Tony Luke’s (Rio)

Last month we wrote about the good chicken fingers at Tender Crush, one of the outlets in the Rio’s Canteen Food Hall. This month we tried Tony Luke’s at Canteen. Billed as “The Real Taste of South Philly,” it’s been operating there since 1992 and now has outlets in several states. The Rio’s is the first in Nevada and farthest west. Hours are 11 a.m.-10 pm (11 p.m. Friday and Saturday).

Sandwiches

There are a dozen cheesesteaks and hoagies on the menu, made with steak, chicken, or pork, plus a veggie option. The cheesesteaks come with choice of American cheese, Kraft Cheez Whiz, or mild provolone. The roast pork comes with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe or spinach. We’re not from Philadelphia, but we think that’s the way they’re supposed to be made. They’re $13-$15, but extras might push that up. For example, a traditional cheesesteak is $13, but if you want mushrooms, it’s $2 additional (the peppers are standard). We tried the traditional cheesesteak with mushrooms ($15). We also had the steak hoagie ($14).

Verdict

In Philly it’s “Pat’s or Geno’s.” In Vegas we make our cheesesteak comparisons with Capriotti’s. We still like Caps, but it’s close. We didn’t get the hoagie; it’s a cheesesteak with vegetables and Mayonnaise. We weren’t thrilled. Paying for the add-ons is buzz kill, but it’s a food hall after all. 

This makes it two for two thumbs up at the Canteen (tenders and cheesesteak). Our next target? Either Sushi or Ramen (we can’t decide).