This Tennessee Restaurant Turns A Simple Cheesesteak Into Something Special

Craving a cheesesteak that actually delivers on flavour and texture? IT’Z A Philly Thing brings a taste of Philadelphia to Tennessee with a focus on doing the basics right.

Thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and a perfectly toasted roll come together in a way that feels both simple and satisfying. There’s no need for overcomplication when the balance is this good.

Each bite has that familiar, comforting quality, but with enough care behind it to stand out. Regulars know exactly what they’re coming for, and it rarely disappoints.

It’s the kind of spot that turns a classic sandwich into something you’ll keep thinking about long after you leave.

The Story Behind The Food Truck

Not every great meal comes from a brick-and-mortar restaurant with fancy lighting and a host stand. IT’Z A Philly Thing operates as a food truck at 7609 Hwy 70 S in Nashville, TN 37221, and that modest setup is part of what makes it feel so genuine.

The owner is a Philadelphia native who brought the flavors and standards of his hometown directly to Tennessee, and that personal connection to the food shows in every detail.

Reviewers who grew up in and around Philly have noted that the cheesesteaks here remind them of the real thing. One customer drove nearly an hour just to try it after checking the website and reviews, and said it was absolutely worth the trip.

Another brought a friend from Philly who confirmed it tasted like home.

The food truck format keeps things simple and focused. There are no distractions, no complicated menus, and no pretense.

The energy is casual and the food is the clear priority, which is exactly what a good cheesesteak spot should feel like. For anyone on the west side of Nashville looking for something different, this truck tends to be a pleasant surprise worth seeking out.

The Original Philly Cheesesteak

The Original Philly Cheesesteak is the anchor of the menu at IT’Z A Philly Thing, and it earns that status with some consistency. Built on an Amoroso roll, which is a staple of authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, the sandwich comes packed with tender, thinly sliced steak and a choice of cheese.

Cheese Whiz and provolone are both available, and regulars have different opinions on which one works best.

Several reviewers describe the meat as tender and well-seasoned, with the roll holding up to the weight of the filling without falling apart. One customer who had eaten authentic South Philly cheesesteaks before called this version the real deal.

Another said a single bite transported them back to South Street in Philadelphia.

Toppings like mushrooms, jalapenos, and onions can be added, though some extras may cost a little more. The base sandwich is priced around $14, which is a reasonable range for the portion size and quality of ingredients involved.

For anyone ordering for the first time, sticking with the original build and choosing one cheese style to start could help give a cleaner sense of what the sandwich is actually about before experimenting with additions.

Cheesesteak Egg Rolls Worth Talking About

Somewhere between an appetizer and a full meal, the Cheesesteak Egg Rolls at IT’Z A Philly Thing have developed a reputation all their own. Crispy on the outside and filled with the same steak and cheese combination that defines the main sandwich, they come with a dipping sauce that several customers specifically mention as a highlight.

One reviewer described them as exceptional and said they could easily stand in as a meal by themselves.

Priced around $10 for the order, they offer a fun way to experience the cheesesteak flavor profile in a different format. Some visitors who were not sure what to order first have found the egg rolls to be a low-commitment way to get a feel for the kitchen before committing to a full sandwich.

Reactions have been mostly positive, though a couple of reviewers noted they preferred them with the sauce rather than on their own.

The chicken version is also available for those who prefer poultry over beef. One first-time visitor tried the chicken egg rolls on a friend’s recommendation and came away genuinely impressed.

For anyone who enjoys a crispy, savory bite with a satisfying dipping element, these tend to be a crowd-pleasing addition to any order at the truck.

Fries That Steal the Show

Fries at a cheesesteak spot can sometimes feel like an afterthought, but the shoestring fries at IT’Z A Philly Thing seem to have earned their own fans. Described as slightly battered and well-seasoned, they come out thin and crispy with a seasoning blend that multiple reviewers said they could not quite place but definitely enjoyed.

One customer called them incredible and said they were the best part of the meal.

Priced at around $3.99, they represent solid value for a side that actually delivers on flavor. The seasoning has a distinct character that sets it apart from standard fast-food fries, and the shoestring cut keeps them light rather than heavy.

A few reviewers mentioned they were warm rather than piping hot, which is worth keeping in mind if temperature is a priority.

For anyone building a full order, fries pair naturally with either the cheesesteak sandwich or the egg rolls. The combination of the two alongside the fries is one of the more popular ordering patterns based on what customers tend to describe in their reviews.

Fries at this price point with this level of seasoning are genuinely hard to find, and they tend to round out the meal in a satisfying and unpretentious way.

Water Ice: A Philly Tradition In Tennessee

Philadelphia water ice is one of those regional foods that people from the area tend to feel strongly about, and IT’Z A Philly Thing carries on that tradition in the middle of Tennessee. Lighter than a slushie and smoother than a snow cone, water ice has a specific texture and flavor intensity that sets it apart from more common frozen treats.

The strawberry flavor has come up in several reviews as a standout choice.

One customer who grew up in the Philadelphia suburbs said that just thinking about the water ice made her emotional with happiness. That kind of reaction says something real about how close the product comes to the original.

Another first-time visitor tried it on a friend’s encouragement and described it as a genuinely pleasant surprise on a hot day.

Priced at around $5 for a small, it fits comfortably into a full order without pushing the total too high. The water ice works especially well during the warmer months when the outdoor seating gets a lot of sun.

For anyone visiting during summer, adding a water ice to the order could be one of the better decisions of the afternoon, particularly after a salty, savory sandwich.

Cheese Choices And What They Mean For Your Sandwich

One of the most debated topics among cheesesteak enthusiasts is which cheese belongs on the sandwich. At IT’Z A Philly Thing, customers can choose from Cheese Whiz and provolone, and the choice genuinely changes the experience.

Cheese Whiz is the more traditional Philadelphia option, offering a salty, creamy coating that melts into every crevice of the meat. Provolone is milder and slightly firmer, which some people prefer for a cleaner flavor.

Reviews reflect a real split in opinion. One customer found the Whiz a bit too salty and planned to switch to provolone on a return visit.

Another reviewer noted that the provolone could overpower the meat and suggested the Whiz as the better default. The owner’s response to that review leaned toward agreeing, suggesting the Whiz tends to complement the steak more naturally.

For first-time visitors, starting with Cheese Whiz is probably the more traditional approach and allows a clearer taste of the sandwich as it was originally intended. Those who prefer a subtler cheese experience might find provolone more to their liking.

Either way, the cheese is applied generously, so the choice matters more than it might seem at first glance when placing the order.

The Chicken Philly Option

Not everyone reaches for beef when a cheesesteak craving hits, and the Chicken Philly at IT’Z A Philly Thing gives a solid alternative without compromising on the overall experience. Built with the same care as the original steak version, the chicken sandwich uses the same roll and cheese setup, making it feel like a natural part of the menu rather than a token substitution.

Multiple reviewers have ordered both versions in the same visit and come away equally satisfied with each. One customer ordered a Chicken Philly to go for a family member who had not made the trip, and reported back that it was well received.

Another reviewer who tried both the steak and chicken versions on separate visits described the chicken as the best they had ever eaten.

The Chicken Philly could be a good starting point for anyone who is not a regular beef eater but still wants to experience what the kitchen does well. The seasoning and cheese application carry over from the original recipe, which means the flavor profile stays familiar while the protein shifts.

For groups with mixed preferences, having both options on the menu makes the truck easier to visit together without anyone feeling like they have to compromise.

Outdoor Seating And The Overall Vibe

The dining setup at IT’Z A Philly Thing is straightforward and casual. A handful of picnic tables with umbrellas are positioned near the truck, giving customers a place to sit and eat outside.

The location along Hwy 70 S on Nashville’s west side means the atmosphere is relaxed and unpretentious, which fits the spirit of street-style Philly food well.

Music plays in the background while customers eat, which contributes to a lively outdoor feel. One reviewer mentioned the music volume was a point of concern during their visit, noting it made conversation difficult, though the staff responded by adjusting it when asked.

The owner’s willingness to accommodate that request suggests the team is generally attentive to the dining environment.

On busy afternoons, the seating area can fill up, and some customers choose to eat in their cars or take their food to go. The venue at 7609 Hwy 70 S is easy to find and the truck is visible from the road.

For anyone who enjoys casual outdoor dining without a formal restaurant structure, the setup here tends to feel comfortable and unhurried. The shaded tables help during warmer months, making the outdoor experience more manageable even in Tennessee’s summer heat.

Hours, Pricing, And What To Expect Before You Go

Planning a visit to IT’Z A Philly Thing is pretty simple once the basics are clear. The truck operates Monday through Sunday from 11 AM to 8 PM, making it accessible for both lunch and early dinner throughout the week.

Arriving closer to the opening hour tends to mean shorter waits, though the truck can get busy during peak lunch hours around midday.

Pricing sits in the moderate range for a food truck experience. The Original Philly Cheesesteak is around $14, fries are approximately $3.99, and the egg rolls run about $10.

A full meal with a sandwich, side, and water ice could land somewhere around $25 depending on the selections made. One reviewer noted that total felt high for lunch, while others felt the portion size justified the cost.

One practical detail worth knowing before arriving: the truck is cashless and only accepts debit or credit cards. A few reviewers flagged this as something they wished they had known ahead of time.

Ordering is done through a tablet at the counter, which keeps the process efficient. For anyone making the drive from across town, checking the website at itzaphillything.com or calling ahead at +1 267-939-1033 could help confirm current hours and availability before heading out.

Why The Ratings Hold Up After Hundreds Of Reviews

A 4.5-star average across 580 reviews is not something that happens by accident. At IT’Z A Philly Thing, the consistency behind that rating comes down to a few repeating themes across customer feedback: fresh ingredients, a knowledgeable owner, and a menu that stays true to its Philadelphia roots.

Reviewers from Philly, Texas, and beyond have all noted that the food holds up to their expectations in different ways.

The owner’s active engagement in responding to reviews, both positive and critical, reflects a business that takes feedback seriously. Critical reviews about seasoning, pricing, or music volume received thoughtful responses rather than defensive ones, which tends to build trust with potential first-time visitors reading through the comments before making the drive.

The space at 7609 Hwy 70 S may be modest in size, but the kitchen clearly prioritizes quality over volume. Food is made fresh to order, which means some wait time is part of the experience.

Most reviewers seem to consider that a fair trade. For anyone deciding whether the trip is worth it, the review history at this location offers a fairly honest picture of what to expect, including both the highlights and the occasional rough edges that come with any food truck operation.