A destination-worthy, family-run cheesesteak stop beside the Loyalsock Creek and Forksville Covered Bridge, with standout sandwiches and fries, though occasional reviews cite pricing, waits, and inconsistent execution.
Big Mike's Steaks & Hoagies delivers strong food quality and attentive service that keeps locals and regional visitors returning, with cheesesteaks earning consistent praise as regional favorites. The scenic creek-side setting with outdoor seating and historic character adds genuine appeal beyond the counter-service format. Occasional consistency dips in sandwich preparation and limited menu expertise prevent a higher grade, though the overall execution remains reliably solid.
Big Mike’s is the kind of rural sandwich stop that turns a meal into a small expedition. Set beside the Loyalsock Creek and Forksville Covered Bridge, it pairs a compact general-store feel with picnic tables, porch seating, and a view that reviewers repeatedly call worth the drive. The mood is casual and welcoming; one recurring impression is that the staff greet visitors like returning friends, even when the line is moving. The food is unapologetically Philly-inspired rather than delicate: half-pound cheesesteaks, cold-cut hoagies, loaded fries, garlic butter, bacon, peppers, and plenty of cheese. The Dean Martin, OG Philly, Diablo, Godfather, and Dirty Jersey Fries are the menu’s regular stars, while the garlic sauce has developed near-legend status. Most feedback points to generous, satisfying sandwiches and quick service, although a few diners report bland or soggy meat, long waits, or prices that feel high for a casual counter stop. Families are well served by the current menu, which includes a hot dog, ham-and-cheese, turkey-and-cheese, tuna-and-cheese sandwiches, and a chicken-tender-and-fries basket. Reviews also describe children enjoying the outing, while vegetarian and vegan hoagies broaden the options. The main family caveat is peak-period crowding and the small indoor footprint; on a pleasant day, outdoor seating is the better experience.
Area vibe: Rural, scenic small-town along the Susquehanna River with limited commercial spine.
Safety: Generally safe with low crime but limited nighttime street lighting and sparse footfall after dark.
What's nearby: Near the Forksville Covered Bridge, rural roads, state forest access, and small local businesses and inns.
The Dean Martin, OG Philly, and garlic fries are standout choices, but one side of the experience can be less consistent than the menu suggests.
Bring a little patience and check the payment policy, especially if you arrive during a busy outdoor-friendly period.
This is a scenic creekside sandwich stop where the outdoor setting is a major part of the appeal.