15 Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, According to a Philly Lifer
The City of Brotherly Love is filled with meat-and-cheese sandwich lovers. We Philadelphians live and die by the big three: Hoagies (known as subs in the rest of the country), roast pork (with garlicky broccoli rabe and sharp provolone), and cheesesteaks.
The cheesesteak's story began in the 1930s in South Philadelphia, but the item has become a regional staple served at corner 'Papi' stores and even given the gourmet treatment by award-winning chefs. It's a deceptively simple sandwich—beef, cheese, and onions—but nailing the ratio, texture, and flavor is the real challenge. No two spots make their cheesesteak the same, but the 12-inch recipe calls for thinly sliced (or diced) ribeye steak, melted cheese (American, Cooper Sharp White, or Cheez Whiz), and small fried onions on a long (seeded or non-seeded) soft roll. Additional toppings range from mushrooms to long hot peppers and cherry peppers. Never ketchup or mayo.
As someone who's been eating cheesesteaks since college and is now a Philly lifer, there are a few tips to know: Prepare for long lines and wait times, and, at most spots, a lack of seating. Just like New York pizza slice culture, cheesesteaks are typically ordered to go and best savored sitting outside. Grab some extra napkins and get your stomach ready for an epic crawl. (Trust us, even if you have to wait, eating a fantastic cheesesteak is one of the best things to do in Philadelphia.)
Here are 15 places to find the best cheesesteaks in Philly (in no particular order).
The steaks at Jim's on South Street
Jillian Guyette
1. Jim's Steaks
400 South St., 431 N. 62nd St.
Philadelphia is lucky to have two Jim's Steaks. Jim's South Street has two dining spaces where you can eat their famous whiz wit (slathered with Cheez Whiz and fried onions). There's a first-floor diner-style space and a second floor adorned with rare mosaic works from Philly legend Isaiah Zagar of Philadelphia's Magic Gardens (it's even on Condé Nast Traveler's list of the best restaurants in Philadelphia). In West Philly is Jim's West, the O.G. location where you can get a $20 combo special: A beef or chicken cheesesteak, drink, and a side of banana pudding.
2. Dalessandro's Steaks
600 Wendover St.
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