Crave Cheesesteaks is a new addition to the Downtown Vancouver dining scene, focusing on Philly-inspired sandwiches made to order. The concept centres on thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and toasted bread, with a menu that includes both classic formats and variations influenced by global flavours.
I was invited to a media tasting and here’s what I tried.
What I Tried
Philly Cheesesteak
A familiar combination of thinly sliced steak, grilled onions, provolone, and mayo. I found the beef tender, with the onions adding a mild sweetness. The provolone melted into the sandwich and kept everything together.
O.G. Cheesesteak
Green peppers, cheese sauce, and caper horseradish aioli gave this version a different profile. I noticed a slight bite from the peppers, while the cheese sauce added richness. The horseradish aioli came through more at the end, adding a tang that lingered.
Bulgogi Cheesesteak
Marinated steak, grilled onions, and mushrooms created a sweeter direction compared to the classic options. I liked how the pickled onions added contrast, while the cheddar brought a sharper note. The garlic aioli tied everything together without overwhelming the filling.
The Jack
A plant-based option with mesquite-marinated jackfruit, grilled peppers, mushrooms, crispy onions, provolone, and caper horseradish aioli. I was curious how this would compare, and the jackfruit had a pulled texture that worked well in this format. The crispy onions added contrast, and the aioli gave it a similar flavour direction to the O.G. Surprisingly, this was my favourite!
Waffle Fries
Crisp edges with a soft centre.
Classic Lemonade
Balanced and refreshing with a straightforward citrus profile. It worked well as a reset between bites.
Strawberry Lemonade
A fruitier version with a gentle strawberry note that complemented the citrus base. I preferred this one slightly for the added flavour.
Crave Cheesesteaks brings a focused menu to Robson Street, with varying flavour profiles that keep the options interesting.
Crave Cheesesteaks is located at 500 Robson St, Vancouver, BC.