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New England clam chowder. Neapolitan pizza. Tijuana-style tacos. Hawaiian poke. Las Vegas offers all of these regional food favorites in a variety of venues, and so many more. It’s rare when a local restaurant becomes the consensus pick for a single, specific dish.
P.O.P.S. is that rare jewel. If you’re not getting your Vegas cheesesteaks from the iconic A-frame building at Decatur and Alta, what are you even doing?
“You can’t miss us,” says second-generation owner Christina Walton. Opened in 2002, P.O.P.S. is renowned for its authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwiches and beloved for staying open around the clock, but service and consistency keep the people coming back, she says.
“We have employees who have been with us since day one, so our regulars recognize those faces. And our loyalists come back for the consistent product they can rely on to satisfy their cravings. If it’s not right, we will always remake it for you.”
Spoiler alert: It’s right. The No. 32 is the top seller, shaved ribeye with peppers, mushrooms and cheese—your choice, plus with or without onions—pressed into a soft, toasty roll. P.O.P.S. (which stands for Pride of Philly Steaks) sells an average of 2,000 cheesesteaks every week, along with favorite sides like mac and cheese bites, chili cheese fries and mozzarella sticks, all best consumed hot and fresh on the patio. (Although the eatery recently locked into DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.)
With warming weather, it feels like the right time to return to that patio, but more importantly, it’s cheesesteak season. National Cheesesteak Day is March 24 and P.O.P.S. is celebrating by hosting its second annual cheesesteak eating competition that Monday at 3 p.m. The winner gets free steaks for a year, but we’re all winners as these superior sandwiches will be available all day for $10.
“We’ll have 15 to 20 people competing to finish a two-foot cheesesteak in 10 minutes or less, and last year someone actually finished. If no one finishes, first place will go to the person who is closest,” Walton says, adding that guests that day can expect some fun giveaways and special merch.
It sounds like a party that shouldn’t be missed, but every day is cheesesteak day in Las Vegas thanks to the enduring presence of this satisfying slice of Philly.
P.O.P.S. 501 S. Decatur Blvd., 702-878-6444, popscheesesteaks.com. Daily, 24 hours.
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