The city of Philadelphia is world-famous for its iconic cheesesteak. The quest for the best Philly cheesesteak is a delicious journey through neighborhoods rich in history, culture, and culinary innovation. Whether you’re a first-time tourist or a seasoned local, this definitive guide ranks the top 10 cheesesteak restaurants in Philadelphia based on rave customer reviews, signature flavors, and authentic neighborhood charm. Each entry includes address details, brief customer feedback, and the local vibe, ensuring you discover not just a sandwich, but a taste of Philadelphia’s soul.
Want to explore more of Philadelphia’s hidden gems and city life? Discover local attractions and community resources at My Philly Connection.
Table of Contents
- What Makes a Philly Cheesesteak Great?
- Top 10 Cheesesteak Restaurants Ranked by Reviews
What Makes a Philly Cheesesteak Great?
A Philly cheesesteak combines thinly sliced beef, gooey cheese (Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American), and fried onions on a soft hoagie roll. The very best Philly cheesesteaks use fresh ingredients, a perfect bread-to-steak ratio, and impeccable seasoning. Some shops stick to classic simplicity, while others experiment with new cheeses or creative toppings. Most importantly, the vibe matters—Philadelphians take pride in how and where they eat their cheesesteaks.
Top 10 Cheesesteak Restaurants Ranked by Reviews
1. Dalessandro’s Steaks
Address: 600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Website: dalessandros.com
Why It’s the Best:
Dalessandro’s earns consistent top-tier reviews for its finely chopped, juicy steak and that classic Philly roll. Customers praise the generous amounts of perfectly cooked steak with cheese melting through every bite. The onions are always fried to golden perfection and mixed right into the steak, making every bite sing. The shop itself is cozy, inviting you to watch the grill team at work—a true Philly experience.
Customer Review:
“Best cheesesteak ever. The meat and cheese are married together perfectly, and the roll holds up even with all the juiciness. My favorite spot in all of Philadelphia!”
2. John’s Roast Pork
Address: 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
Website: johnsroastpork.com
Why It’s a Classic:
Though famous for its roast pork, John’s cheesesteaks are consistently dubbed the city’s best by chefs and locals alike. Their “ultimate cheesesteak” features 12oz of juicy meat, woven with sharp provolone, and served on a crusty seeded roll from Carangi Baking Company.
Customer Review:
“John’s blends flavors and textures like no other. Each bite is a masterclass in cheesesteak perfection—the bread, steak, and cheese are in perfect harmony.”
3. Jim’s South St.
Address: 400 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: jimssouthstreet.com
Why Locals Love It:
Jim’s is a South Street landmark known for its retro atmosphere, lightning-fast service, and decadent aroma. Many regulars return for the moist, juicy steak and caramelized onions. The setting feels old-school Philly, packed with nostalgia.
Customer Review:
“Out-of-towners, this is the spot! Always fresh. I go out of my way for Jim’s cheesesteak—they do it right every time.”
4. Angelo’s Pizzeria
Address: 736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: angelospizzeriaphilly.com
What Makes It Stand Out:
Angelo’s bakes its own bread daily, which many claim puts their cheesesteak above the rest. Their steaks are stuffed with premium beef and oozy cheese, combining a crisp exterior bread with a dreamy soft interior.
Customer Review:
“Top notch bread. The roll is half the magic, and the steak is always perfectly seasoned. Angelo’s never disappoints!”
5. Sonny’s Famous Steaks
Address: 228 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: sonnyscheesesteaks.com
Essential Details:
Located in Old City, Sonny’s has racked up accolades for its quality ingredients and welcoming staff. GQ Magazine even named Sonny’s cheesesteak as “The Best Cheesesteak in Philly.”
Customer Review:
“Super friendly, great steak, and right by Independence Hall. Don’t leave Philly without trying Sonny’s!”
6. Cleavers
Address: 108 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Website: cleaversphilly.com
Why Go:
Cleavers delivers large, inventive cheesesteaks using 100% ribeye steak. Their menu includes classic and unique twists; the vibe is modern Philly with loyal regulars praising their quality and service.
Customer Review:
“The ‘best Philly cheesesteak’ debate ends here for me. Cleavers’ ribeye, the roll, and even their vegetarian options are top-tier.”
7. Oh Brother Philly
Address: 206 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: ohbrotherphilly.com
What Stands Out:
Right in Old City, Oh Brother is known for massive, flavor-packed cheesesteaks. Customers rave about the quality of the steak, the freshness of the bread, and the always-melting cheese.
Customer Review:
“Great for a late-night cheesesteak, and it’s big enough to share. My go-to when friends visit from out of town.”
8. Geno’s Steaks
Address: 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website: genosteaks.com
Iconic Appeal:
Open 24/7, Geno’s is a Philadelphia institution at the heart of the cheesesteak rivalry. Crowds flock here for the neon-lit experience, and their “secret” is a refusal to overcomplicate—a tried-and-true recipe with fast-moving lines.
Customer Review:
“Legendary. Quick service, big flavors, and you can grab a cheesesteak any hour. Geno’s lives up to the hype.”
9. Campo’s Philly Cheesesteaks
Address: 214 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Website: camposdeli.com
Old City Favorite:
A family operation since 1947, Campo’s crafts generous, classic cheesesteaks in a prime location. The no-frills interior puts the focus squarely on the food.
Customer Review:
“Loved how fresh everything tasted. Campo’s balances meat, cheese, and onions better than almost anyone else.”
10. Max’s Steaks
Address: 3653 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19140
Website: maxsteaks.com
Big Portions, Big Flavor:
For many, Max’s is the only North Philly stop for a cheesesteak. Their sandwiches are huge, with a cult-following for their combination of tender steak and perfectly soft rolls.
Customer Review:
“I come to Max’s for hunger-busting sandwiches—the cheesesteak is gigantic, and the staff are always upbeat and personable.”
Cheesesteak Tips for First-Timers
- Order ‘Wit’ or ‘Witout’: “Wit” means with fried onions; “witout” leaves them off.
- Cheese Choice: Try Cheez Whiz for the classic, or sample provolone or American as some shops get creative.
- Cash Only: A few top joints, like Dalessandro’s and Angelo’s, remain cash-only—watch for the ATM.
- Prepare to Wait: Long lines are a badge of honor in Philly’s cheesesteak scene. Trust the crowd!
- Eat Local, Eat Fresh: Many places are near popular attractions or historic sites. Make your cheesesteak stop part of a full Philly day—plan local activities using My Philly Connection.
Explore More Local Flavor
- Interested in giving back or learning about Philly’s diverse community? Check out these food banks and hunger relief resources and see how you can support neighbors in need.
- For sightseeing around your cheesesteak stops, browse city attractions and deepen your Philly experience.
- Stay up-to-date on the city’s best with My Philly Connection.
Conclusion
No visit to Philadelphia is complete without sampling the best Philly cheesesteaks. Whether you crave tradition, quantity, or something a little different, Philadelphia’s cheesesteak restaurants offer something for every palate. Let this guide—crafted from customer reviews and firsthand accounts—lead you to your next favorite cheesesteak and a deeper appreciation for one of America’s great food cities.
For more Philly food, city events, and helpful resources, bookmark My Philly Connection—your local link to all things Philadelphia!
Quick Reference Table: The Best Philly Cheesesteak Restaurants
Savor your search for the best Philly cheesesteak—and enjoy every bite!