The Best Cheesesteak In Philadelphia According To A Local
Home » Food & Drink » The Best Cheesesteak in Philadelphia According to a Local
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a small commission .
The Philly cheesesteak. There is no more iconic food in America than this tasty dish. Locals will swear by their favorites and it is the #1 thing on most tourists bucket list. Breaking it down, this is the definitive guide to the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia according to a local.
Cheesesteaks in Philly are an absolute institution in the city and one of the classic Philadelphia foods. And while the tastes vary greatly, they are all basically the same thing. First you start with the beef. The best Philly cheesesteak is made from ribeye steak sliced thin and thoroughly worked on a flat-top grill. Some places will use lesser cuts of meat, such as a chuck roast, to save on food costs, but you can taste the difference with ribeye.
Next is the bread. Nothing but a firm Italian roll will do. You need bread that will hold up to the folding and the grease. The roll is the unsung hero of the sandwich and most of the best Philly cheesesteak places will live and die by their rolls. Die-hard steak lovers even have favorite bakeries Amoroso, Conshohocken Italian Bakery and Sarcones Bakery and will choose their cheesesteak shop based on the bakery.
And here they are, in order, from best to worst:
Dalessandros Steaks And Hoagies
Located on Henry Avenue in the Roxborough section of the city, Dalessandros has been serving up incredible cheesesteaks and hoagies for over 50 years. They focus on super fresh ingredients and cooked-to-order steaks. Of the classic cheesesteak restaurants in the city, Dalessandros is head and shoulders above the rest.
The steaks here come out tender, but not soggy in grease . They differentiate themselves by using large pieces of fried onion that you can really taste. Wiz wit is the best choice here. Also, marinara dipping sauce is a popular addition for many locals. Located at 600 Wendover Street . Learn more.
How To Order A Cheesesteak
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, theres 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.
Don’t Miss: Outside Skirt Steak For Sale
Best Cheesesteak In Philly
Are you searching for the best Philly cheesesteak near you? Look no further than Genos Steaks, home of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Visit us on South 9th Street in Philadelphia to learn how to order a Philly cheesesteak the right way and see what the best cheesesteak in Philly tastes like. Were open 24/7! No matter when the craving for a Philadelphia cheesesteak strikes, our friendly staff will be waiting to serve you. We believe the best ingredients make the best Philly cheesesteak and promise you can taste the difference!
1219 South 9th Street Philadelphia, PA | 9th and Passyunk Avenue
Steve’s Prince Of Steaks
Three of the four Steves Prince of Steaks shops are open, including the original on Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philly, the one on Comly Road, also in the Northeast, and the Langhorne location. This long-running spot uses thin-sliced rib-eye and is known for its crispy french fries with cheese whiz. Call ahead to order in advance and make pickup quicker.
You May Like: Omaha Steaks Signature Steak Rub
Where Can I Get Sandwich Delivery Near Me In Philadelphia
With about 350 places in Philadelphia offering Sandwich delivery, including Hatch & Coop in Washington Square West, Pats King of Steaks and Genos Steaks in Passyunk Square, Cavanaughs Restaurant & Sports Bar in University City, and Petes Pizza in Paschall, youre sure to find a great takeout spot.
Barrys Steaks & Hoagies
Not far from the Henry Avenue battle that is Dalessandros vs. Chubbys, Barry has been doing his own thing in the Roxborough neighborhood for over 30 years. He started making steaks at DAlessandros but then branched out on his own. Now, hes unphased by what is happening on Henry Ave and his steak shop churns out a remarkable product in a completely unpretentious environment.
On walking in, you start to realize everyone is a locallike within a few blocks local. All the customers are talking to each other and the staff like old friends. Barrys is first and foremost a neighborhood shop. They do an excellent classic cheesesteak on traditional Amoroso rolls. The way they work the cheese deep into the steak results in cheesesteak perfection. You wont find their cheese just on the top, or pooled in the bottom of the roll like something they are ashamed of . Barrys are the cheesiest cheesesteaks in the city.
But Barrys differentiates itself by doing some truly unique and non-traditional steaks. The pepperoni pizza cheesesteak will infuriate purists, and melt the heart of anyone else. It is an absolutely delicious Italian interpretation of the classic steakand not to be missed. They also have their own line of craft sodas. The root beer and the black cherry are excellent. Located at 471 Leverington Avenue. Learn more.
Recommended Reading: Steak 38 Cherry Hill Nj
Our Picks For The Best Cheesesteak Places To Go For An Authentic Philly Experience
Note: Greater Philadelphia is open for business and welcoming visitors. Safety guidelines regarding COVID-19 continue to evolve. While proof of vaccination and mask-wearing are no longer required in Philadelphia, individual businesses in Philadelphia and the Countryside may require them, and the City of Philadelphia strongly recommends mask-wearing in indoor public spaces. Advance tickets or reservations remain recommended or necessary at many spots. Your best bet: Check online or call ahead.
Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are more than just sustenance: Theyre civic icons, tourist draws and lets 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.
Joes Steaks + Soda Shop
Dont let the throwback 1950s décor and color schemes fool you, this is serious eats. For decades, this was known by the name Chinks Steaks, after the founder Samuel Chink Sherman. After the owner died, the restaurant was taken over by employee Joe Groh, and the offensive name was retired.
But the quality of steak has never deviated from its path to cheesesteak perfection. The steaks are stuffed full of prime ribeye on a hard roll. Add in whiz and onions, and you cant beat it.
Joes still operates the original location on Torresdale Avenue in a working-class section of Northeast Philadelphia. Its worth it to make the extra drive to this temple of culinary goodness. However, if youre feeling lazy, you can line up at the decidedly more upscale location in the Fishtown neighborhood. Located at 6030 Torresdale Avenue in the Northeast or at 1 W. Girard Avenue in Fishtown. Learn more.
Don’t Miss: Smoke Steak On Pellet Grill
So What Is A Cheesesteak
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 regions specialty sandwich, too, but here we focus mostly on where to get the classic Philly cheesesteak.
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.
Heres the lowdown on where to find some of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
