One of the most common responses I get when I tell people about Hub City Bites is, “Tell me about a restaurant I don’t know about…what do I need to try?”

​And that is one of the things I try to accomplish with this blog – bringing to light some of the places that you might not know about.  If you are one of the lucky ones that knows about this one, then kudos! But for those that don’t…

​If you’re like me, sometimes you just get the craving for a Philly Cheese Steak. If you’re truly like me, it’s all the time… But listen, if you get one of those cravings, run, don’t walk, to The Real Deal!  It’s tucked back on the end of a small shopping strip on Asheville Highway, and you could easily pass it the first time.

​There are a few seats inside the shop, and I typically take my sandwich to-go, so take your pick! It truly is a sandwich shop with a straight forward menu.  My choice is nearly always a traditional Philly Cheese Steak with grilled mushrooms, onions and jalapenos. 

​The last time I was in there, I was in line with a man who is originally from Philadelphia but has been in Spartanburg for over two decades.  He’d just recently discovered The Real Deal two weeks prior and had been in nearly every other day since! He claims that what makes these sandwiches so authentic is the bread, and while I’ve never has the chance to go to Philadelphia, I agree that the bread is absolutely perfection.  Crusty on the outside, chewy on the inside, and absorbs all the yummy juices from the meat, cheese and veggies.  Also, unlike up north where you’ll find piles of cooked steak ready to be warmed for your sandwich, The Real Deal cooks each sandwich to order.

​What makes The Real Deal so unique is its simplicity.  From the no-frills shop to the brown paper bag-wrapped sandwiches, they keep it real. I hope you have a chance to check it out soon!

​Be sure to keep an eye out for the next RJ Rockers beer dinner because these are events that you Spartanburg foodies do not want to miss!  This collaboration with HenHouse Brunch was the third dinner in the series, the first two being with Southside Smokehouse and The Farmer’s Table.  How I wish I’d been at those!  Included in your ticket price is a pint of beer to enjoy while you wait for the first course to be served, so be sure to get there early to enjoy your pint.