Philadelphia is known for many things, but one of the most iconic dishes the city is famous for is the Philly cheesesteak. This savory sandwich is a staple in the city and has been for decades.
It's hard to walk down a street in Philadelphia without seeing a sign for a cheesesteak shop. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go to get the best one.
The history of the Philly cheesesteak dates back to the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philly, decided to cook up some beef on his grill one day. A taxi driver caught a whiff of the delicious aroma and asked Pat to make him a sandwich with the beef and some onions.
From that moment on, the Philly cheesesteak was born. The sandwich consists of thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked to perfection on a grill, topped with melted cheese, and served on a hoagie roll. It's a simple sandwich, but it's the perfect combination of flavors that makes it so delicious.
While there are many places to get a Philly cheesesteak in the city, not all cheesesteaks are created equal. Some shops use low-quality meat or cheese, while others don't cook the steak to the right temperature. That's why it's important to know where to go to get the best cheesesteak in town.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of the best places to get a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, from the classic spots that have been around for decades to the new up-and-comers that are putting their own spin on the iconic sandwich.
1. John's Roast Pork
John's Roast Pork is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great Philly cheesesteak.
The bread is crispy and the meat is packed with flavor. The restaurant also offers a delicious roast pork sandwich.
The wait can be long, but it's worth it for the quality of the food. The restaurant has indoor and outdoor seating available.
Keep in mind that it only accepts cash and closes by late afternoon.
2. Oh Brother Philly
Oh Brother Philly serves up top-notch Philly cheesesteaks that are worth a visit. The portions are generous, and the meat is juicy and flavorful.
The rolls are fresh and lightly toasted, making for a perfect combination with the steak and cheese.
The restaurant also offers a variety of sides, including cheese fries and onion rings, and their milkshakes are a must-try.
The atmosphere is casual, and the staff is friendly and efficient. If you're in the mood for a classic Philly cheesesteak, Oh Brother Philly is definitely worth checking out.
3. Dalessandro's Steaks
Dalessandro's Steaks is a top-notch place for Philly cheesesteaks. The steak is diced, hot, and juicy, with sharp provolone adding an excellent kick.
The bread is fresh and fluffy, making for a perfect sandwich. The wait time is around 10-15 minutes, and they only accept cash, so be prepared.
They also offer hoagies, burgers, and salads for those who want to try something different.
Although the customer service may not be the best, the quality of the food makes up for it. This is a must-visit place for anyone looking for a great Philly cheesesteak experience.
4. Jim's South St
Looking for the best Philly cheesesteak in town but don't want to break the bank or wait in long lines for your order to be ready?
Look no further than Jim's South St. This no-frills cheesesteak shop serves up authentic Philly-style sandwiches and hoagies without any fuss or frills.
The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making Jim's a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
While it may not have the same level of hype as some of the more famous cheesesteak spots in the city, Jim's remains a beloved local favorite that's definitely worth checking out.
So if you're looking for a delicious and affordable Philly cheesesteak, head on over to Jim's South St. and see for yourself why this place is such a fan favorite!
5. Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop is a retro-style eatery famous for its cheesesteaks, old-fashioned shakes, and fountain sodas.
The food quality and service are exceptional, making it a go-to place for a quick and delicious cheesesteak. The minced meat and generous cheese portions are a fan favorite.
The pickles and hot peppers add an extra kick of flavor. The BYOB policy and affordable beer options nearby make it a great spot to chill out.
The decor adds to the experience, making it a fun lunch spot. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a classic Philly cheesesteak experience.
6. Ricci's Hoagies
Ricci's Hoagies is a must-visit spot for anyone looking to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
Their quality meats and cheeses are sliced to order and the bread is always fresh.
They also offer a variety of other hoagies, including the Old Italian, which is a customer favorite. The staff is friendly and the service is speedy.
With their reasonable prices and top-notch ingredients, Ricci's Hoagies is a hidden gem in the Philly cheesesteak scene.
7. Sonny's Famous Steaks
Sonny's Famous Steaks is a no-frills cheesesteak joint that serves up some of the best Philly cheesesteaks around.
Using fresh rib-eye, the sandwiches are packed with meat and topped with the classic combination of peppers, onions, and cheese whiz.
The service is quick and efficient, and the prices are reasonable for the quality of the food. While the seating area is limited, the focus here is on the food, not the atmosphere.
If you're looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, Sonny's Famous Steaks is the place to go.
8. Rocco's
Rocco's is a hidden gem for those seeking a delicious philly cheesesteak.
The meat and onions are perfectly cooked and topped with a generous amount of cheese. The Portobello mushroom cheesesteak is a must-try.
The staff is friendly and the prices are reasonable. The Rocco's Special is a fan favorite, and the sausage sandwich is also highly recommended.
Be sure to bring cash, as they do not accept cards.
9. Giovani's Bar & Grill
Giovani's Bar & Grill is a must-visit spot for anyone looking for a delicious philly cheesesteak.
The tender and tasty cheesesteaks will leave your taste buds wanting more. The wide variety of pizza options will not disappoint either.
The atmosphere is great, and the drinks complement the meal perfectly.
The staff is friendly and accommodating, making this a great place to hang out with friends or catch a game. Highly recommended!
10. Cosmi's Deli
Cosmi's Deli is the place to go for a top-notch Philly cheesesteak. Their sandwiches are massive and packed with fresh ingredients, making them stand out from other touristy spots in the area.
The friendly owners and excellent service add to the experience.
Don't miss out on exploring the rest of their menu, which includes vegan options and a variety of deli sandwiches.
The seating area is small but cozy, and the store is clean and well-maintained. If you're looking for a delicious and authentic Philly cheesesteak, Cosmi's Deli is the place to be.
11. The Fresh Works
The Fresh Works is a great spot for those looking for a delicious Philly cheesesteak. The steak is high quality, the bread is fresh, and the staff is always polite.
The buffalo chicken cheesesteak is also a must-try. Prices are reasonable, and the portions are big.
The restaurant is a no-frills fast-food joint, perfect for a quick bite. The black guy who takes orders is friendly and sociable.
The food is healthy and flavorful, and the cheese fries are a must-try. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great cheesesteak in the city.
12. PHILLY STEAK & PIZZERIA
If you're looking for a great place to get a delicious Philly cheesesteak, look no further than PHILLY STEAK & PIZZERIA.
This small corner restaurant offers a selection of tasty sandwiches and pizza slices that are sure to satisfy your hunger.
The cheesesteaks are especially noteworthy, with soft bread and perfectly melted cheese that's not too saucy.
The prices are reasonable, and the service is fast and friendly. So if you're craving a delicious, authentic Philly cheesesteak, make sure to check out PHILLY STEAK & PIZZERIA.
