In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich—it is a cultural identifier, a local obsession, and a culinary symbol of the city's grit and heritage. The formula seems simple enough: thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked on a flat-top grill, topped with melted cheese, and served on a long Italian roll. But ask ten Philadelphians where to find the best one, and you will likely get ten different, highly passionate arguments.
For visitors, ordering a cheesesteak can be intimidating. There is a specific local shorthand: you order by specifying the cheese (Whiz, Provolone, or American) and whether you want onions ("wit" or "witout"). If you want a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and fried onions, you ask for "one Whiz wit." To help you navigate the city's sandwich landscape, we have put together a guide to five of the absolute best cheesesteak spots in Philadelphia, highlighting the historic icons and the true neighborhood favorites.
Top 5 Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
1. John's Roast Pork — South Philly, Philadelphia
Located at 14 Snyder Ave in an industrial corner of South Philly, John’s Roast Pork is a legendary shack that has been open since 1930. While famous for their roast pork, John's serves what many locals consider the absolute best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. They use high-quality, fresh-sliced ribeye cooked to order (never pre-chopped or sitting in grease) and serve it on a crusty, sesame-seed roll from Carangi Baking Company.
Why you should go: John's Roast Pork delivers a masterclass in sandwich construction, featuring high-quality ribeye on a perfectly crusty Italian roll that won a James Beard Award.
2. Dalessandro's Steaks — Roxborough, Philadelphia
Located northwest of center city at 600 Wendover St in Roxborough, Dalessandro's is a beloved neighborhood counter that draws lines down the block. Dalessandro's is famous for chopping their ribeye extremely finely on the grill, resulting in a very juicy, tender meat texture that holds the melted American cheese or Cheez Whiz perfectly throughout the sandwich.
Why you should go: Dalessandro's is the top local choice for a finely chopped, exceptionally juicy cheesesteak packed with flavor and served in a classic neighborhood setting.
3. Angelo's Pizzeria South Philly — South Philly, Philadelphia
Located at 736 S 9th St, Angelo's has taken the Philly sandwich scene by storm. What sets Angelo's apart is their bread: they bake their long Italian rolls fresh in-house throughout the day. The crust is perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and holds up beautifully to their heavily portioned ribeye and melted Cooper Sharp cheese (a local favorite upgrade to standard American cheese).
Why you should go: Angelo's offers the best bread in the city, making their Cooper Sharp cheesesteak an absolute must-try for any sandwich purist.
4. Pat's King of Steaks — South Philly, Philadelphia
Located at the famous neon-lit intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue (1237 E Passyunk Ave), Pat's is the birthplace of the cheesesteak, founded by Pat Olivieri in 1930. Open 24/7, Pat's serves thin-sliced, unchopped ribeye on a soft roll. It is a historic landmark that has fed generations of locals, tourists, and late-night revelers.
Why you should go: Pat's offers a historic dining experience at the birthplace of the cheesesteak, providing a classic, no-nonsense late-night sandwich.
5. Geno's Steaks — South Philly, Philadelphia
Directly across the street from Pat's at 1219 S 9th St sits Geno's Steaks, founded in 1966 by Joey Vento. Geno's is famous for its bright, neon-lit orange building and its friendly, decades-long rivalry with Pat's. Unlike Pat's, Geno's uses thinly sliced, flat ribbons of ribeye steak that are kept whole rather than chopped on the grill.
Why you should go: Geno's provides a classic, visually stunning neon-lit South Philly atmosphere and a unique, whole-slice steak texture.
Insider Tip: Angelo's Pizzeria is cash-only and does not take online orders. The phone line is notoriously busy; your best bet is to walk up, order at the counter, and grab a local draft beer nearby while you wait for your fresh-baked sandwich.
How to Find the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia Near You
To order like a true Philadelphian and get a high-quality sandwich, keep these tips in mind:
- Learn the Lingo: Order your sandwich by naming the cheese first, then the onions. E.g., "Whiz wit" (Cheez Whiz with fried onions) or "Provolone witout" (Provolone cheese without onions). Have your cash ready before you reach the window.
- Cooper Sharp is the Local Secret: While Cheez Whiz is the tourist favorite, many of the best local spots (like Angelo's) offer Cooper Sharp American cheese. It is a premium, extra-sharp white American cheese that melts beautifully and adds a richer flavor.
- Check the Roll: A cheesesteak is only as good as the bread. The best spots source their rolls daily from local Italian bakeries like Sarcone's, Carangi, or Liscio's. The roll should be crusty enough to hold the grease without getting soggy.
- Skip the Tourist Traps for Dinner: While Pat's and Geno's are fun to visit for the late-night neon atmosphere, head to neighborhood spots like John's or Angelo's during the day for the highest-quality steak cuts.
Average Cost of a Cheesesteak in Philadelphia
A standard cheesesteak in Philly is a filling, budget-friendly meal, usually priced as follows:
| Selection / Upgrade | Average Cost (Neighborhood Shop) | Average Cost (South Philly Icons) |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Cheesesteak (beef or chicken) | $11.00 – $14.00 | $14.00 – $17.00 |
| Double Meat Upgrade | $3.50 – $5.00 | $4.50 – $6.00 |
| French Fries | $3.50 – $5.00 | $4.50 – $6.00 |
| Soft Drink / Local Soda | $2.50 | $3.50 |
| Local Birch Beer | $3.00 | $3.50 |
Final Thoughts
From the award-winning seeded rolls of John's Roast Pork in South Philly to the finely chopped ribeye of Dalessandro's in Roxborough, exploring the cheesesteak scene in Philadelphia is a highlight of the city's rich food culture. No matter which neighborhood you find yourself in, there is an incredible sandwich shop near me ready to serve you a hot, fresh slice of Philly history.
