In this great country of ours, one could eat a different sandwich every day of the year—so that's what we'll do. Here's A Sandwich a Day, our daily look at sandwiches around the country. Got a sandwich we should check out? Let us know. —The Mgmt.

[Photograph: Joshua Bousel]

As a Serious Eater, I bet I'm not alone in being dubious whenever a cheesesteak is recommended outside of a stone's throw from Philly and its suburbs. So an eye roll was in order when my sister-in-law waxed poetic about a newish cheesesteak joint, Pappa Geno's, we had to try by her place in the Heights of Houston. Whether she fully grasped it or not, within one bite, I knew this place was cooking up a cheesesteak incredibly close to the real deal.

Served on a slightly soft, slightly crusty roll, the steak was juicy and oozing beefiness, even if it may have had a little help via extra seasoning. The grilled onions struck just the right point between soft and crunchy, and my provolone had a nice sharp bite, while my wife's sandwich with wiz was nothing but authentic.

Even though there was a bit of a blank stare from the cashier when I went up and just said "wiz, wit," Pappa Geno's is still churning out a cheesesteak good enough to fill most Philly ex-pats' bellies with comfort.

Pappa Geno's

1801 Ella Blvd, Houston TX 77008 (map)
713-863-1222