:

Ty said "It's a typical example of a place that makes too many different things for the cheesesteak to be special. Not much thought or consideration goes into it." I think he's right about that. I still love this place, so in the future when I go to Carla's, I think I'll just stick with the soup!

Carla's Cafe (the Commissary)

4024 Radford Ave.

Studio City, CA 91604

818-655-5000