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A cheesesteak with peppers with a soda behind it.
Cheesesteak at Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop.
Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop.

The Ultimate Guide to Cheesesteaks in Philly

21 top spots for Philadelphia’s most famous food

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Cheesesteak at Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop.
| Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop.

No need to call it a Philly cheesesteak here — the full name is redundant in Philadelphia. So what’s the best cheesesteak in Philly? That question beats any other icebreaker, opening line, or fight-starter in this town. Everyone has a favorite and opinions for days.

The good news: It’s easy to find excellent cheesesteaks all over Philly. Each spot has its own claim to fame, but the key elements are the same: a locally baked long roll that’s sturdy but soft on the inside; chopped or sliced griddle-fried beef; melted cheese (Whiz, American, or provolone); and the option of fried onions (“wit” and “witout” onions are both acceptable choices). Take your pick — there’s something for everyone.

Want to feel inspired? Read all about one man’s valiant mission to eat 1,000 cheesesteaks in four years. Meanwhile, start your own adventure with this list of the best places to get a cheesesteak in and around Philly.

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Steve's Prince of Steaks (multiple locations)

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The Prince of Steaks has sat on its Northeast Philly throne for almost four decades and hasn't changed a thing. Rib-eye, shaved to an eighth of an inch, gets drenched in Whiz for a delightfully chewy, flavor-packed bite. This original Bustleton Avenue location lends itself to a locals-only vibe, so fit in or get out. You can also find two additional Steve’s Prince of Steaks shops: one on Comly Road, also in the Northeast, and one in Langhorne. Call ahead to order in advance and make pickup quicker.

a cheesesteak with cheez whiz on white and red paper
Steve’s Prince of Steaks.
Kory Aversa

Barry's Steaks

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A Pat's and Geno's-esque rivalry exists between Chubby's and Dalessandro's in Roxborough. But quietly chugging along since 1989, Barry's Steaks serves what some might say are the best — and cheesiest — steaks in the entire neighborhood. Call to order pickup or delivery.

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Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies

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Many claim Dalessandro's in Roxborough has the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, and it's not hard to see why. Rolls are absolutely packed with finely chopped rib-eye, the cheese is mixed in just right, and the onions are kept chunky for maximum flavor. Call ahead — or wait in line — to place your order.

Chubby's

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Chubby's in Roxborough takes pride in the "cut" of its steak. Not chopped to oblivion, not left as big slabs, but cut to the perfect in-between, so that the beef is as flavorful as possible. Chubby’s is open for delivery and pickup; order online or call.

Max's Steaks

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Already beloved for its huge sandwiches, Max’s Steaks in North Philly got a major visibility boost when Tessa Thompson showed Michael B. Jordan how to eat Philly’s favorite sandwich in the Rocky spinoff Creed. You can order online, and night owls take note: Max’s is open late every day.

Larry’s Steaks (multiple locations)

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Larry's is a mighty fine place for anyone to order a sandwich or for ambitious eaters to tackle the two-foot mammoth of a cheesesteak called the Belly Filler. Beware the late-night weekend crowd, though — this location near Saint Joe’s University attracts students seeking drunk food. You’ll find another location in Poplar. Order online or call ahead.

Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop

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A classic dating back to 1949, Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop has closed its original Torresdale Avenue shop in Northeast Philly but lives on in Fishtown, continuing to provide fantastic seared-to-order rib-eye steaks and milkshakes in flavors like strawberry or mint chocolate chip. Order online for pickup or delivery.

Sonny's Famous Steaks

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Don’t let Sonny’s location in tourist-friendly Old City put you off. Sure, it’s a bit cleaner looking than many of the other top shops on this list. But friendly service, a great product, and typically manageable lines make Sonny’s Famous Steaks a solid choice. Grab a seat on the sidewalk out front or order takeout or delivery online.

Outside of Sonny’s, with orange chairs and people eating cheesesteaks
Sonny’s Famous Steaks.
P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia

Campo's

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Family-run Campo’s, in business since 1947 and at its current location in Old City since 2001, is known for the Heater, a spicy take on a cheesesteak with hot peppers, jalapeno cheddar, and buffalo hot sauce. But the classic version is also well represented here, along with all different types of hoagies (including vegetarian and vegan options). Cheesesteak seekers will also find Campo’s at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. Order pickup or delivery online.

Woodrow's Sandwich Shop

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South Street sandwich shop Woodrow’s deviates from the classic cheesesteak with a gussied-up version absolutely worth trying: The Woodrow’s Whiz Wit combines shaved rib-eye, house-made truffle Whiz, caramelized onions, and cherry-pepper mayo. Order pickup or delivery online.

Ishkabibble's (multiple locations)

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This iconic yellow-and-pink storefront on South Street has been serving cheesesteaks since 1979, and Ishkabibble’s also has a second, much bigger location just two blocks up the street. It’s no wonder Ishkabibble’s expanded: The cheesesteaks are executed perfectly — chopped and packed to just the right ratio — and the cheese fries rock too. You can call or order online.

Angelo's Pizzeria

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At Angelo’s in South Philly, virtually any order will blow you away — pizza! hoagies! — but a cheesesteak at Angelo’s is a particularly beautiful thing. Whether you go with Cooper Sharp, provolone, or Whiz; with chicken instead of beef; or with a hoagie cheesesteak with all the requisite toppings, you can’t go wrong. Remember: Angelo’s only does cash and takeout.

Shank's Original

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When the weather’s nice, stroll to the Shank's Original shack and eat your cheesesteak at a picnic table overlooking the Delaware River. Call ahead for pickup.

Geno's Steaks

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Geno’s claim to fame was adding the cheese after Pat’s — its rival across the street — invented the steak sandwich. With its glitzy neon signs shining like a beacon all night and all day, this 24-7 shop is one of many must-visit landmarks for first-time visitors to Philly, so expect a line — thankfully, Geno’s lives up to its reputation.

Pat's King of Steaks

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Here it is: Pat's on Passyunk claims to have invented the cheesesteak, proudly serving the creation since 1930 and still accepting cash only. Like its rival right down the street, Geno’s, Pat’s is open 24-7, so if you’re willing to go at odd hours you might beat the line — or you can order delivery online.

pat’s steaks
Pat’s King of Steaks.
Pat’s King of Steaks

Donkey's Place

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In Camden, Donkey’s Place offers an unusual take on the classic Philly sandwich by serving its cheesesteak on a round, seeded kaiser roll. But talk about staying power: This shop sells exclusively cheesesteaks and fries and has been going strong for more than 75 years. Note that New Jersey’s best cheesesteak is also only available weekdays until 6 p.m. and on the occasional Saturday. Call to order takeout.

Jaxx Steaks Taproom

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During his mission to eat 1,000 cheesesteaks from 1,000 different restaurants, Jim Pappas ranked the cheesesteak at Charlie’s Roast Pork his all-time favorite. Now called Jaxx Steaks Taproom, the Pennsport shop’s sandwich comes with American cheese or sharp provolone, fried onions, and long hots. Call to order pickup or delivery.

Gooey Looie's

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Gooey Looie's in South Philly is the home of the over-stuffed cheesesteak. Literally bursting at all of its seams, the sandwich is a monstrosity — and a delicious one at that. Call or walk up for pickup.

Philip's Steaks

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This South Philly staple is open 24 hours a day — always a good thing for cheesesteak fans. Philip's offers all the usual suspects, but here, the Old Fashioned is the key: a provolone cheesesteak topped with peppers, tomatoes, and a healthy dose of salt, pepper, and oregano. Pizza steaks are also popular. Call for takeout or delivery.

John's Roast Pork

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Many point to John's cheesesteak as the very best in Philadelphia. The sandwich is heavy with seasoned beef cooked to order — no piles of soggy meat in sight. And the cheese? Sharp provolone works surprisingly well. John’s Roast Pork might not have invented the cheesesteak and, given the name, might not have even sold it originally, but one thing is for certain: This place has pretty much perfected the sandwich. Call for pickup.

Tony Luke's (multiple locations)

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Tony Luke's has made quite the name for itself, with locations in the double digits far beyond the boundaries of Philly. But head to the original on Oregon Avenue, complete with impossible-to-miss neon signs, for cheesesteaks served on fresh Liscio’s rolls. These sandwiches tend to be less greasy (and less messy) than other iterations, but the flavor is still just right. Given the shop’s location near the ballpark, it’s especially fun to go after a Phillies game. The growing chain also ships frozen sandwiches packed with rib-eye and American cheese right to customers’ doors. Thaw, pop in the oven, and eat.

A cheesesteak with cheese whiz on a roll on top of white and red Tony Luke’s paper
Tony Luke’s.
Tony Luke’s

Steve's Prince of Steaks (multiple locations)

The Prince of Steaks has sat on its Northeast Philly throne for almost four decades and hasn't changed a thing. Rib-eye, shaved to an eighth of an inch, gets drenched in Whiz for a delightfully chewy, flavor-packed bite. This original Bustleton Avenue location lends itself to a locals-only vibe, so fit in or get out. You can also find two additional Steve’s Prince of Steaks shops: one on Comly Road, also in the Northeast, and one in Langhorne. Call ahead to order in advance and make pickup quicker.

a cheesesteak with cheez whiz on white and red paper
Steve’s Prince of Steaks.
Kory Aversa

Barry's Steaks

A Pat's and Geno's-esque rivalry exists between Chubby's and Dalessandro's in Roxborough. But quietly chugging along since 1989, Barry's Steaks serves what some might say are the best — and cheesiest — steaks in the entire neighborhood. Call to order pickup or delivery.

A post shared by Jesse Terry (@jessewterry) on

Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies

Many claim Dalessandro's in Roxborough has the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, and it's not hard to see why. Rolls are absolutely packed with finely chopped rib-eye, the cheese is mixed in just right, and the onions are kept chunky for maximum flavor. Call ahead — or wait in line — to place your order.

Chubby's

Chubby's in Roxborough takes pride in the "cut" of its steak. Not chopped to oblivion, not left as big slabs, but cut to the perfect in-between, so that the beef is as flavorful as possible. Chubby’s is open for delivery and pickup; order online or call.

Max's Steaks

Already beloved for its huge sandwiches, Max’s Steaks in North Philly got a major visibility boost when Tessa Thompson showed Michael B. Jordan how to eat Philly’s favorite sandwich in the Rocky spinoff Creed. You can order online, and night owls take note: Max’s is open late every day.

Larry’s Steaks (multiple locations)

Larry's is a mighty fine place for anyone to order a sandwich or for ambitious eaters to tackle the two-foot mammoth of a cheesesteak called the Belly Filler. Beware the late-night weekend crowd, though — this location near Saint Joe’s University attracts students seeking drunk food. You’ll find another location in Poplar. Order online or call ahead.

Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop

A classic dating back to 1949, Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop has closed its original Torresdale Avenue shop in Northeast Philly but lives on in Fishtown, continuing to provide fantastic seared-to-order rib-eye steaks and milkshakes in flavors like strawberry or mint chocolate chip. Order online for pickup or delivery.

Sonny's Famous Steaks

Don’t let Sonny’s location in tourist-friendly Old City put you off. Sure, it’s a bit cleaner looking than many of the other top shops on this list. But friendly service, a great product, and typically manageable lines make Sonny’s Famous Steaks a solid choice. Grab a seat on the sidewalk out front or order takeout or delivery online.

Outside of Sonny’s, with orange chairs and people eating cheesesteaks
Sonny’s Famous Steaks.
P. Meyer for Visit Philadelphia

Campo's

Family-run Campo’s, in business since 1947 and at its current location in Old City since 2001, is known for the Heater, a spicy take on a cheesesteak with hot peppers, jalapeno cheddar, and buffalo hot sauce. But the classic version is also well represented here, along with all different types of hoagies (including vegetarian and vegan options). Cheesesteak seekers will also find Campo’s at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Phillies. Order pickup or delivery online.

Woodrow's Sandwich Shop

South Street sandwich shop Woodrow’s deviates from the classic cheesesteak with a gussied-up version absolutely worth trying: The Woodrow’s Whiz Wit combines shaved rib-eye, house-made truffle Whiz, caramelized onions, and cherry-pepper mayo. Order pickup or delivery online.

Ishkabibble's (multiple locations)

This iconic yellow-and-pink storefront on South Street has been serving cheesesteaks since 1979, and Ishkabibble’s also has a second, much bigger location just two blocks up the street. It’s no wonder Ishkabibble’s expanded: The cheesesteaks are executed perfectly — chopped and packed to just the right ratio — and the cheese fries rock too. You can call or order online.

Angelo's Pizzeria

At Angelo’s in South Philly, virtually any order will blow you away — pizza! hoagies! — but a cheesesteak at Angelo’s is a particularly beautiful thing. Whether you go with Cooper Sharp, provolone, or Whiz; with chicken instead of beef; or with a hoagie cheesesteak with all the requisite toppings, you can’t go wrong. Remember: Angelo’s only does cash and takeout.

Shank's Original

When the weather’s nice, stroll to the Shank's Original shack and eat your cheesesteak at a picnic table overlooking the Delaware River. Call ahead for pickup.

Geno's Steaks

Geno’s claim to fame was adding the cheese after Pat’s — its rival across the street — invented the steak sandwich. With its glitzy neon signs shining like a beacon all night and all day, this 24-7 shop is one of many must-visit landmarks for first-time visitors to Philly, so expect a line — thankfully, Geno’s lives up to its reputation.

Pat's King of Steaks

Here it is: Pat's on Passyunk claims to have invented the cheesesteak, proudly serving the creation since 1930 and still accepting cash only. Like its rival right down the street, Geno’s, Pat’s is open 24-7, so if you’re willing to go at odd hours you might beat the line — or you can order delivery online.

pat’s steaks
Pat’s King of Steaks.
Pat’s King of Steaks

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Donkey's Place

In Camden, Donkey’s Place offers an unusual take on the classic Philly sandwich by serving its cheesesteak on a round, seeded kaiser roll. But talk about staying power: This shop sells exclusively cheesesteaks and fries and has been going strong for more than 75 years. Note that New Jersey’s best cheesesteak is also only available weekdays until 6 p.m. and on the occasional Saturday. Call to order takeout.

Jaxx Steaks Taproom

During his mission to eat 1,000 cheesesteaks from 1,000 different restaurants, Jim Pappas ranked the cheesesteak at Charlie’s Roast Pork his all-time favorite. Now called Jaxx Steaks Taproom, the Pennsport shop’s sandwich comes with American cheese or sharp provolone, fried onions, and long hots. Call to order pickup or delivery.

Gooey Looie's

Gooey Looie's in South Philly is the home of the over-stuffed cheesesteak. Literally bursting at all of its seams, the sandwich is a monstrosity — and a delicious one at that. Call or walk up for pickup.

Philip's Steaks

This South Philly staple is open 24 hours a day — always a good thing for cheesesteak fans. Philip's offers all the usual suspects, but here, the Old Fashioned is the key: a provolone cheesesteak topped with peppers, tomatoes, and a healthy dose of salt, pepper, and oregano. Pizza steaks are also popular. Call for takeout or delivery.

John's Roast Pork

Many point to John's cheesesteak as the very best in Philadelphia. The sandwich is heavy with seasoned beef cooked to order — no piles of soggy meat in sight. And the cheese? Sharp provolone works surprisingly well. John’s Roast Pork might not have invented the cheesesteak and, given the name, might not have even sold it originally, but one thing is for certain: This place has pretty much perfected the sandwich. Call for pickup.

Tony Luke's (multiple locations)

Tony Luke's has made quite the name for itself, with locations in the double digits far beyond the boundaries of Philly. But head to the original on Oregon Avenue, complete with impossible-to-miss neon signs, for cheesesteaks served on fresh Liscio’s rolls. These sandwiches tend to be less greasy (and less messy) than other iterations, but the flavor is still just right. Given the shop’s location near the ballpark, it’s especially fun to go after a Phillies game. The growing chain also ships frozen sandwiches packed with rib-eye and American cheese right to customers’ doors. Thaw, pop in the oven, and eat.

A cheesesteak with cheese whiz on a roll on top of white and red Tony Luke’s paper
Tony Luke’s.
Tony Luke’s

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