The Place

A standout in a pretty but otherwise unremarkable strip mall across the street from State College of Florida. The interior, with its mirrored wall and black-and-white checkered theme, is cozy without being crowded or noisy. There’s also a small patio with a few garden tables out front.

The People

SCF and IMG faculty and staff. It’s a near-universal dress code of jeans and polo shirts or short-sleeve button-ups.

Time Factor

Fast enough for a half-hour sit-down; faster still if you order from the counter to-go or even call ahead.

The Food

A good selection of fried apps, hoagies and a slew of salads, but really, it’s all about the cheesesteak. The meat for the signature sandwich (steak, chicken or pork) is thoroughly chopped up on the grill and sautéed together with finely chopped onions and cherry peppers. All of that is heaped with a mild, creamy cheese onto a pillow-soft roll made by Philadelphia’s own Amoroso’s Baking Company. It is melt-in-your-mouth delightful.

South Philly Cheesesteak | 5942 34th St. W., Bradenton, (941) 727-7339. southphillycheesesteak.com