11 Best Philly Cheesesteak Spots in Philadelphia
Is there any food that inspires more loyalty, more debate, and (when it comes to ordering) more fear than the Philly cheesesteak? It’s as intimidating and beloved as the city it comes from, and asking a group of locals where to get the best one can incite the kinds of arguments that tear families apart. Okay, that’s an exaggeration—but we all have pretty strong opinions about our cheesesteak joint of choice. And while the guidebooks are sure to send you toward Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks, we humbly suggest you add these—the best Philly cheesesteak spots in all of Philadelphia—to your list, as well.
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Jillian GuyetterestaurantJohn's Roast Pork
John's Roast Pork$It’s not everyday you find a cheesesteak place that can brag about its James Beard Foundation Award—but John’s Roast Pork is no ordinary sandwich shop. And though the name may be deceiving, this tiny, shack-like building at the intersection of Snyder Ave. and Weccacoe Ave. in South Philadelphia has been luring cheesesteak-lovers through its doors for years. Order at the counter, wait for your name to be called, and then find a seat at one of the few outdoor tables (if you can, that is). Loaded with chopped meat, onions, and the cheese of your choice, John’s makes such a textbook-perfect cheesesteak that its picture should appear right under the "cheesesteak" entry in Webster's. Our favorite part? Separating the two halves of the sandwich and watching the cheese spread between them. (It's how you know they've used the perfect amount.) Load up with pickles and banana peppers from the condiments bar for optimal enjoyment.
Jillian GuyetterestaurantDonkey's Place
Donkey's Place$We know you're looking for a Philly cheesesteak, but we need you to go across the bridge into Jersey for this one. Just trust us: because inside this small, unpretentious bar decorated with boxing photos and various tchotchkes is one of the best cheesesteaks in the whole damn country. (It was even blessed by the late, great Anthony Bourdain.) But prepare yourself: Donkey's cheesesteaks do not conform to the image you undoubtedly have of the classic sandwich. Instead, the meat (piled high and so incredibly seasoned you could eat a plate of it, unadorned) is packed into a poppyseed Kaiser roll and topped with onions and American cheese. If you think it sounds blasphemous, take a bite and then come talk to us about how a cheesesteak is "supposed" to look.
restaurantTony Luke's
Tony Luke's$These days, you can find outposts of Tony Luke's all over South Jersey and Philadelphia (there are even a few scattered around Texas, Maryland, and, randomly, Bahrain). Sure, it's good for diehards—and though the chain-y vibe isn't something we typically look for in a cheesesteak place, there's still a true, authentic experience to be had at the original on Oregon Avenue in South Philly. Walk up to the red-and-white checkered counter, order through a window, and prepare for a cheesesteak that's long been a local favorite. They use Liscio’s rolls, baked in-store; the meat's good quality; the veggies are grown locally—what more could you ask for?
Jillian GuyetterestaurantJim's South Street
Jim's South Street$Most cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia focus so closely on the rolls, onions, steak, and wiz, not to mention claiming the title of the best cheesesteak in the city, that a comfortable place in which to eat the sandwich is often overlooked. The team at Jim’s, which has been making cheesesteaks in Philly for almost 80 years, thankfully doesn't fall into that camp. Located on the corner of Fourth and South Streets, you can typically spot Jim’s before you arrive from the line snaking outside, down Fourth Street towards tattoo shops and piercing parlors. Once you’re inside, split up your team. While one person waits in line to place orders for cheesesteaks "wit whiz" (Cheese Whiz, that is), provolone, or American, or an Italian hoagie, the rest of the crew can head upstairs to stake out a table. It’s a bit of a production, but well worth it for a cheesesteak that never disappoints—and a place that lets you enjoy.
Courtesy Mike's BBQrestaurantMike's BBQ
Mike's BBQ$$Mike’s BBQ, a small blue storefront a few blocks south of Passyunk Square, combines the traditional cheesesteak with some truly righteous barbecue to create a sandwich you didn't even know you needed: the brisket cheesesteak. The brisket is tender and you get a good portion in the sandwich. And, like any good cheesesteak, the seeded roll is soft enough for a good bite but hearty enough to keep the sandwich from falling apart. Get a side of barbecue sauce to really get into the spirit of things.
Courtesy DalessandrosrestaurantDalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies
Dalessandro's Steaks and Hoagies$Dalessandro's is the quintessential neighborhood cheesesteak joint, with families showing up with their kids, and regulars confidently yelling "whiz witout" over the heads of the mob of people crammed inside the narrow shop. You're not in Center City anymore; this is locals' territory, and you can trust their cheesesteak opinions. Speaking of: Dalessandro's version is massive, and absolutely stuffed to the brim with meat. American cheese is standard, but you can get whiz or provolone, too. Load yours up with onions, pickles, and ketchup, and go to town—just be sure to grab a nice handful of napkins on your way out.
Jillian GuyetterestaurantSteve's Prince of Steaks
Steve's Prince of Steaks$There are a few locations of Steve's throughout the city, but don't you want to visit the original, the jewel in the prince's crown? That means venturing out into Northeast Philly to get a cheesesteak from Steve's on Bustleton Ave., where it's been stationed for almost three decades. You'll know the place the minute you pull up—it looks like a trailer (by way of a spaceship) hanging off of a row house. Walk inside, approach the order windows (there's one for steaks, and one for fries and drinks), and get ready for a seriously delicious (if a little different) cheesesteak. Unlike the other guys, the meat on a Steve's cheesesteak isn't chopped. Instead, the roll is lined with thick slabs of the stuff; and if you're extra hungry, you can ask them to double the meat. Cheese offerings include whiz, American, mozzarella, and provolone—but if you want to switch it up, try the pizza steak, that blessed combination of two perfect foods. The sauce isn't overly tomato-y, and it's a nice change from the ever-present whiz.
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Blackbird Pizzeria
Blackbird Pizzeria$Everyone deserves the chance to eat a cheesesteak, regardless of their dietary restrictions. So while purists may turn up their noses at the idea of a vegan cheesesteak, Blackbird Pizzeria is here to prove them wrong. Located right on 2nd Street in Northern Liberties, the spot has been a vegan and vegetarian staple in Philly for a while now, one that's best known for its pizza. But the vegan cheesesteak is a fan favorite among vegans who want to indulge in their city’s most famous sandwich.
Courtesy CleaversrestaurantCleavers
Cleavers$Tempted though we may be to shrug at any cheesesteak joint that boasts being “gourmet," Cleavers dishes out the real deal. Located just a few blocks north of Rittenhouse Square and surrounded by hip restaurants, the restaurant opened in 2016 with a large menu that extends well beyond the cheesesteak. There are plenty of cheesesteaks places steeped in tradition, but give this relatively new kid on the block a chance.
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Angelo's Pizzeria South Philly
Angelo's Pizzeria South Philly$Getting a meal at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a small shop nestled in South Philly's Bella Vista neighborhood, can be a bit of a challenge. For those who remember jumping through hoops to pick up a pie at Pizzeria Beddia, it’s a similar process: no phone, cash only, long waits. But people do wait, and with good reason: Angelo’s has some of the best pizza and cheesesteaks in South Philly.
Courtesy Jimmy G'srestaurantJimmy G's Steaks
Jimmy G's Steaks$Not all the best cheesesteaks come from South Philly. Jimmy G’s Steaks has been bringing solid cheesesteaks to North Philly since 2013. Go for a classic cheesesteak with American cheese (with or without grilled onions). There’s a perfect meat-to-bun ratio, and the sandwich is just greasy enough to know you’re eating something good. If you’re feeling adventurous, check out the lamb steak with cheese, or the Philadelphia cream cheese steak. And make sure you get an order of the insanely popular fries.
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