Philly Cheese Steak

After over 26 years in the same location on Lyons Avenue, one of Santa Clarita's favorite sandwich shops has moved. Fortunately, Final Score Food and Beverage Co. hasn't moved far, just further down Lyons Avenue into a newer and bigger space.

In business since 1979, Final Score has developed a loyal legion of customers and a strong sense of history in the Santa Clarita Valley. According to owner Joe Comella, Final Score was the first sports-themed restaurant in the SCV, and also the first in the SCV to have televisions. Pictures of various SCV athletic teams still grace the walls at Final Score. Customers still take in a game at Final Score as well, however, four new plasma screens are the televisions of choice now.

There are also some new menu items at Final Score. In addition to the great sandwiches the restaurant is known for, the menu now features more soups and salads, as well as pasta and 12-inch pizzas. Another change to the menu is a slight increase in prices. Although some may find the sandwich prices a bit high, the big portions, attention to fine quality ingredients, and friendly service make Final Score's fare worth every penny. Most of the sandwiches at Final Score are available in small, medium, or large sizes, but hungry, hungrier, and hungriest may be better descriptions as even a small serving can sate a big appetite.

No matter the type of bread you choose (white or wheat rolls, or white, wheat, and sourdough slices), every cold sandwich at Final Score is a salad waiting to happen, served with your choice of fresh chopped Roma tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and a side of Final Score's own House Italian dressing. These additions are surely to escape the confines of your sandwich, needing only a drizzle of dressing to create an improvised, yet yummy, salad. Luckily, all sandwiches come with a fork.

The Turkey Breast sandwich (small $5.95, medium $6.95, large $8.50) is a good choice and a favorite at Final Score. The turkey is roasted daily and is far superior to the meat found in fast food sandwich shops. The Roast Beef sandwich (small $5.95, medium $6.95, large $8.50) features USDA choice beef that is also roasted daily. Since the roast beef can be a bit dry, this sandwich is the perfect vessel for all the fixings.

The restaurant's signature sandwich, The Final Score ($10.95), is a mouth-watering behemoth and worthy of its namesake. A toasted sesame roll tries its best to contain Italian sausage, tomato sauce, cheese, and two huge homemade meatballs. The meatballs, moist and embedded with fresh parsley and onions, may need to be scaled down with a fork before any attempt is made at biting into this big sandwich.

Perhaps one of the best sandwiches at Final Score is the Philly Cheese Steak ($10.95). Instead of the shaved beef, onions, and Cheez Whiz traditionally found in the City of Brotherly Love, Final Score's Philly Cheese Steak is a gourmet upgrade. This version of the Philadelphia fare boasts tender pieces of filet mignon, sauteed peppers and onions, and melted cheddar and provolone. Sauteed mushrooms can be added for $1.50 more. A toasted sesame roll barely restrains these goodies, but can and should be used to sop up the juices that pool at the bottom of the sandwich basket in which it is served. Delicious.

A decent selection of wine and beer is also available, as well as a variety of desserts and fountain drinks. The Chocolate Malt ($3.50) is simple and perfect, served in a very tall glass and topped with a dollop of whipped cream - a nice accompaniment, or ending, for any meal.


Final Score Food and Beverage Co. is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Final Score is located in Newhall at 23254 Lyons Avenue and can be reached at 254-6557.