When it comes to foods that truly define a city, no one does it better than the cheesesteak in Philadelphia. It signifies pride for locals, a pilgrimage for tourists, and a necessity for food enthusiasts nationwide — no trip to Philadelphia is complete without one. But how do you sift through a list of cheesesteaks or grab a legit one while avoiding the tourist traps? This definitive guide to the best cheesesteak spots in Philadelphia is here to take you through the legitimate heavy hitters, local favorites, and hidden gems that keep the City of Brotherly Love nourished and proud. But this is more than a list; it's a developed, full-blown food guide by obsessive sandwich seekers meant for you to see and taste the cheesesteak culture of Philadelphia in all its gooey-meaty glory! Let's get into it and all of the sizzling griddles, chopped ribeye, and melted cheese that correlate cheesesteaks to an unquestioned national sensation!
Before we check out where they rank, let’s dive into what makes a cheesesteak a cheesesteak. A cheesesteak is thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked on a flat-top grill, served on a long hoagie roll with cheese—traditionally Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone. Onions? Optional—but most locals will order “wit” (with onions). It sounds simple, but as they say, the devil's in the details (the bread has to be fresh and chewy, the meat has to be tender while still having all that flavor, and last but not least, the cheese has to melt well with each bite generally). And yes, there is a serious disagreement about every aspect of that situation.
In creating our definitive cheesesteak ranking, we took into account the following:
We visited, tasted, and even asked locals for their opinions—here is how the city's most renowned cheesesteak locations fared.
Address: 736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why It’s #1: Handmade bread, perfectly chopped ribeye, and the ideal cheese balance.
Angelo's isn't simply making delicious cheesesteaks—it's reimagining what a cheesesteak can be. Their seeded rolls, baked in-house, are pillowy soft but crusty, and the beef is cooked to juicy perfection. No wonder this establishment has a cult following from locals and food influencers alike. For many, this is the new gold standard.
Try This: Cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp and fried onions.
Address: 14 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Why It’s Special: Legendary rolls and thick, flavorful steaks.
While it's famous for roast pork sandwiches, John’s cheesesteaks are equally incredible. They come filled with juicy and hefty portions served on Sarcone’s seeded rolls. The line can be long, but rest assured, it's worth it.
Try This: A cheesesteak with provolone, long hots, and onions.
Address: 600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Why Locals Love It: Generous portions and consistent quality.
Dalessandro’s has a loyal following for good reason. Their chopped steak is tender and savory; you can load your sandwich exactly how you want it. The neighborhood vibe and quick service make it a go-to for locals and out-of-towners.
Try This: Cheesesteak with American cheese and peppers.
Address: 7200 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19149
Known For: Thick-cut steak and classic Whiz.
Steve uses larger steak slices rather than the finely chopped method, which gives the steak a meatier bite. This is your palace if you're a purist who loves Cheez-Whiz. Their cheesesteaks are neatly stacked and reliably delicious.
Try This: Cheesesteak “with Whiz” and onions.
Address: 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why Tourists Flock Here: Bright lights, fast service, and Philly tradition.
Geno’s is one-half of Philly’s most famous cheesesteak rivalry. While often considered a “tourist spot,” it consistently delivers flavorful steaks in a soft roll. Plus, it’s open 24/7 — making it a great late-night option.
Try This: Cheesesteak with provolone, onions, and hot sauce.
Address: 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why It’s a Must-Try: Birthplace of the cheesesteak.
Across from Geno’s, Pat claims to have invented the cheesesteak in 1930. The experience of ordering “with or without” (onions) is part of the fun. While some locals debate the quality, it’s undeniably iconic.
Try This: Classic Whiz Wit.
Address: 400 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why It’s Famous: Longtime favorite with a recent revival.
After a devastating fire, Jim returned with a brand-new look but the same great taste. It’s still a top destination for food lovers and late-night partiers wandering South Street.
Try This: Cheesesteak with American and grilled onions.
Address: 337 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Why It’s Unique: A fun twist on the classic with killer fries.
Ishkabibble’s has a quirky name and a reputation for juicy cheesesteaks with a soft roll and customizable toppings. Don’t skip their famous “Gremlin” drink — a grape-lemonade combo that’s uniquely Philly.
Try This: Chicken cheesesteak with peppers and provolone.
Address: 1 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Why It’s Cool: Vintage diner vibe with high-quality steaks.
Joe’s has reinvented the cheesesteak in a nostalgic space that feels modern and old-school. Their hand-cut fries and house sodas are perfect for a gooey, grilled steak sandwich.
Try This: Cheesesteak with sharp provolone and cherry peppers.
Address: 471 Leverington Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Why It’s Underrated: Smaller shop, big flavors.
Barry’s doesn’t get the same attention as some of the more prominent names, but their cheesesteaks are perfectly balanced and seasoned. With friendly service and no frills, it’s a favorite for locals who know what’s up.
Try This: Cheesesteak with American and sautéed mushrooms.
The Philly cheesesteak is more than a sandwich. It’s a rite of passage. It’s a neighborhood institution—a moment frozen in time. Every bite is a step closer to understanding the city and our vast culinary legacy, whether it’s your first time experiencing it or if you’re an old hat.
So next time you’re in the city, ditch the guesswork and follow this ranked guide to the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia. Your tastebuds (and social media feed) will thank you.
From classic institutions to modern newcomers, a cheesy Philly cheesesteak history, flavor, and pride tour is happening within the Philly cheesesteak experience. Regardless of which shop you choose to visit, you are consuming one of the world’s great iconic and beloved foods.
Enjoy it while you're hungry, and stand by, fellow sandwich lovers—Philadelphia has a cheesesteak with your name on it.
This content was created by AI