Whiz or provolone, wit or witout — here's where to get the city's greatest cheesesteak, from old-school legends to modern upstarts.
No sandwich is more Philadelphia than the cheesesteak: thin-sliced beef griddled with onions, piled onto a long roll, and blanketed in Cheez Whiz or melted provolone. Everyone here has an opinion, and the best one depends on whether you're after tourist spectacle, connoisseur craft, or a late-night classic.
A quick primer on ordering like a local: 'whiz wit' means Cheez Whiz with onions; 'provolone witout' swaps the cheese and skips them. Now, the ten that matter most.
John's Roast Pork
This James Beard-honored corner shop is widely considered the connoisseur's cheesesteak, built on a crusty seeded roll with sharp provolone. Cash-only and daytime-only, it draws lines of purists who prize its balance over hype.
Angelo's Pizzeria
A perpetually packed South Philly pizzeria whose house-baked bread earns it a spot atop many cheesesteak rankings. Expect long waits and a cash-only counter turning out some of the best-constructed steaks in the city.
Pat's King of Steaks
The self-proclaimed birthplace of the cheesesteak, open around the clock at its famous South Philly corner. It's as much a tourist landmark and late-night ritual as a meal, facing off with Geno's across the street.
Geno's Steaks
The neon-drenched rival that has anchored the opposite corner from Pat's for decades. Its brightly lit 24-hour stand is a bucket-list stop for visitors chasing the classic Philly experience.
Tony Luke's
A South Philly legend near the stadiums, famous for both its cheesesteaks and its iconic roast pork Italian with broccoli rabe and sharp provolone. The bustling walk-up counter is a game-day and late-night institution.
Dalessandro's Steaks
A Roxborough institution known for finely chopped, juicy meat piled high on a soft roll. Its classic whiz-and-onions steak is a benchmark for locals across the city's northwest.
Woodrow's Sandwich Shop
A modern take on the form, using shaved rib eye and a house-made truffled cheese whiz. The upscale twist has made it a favorite for those wanting something beyond the traditional sandwich.
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
A retro shop turning out griddled steaks from a recipe that's barely changed in 60 years. The old-school soda-fountain milkshakes make it a fun, family-friendly Fishtown stop.
Jim's South St.
A South Street icon that reopened after a major fire and is once again griddling its beloved steaks in a rebuilt space. The aroma pouring onto the sidewalk still pulls in a steady line of locals and tourists.