Recent social media posts
19/08/2026
Meet the Hoagie — steak, onion, lettuce, tomato, Kewpie mayo and American cheese. The one that does it all.
18/08/2026
There’s something about this time of year that always makes me feel… strange.
I’ll go about my days, and then I realize we’re approaching September 11th again. This year marks 25 years since 9/11. Twenty-five years. Somehow that number doesn’t seem possible.
On that morning, the building where I worked at the World Financial Center was destroyed. Like so many people, I watched something happen that I never could have imagined—and suddenly the world felt like a very different place.
But for me, September 11th is also about Peter Sapienza.
Peter is a firefighter and a friend of mine. His image was used for the TV show The Bravest, and the people he worked alongside weren’t just coworkers. They were his brothers.
Peter happened to be on vacation that day, but his firehouse in Alphabet City lost many of those brothers. I know that September 11th is something Peter carries with him every single day. There are wounds that don’t necessarily show, and some memories never really become memories—they remain part of you.
I think about that a lot.
Peter is also one of those people who, despite everything he has experienced, continues to give encouragement and kindness to others. He’s a fan of Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks and, from 10,000 miles away, he still manages to send me encouragement and remind me to keep going.
I love the man.
And I feel incredibly blessed to have someone like Peter in my corner.
So as September 11th approaches, I’m not thinking only about buildings or airplanes or headlines. I’m thinking about people. The people who were lost. The families who were changed forever. The firefighters and first responders who ran toward the danger. And the people who survived but have carried that day with them for 25 years.
We remember.
And we keep going. Friends and Family are all we have!
❤️
17/08/2026
This is where it all starts. Grade A steak, hot flat top, nothing else needed.
16/08/2026
Have you ever heard someone talk and, for whatever reason, the sound of their voice, the way they carry themselves, and the things they say suddenly make you look at the world a little differently?
That happened to me reading Mursal Saiq’s thoughts on the word “authentic” when it comes to food.
And suddenly I understood exactly why, at Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks, we say:
PROPER. NOT AUTHENTIC.
Because here’s the thing… who the f**k gets to decide what “authentic” is?
We make our cheesesteaks the way most proper cheesesteak joints in Philly actually make them. Nothing fancy. Nothing reinvented. No culinary gymnastics. No deconstructed onions served on a f**king slate.
Just a proper Philly cheesesteak.
We’re not claiming to be the sole guardians of some sacred cheesesteak tradition handed down from Benjamin Franklin himself.
We’re saying: this is how we like our steaks, and this is how a lot of Philly likes them too.
So thank you, Mursal Saiq, for putting into words something we’ve been saying for years.
Proper. Not Authentic.
And as for Gordon Ramsay…
Well…
F**K GORDON RAMSAY. 😂
He can keep his authenticity.
We’ll keep making proper steaks. 🥩🧀🥖
**kGordonRamsay
13/08/2026
The dream. No further questions.
13/08/2026
****The Journey Continues Namba Mizu Shobai Years****
30 years ago, I was living in Osaka, Japan, working in the Mizu Shobai — “The Water Business.” Let’s just say it was a different time, and apparently I was doing some serious market research. 😂
Eventually, I made my way back to Philadelphia with a dream: start a brew pub with an old friend. That plan didn’t quite make it to the finish line, but I landed at Dock Street Brewpub, and those years back in Philly gave me something I didn’t know I needed — fuel for the dream.
The dream of Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks.
So I deferred the dream. I didn’t abandon it.
And now… the next chapter is taking shape FAST. 👀🔥
The photo below is me in Osaka during one of my heavier nights. Judging by the look on my face, I was either solving the cheesesteak crisis of the future or trying to remember where I left my shoes. 😂
One thing I learned in Osaka: Osaka is like Philly. It’s proper.
Different language. Different food. Same attitude.
And apparently, I’ve been preparing for this cheesesteak journey for 30 years.
Sparrow’s is coming. 🥩🧀🔥
11/08/2026
When hospitality's in your soul, it doesn't really feel like a job 🖤
10/08/2026
In our Monday flow state💛🖤
09/08/2026
You know that moment when you’re out drinking, having a great time, and someone sneakily takes a photo of you… 😂
You look at it later and think:
“There is NO WAY I’m that fat.”
Then you zoom in.
Then you zoom out.
Then you turn the phone upside down.
Then you realise…
“Oh. F**k. I actually AM that fat.” 🤣🤣
But you know what? I love drinking.
I love eating.
I love good mates, good times and absolutely ZERO regrets.
So maybe I’m not fat…
Maybe I’m just big b***d. 🍻😂
And frankly, Sparrow’s Philly Cheesesteaks was clearly made for people like me. 🥩🧀🥖
Life is too short for salads.
Pass me the cheesesteak. 😎
07/08/2026
We have an important message for you.
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Address
30 Gertrude Street
Fitzroy, VIC
3065
For those relying on public transport, take the tram number 11 or 96 towards St Kilda and get off at stop "Gertrude Street/Brunswick Street". From there, it's a short walk to the restaurants.
If driving, Gertrude Street has limited on-street parking available, but there are several paid car parks nearby. Alternatively, drivers can try to find a free spot on one of the adjacent streets.
Both American Restaurant and New American Restaurant can be found on Gertrude Street in Fitzroy.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
12pm - 12:30am |
| Tuesday |
12pm - 12:30am |
| Wednesday |
12pm - 12:30am |
| Thursday |
12pm - 12:30am |
| Friday |
12pm - 12:30am |
| Saturday |
12pm - 12:30am |
| Sunday |
12pm - 10:30pm |
Alerts
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What people say
American restaurants are known for their delicious and hearty meals, and Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks on Gertrude Street in Melbourne is no exception. This fast food restaurant serves up some of the best Philly cheesesteak sandwiches that will leave your taste buds wanting more. Customers have raved about the amazing flavor of the sandwiches, which beat even those found in Philadelphia. The fries are also a standout, perfectly complementing the sandwich. The bar at Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks is also on point, making it a great spot to grab a drink with friends while enjoying a delicious meal. With regular specials like Tightarse Monday and Wing Wednesday, there's always something new to try at this popular eatery. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, Sparrow's Philly Cheesesteaks is definitely worth checking out.
