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Cheesesteak topped with grilled onions.
Cheesesteak at Jim’s West.
Jim’s West

The Best Cheesesteaks in Philly

The top spots to taste Philadelphia’s most famous food

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Cheesesteak at Jim’s West.
| Jim’s West

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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Jim’s West

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Arguably one of the most controversial cheesesteaks in the city, Jim’s West has become an culinary experience of its own. Made with seasoned ribeye, cooper sharp, and grilled onions — it’s the essence of West Philly in an Amoroso roll.

A cheesesteak topped with grilled onions.
Cheesesteak at Jim’s West.
Jim’s West

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nipotina

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This new addition to South Philly has given diners several tasty ways to enjoy this Philly classic. For devout meat-lovers, try the “eye” version of this Philly delicacy (ribeye steak, cooper sharp American, fried onions on a Liscio’s Bakery roll) or try their vegan version (made with vegan beef, portobello mushroom, caramelized onions, and vegan cheese) that’s just as impressive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Café Carmela

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This notable family-owned restaurant in Northeast Philly is known for its pizza, but has grown a loyal following for its impressive cheesesteaks made with tender ribeye steak. From a traditional cheesesteak made with cooper sharp to speciality ones (such as their Chicago-style version) — they have become instant experts of this Philly favorite.

Jim’s West

Arguably one of the most controversial cheesesteaks in the city, Jim’s West has become an culinary experience of its own. Made with seasoned ribeye, cooper sharp, and grilled onions — it’s the essence of West Philly in an Amoroso roll.

A cheesesteak topped with grilled onions.
Cheesesteak at Jim’s West.
Jim’s West

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nipotina

This new addition to South Philly has given diners several tasty ways to enjoy this Philly classic. For devout meat-lovers, try the “eye” version of this Philly delicacy (ribeye steak, cooper sharp American, fried onions on a Liscio’s Bakery roll) or try their vegan version (made with vegan beef, portobello mushroom, caramelized onions, and vegan cheese) that’s just as impressive.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Café Carmela

This notable family-owned restaurant in Northeast Philly is known for its pizza, but has grown a loyal following for its impressive cheesesteaks made with tender ribeye steak. From a traditional cheesesteak made with cooper sharp to speciality ones (such as their Chicago-style version) — they have become instant experts of this Philly favorite.

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