Few things in Philadelphia are as iconic as cheesesteaks—a savory, gooey, melt-in-your-mouth delight that has made hearts happy since inception. For travelers and lifelong residents alike, finding the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia is a delicious journey in and of itself. The word "best" is a bit scary considering the many shops claiming to have *the* best cheesesteak. So how does one know where to go? More importantly, how does one place an order and not give away the fact that you are new to the city?
This guide will tell you the honest-to-goodness places to find an authentic Philly cheesesteak, share tips on how to order like a local, and name some of the best cheesesteak restaurants in Philadelphia so you don't miss out. After reading this guide, you will know exactly where to go and be ready to walk up to the counter like you own South Philly.
Before we get into where to find one, let's first understand how the cheesesteak grew into a local legend. In the 1930s, Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, grilled beef on an Italian roll for lunch. A cab driver smelled the meat and wanted one for himself, and then the word grew from there. Traditionally, cheese was added later—supposedly provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American cheese.
From this simple start, many now view the cheesesteak as a point of pride in Philadelphia cuisine. The classic Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced beef (usually ribeye), melted cheese, and optional sautéed onions, all served in a hoagie roll, ideally fresh from the bakery.
Though everyone has their opinion, a few things make a good cheesesteak better than an average cheesesteak and a great cheesesteak.
The bread on an authentic cheesesteak is soft yet durable, chewy in the middle with a good crust. Most places buy rolls from local bakeries, Amoroso’s being the most popular and virtually synonymous with the cheesesteak.
Traditionally, our choice of meat for a cheesesteak is ribeye sliced thin and cooked until tender and juicy. Some shops finely chop the meat, while others leave the meat sliced with larger strips.
Your options for cheese are as follows:
Grilled onions are standard; however, whether you get fried onions depends on preference. In Philly, ordering with slang means with onions; ordering without means without.
Peppers, mushrooms, ketchup, or hot sauce do not need to be authentic, though they can still be delicious.
If you have waited in line at a busy cheesesteak stand, you will understand that Philadelphians do not dither. There is a rhythm to ordering; if you can do it capably, you will blend right in.
It is that simple: [Cheese type] + [with/without onions].
For example:
This simple, straightforward formula keeps the line moving and earns you some respect with the grill people.
Tips to Order Like a Pro:
Join us as we review some of the best cheesesteak spots in Philly based on positive reviews from people, whether they are from Philly or not. Loyalty runs deep, and opinions may diverge, but each place offers something.
Pat’s has been serving hungry Philadelphians since the 1930s and is usually touted as the creator of the cheesesteak. It is famous for the thinly sliced ribeye; presentation alone is enough to send it to the must-try list if this is your first time.
Local Tip: Ask for “Whiz with” to find the traditional experience.
Geno’s Steaks has been a competing stand directly across the street since 1966. It is also famous for its large neon signs, which make the sit-down diners jealous. Geno’s is on the other end of the meat-slicing presentation; rather than thinly sliced, the meat is cut into thicker strips that give the cheesesteak some heft.
Local Tip: For cheesesteak purists, this is the right answer when you desire a cheesesteak with less chop.
Jim’s has a different South Street feel and more of an old-fashioned presence. However, Jim’s has had many more repeat customers over the years, making it to the top-tier list of cheesesteak places in Philly.
Local Tip: Expect a solid weekend wait; it's just part of the business and well worth any line you may have to wait in.
Located in Roxborough, Dalessandro’s is beloved for its ultra-chopped beef and perfectly balanced bread-to-meat ratio. Every bite is flavorful, with the cheese and onions mixed in seamlessly.
Local Tip: Pair it with hot peppers for an extra kick.
Steve’s serves its meat in longer, tender strips, offering a cleaner, less greasy bite than other shops.
Local Tip: Their “Prince” size is generous without being overwhelming.
Don’t be fooled by the name—this spot serves one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. It’s a bit off the beaten path but worth the trip.
Local Tip: Arrive early; they sell out fast.
Tony Luke’s combines fresh bread, quality meat, and a variety of toppings to satisfy every craving. They’re also famous for their roast pork sandwiches.
Local Tip: Try the “Italian” style with provolone and broccoli rabe for a twist.
Visiting an authentic Philly cheesesteak spot is more than just the food—it's the experience.
While purists stick to the basics, some Philly eateries have reinvented the cheesesteak with unique twists:
These versions might not win over traditionalists, but they show how versatile the cheesesteak can be.
A great cheesesteak deserves the right accompaniment. Locals often go for:
The cheesesteak is more than food—it’s a citywide ritual. People debate their favorite spots with the same passion others reserve for sports teams. It’s a point of pride, a late-night comfort, and a shared cultural symbol.
That first bite connects you to decades of tradition, whether at a crowded stand in South Philly or a neighborhood deli in the suburbs.
When it comes to the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, that's open to interpretation, but the flip-flopping landmarks below are unquestionably legends. Whether your allegiances lie with Pat's, Geno's, or a locally owned hole in the wall, what matters most is eating it the Philadelphia way: hot, greasy, and zero pretension.
Now that you know where to go and how to order, enjoy your first (or maybe another) bite into this masterpiece that the cheesesteak is. Enjoy!
This content was created by AI