Best Philly Cheesesteak Near Me: 10 Real Shops, How to Order, and a Home Recipe

Best Philly Cheesesteak Near Me

A cheesesteak is simple. It is thin beef cooked on a flat griddle, melted cheese, and often fried onions, all on a long Italian roll. That short list hides a lot of debate. Philadelphians argue about the roll, the cheese, the onions, and whether the meat should be chopped or sliced. If you typed “best philly cheesesteak near me” into your phone, this guide gives you named shops, a way to judge them, and a way to find a good one wherever you live.

A note on method: we did not visit or taste at these shops. Each pick below comes from news reports, reviews, award lists, or the shop’s own site, checked in early October 2026. Menus, prices, hours, and owners change, so check the current menu and call before you go.

What Is a Philly Cheesesteak?

A Philly cheesesteak is a hot sandwich of thinly sliced beef cooked on a griddle and topped with melted cheese. Rib eye is the classic cut. Some shops use top round. The meat goes into a long, soft hoagie roll. Amoroso’s is the best-known roll brand, but many shops now use seeded rolls or bake their own bread.

Three cheeses dominate: Cheez Whiz, American, and provolone. Fried onions are the most common topping. Peppers, mushrooms, and hot cherry peppers are common add-ons.

You will also see these versions on menus:

• Chicken cheesesteak: chicken in place of beef.
• Pizza steak: steak with pizza sauce and mozzarella.
• Cheesesteak hoagie: a cheesesteak with lettuce and tomato.
• Plain steak: the sandwich with no cheese at all.

Where the Sandwich Comes From

The usual story starts in South Philadelphia around 1930. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Pat Olivieri ran a hot dog cart near Ninth and Wharton Streets. One day he sent his younger brother Harry for meat scraps from a butcher, cooked them, and put them on a roll. A cab driver who shared the sandwich told him to stop selling hot dogs and sell only that. The Inquirer also notes that no one knows how much of the tale is true. The brothers later moved into the building that is now Pat’s King of Steaks.

The first sandwich had no cheese. Wikipedia cites family accounts that a Pat’s manager on Ridge Avenue, known as “Cocky Joe,” added cheese in 1951. Other accounts differ on the date and the cheese. Frank Olivieri Sr. later brought Cheez Whiz to the South Philly shop. Cheez Whiz first went on sale in 1952, and Whiz is now the top choice at Pat’s.

Geno’s Steaks opened across the street in 1966. The rivalry between the two shops has been part of the city’s food scene ever since.

How to Order Like a Local

The Inquirer’s guide to ordering keeps it short. Name the cheese, then say if you want onions.

• “Wit” means with fried onions.
• “Witout” means no onions.
• “Whiz wit” means Cheez Whiz with onions.
• “Provolone witout” means provolone and no onions.

Two more tips from the same guide. Do not ask for Swiss. And do not ask for the meat rare or medium, since the steak is cooked through.

At busy walk-up windows, know your order before you reach the front. Have your payment ready. Step aside once you have your food so the line keeps moving.

Cheese Choices

Each cheese changes the sandwich. Here is how the main options compare.

There is no wrong answer. First-timers often order one Whiz and one American or provolone to compare.

Quick Comparison

No single list can settle the best philly cheesesteak near me for every reader, since the answer depends on where you live. This table covers ten shops with recent press, awards, or reviews.

The order is not a taste ranking. It starts with the oldest Philadelphia shops and moves outward.

The 10 Picks

These are real shops, not paid placements. If your best philly cheesesteak near me search brought you here from one of these areas, start with the matching pick. Each one has a recent news story, review, or award listing that names it and its cheesesteak.

1. Pat’s King of Steaks, Philadelphia, PA: The Shop That Claims the Original

Pat’s sits at 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue, where Ninth, Wharton, and Passyunk meet. The Olivieri family still runs it. Frank Olivieri Jr. has led the shop since 1996. In February 2026, PhillyVoice reported that Pat’s added a “new school” cheesesteak. It mixes the steak, onions, and cheese together on a seeded roll. The old style, with layers on an unseeded roll, is still on offer.

• What to order: Whiz wit, the old-school way.
• Good to know: It is a walk-up window with outdoor tables. Pat’s also ships through Goldbelly.
• Best for: First-time visitors who want the history.

2. Geno’s Steaks, Philadelphia, PA: The Rival Across the Street

Joey Vento opened Geno’s in 1966 at Ninth Street and Passyunk Avenue, facing Pat’s. His son Geno Vento runs it now. A June 2026 CBS Philadelphia report notes the shop is known for thinly sliced rib eye and marks its 60th year in 2026. Geno’s has added shops at the South Philly sports complex and in Hampton, Virginia, and PhillyVoice reported plans for one in Baltimore.

• What to order: Whiz wit.
• Good to know: Order at the window and add condiments yourself.
• Best for: A side-by-side test with Pat’s.

3. Jim’s South St, Philadelphia, PA: Best Comeback

Jim’s has served cheesesteaks on South Street since 1976, after starting in West Philadelphia. A 2022 electrical fire closed the shop. Owner Ken Silver rebuilt it, and it reopened on May 1, 2024. At a July 2026 panel, Silver said Jim’s added chicken cheesesteaks this spring and switched from lard to beef tallow on the griddle. The crew chops the beef as it cooks.

• What to order: A cheesesteak wit.
• Good to know: It was cash only when it reopened in 2024. Check before you go.
• Best for: People who like chopped steak and a busy street to walk after.

4. Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies, Philadelphia, PA: Best Neighborhood Pick

William Dalessandro opened this shop in Roxborough in 1960. It is at 600 Wendover Street. The shop’s own site lists fresh-cut rib eye and a choice of American, sharp provolone, or Whiz. In late 2025, NPR reported that the Michelin Guide gave Dalessandro’s a Bib Gourmand. Regulars like sharp American on finely chopped meat.

• What to order: Rib eye with sharp American and fried onions.
• Good to know: The site lists hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, later on weekends, and 9 p.m. on Sunday.
• Best for: A local favorite away from the tourist corner.

5. John’s Roast Pork, Philadelphia, PA: Best Big Sandwich

John’s is a small South Philly luncheonette at 14 E. Snyder Avenue. The family shop is known for roast pork, but owner John Bucci added cheesesteaks in 1987. At a July 2026 panel, he said each one gets 12 ounces of fresh-cut meat and six or seven slices of cheese. John’s does not serve Whiz. In 2025, the Inquirer reported it added Cooper Sharp next to American and mild or sharp provolone.

• What to order: Cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp or sharp provolone.
• Good to know: Fine Dining Lovers notes a seeded roll and a James Beard award. Hours are short, so check first.
• Best for: Big appetites and anyone who wants to try the roast pork too.

6. Angelo’s Pizzeria, Philadelphia, PA: Best Bread

Angelo’s sits at Ninth and Fitzwater Streets, near the Italian Market. Owner Danny DiGiampietro started at a farmers market stall in New Jersey and moved to Ninth Street in 2019. An Inquirer review in November 2025 describes crusty house-baked rolls, seasoned rib eye, and Cooper Sharp or Whiz. NPR reported that Angelo’s made the Michelin list in 2025.

• What to order: A cheesesteak with Cooper Sharp.
• Good to know: The same review says some guests waited over an hour to order. Delivery through Uber Eats can save time.
• Best for: Bread lovers who will wait in line.

7. Steve’s Prince of Steaks, Philadelphia, PA: Best for Whiz Fans

Steve Iliescu opened the first Steve’s in 1980 at Bustleton Avenue and St. Vincent Street in Northeast Philadelphia. In October 2025, PhillyVoice reported a fifth shop in Warrington, plus shops in Langhorne, Wildwood, and on Comly Road. The chain says a true cheesesteak comes with Whiz. It charges extra for provolone or mozzarella.

• What to order: Whiz wit.
• Good to know: The original shop is at 7200 Bustleton Avenue.
• Best for: Northeast Philly, Bucks County, and Jersey Shore visitors.

8. Del Rossi’s, Philadelphia, PA: Best New-School Pick

Del Rossi’s is in Northern Liberties. Owner Nish Patel and a partner bought it just before the pandemic. They began baking their own bread, including a seeded sourdough roll. NPR reported in December 2025 that Del Rossi’s earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand.

• What to order: The classic cheesesteak on the house roll.
• Good to know: It also serves pizza.
• Best for: Diners who want a modern take from a newer shop.

9. Donkey’s Place, Camden, NJ: Best Across the River

Leon Lucas, a boxer, opened Donkey’s Place in Camden around 1943. The shop serves its cheesesteak on a round poppyseed kaiser roll with white American cheese and seasoned onions. An Inquirer profile says the onions cook on the grill for close to an hour. Food Republic reports that Anthony Bourdain praised the sandwich on his show.

• What to order: The cheesesteak with onions.
• Good to know: Goldbelly sells Donkey’s Place cheesesteak kits that ship across the country.
• Best for: A short trip from Philadelphia and a different roll.

10. Danny & Coop’s, New York, NY: Best Outside the Philly Area

Danny & Coop’s is at 151 Avenue A in the East Village. Actor Bradley Cooper co-owns it with Danny DiGiampietro of Angelo’s. A Time Out New York review from July 2026 says the shop sells one item, the cheesesteak. It comes with Cooper Sharp and onions on a sesame roll baked in-house, with optional peppers.

• What to order: The cheesesteak, with spicy peppers if you like heat.
• Good to know: Time Out listed the price at $24.50, including a $2 surcharge.
• Best for: New Yorkers who want an Angelo’s-style sandwich.

Shops We Could Not Confirm

Woodrow’s Sandwich Shop on South Street often shows up on Philly lists for its truffle Whiz. The most recent dated source we could read was a March 2025 Inquirer listing, so we left it off the main list. Call before you go.

Chain Options

If no local shop is close, a national chain may be your nearest option. Chains vary by location, so check your local menu.

Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings. Charley Shin opened the first shop in 1986 near Ohio State University in Columbus. It was called Charley’s Steakery, then Charley’s Grilled Subs from 2002. The company was later known as Charleys Philly Steaks. Its site now uses the name Charleys Cheesesteaks. The brand’s franchise site says locations with the added wings menu operate as Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings, and that wings joined the menu in 2017. The main site reports over 700 locations in 46 states and 17 countries. The menu centers on cheesesteaks, fries, and lemonade. Select locations add wings, fried snacks, and shakes. You will often find it in malls and travel centers.

Geno’s and Angelo’s. Both Philadelphia names have grown. Geno’s has shops in Hampton, Virginia, and at the South Philly sports complex. The Inquirer reports Angelo’s runs Uncle Gus’ Steaks in Reading Terminal Market and a stand in a Wilmington, Delaware, food hall.

Other chains. Capriotti’s, Jersey Mike’s, and Steak Escape are national sandwich chains. We could not load their own sites to confirm current menus for this update, so we leave out details. Check their apps for cheesesteak-style subs near you.

How to Find the Best Philly Cheesesteak Near Me

Most of the country does not have a Pat’s or a John’s on the corner. These steps work for any best philly cheesesteak near me search, wherever you live.

Search More Than One Way

Start with the plain dish name. Then try local terms. A search for “cheesesteaks near me” often brings up chains first, so scroll past them and open the menus of smaller shops.

Know Which Places Tend to Do It Well

• Steak shops. Places with “steaks” in the name usually focus on it.
• Pizza shops. Many East Coast pizzerias serve cheesesteaks and pizza steaks.
• Delis and hoagie shops. Look for fresh-sliced meat and good rolls.
• Philly transplants. Shops run by people from the Philadelphia area often import rolls.
• Sports bars. Some do it well. Many do not. Read the reviews.

Read Reviews and Photos the Smart Way

Look at diner photos, not the shop’s own pictures. Check that the meat looks freshly sliced, not pressed into a patty. See if the cheese is melted into the meat. Look for comments about the roll. Recent reviews matter more than old ones.

Call Ahead

A short call saves a wasted trip. Ask three things:

1. Do you slice the meat fresh, or use frozen sliced steak?
2. Which cheeses do you offer?
3. Where do your rolls come from?

The answers tell you a lot. A shop that brags about its rolls usually cares about the rest too.

Explore Other Cheese and Bread Treats

If cheese baked into bread is your thing, you may like snacks from other food cultures too. Colombian bakeries make cheese bread stuffed with guava, covered in our guide to the Best Pandebono Relleno Near Me. Venezuelan bakeries roll sweet anise buns with salty cheese, which you can find with our guide to the Best Golfeados Near Me.

How to Judge a Good One

Star ratings will not tell you who makes the best philly cheesesteak near me. Your own taste will. Check these points.

• The roll. It should be soft inside with a light crust. It should hold the meat without falling apart or turning soggy.
• The meat. Thin slices of rib eye or top round, cooked fresh on the griddle. It should be juicy, not dry or gray.
• The cheese. It should be melted into the meat, not sitting in a cold slab on top.
• The onions. Soft and sweet, not raw or burnt.
• The balance. Each bite should have meat, cheese, and roll. Too much bread is a common flaw.
• The grease. A little drip is normal. A roll soaked through is not.
• The speed. Good shops cook to order and hand it over hot.

One tip: eat it right away. A cheesesteak steams in its wrapper, and the roll softens within minutes.

What to Order With It

A cheesesteak is heavy, so keep the sides simple.

• Fries. Cheese fries are a classic pairing.
• Hot peppers. Long hots or cherry peppers cut the richness.
• A soft drink or birch beer. Both are common at Philly shops.
• Water ice. In summer, a cup of Italian ice is a good finish.
• A second sandwich to share. At John’s, many people split a cheesesteak and a roast pork.

Price Expectations

Prices vary by city and change often. When Jim’s reopened in May 2024, Axios reported a cheesesteak price of $13.49. Time Out listed Danny & Coop’s in New York at $24.50 in 2026. Chain prices differ by location. Check the current menu before you go.

How to Make a Philly Cheesesteak at Home

You can make a solid version at home in about 20 minutes. A cast-iron pan or a flat griddle works best.

Ingredients

For 2 sandwiches:

• 1 pound boneless rib eye steak
• 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons neutral oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 6 slices American or provolone, or about half a cup of Cheez Whiz, warmed
• 2 soft hoagie rolls, about 8 to 10 inches long

Steps

1. Put the steak in the freezer for 30 to 45 minutes. Firm meat is easier to slice thin.
2. Slice the steak as thin as you can against the grain.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Cook the onions for 10 to 15 minutes, until soft and golden. Move them to a plate.
4. Turn the heat to high. Add the rest of the oil and spread the steak in a thin layer. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, then chop and turn the meat with two spatulas until no pink remains.
6. Mix the onions back in. Split the meat into two long piles.
7. Lay the cheese slices over each pile and let them melt for about 1 minute. If you use Whiz, spread it inside the rolls instead.
8. Open each roll and press it face down over a pile. Slide a spatula under the meat and flip the sandwich over.
9. Serve at once.

Tips That Help

• Ask a butcher to slice the meat thin for you.
• Do not crowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed.
• Warm the rolls in the oven for a few minutes for a light crust.
• Add peppers or mushrooms with the onions if you like.

Storage and Reheating

A cheesesteak is best fresh. If you have leftovers, follow these steps.

• Store the filling apart. If you can, scrape the meat out of the roll. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within 3 to 4 days.
• Reheat the meat in a pan. Use medium heat with a splash of water and a lid to keep it moist.
• Toast the roll. A few minutes in a 350 degrees F oven brings back some crust.
• Use an air fryer for a whole sandwich. Wrap it in foil and heat at about 350 degrees F for 5 to 8 minutes, then open the foil for the last minute or two.
• Skip the microwave if you can. It makes the roll chewy and the meat tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who invented the cheesesteak? Brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri are credited with the steak sandwich around 1930 at their South Philadelphia hot dog stand. Cheese came later.

What does “wit” mean? It means with fried onions. “Witout” means no onions.

What is the most traditional cheese? There is no single answer. Whiz is the favorite at Pat’s, but American and provolone are just as common.

How do I find the best philly cheesesteak near me? Search the dish name in a maps app and a delivery app, look for steak shops and pizzerias, read recent reviews with photos, and call to ask about the meat and rolls.

Is Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings the same company as Charleys Philly Steaks? Yes. Charleys Philly Steaks is the company’s older name. Its site now uses Charleys Cheesesteaks, and shops with the added wings menu use the longer name.

Should I go to Pat’s or Geno’s? Try both. They face each other, so a side-by-side test is easy.

What cut of beef is best? Rib eye is the classic choice. Top round is a leaner option.

Can I get a cheesesteak shipped? Yes. Goldbelly ships kits from Pat’s and Donkey’s Place.

Is a chicken cheesesteak a real cheesesteak? It is a common menu item in Philadelphia. Jim’s added one in 2026.

Final Thoughts

A great cheesesteak needs only a good roll, fresh meat, and melted cheese. The ten shops here show how many ways those three parts can go. Pat’s and Geno’s give you the history. Dalessandro’s, John’s, and Angelo’s show why locals argue. Donkey’s Place and Danny & Coop’s prove the sandwich travels.

If none of these shops is close, the best philly cheesesteak near me is still out there, and a search for cheesesteaks near me is a fine place to start. Look past the chains, read the photos, and ask about the meat and rolls. And if no shop near you gets it right, a rib eye, an onion, and a good roll will get you close at home.

Key Takeaways

• The best philly cheesesteak near me search works best when you read recent photos and reviews and call to ask about the meat, cheese, and rolls.
• A cheesesteak is thin griddled beef, melted cheese, and often onions on a long roll.
• Order by naming the cheese, then say “wit” for onions or “witout” for none.
• Whiz, American, provolone, and Cooper Sharp are the main cheese choices.
• Ten shops in this guide have recent press or awards, from Pat’s King of Steaks to Danny & Coop’s in New York.
• Charleys Cheesesteaks and Wings is the largest chain option, with over 700 locations under the Charleys name.
• At home, chill the rib eye, slice it thin, cook it hot, and melt the cheese right on the meat.