Unbreaded

Hidden In Plain Sight: Tony Luke’s Beef Buster

For years, tourists and locals alike flock to Tony Luke’s on Oregon Avenue for some of the best roast pork sandwiches and cheesesteaks in the city. The long line that gathers out front usually moves quickly, with orders rolling of the tongues of customers who either are regulars, or first timers who practiced exactly what to say during the car ride over. Upon careful observation, it is obvious that very few people notice the large, elaborate menu board next to the ordering window. It is this subconscious neglect that has kept one of Tony Luke’s best sandwiches a secret, and out of the spotlight.

In between the Chicken Steaks and Chicken Cutlets, lies the Beef Buster, at the very bottom of the Roast Beef section of the menu. Upon ordering the sandwich, the woman behind the counter, a seemingly veteran employee gave an apprehensive look, almost as if she were thinking “You sure about that, hon?” After a ten minute wait, a yell from the pickup window had me jumping to my feet and I reached out both hands to receive the enormous, tightly wrapped vessel, having no idea what I was getting myself into. Carefully unwrapping the sandwich, I was made privy to the treasures within: moist, pink roast beef topped with tomatoes, onions, pickle chips, crispy, well-cooked bacon, and curly fries all covered in horseradish sauce. Yes, the fries are on the sandwich. After a few bites, the name was no longer a mystery, “Buster” most likely meaning the explosion of my belt, or my cholesterol levels after consuming this sandwich. Still, as one might infer from the photo, the Beef Buster is a masterpiece of flavor, a sandwich we swore we wouldn’t be able to finish, and laughed when it was all gone.

So the secret is out; next time you’re at Tony Luke’s we advise you tackle the Beef Buster, your taste buds will love it, your stomach might regret it.

Tony Luke’s
39 East Oregon Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19148 (Google Map)