DANNY & COOP'S
BRADLEY COOPER'S NYC HOTSPOT
Wait... one of Philly's Top 50 cheesesteak places is located in the heart of New York City?
A brief explanation is in order.
Co-owner "Danny" is none other than Danny DiGiampietro, the highly talented, dynamic driving force behind Angelo's and the recently opened Uncle Gus' at the Reading Terminal Market. Many would argue Danny makes the best cheesesteak in Philly.
"Coop" is of course Philadelphia area native Bradley Cooper, the handsome Hollywood superstar who became every Philadelphian's forever friend when he proclaimed without hesitation that an Eagles Super Bowl victory would mean more to him than winning an Oscar.
Danny and Coop saw an opportunity. NYC's cheesesteaks, if you can even find them, suck (and, for what it is worth, the soft pretzels are hideous). If they could import Angelo's cheesesteaks to NYC, those steaks would instantly become the city's best and there would be lines out the door.
Right they were, on both counts.
Danny and Coop's, with its charming East Village location on Avenue A across from Tompkins Square Park, is indeed NYC's best cheesesteak. But it is a New York cheesesteak in name only. In reality, it is a Philly cheesesteak - an exact replica of Angelo's masterpiece.
How exact? Not only are the beef and onions seasoned and grilled to perfection and infused with melted Cooper Sharp or your other cheese of choice, but get this - the "inside out" seeded roll is courtesy of Sarcone's Bakery on South 9th Street in Philly, the identical roll Angelo's uses. Danny & Coop's prepares its dough precisely in accordance with Sarcone's recipe and bakes its rolls fresh on premises at the Avenue A location.
After your first bite of a Danny & Coop's cheesesteak, you will go into a strange Philadelphia-like trance. You will begin to hear heavenly music that sounds like a Mummers string band. "Am I back in Philly?" "Am I at Angelo's?" you will ask yourself. And in a way, you will be.
The shop is gritty by design - brick walls, stand-up dining counters, and a haze from the grill wafting among the pipes, industrial lights, and old style ceiling fans overhead.
Sorry, chicken cheesesteak fans - Danny & Coop's is beef only. Perhaps that's the way true steaks oughta be.
Danny and Coop's is open only 5 days a week (Wednesday through Sunday) from 12 noon to 7 pm. The line can be out the door at times but moves quickly thanks to the friendly and efficient staff. Willie recommends a mid-afternoon visit as your best bet to avoid the crowds.
No doubt about it, New York City is incredible - it is almost as amazing as Philadelphia - and we all find ourselves there from time to time. When visiting, it is nice to know we now have a true taste of home waiting for us.
DANNY & COOP'S
151 Avenue A (between 11th and 12th)
New York - East Village / Alphabet City
NYC's best cheesesteak, served with a smile by lovely Torin.
