Philly takes its cheesesteaks very seriously.
More than a sandwich, they’re a civic icon, a tourist draw, a debate topic, a cultural obsession, a Michelin-approved delicacy and an acceptable dish for any meal.
While often imitated around the world, an authentic cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside Philadelphia.
Our mission: Help you find amazing cheesesteaks in the city.
What Is a Cheesesteak?
A traditional cheesesteak — one word (and no need for “Philly” or “sandwich”) — consists of sliced or chopped ribeye beef, melted cheese and optional sautéed onions on a soft-but-crusty long roll (which is different from a hoagie roll).
For many, the cheese of choice is “whiz” — melty cheddar-style cheese sauce, not spray cheese — with white American and provolone as admissible alternatives. Common toppings include ketchup, mushrooms, mayo, sweet peppers or Italian “long hots” peppers (with bell peppers typically shunned). And most shops offer alternatives like chicken steaks, pizza steaks, vegan steaks or cheesesteak hoagies.
A great steak can be found in fancy fine dining restaurants, if-you-know-you-know neighborhood pizzerias or corner stores, and every type of eatery in between. Scroll down for our guide to some of the most essential steaks in Philly, including the famous, the classics and the up-and-comers.
Interested in a deep dive into cheesesteak history or tips on how to order? Click below.
Living in the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley means great cheesesteaks aren’t just a Philly thing—South Jersey brings it just as strong.
Take Champs Cheesesteak & Hoagies in Audubon, NJ (123 W. Merchant St.). They just celebrated their 2nd anniversary in the best way possible—hooking customers up with TWO free cheesesteaks. That tells you everything about how they treat people.
They’re known for doing it right: generous portions, incredibly tender steak, and for just $19.95, you can grab a massive two-footer. I go with grilled onions and cooper cheese, and the roll—plain or seeded—really seals the deal. It’s not just the meat melting in your mouth… the bread makes it complete.
#LoveAtFirstBite