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Article last updated on March 21, 2024

Cheesesteaks in Philly: Your 2024 Guide

A delicious list of Philly's favorites...

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Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are more than just a sandwich.

They’re a civic icon, tourist draw, cultural obsession and acceptable for any meal. While often imitated around the world, an authentic cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside Philadelphia. (Sorry, not sorry.)

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 rib-eye beef, melted cheese and optional sautéed onions on a soft-but-crusty long 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.

Toppings can often include ketchup, mushrooms, mayo, sweet peppers or Italian “long hots” peppers. (Bell peppers are typically shunned.) And most shops offer common alternatives like chicken steaks, pizza steaks, vegan steaks or cheesesteak hoagies.

To help guide you to some of the most essential steaks in town, here are a few top spots around Philly to grab one, including the famous, the essential, the new and the buzzy (but all seriously delicious).

If you’re interested in a deep dive into cheesesteak history or looking for tips on how to order, click the banner below first.

Click for Cheesesteak Pro Tips

How to Order a Cheesesteak

You may have heard the stories or seen the videos. At many spots in Philly, there’s a very specific, very Philly way to order a cheesesteak to keep the lines moving. So when that cheesesteak craving hits, first consider two critical questions before you get to the counter:

  1. What kind of cheese?
  2. Grilled onions or no grilled onions?

Once you decide, Philly cheesesteak culture has a shorthand language all its own to convey your order. First, ask for the kind of cheese you desire, Whiz or otherwise. Then say your onion choice: “wit” means with onions, and “witout” means without.

For example, if you order a “whiz wit,” you’ll get a steak with Cheez Whiz and onions. Asking for “American witout” scores you a steak with white American, no onions. (If you’re ordering a specialty variation like a pizza steak or cheesesteak hoagie, mention that first, as those often come with standard topping options.) Finish up with “here” or “to go.” If they’re in different spots, quickly move along from the ordering counter to the register to let the next customer order.

Don’t feel intimidated, it’s easy.

Cheesesteak History

The cheesesteak’s origin dates back to 1930 when, during one fateful lunch hour, South Philly hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri cooked up some leftover beef on his stand’s grill and slapped it on a bun. 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 the vendor requesting their own steak sandwiches. Soon after, Olivieri opened a permanent shop on 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue — Pat’s King of Steaks — to sell his invention to the masses.

The steak sandwiches featured grilled onions from the start, but what about the cheese? It took another decade before a bored and hungry manager at Pat’s named “Cocky Joe” Lorenza threw some provolone onto the creation, and (as the oft-disputed legend goes) the cheesesteak was born. Cheese Whiz was invented in 1952 and it didn’t take long for that to make it onto a cheesesteak as well. The popular chicken cheesesteak alternative came along in the 1980s, most commonly attributed to Ishkabibble’s on South Street or the former Billy Bob’s in West Philly.

Note: This article is arranged alphabetically by section.

The Rivalries

When cheesesteak love elevates to friendly neighborhood rivalry…
01

Dalessandro's Steaks and Chubby's Steaks

If you’re looking for rivalry beloved by locals, take your side-by-side comparison to Roxborough for a taste-off between Dalessandro’s Steaks and Chubby’s Steaks. Dalessandro’s has slung massive steaks with finely chopped rib-eye and chunky, hand-sliced sautéed onions since 1960. Just 100 feet across Henry Avenue, Chubby’s stands toe-to-toe with its Northwest Philly competitor, serving a finer chopped steak (with a signature secret seasoning and easy on the Whiz) at a counter with a full neighborhood bar and (usually) a shorter wait time.

Where: Dalessandro's Steaks, 600 Wendover Street

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Chubby's Steaks, 5826 Henry Avenue

02

Pat's King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks

Sitting diagonally across the corner from each other at the southern tip of Philly’s Italian Market are the city’s famous rival cheesesteak joints: Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. Pat’s shop is still owned and operated by the legendary Olivieri family, whose patriarch invented the first steak sandwich in 1930. Geno’s opened up across the pointed intersection in 1966, slinging thinly sliced rib-eye steak under a cacophony of neon lights, and a historic cheesesteak rivalry was born. The open-24/7, across-the-street rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s draws throngs to East Passyunk for taste-offs.

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

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Geno's Steaks, 1219 S. 9th Street

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The Classics

Some of Philly’s most treasured and longest-tenured steak shops …
03

Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly

Nearly every Philadelphian has a favorite spot for hoagies, for cheesesteaks and for slices. For some, these are all the same place: Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly. These popular cheesesteaks — served on a seeded Sarcone’s Bakery roll piled high with finely sliced steak, oozing cheese (including a gooey Cooper sharp American option) and sautéed onions — prove that some of the most beloved cheesesteaks in Philly can be found at local pizzerias.

Where: Angelo's Pizzeria South Philadelphia, 736 S. 9th Street

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04

Café Carmela

An up-close image of a cheesesteak with melted cheese, sauteed onion and beef on a seeded roll. An up-close image of a cheesesteak with melted cheese, sauteed onion and beef on a seeded roll.
— Photo courtesy Café Carmela

In 2020, Anna Marie and Joe Maglio opened the casual Italian restaurant Café Carmela in a Northeast Philly shopping center, never intending to be known for cheesesteaks. But after they added their signature take on Philly’s most popular sandwich to their menu during the pandemic, there was no looking back. Don Cheech’s Steak, named for Joe’s dad, is 12 ounces of thick house-sliced ribeye melded with lots of Cooper Sharp cheese (like at Angelo’s) and well-blended fried onions served on a seeded roll from Carangi bakery (like at John’s). A second location in Huntingdon Valley opened in 2023.

Where: Café Carmela, 2859 Holme Avenue

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Café Carmela, 2975 Philmont Avenue

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05

Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks

People eating cheesesteaks outside Campo's in Philadelphia People eating cheesesteaks outside Campo's in Philadelphia
— Photo by C. Smyth for Visit Philadelphia

Open since 1947, Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks is a great spot to sample old-school flavor in old-school environs. Located in Old City under a blue, red and green awning, the tiny corner shop sits just three blocks from the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. Besides traditional steaks made with high-end rib-eye cut against the grain and served on Liscio’s rolls, Campo’s also offers vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free and gluten-free options, along with local brews from Yards Brewing. Can’t get enough? Visit their kiosks at Citizens Bank Park and Wells Fargo Center.

Where: Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks, 214 Market Street

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06

Cleavers

Go DIY with your cheesesteak at Cleavers. The Rittenhouse Square spot offers an entire “Make Your Own” menu of cheesesteak options that covers the classics and also moves beyond traditional cheesesteak territory into gourmet (think: Sriracha aioli, blue cheese dressing, grated parmesan and Portobello mushrooms). If you’re feeling really frisky, you can trade the roll for a wrap or get just the fillings in a bowl. Pair it all with a craft draft from the self-serve 20-tap beer wall.

Where: Cleavers, 108 S. 18th Street

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07

Cosmi's Deli

One of the oldest steak shops in the city, Cosmi’s Deli has the look of a corner market — and the cheesesteak cred of a champ. Dating back to 1932, this small South Philly shop has garnered praise not only for its traditional steaks served fresh, soft and packed with meat on rolls from famous Sarcone’s Bakery, but also for its specialty steaks like the Mexicano, Buffalo or spicy Diavolo or the Veggie Lovers with provolone, mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, onions and sautéed green and roasted peppers. Even better: The spot’s hoagies and roast pork score high marks as well.

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

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08

Gilben's Bakery

Don’t let that “bakery” in the name fool you — Gilben’s Bakery offers up some of the best sandwiches in the city. The secret? Garlic. Rather than plain rolls, steaks here are served on long, buttery garlic bread baked from scratch on-site. The standard at the Black-owned Mount Airy bakery is the massive Ooey Gooey Cheesesteak, finished with a generous portion of molten white cheese sauce ladled on top. Gilben’s also offers a slew of eclectic cheesesteak varieties like jerk chicken, honey sriracha, garlic parm and sweet chili — all available on that soft, garlicky roll.

Where: Gilbens Bakery, 7405 Stenton Avenue

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09

Ishkabibble’s I & II

Split into two shops, Ishkabibble’s I & II (just 750 feet apart on South Street) not only touts itself as inventors of the chicken cheesesteak, but also serves a great steak with beef cut into chunks (rather than shredded or sliced). 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 beverage. Both spots serve the same menu, but the newer shop between 5th Street and 6th Street (opened in 2014) offers plentiful seating compared to the circa-1979 walkup window near 4th Street.

Where: Ishkabibble’s I, 337 South Street

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Ishkabibble's II, 517 South Street

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10

Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop

A cheesesteak is displayed on a table top with chopped up vegetables, a tomato, a pink milkshake and a soda. A cheesesteak is displayed on a table top with chopped up vegetables, a tomato, a pink milkshake and a soda.
— Photo courtesy Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop

Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop’s Fishtown location (opened in 2015) offers steaks from a decades-old recipe (after the original Northeast Philly location closed in 2022), alongside handcrafted milkshakes, ice cream sodas, chocolate Cokes and egg creams. Saunter up to the vintage soda fountain parlor’s Girard Avenue takeout window after a show at Johnny Brenda’s or drinks at Garage on its neighboring corners.

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

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11

John’s Roast Pork

For a joint with “roast pork” in the name, this spot knows a few things about cheesesteaks. Though famous for its eponymous sandwich, John’s Roast Pork is perennially ranked among Philly’s top steak spots as well. Its secret weapon is a crusty hollowed-out Carangi’s Bakery seeded roll — and a bold ban on Whiz. Opened in 1930, the low-slung luncheonette grew its reputation as a favored cheesesteak among South Philly dock workers and contractors, but gained mainstream recognition over the last two decades, as well as an “America’s Classics” honor from the James Beard Awards in 2006.

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

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12

Max's Steaks

Two people enjoy cheesesteaks at Max's Steaks at night. Two people enjoy cheesesteaks at Max's Steaks at night.
— Photo by Visit Philadelphia

There are famous cheesesteak shops, and there are cheesesteak shops that are famous — and North Philly’s Max’s Steaks is both. The spot boasts Hollywood chops as the setting for Michael B. Jordan’s memorable “jawn” lesson in 2015’s Creed, the first spinoff in the Rocky film franchise, as well as a cameo in an episode of NBC’s This Is Us. But for decades before on-screen fame, the neon-lit destination has been a go-to spot in Nicetown for The Giant cheesesteak, made from 100% sirloin (no rib-eye), and an attached bar with killer daiquiris.

Where: Max's Steaks, 3653 Germantown Avenue

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13

Reading Terminal Market

Among Reading Terminal Market’s stalls of produce vendors, bakeries and take-out delights are several of the city’s best cheesesteaks. If you’re looking for old-school steaks at the historic public marketplace, check out Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks, Spataro’s Cheesesteaks, By George, Molly Malloy’s or Down Home Diner. For a different take, try the spicy Trainwreck at Beck’s Cajun Café — finely chopped steak, andouille sausage, salami, American cheese, fried onions and creole mayo on a French baguette — or Miller’s Twist’s Cheesesteak Pretzel, sliced rib-eye and cheese inside a fresh-baked buttery Amish pretzel.

Where: Reading Terminal Market, 1136 Arch Street

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14

Saad's Halal Restaurant

Some of Philly’s best cheesesteaks have evolved with influence from diverse cultures and backgrounds, with no better example than Saad’s Halal Restaurant, a former food truck that opened its University City brick-and-mortar shop in 1996. The eatery’s signature cheesesteak is packed with bite-sized steak pieces melding with American halal cheese and mayonnaise. But the star is the Chicken Shish Tawook Maroosh Way, Saad’s chicken cheesesteak with zabiha halal grilled chicken, sautéed onions, tomatoes, curly parsley, pickle spears and whiz-like creamy garlic sauce. There’s even a fish cheesesteak made with fried tilapia.

Where: Saad's Halal Restaurant, 4500 Walnut Street

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15

Shank's Original

Shank’s & Evelyn’s was a beloved luncheonette that operated in the Italian Market from 1962 until closing in 2009. The family’s legacy lives on at Shank’s Original, a stand overlooking the Delaware River along Columbus Boulevard at Pier 40. The current Shank’s (also known for its award-winning Chicken Cutlet Italiano) is a walk-up window with thatched-wire tables on its patio for alfresco riverside dining. Grab a great traditional steak or try the Philly Special topped with “scrapple fries” and both whiz and American cheese.

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

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16

Sonny's Famous Steaks

Sonny's Cheesesteaks Sonny's Cheesesteaks
— Photo by P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia

Founded in 2000, Sonny’s Famous Steaks is new school in the heart of the Historic District. But this is no tourist trap. On any given day, the Old City shop is filled with equal parts eager visitors from around the world and life-long Philly locals. Sonny’s uses fresh-sliced rib-eye on Amoroso’s Italian rolls (or gluten-free rolls by request) with Whiz or local cheese, and boasts a more casual ordering experience (meaning patrons shouldn’t feel the pressure to order in notorious Philly fashion).

Where: Sonny's Famous Steaks, 228 Market Street

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17

SQ Philip's Steaks

Standing alone at a triangle intersection, SQ Philip’s Steaks is what you’d expect from a South Philly steak joint: a boxy, nostalgic building with a 24-hour walk-up window, florescent outdoor lights, bright red roof and checkerboard exterior with no seating. Opened in 1983 by “Suzie Q” (as in SQ), the spot offers neighborhood cheesesteaks — including the Old Fashion Steak with provolone, grilled tomato, long hots, onion and oregano — for take-out or to be consumed while standing at chest-level metal shelves along the sidewalk. Need more convincing? This jawn is Ed Sheeran-approved.

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

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18

Steve's Prince of Steaks

A women holds out a cheesesteak towards the camera in front of the counter at Steve's Prince of Steaks. A women holds out a cheesesteak towards the camera in front of the counter at Steve's Prince of Steaks.
— Photo courtesy Steve's Prince of Steaks

Now with four locations, the original Steve’s Prince of Steaks was born in 1980 on Bustleton Avenue in Northeast Philly. Owner Steve Iliescu, who named his shop to honor Pat’s King of Steaks, uses thick-cut eighth-inch slabs of sautéed rib-eye (much thicker than most competitors), cooked on a flattop and served chewy and mostly unchopped on a long, thin roll drowned in gooey Whiz. The cash-only neon-and-metal Airstream trailer diner offers two service windows, one for steaks and one for side orders and beverages (the chocolate soda comes highly recommended).

Where: Steve's Prince of Steaks, 7200 Bustleton Avenue

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Steve's Prince of Steaks, 2711 Comly Road

Steve's Prince of Steaks, 1617 Lincoln Highway, Langhorne

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19

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop

Despite offering upscale specialty sandwiches like Cajun Mahi Mahi, vegetarian Falafel BLT (beet, lettuce and tomato) and its famous Coffee BBQ Brisket, Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop on South Street also makes one heck of a cheesesteak. Established in 2016, Woody’s — named for owner Kevin Kramer’s father and grandfather — revels in creative takes on cheesesteak classics. The signature Woodrow’s Whiz Wit comes with shaved rib-eye, caramelized onions, homemade cherry pepper mayo and creamy made-daily truffle-infused four-cheese Whiz. If you’re looking for a swankier South Street steak, this might be your spot.

Where: Woodrow's Sandwich Shop, 630 South Street

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The New Generation

Recent entries to the pantheon of beloved cheesesteak joints …
20

Jim’s West

The buzziest new cheesesteak place in the city comes with a familiar and significant name in Philly cheesesteak lore. The original Jim’s Steaks opened in 1939 and remained a West Philly staple for eight decades before closing. Then, in 2023, a grand opening came, with new owners, a new name — Jim’s West (not affiliated with Jim’s South Street or Jim’s Steaks in Delco) — and a new entry into the cheesesteak wars: a traditional chopped rib-eye on an Amoroso’s roll so good that Eater anointed it “Best New Dish in Philadelphia”.

Where: Jim’s West, 431 N. 62nd Street

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21

Nipotina

From the owners of Slice Pizza and P’unk Burger, Nipotina is a new South Philly spot with an old-school lunch counter vibe serving a variety of cheesesteak options. Check out Hangover Cure with smashed tater tots, eggs over easy and sriracha; Everyday I’m Truffling, featuring black truffled burrata, truffle oil and truffled honey; or the vegan The Imposter with Portobello and vegan beef and cheese. But the star is the eatery’s classic The Eye, featuring 12 ounces of coarsely chopped rib-eye, Cooper sharp and chopped onions on a toasted Liscio’s roll — plus 100 different topping options.

Where: Nipotina, 2238 S. 21st Street

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22

Taste Cheesesteak Bar

A new spot in Center City’s Logan Square neighborhood, Taste Cheesesteak Bar is believed to be the first restaurant to exclusively serve cheesesteaks paired with cocktails. (Owner Kevin Dolce even trademarked the phrase “cheesesteak bar.”) Dolce infuses his Haitian roots into his steaks, incorporating the flavorful epis seasoning (made with peppers, garlic and herbs) into not only the beef cheesesteak, but also oxtail, jerk chicken and salmon versions, as well as a vegan cauliflower and Portobello option. Pair your steak with signature cocktails from the full bar.

Where: Taste Cheesesteak Bar, 1809 John F Kennedy Boulevard, Suite B

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Special Note

23

Jim’s South Street

If you came to this page looking for the acclaimed Jim’s South Street, please note that the iconic steak shop is currently closed and under renovation due to a fire in the summer of 2022. Jim’s South Street (not affiliated with Jim’s West in West Philly or Jim’s Steaks in Springfield, Delaware County) plans on reopening on the same corner at 4th and South streets, doubling in size and serving the same legendary steaks, this spring.

Where: Jim's South Street, 400 South Street

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The Rivalries

Dalessandro's Steaks and Chubby's Steaks
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks

The Classics

Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philly
Café Carmela
Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks
Cleavers
Cosmi's Deli
Gilben's Bakery
Ishkabibble’s I & II
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop
John’s Roast Pork
Max's Steaks
Reading Terminal Market
Saad's Halal Restaurant
Shank's Original
Sonny's Famous Steaks
SQ Philip's Steaks
Steve's Prince of Steaks
Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop

The New Generation

Jim’s West
Nipotina
Taste Cheesesteak Bar

Special Note

Jim’s South Street

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