Food Stop 6 - Broadway Cafe, Ann Arbor, MI

I've waited 3 years to come back here. The cheesesteak hoagies here have gotten me through many a long study session when I was in college here. So after taking a quick ride through my old stomping grounds of the U of M North Campus, I swung down Broadway street from Plymouth Ave and made my way through the rows of old Victorian homes and arrived at an old unassuming little strip mall at the end of Broadway. My heart started beating fast with anticipation as soon as the store's frontage came into view.

If you were simply driving by, you would very easily miss this little store tucked away in a little strip mall, but ultimately, it is the food that keeps bringing faithful fans back.


The interior of the store was nice and comfy and equally unassuming. Decor was simple cafeteria tables & chairs accented with wood paneling walls.

Here's the menu... complete with all 10 menu items! The second surprise... they are actually 1/ 2 a cheesesteak store and the other 1/2 is a korean restaurant!

At long last, I order up myself a Cheese Steak Hoagie with Extra Mushrooms and tossed with Hot Peppers:

The thing was just overflowing with meat and stuff! In fact, one of my favorite things about this sandwich is that there is more stuffing than bread. Just have a look at this cross section:

The meat was nice and ooey gooey with cheese. The nicely caramelized onions gave a nice sweet note throughout the sandwich. As for the peppers, i like it personally, but it is not for everyone. It is basically mashed pickled red peppers (or some sort of chilli). The vinegar imparts a nice sour twang which really wakes up your taste buds in every bite. But if you are not quite into the sour note, then i'd leave out the hot peppers.


Most people find quite a disconnect with a korean restaurant being known for its cheesesteak hoagies, but WHY NOT? In fact, i find cheesesteaks to be the next logical progression from traditional korean food. For one, the Koreans have perfect the art form that is grilled seasoned sliced meat in the form of Bugolgi & Kalbi. The thinly sliced meat that is familiar to Korean food is perfect for cheese steak! So bravo for Korean cheese steak Hoagies!!!!


While i only had enough room in my stomach for a single cheese steak hoagie, but do feel free to try some of the other korean fare that is offered here. As a personal recommendation, definitely do try the Bi-Bim-Bop. A steamed rice dish served with grilled sliced beef, and a warm salad of crunchy mixed veggies, topped with a fried egg and tossed in lip smacking Go-Chu-Jang (korean red pepper sauce).


I get to snap a picture of the ever-smiling proprietor of the establishment. 

Please do check out his website where he features traditional folk songs and also an impressive paper on proper Korean diction for non native Korean speakers. Check it out!!
http://keemanchang.com/index.html


I liked
- Awesomely done cheese steaks.
- Korean food like your korean grandma would make.
- Super friendly owner (see photo below).


I didn't quite like
- The far proximity from campus makes it hard for students without a car to reach.


Broadway Cafe (Korean Food & Cheese Steak Hoagies)
Address: 1139 Broadway St, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Phone: (734) 769-3524
Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/broadway-cafe-and-jumbo-steak-hoagie-ann-arbor





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