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9 Best Cheesesteak Spots in Philly: 2025 Edition


The All-Time Cheesesteak Greats in Philly

Since it started in 1930s Philadelphia, the cheesesteak has grown from a simple hot dog seller’s creation into a famous sandwich that represents the city’s food culture.

Pat Olivieri’s new mix of chopped beef and onions on an Italian roll quickly won over locals, leading to the opening of Pat’s King of Steaks, the first cheesesteak shop.

Today, the classic version has thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted cheese, and optional fried onions on a crusty roll.

From the famous rivalry between Pat’s and Geno’s to beloved places like Jim’s Steaks and Tony Luke’s, Philadelphia’s cheesesteak scene offers both old-school and new-style sandwiches.

Pat’s King of Steaks

Not many places can say they created a famous food, but Pat’s King of Steaks is without question the creator of Philadelphia’s beloved cheesesteak. Started in 1930 by Pat Olivieri at the corner of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue, this 24/7 spot changed from a simple hot dog stand into a food landmark.

Today, Pat’s serves its famous sandwiches through two windows, where regular customers know to order their favorite cheese – Whiz, Provolone, or American – and say “wit” or “wit-out” onions.

While they now offer chicken and pizza versions, the classic cheesesteak remains their most popular item.

Geno’s

Across the street from Pat’s stands its famous rival, Geno’s Steaks, started by Joey Vento in 1966 with just two boxes of steaks, a few hot dogs, and $6 in his pocket.

Now run by Joey’s son Geno, who the restaurant was named after, this 24/7 cheesesteak spot has become a Philadelphia favorite.

Known for their thinly sliced rib-eye steaks and choice of cheese including Whiz, American, and provolone, Geno’s draws both locals and tourists to its bright neon signs.

Besides regular cheesesteaks, the menu has options.

Dalessandro’s Steaks (Roxborough)

While tourists go to the bright neon lights of Pat’s and Geno’s, locals head to Dalessandro’s Steaks in Philadelphia’s Roxborough neighborhood, where they’ve been making perfect cheesesteaks since 1960.

Their special sandwich has finely chopped ribeye steak and perfectly cooked onions on Amoroso rolls, with melted cheese mixed throughout. A free toppings bar lets regular customers add their favorite peppers and sauces.

Open daily from late morning until night, Dalessandro’s always has crowds despite having few seats.

John’s Roast Pork (South Philly)

A respected South Philadelphia favorite since 1930, John’s Roast Pork stands as a sign of sandwich-making excellence at the corner of Weccacoe and Snyder Avenue.

This award-winning shop serves amazing cheesesteaks using fresh Carangi Bakery rolls and big 12-ounce portions of meat.

Unlike many other places, John’s doesn’t use Cheez Whiz, focusing instead on American and provolone cheese.

The family’s third generation keeps high standards Tuesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

While their roast pork sandwich made them famous, their cheesesteak won first place in the Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2002 rankings.

Steve’s Prince of Steaks (Northeast/Center City)

Steve’s Prince of Steaks started in Northeast Philadelphia back in 1980, bringing a different approach to the city’s favorite sandwich. Started by Steven Iliescu, the shop became known for not chopping their meat, instead serving thick-sliced ribeye topped with perfectly melted American cheese on specially made rolls.

From its first Bustleton Avenue location, Steve’s has grown to four spots, including one in Center City. Their focus on quality earned them “Best Cheesesteak” awards from Philadelphia Magazine twice.

In 2015, they even set a world record by making an impressive 480-foot cheesesteak, securing their place in Philly food history.

Jim’s South Street (Queen Village)

Located on the busy corner of Fourth and South Streets, Jim’s South Street has been a Philadelphia cheesesteak favorite since 1939.

Recently opened again after a fire, this famous spot now covers two buildings while keeping its commitment to traditional Philly-style sandwiches.

The shop’s finely sliced, tender steaks come topped with cooked onions and just the right amount of cheese, making each bite perfect.

While lines often reach down the block, locals and tourists alike say the wait is worth it.

Open daily from 11 AM to midnight, this five-time “Best of Philly” winner continues to serve the real cheesesteak experience.

Tony Luke’s (South Philly)

While Jim’s South Street shows off classic Queen Village style, Tony Luke’s stands as South Philadelphia’s modern cheesesteak leader. Since opening in 1992 on Oregon Avenue, they’ve built their name on high-quality ingredients, including top-grade Black Angus ribeye and fresh-baked rolls.

What makes Tony Luke’s special is their focus on quality – from natural beef to locally grown Jersey vegetables.

Their menu grew beyond regular cheesesteaks to include award-winning roast pork and chicken versions. After winning against Bobby Flay in “Throwdown” and opening shops overseas in Bahrain, Tony Luke’s shows that keeping high standards while growing bigger is possible.

Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop (Fishtown)

A beloved Philadelphia spot since 1949, Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop has grown from its simple Northeast Philadelphia beginnings into a popular Fishtown destination.

After changing its name in 2013, the shop has kept making excellent classic cheesesteaks while adding vegan options and handmade milkshakes to the menu.

The Fishtown location captures the old-time charm of a 1950s diner while offering modern features like online ordering.

Recently voted Best Cheesesteak in Philadelphia, Joe’s continues to make customers happy with its real sandwiches, hand-cut fries, and old-style soda fountain experience that perfectly mixes tradition with modern taste.

Max’s Steaks (Germantown)

Moving from the clean Fishtown experience to the real-deal feel of North Philadelphia, Max’s Steaks stands as one of the city’s most famous late-night spots.

Started in 1994 by Chuck Weiner, this Germantown Avenue place has earned its name through massive two-foot-long “Giant” cheesesteaks made with 100% sirloin beef.

The no-frills shop, connected to Eagle Bar, became more widely known after appearing in “Creed” and “This Is Us.”

While tourists go to South Philly’s famous spots, locals know Max’s as their favorite place for soft, juicy steaks and special daiquiris, bringing in everyone from neighborhood regulars to famous people like Rick Ross.

The post 9 Best Cheesesteak Spots in Philly: 2025 Edition appeared first on When In Your State.



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