Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are more than just sustenance: They’re civic icons, tourist draws and — let’s own it — cultural obsessions.
We want to help you find the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia because, while often imitated around the world, the authentic Philly cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia. (Sorry, we had to say it.)
A cheesesteak — always one word — consists of a long, crusty roll filled with thinly sliced, freshly sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese. The art of cheesesteak preparation lies in the balance of flavors, textures and what is often referred to as the drip factor.
For many dedicated cheesesteak consumers, the definitive cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz, referred to as, simply, Whiz, but American and provolone are widely accepted alternatives. Other common toppings include sautéed onions, ketchup and sweet or hot — “long hots” — peppers.
There are lots of creative takes out there on this region’s specialty sandwich, too, but here we focus mostly on where to get the classic Philly cheesesteak. (That said, there are a few worthy contenders that stray slightly from the tried-and-true fashion, in a seriously delicious way.)
Below, our picks for notable spots dishing Philly cheesesteaks are organized by area, so you can sample more than one cheesesteak on any neighborhood outing.
Here’s the lowdown on where to find some of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
Click for Cheesesteak Pro Tips
Nearly every pizza or sandwich shop on any corner of every Philly neighborhood serves up the casual delicacy. One important thing to keep in mind: At many spots, there’s a specific way to order a cheesesteak.
Those who crave a cheesesteak must first consider two critical questions:
Those who want Cheez Whiz and onions can ask for a “Whiz Wit.” Those who want provolone without onions can ask for a “Provolone Witout.”
The origin of the cheesesteak dates back to 1930, when, during one fateful lunch hour, South Philly hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri slapped some beef from the butcher on his grill. A cabbie driving by sniffed something delicious, leaned out his window and requested his own. It didn’t take long for news of the creation to spread. Other taxi drivers came to Olivieri demanding their own steak sandwiches.
Soon after, the vendor opened a permanent shop on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, Pat’s King of Steaks, to sell his invention to the masses. Pat’s grills now sizzle 24 hours a day. So do the grills at Geno’s Steaks, Pat’s across-the-street-rival that opened in 1966. The late owner of Geno’s claims to have first added cheese to the sandwich.
For more than half a century, Pat’s and Geno’s have waged a (mostly) friendly competition, with visitors often ordering from both shops to see which they deem the winner.
Our suggestion? Don’t stop the taste-testing at Pat’s and Geno’s. A visit to Philadelphia would be incomplete without digging in to several of the best cheesesteaks in Philly.
For a place with “roast pork” in the name, John’s knows a thing or two about cheesesteaks. A low-slung luncheonette amid a sea of 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 Award for Culinary Excellence. If you’ve got room in your stomach, don’t miss the namesake roast pork sandwich. Bonus: You can get John’s shipped.
Where: John's Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Avenue
Every sandwich at Tony and Nick’s Steaks — formerly the original location of Tony Luke’s — is worth digging your teeth into. Visit the restaurant — located next to an I-95 overpass on Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia — for a tried-and-true cheesesteak that’s picked up from a takeaway window and enjoyed either at picnic-style tables or on the go.
Where: Tony and Nick's Steaks, 39 E. Oregon Avenue
The original home of the cheesesteak, Pat’s King of Steaks is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family, which means they’re something of cheesesteak royalty. 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.
Where: Pat's King of Steaks, 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue
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 and fueling friendly competition at the cheesesteak capital of the world. 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. Oh, and you can’t miss it, with neon lights beckoning curious travelers.
Where: Geno's Steaks, 1219 S. 9th Street
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, and each bite is fresh, soft and packed with meat.
Where: Cosmi's Deli, 1501 S. 8th Street
Aside from their crowd-pleasing pizzas (fermented dough and bubbly crust, anyone?) Angelo’s cheesesteaks come oozing out of a seeded Sarcone’s Bakery roll, piled high with finely sliced steak and gooey cheese (your choice of Whiz, cooper sharp, American or provolone) and onion. Chewy bread, melty cheese, tender meat? There’s nothing better. The Italian Market spot also makes a mean hoagie, so you really can’t go wrong.
Where: Angelo's Pizzeria South Philadelphia, 736 S. 9th Street
Oregon Steaks opened its storefront at 10th and Oregon in deep South Philly in 2013, making it a relative newcomer to the local cheesesteak game. Open 24/7, and a stone’s throw from the sports stadiums, the spot has neon lights that provide the classic South Philly glow perfect for a late-night or post-game cheesesteak.
Where: Oregon Steaks, 2654 S. 10th Street
A favorite of The Roots’ Black Thought, 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 OG chicken cheesesteak — throws out the cheesesteak rule book and lets its patrons call the shots and the toppings. Other must-tries include Spanish fries (with hot peppers and onions), sweet potato cheese fries and the original Gremlin, a half-lemonade, half-grape-juice concoction.
Where: Ishkabibble’s 1, 337 South Street
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Ishkabibble's II, 517 South Street
Woodrow’s is a specialty sandwich shop (think coffee barbecue brisket and falafel beet-lettuce-tomato) on Philly’s famous South Street that also 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.
Where: Woodrow's Sandwich Shop, 630 South Street
Founded in 2000, Sonny’s Famous Steaks is located in the heart of the Historic District, but more than just tourists know to grab a sandwich here. The 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 a cheesesteak in standard Philly fashion, and staff members give you a little hand-holding if you need it. Bonus: There are gluten-free options.
Where: Sonny's Famous Steaks, 228 Market Street
Open since 1947, Campo’s is a great spot to sample authentic Philadelphia flavor in authentic environs. Located on Market Street in Old City — look for the blue, red and green awning and sign — the restaurant’s tiny storefront has an old-school feel, and on warm nights the meaty goodness — best paired with local craft beer, available on site — filters out onto the sidewalk for alfresco seating. Bonus: Gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free options are also available. Only three blocks from the Liberty Bell Center, the Museum of the American Revolution and the Independence Visitor Center, Campo’s has you covered after a marathon day of museum-ing.
Where: Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks, 214 Market Street
Go DIY with your cheesesteak. Rittenhouse Square’s Cleavers offers an entire “Make Your Own” 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 fried onions. If you’re feeling really risky, you can trade the roll for a wrap or just get the innards in a bowl.
Where: Cleavers, 108 S. 18th Street
You probably think about this busy, circa 1893 market as a spot for farm-fresh produce, meats, cheeses, herbs and ready-to-eat meals — from Amish baked goods to Greek fare. But you’d be remiss if you didn’t think it housed 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. For a twist on the classic cheesesteak, there’s the Trainwreck at Beck’s Cajun Café, filled with thin-sliced steak, andouille sausage, salami, American cheese, fried onions and creole mayo. (Find more can’t-miss things to eat in the iconic market in our guide.)
Where: Reading Terminal Market, 51 N. 12th Street
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. Weekend nights, you can expect a dozens-deep line in the heart of Fishtown.
Where: Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop, Various locations including 1 W. Girard Avenue
Max’s earned some Hollywood cred 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 has been a go-to spot for big-as-your-arm cheesesteaks and full bar (daiquiris recommended) in the heart of North Philadelphia.
Where: Max's Steaks, 3653 Germantown Avenue
Now with three locations in the Philadelphia area, Steve’s Prince of Steaks started in Northeast Philadelphia on Bustleton Avenue. For 40 years now, owner Steve Iliescu has delivered his signature sandwich on a long, thin roll with thinly sliced slabs of ribeye drowned in Whiz.
Where: Steve's Prince of Steaks, Various locations including 7200 Bustleton Avenue
West Philly’s Baltimore Avenue is rife with international cuisine and the stellar Ethiopian restaurant Gojjo serves up hearty wots, along with their fan-favorite Ethiopian cheesesteak. Think of your traditional cheesesteak but with Ethiopian spices (cardamom, cinnamon, black pepper, nutmeg and cumin) on a hoagie roll. (Pro tip: Save room for more great eats on Baltimore Avenue.)
Where: Gojjo, 4540 Baltimore Avenue
If you’re a savvy enough cheesesteak aficionado (and we know you are), you’ll want to visit Northwest Philly’s Roxborough neighborhood. 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.
Where: Dalessandro's Steaks, 600 Wendover Street
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 (including Dalessandro’s, see above) rivals those at 9th and Passyunk. Liscio’s rolls are vessels for finely chopped steak and all the typical accouterments. Pull up a seat at the bar, and wash your sandwich down with a beer or a cocktail.
Where: Chubby's Steaks, 5826 Henry Avenue
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. Also available at Citizens Bank Park, you can chow down on a Schmitter while watching the Phils in action.
Where: McNally's Tavern, 8634 Germantown Avenue
Tony Luke’s is approaching cheesesteak domination, with franchises in Atlantic City, Morgantown, Pottstown, Springfield and King of Prussia. In Philadelphia proper, however, you’ll have to see a concert (Freedom Mortgage Pavilion), watch a game (Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field), or catch a flight (Philadelphia International Airport) — to snag one of these now-classic Philly ’steaks.
Where: Tony Luke's, Various locations including Citizens Bank Park, One Citizens Park Way
The Visit Philly Overnight Package — booked more than 190,000 times since 2001 — comes with free hotel parking (worth up to $100 in Center City Philadelphia), overnight hotel accommodations and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Where to find essential cheesesteaks, hoagies, soft pretzels, water ice and more...