Philly beware!

On a whim last night, Peter and I set out for a new dining experience.  Delighted with life after a couple bottles of wine, we decided to tone down the fanciness of the evening by visiting the newly opened JJ's Cheesesteaks on 14th Street (1939 14th Street, Washington, DC 20009) right at the corner with U Street.  In short, an excellent location to cover both workers in the day and to dredge the dregs of DC's bar scene.  The inside is furnished spartanly, but this makes sense for an establishment that lists its closing time as "1 hour after last call."  Brothers/owners Jamal and Ali were there.  A third partner, who "comes in occasionally and mostly just tells everyone else what to do," turns out to be their father.  Jamal gave us the rundown on the restaurant while Ali made our steaks--something he assured us that he does not do on a regular basis.

The sandwiches have an American theme, at least until you move into the later parts of the menu containing "The Mayor of Istanbul" (Turkey Breast, Ham, and Bacon) and "The Fresh Prince" (Veggie and mushroom on a sub roll).  The brothers have laid out 8 suggested subs at $5.75, but also provide a create your own option for $7.75.

The brothers recommended we try the Ben Franklin, a traditionaly cheesesteak covered in cheesewhiz.  Truly believing that the tradional fare was best left to Gino's in Philly, I elected to go with The Capitol, a sub with the tradional shredded steak that adds some mushrooms and marinara sauce.  Ali informed me that I would think this was the best sub I'd ever eaten, and if I didn't that he'd quit his job.  Ali and Jamal mocked Peter for his initial order of The Potomac (tuna salad) as a ladies' choice, and he capitulated into the Liberty (Chicken and Provolone).  With this change, Ali doubled down and put his employment on the line for Peter's dining satisfaction too.  As we'd been fairly restrained that evening, I can tell you with some level of certainty that I wasn't lying when I told Ali that this was, indeed, the best cheesesteak I'd ever tried.  The mariniara sauce was full of flavor, but not so runny as to turn my sub liquid.  I'm unsure as to whether or not the mushrooms were done on the grill, but either way they added an earthiness to the sub that really hit home and delivered a knock-out punch of flavor.  Lest we forget, I should also mention that the fries were amazing.  I'd tried a couple and loved them, but they were all gone to the belly of Peter by the time I got to them.

JJ's, named after the two brother's nieces, delighted.  The sparse decor is easily replicated and heralds an easy move into franchising chain locations, a forward step the brothers freely admitted that they considered from the start.  Additionally, be sure to ask for a frequent diner's card--buy 8 subs and get the 9th free!