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Where to Find the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia

Our picks for the best cheesesteak places to go for an authentic Philly experience...

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Photo by Visit Philadelphia
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Travel Responsibly: In an effort to limit the impact of COVID-19, mask-wearing and social distancing are required in all public spaces per official guidelines. Advance tickets or reservations are highly recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Plan ahead.

Note: This article was last updated on November 18, 2020.

South Philadelphia

01

John’s Roast Pork

A low-slung luncheonette amidst shopping plazas, John’s Roast Pork is perennially cited as one of the city’s top steak spots. Its secret weapon? A crusty seeded roll from Carangi’s Bakery. John’s has long been a favorite of South Philadelphia dock workers and contractors for the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia — it opened in 1930 — but in recent years it’s gained mainstream recognition, including a James Beard Foundation Award for Culinary Excellence. If you’ve got room in your stomach, don’t miss the namesake roast pork sandwich. Call to confirm current hours and operations or get John’s shipped.

Where: John's Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Avenue

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02

Tony Luke's

A cheesesteak from Tony Luke's in South Philadelphia. A cheesesteak from Tony Luke's in South Philadelphia.
— Photo by J. Varney for Visit Philadelphia

Every sandwich at the award-winning Tony Luke’s — now with multiple locations in multiple states — is worth ordering. For the real experience, visit the restaurant’s original location, located next to an I-95 overpass on Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia. Diners pick up their sandwiches from streetside windows and either feast at the outdoor picnic-style tables or take them to go. Local takeout and nationwide delivery options are available, too.

Where: Tony Luke's, Various locations including 39 E. Oregon Avenue

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03

Pat's King of Steaks

The original home of the cheesesteak, Pat’s King of Steaks is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family. Pat’s claim to fame is that its founder, Pat Olivieri, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat’s has grown from a little stand at the southern end of South Philly’s Italian Market to one of the most famous cheesesteak shops in the world, albeit still in the same — and only — location. A 24-hour shop, Pat’s shuts down for only 48 hours each year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pat’s also offers takeout, local delivery and nationwide shipping.

Where: Pat's King of Steaks, 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue

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04

Geno’s Steaks

It may be across the street from the oldest cheesesteak joint in town, but Geno’s Steaks is a formidable competitor, going roll-for-roll with Pat’s for decades. The key to success for the 24/7 spot? Quality thinly sliced rib-eye steak for maximum juiciness, the freshest of onions and house-made bread. Geno’s offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Geno’s Steaks, 1219 S. 9th Street

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05

Cosmi's Deli

Cosmi’s Deli has the look of a corner market — and the cheesesteak cred of a champion. This tiny corner store in South Philadelphia has won plenty of praise for its rendition of the famous Philly specialty, as well its hoagies and roast pork sandwiches. All three sandwiches are served on long hoagie rolls from the famous Sarcone’s Bakery. Cosmi’s offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Cosmi's Deli, 1501 S. 8th Street

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06

Philip's Steaks

The exterior of Philip's Steaks The exterior of Philip's Steaks
— Photo by J. Zale

Like Pat’s and Geno’s, Philip’s Steaks is another 24-hour cheesesteak joint on Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, though it’s on West Passyunk Avenue instead of East Passyunk. But that off-the-beaten-path vibe gives Philip’s more cred if you’re looking to find a great cheesesteak recommended by those in the know. Philip’s offers standard cheesesteak varieties as well as an “old-fashioned,” which is a cheesesteak with provolone, grilled tomatoes, onions and long hots. Philip’s offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Philip's Steaks, 2234 W. Passyunk Avenue

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07

Oregon Steaks

Oregon Steaks opened its storefront at 10th and Oregon in deep South Philly in early 2014, making it a relative newcomer to the local cheesesteak game. Open 24/7, the spot has neon lights that provide the classic South Philly glow perfect for a late-night cheesesteak. Oregon Steaks offers online ordering and takeout.

Where: Oregon Steaks, 2654 S. 10th Street

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South Street, Old City & Center City

08

Jim's Steaks

A cheesesteak in front of Jim's Steaks in Philadelphia, one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. A cheesesteak in front of Jim's Steaks in Philadelphia, one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
— Photo by J. Fusco for Visit Philadelphia

Jim’s Steaks has multiple locations, but the classic smell of fried onions wafting down South Street makes that address the most memorable — and the most popular after a day or night of hitting up the famed strip. Jim’s offers takeout and nationwide shipping.

Where: Jim's Steaks, Various locations including 400 South Street

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09

Ishkabibble’s Eatery

South Street’s beloved Ishkabibble’s has been cooking up cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks since 1979. The spot — which touts itself as the home of the original chicken cheesesteak — throws out the cheesesteak rule book and lets its patrons call the shots and the toppings. Other favorites at this walk-up vendor include Ishka fries (with hot peppers and onions), sweet potato cheese fries and the original Gremlin, a half-lemonade, half-grape-juice concoction. Ishkabibble’s offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Ishkabibble's, 337 South Street

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10

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop

Woodrow’s is a specialty sandwich shop on Philly’s famous South Street that makes one heck of a cheesesteak. The “Woodrow’s Whiz Wit” comes with shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, cherry pepper mayo and truffle-infused Cheese Whiz. Is it a fancier take? Yes. Will you regret diverting from the traditional cheesesteak? No way. Woodrow’s offers gluten-free options, takeout and local delivery.

Where: Woodrow's Sandwich Shop, 630 South Street

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11

Sonny's Famous Steaks

Sonny's Famous Steaks, home of one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Sonny's Famous Steaks, home of one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
— Photo by Chris Koontz for Sonny's Famous Steaks

Founded in 2000, Sonny’s Famous Steaks offers a fresh, healthier take on the recipe, frying the 100% Angus beef in its own juices rather than in oil. The critically lauded and conveniently located Historic District shop uses locally baked Amoroso’s rolls, local cheese or Whiz and boasts a liberal ordering policy — meaning patrons shouldn’t feel pressured to order the cheesesteak in standard Philly fashion. There are even gluten-free options. Sonny’s offers online ordering and curbside takeout.

Where: Sonny's Famous Steaks, 228 Market Street

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12

Campo's

Cheesesteaks from Campos, home of one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Cheesesteaks from Campos, home of one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
— Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia

Campo’s is a great spot to sample authentic Philadelphia flavor with total convenience to some of the City of Brotherly Love’s main attractions. Located on Market Street in Old City, Campo’s is only three blocks from The Liberty Bell Center and the Independence Visitor Center. Campo’s offers local takeout, delivery and nationwide shipping.

Where: Campo's, 214 Market Street

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13

Shank's Original

Visit Shank’s Original for a highly reputed cheesesteak and an old-school experience on the Delaware River waterfront. Wise patrons know to save room for a bite or two of Shank’s famed chicken cutlet sandwich, too. Shank’s offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Shank's Original, 901 S. Christopher Columbus Boulevard

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14

Steve's Prince of Steaks

Now with four locations in the Philadelphia area, Steve’s Prince of Steaks started in Northeast Philadelphia on Bustleton Avenue and expanded to Center City. For 30 years now, owner Steve Iliescu has delivered his signature sandwich on a long, thin roll with just the right chew. Call to confirm current hours and operations of the location you plan to visit.

Where: Steve's Prince of Steaks, Various locations including 41 S. 16th Street

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15

Cleavers

Rittenhouse Square’s Cleavers offers an entire “Make It Yours” menu of cheesesteak options that covers the classics and moves beyond traditional cheesesteak territory, too, with toppings like Sriracha aioli, blue cheese dressing, long hots and onion rings. There’s also a lengthy selection of chicken cheesesteaks and a few vegetarian recommendations as well. Cleavers offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Cleavers, 108 S. 18th Street

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16

Reading Terminal Market

This busy, circa 1892 market houses more than 80 vendors of farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, herbs and ready-to-eat meals — from Amish baked goods to Greek fare. It’s also a great spot to feast on some of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. By George! Pizza, Pasta & Cheesesteaks, Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks and Spataro’s Cheesesteaks are among the solid options here, and for a twist on the classic cheesesteak, there’s the Trainwreck at Beck’s Cajun Café. It’s filled with thin-sliced steak, andouille sausage, salami, American cheese, fried onions and creole mayo.

Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street

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Fishtown & North Philly

17

Max's Steaks

Max's, home of one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Max's, home of one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia

Max’s may be most well known for its star turn in Creed, the seventh movie in the Rocky film franchise and for its appearance in NBC’s This is Us, but for many decades now, the neon-lit destination been a go-to spot for enormous cheesesteaks and full bar (daiquiris recommended) in the heart of North Philadelphia. Max’s offers local takeout.

Where: Max's Steaks, 3653 Germantown Avenue

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18

Jimmy G's

Spring Garden’s Jimmy G’s Steaks has established itself as a key player in the local sandwich game, grilling up classics in chopped and slab formats on Liscio’s rolls. For the adventuresome, there’s also a lamb variation as well as the shop’s secret weapon: the Philadelphia Cream Cheesesteak. Jimmy G’s offers takeout and local delivery.

Where: Jimmy G's Steaks, 695 N. Broad Street

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19

Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop

The staff at Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop has been slinging the classic sandwich since 1949 at its mom-and-pop shop in Northeast Philadelphia. The newer Fishtown location stays true to tradition, serving the 67-year-old recipe with beef or chicken and alongside milkshakes, ice cream sodas and egg creams. Gluten-free and vegan options are available, too. Joe’s offers takeout, local delivery and nationwide shipping.

Where: Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop, Various locations including 1 W. Girard Avenue

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Roxborough & Beyond

20

Dalessandro's Steaks

If you’re a savvy enough cheesesteak aficionado, you’ll want to visit Roxborough in Northwest Philadelphia. There on Henry Avenue — no doubt with a line out front — you’ll find Dalessandro’s Steaks, which has racked up an enormous amount of accolades since getting into the cheesesteak business a half-century ago. For this neighborhood staple, freshness rules, and its signature steak gets a much finer chop than many of its South Philly compatriots. Call to confirm current hours and operations.

Where: Dalessandro's Steaks, 600 Wendover Street

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21

Chubby's Steaks

Chubby’s Steaks is a worthy entry in the cheesesteak smackdown that is Henry Avenue near Walnut Lane in Roxborough, where a cluster of cheesesteak and pizza joints rivals those at 9th and Passyunk. Chubby’s has all the variations, plus a full bar. Chubby’s offers online ordering for delivery and takeout.

Where: Chubby's Steaks, 5826 Henry Avenue

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22

McNally’s Tavern

The Schmitter from McNally's Tavern in Philadelphia The Schmitter from McNally's Tavern in Philadelphia
— Photo by J. Varney for Visit Philadelphia

Home of the iconic cheesesteak sandwich known as the Schmitter, Chestnut Hill’s McNally’s Tavern packs its signature creation with sliced beef, extra cheese, fried onions, tomato, grilled salami and secret Schmitter sauce. This family-owned bar has been serving its over-the-top sandwich on a flash-broiled kaiser roll for more than a half-century now. McNally’s offers takeout.

Where: McNally's Tavern, 8634 Germantown Avenue

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Close

South Philadelphia

John’s Roast Pork
Tony Luke's
Pat's King of Steaks
Geno’s Steaks
Cosmi's Deli
Philip's Steaks
Oregon Steaks

South Street, Old City & Center City

Jim's Steaks
Ishkabibble’s Eatery
Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop
Sonny's Famous Steaks
Campo's
Shank's Original
Steve's Prince of Steaks
Cleavers
Reading Terminal Market

Fishtown & North Philly

Max's Steaks
Jimmy G's
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop

Roxborough & Beyond

Dalessandro's Steaks
Chubby's Steaks
McNally’s Tavern
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