There are times when the day calls for a healthy meal, and then there are days when flavor will drive your decision. And when that day comes, hit up Go Philly on Tacoma Ave. Whether it is the signature cheesesteak, chicken wings, or one of the many tasty side offerings ... who cares if you'll need bypass down the road.

Before ordering, I knew I was in the presence of a proper Philly when I saw Cheez Whiz on the menu. In addition to the Original Cheesesteak served up with your choice of steak or chicken, grilled onions and your choice of melted provolone, American or the aforementioned Cheez Whiz, Go Philly also offers optional choices such as sweet and hot peppers on the Pepper Cheesesteak and mushrooms on the Mushroom Cheesesteak.  Or, you can completely abandon the traditional and go with a BBQ, Teriyaki, or even a Buffalo cheesesteak.

I'm more of a traditionalist and stuck with the steak and mushroom Philly, which they served quickly with an order of cheese fries and strawberry lemonade.  The Philly was piled with steak, grilled with onions and piping hot cheese all on a soft hoagie roll of just under a foot.  Absolutely the most satisfying gut bomb in Tacoma.  And the cheese fries were a great addition heaped with melted Cheez Whiz, all to be finished off with an ice cold lemonade loaded with sliced fresh strawberries.

In addition to cheesesteaks, Go Philly also has items you may not expect to see like fried okra, catfish or even wings.  But clearly, if not by restaurant title alone, the Philly drives the menu and the traffic.  There is also the option of steak and cheese right on an order of fries, if you find yourself so inclined.  So, come for the cheesesteaks, stay for anything else that catches your eye - you simply can't go wrong, just don't tell your cardiologist.

My only request for Go Philly?  Ditch the sporks and get some forks.  The cheese fries are messy enough without battling to get that deliciousness in my mouth.

GO PHILLY, 1402 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma, 253.572.3000