Pasadena's New Cheesesteak Spot Draws Crowds With Its Decadent Twist

A new cheesesteak spot has opened in Pasadena, drawing crowds with its rich, indulgent take on the classic philly cheesesteak. Cheesesteaks by Matū, a spinoff of the upscale Beverly Hills steakhouse Matū, now offers a dedicated menu centred on its signature dish. The stand's arrival follows strong demand after the philly cheesesteak first appeared at Matū and its Brentwood sibling, Matū Kai.

The philly cheesesteak stays true to its original form, keeping the same proportions, crispy texture, and consistency as the version at Matū. It features thinly sliced beef piled onto a baguette-style roll, topped with diced onions, a creamy white Cooper Sharp cheese, and a charred long hot pepper. Customisation is minimal—customers can only opt to remove onions or peppers.

The sandwich has quickly gained a reputation as one of Los Angeles' best philly cheesesteaks. However, its richness dominates the flavour, with little acidity to cut through the heaviness. Even the side of beef tallow-fried potato chips fails to offer enough contrast. Due to overwhelming interest, Cheesesteaks by Matū has already adjusted its opening hours. The Pasadena location now operates extended times to handle the steady flow of customers.

The philly cheesesteak's popularity has led to a standalone venue in Pasadena, separate from its origins at Matū and Matū Kai. With limited menu options and a focus on quality, the spot continues to attract those eager for its take on the classic philly cheesesteak. The demand suggests it has firmly established itself in the local food scene.