Stars Align for Danny & Coop’s: NYC Cheesesteak Dreams

NEW YORK — Danny & Coop’s, a highly anticipated cheesesteak shop co-owned by actor and Philadelphia native Bradley Cooper, opened its doors on Avenue A in Manhattan’s East Village this weekend. The eatery, which has already generated buzz with its food truck pop-ups, builds on the legacy of Angelo’s in South Philadelphia, where co-founder Danny DiDiampietro perfected his cheesesteak recipe.

The shop’s opening day saw long lines as enthusiastic customers, many from Philadelphia, eagerly awaited a taste of the famed cheesesteak, priced at $20. ‘Eating elbow-to-elbow, hunched over some delicious greasy mess is standard practice here,’ said Billy Penn intern Leo Miranda, who reviewed the venue.

Miranda described the cheesesteak experience as quintessentially satisfying. The sandwich features a freshly baked seeded semolina hoagie roll filled with grilled shaved ribeye, onions, and Cooper Sharp American cheese, served with pickled sweet or hot peppers. ‘A sum greater than its parts,’ he noted.

A local food influencer, Amanda Marie Barr, emphasized the evolution of the cheesesteak market: ‘Caramelized onions are in, and there’s a clear preference for Cooper Sharp American cheese over traditional cheese whiz.’ She commended Angelo’s influence, claiming, ‘Angelo’s is definitely the father of what the cheesesteak is today.’

One customer, Eugene Thong, visiting from Queens, expressed satisfaction with the price, emphasizing its value versus a train ticket back to Philly. ‘If I was in the neighborhood again, I would certainly come back,’ he said, enjoying the no-whiz approach.

Danny & Coop’s operates on a limited schedule, open only Friday through Sunday afternoons. “Should you try it? Absolutely. This feels like a must-try for anyone craving a unique take on the Philadelphia classic,” concluded Miranda.