Taste Testing 9 Cheesesteaks in Pennsylvania to Find the Best

The cheesesteak is Pennsylvania’s most famous sandwich, and while Philadelphia gets most of the spotlight, the truth is you’ll find great versions across the state.

I’ve tasted my way through well-known shops and smaller local favorites to get a sense of what makes each one stand out. Here are nine cheesesteaks worth trying if you want to compare for yourself.

1. Pat’s King of Steaks (Philadelphia)

Stepping up to Pat’s King of Steaks feels like you’re visiting a living piece of Pennsylvania history. The shop claims to have invented the cheesesteak back in 1930, and that legacy draws crowds any time of day. The energy here is contagious, and the line is part of the experience, giving you a chance to take in the atmosphere.

When I finally reached the window, I ordered the classic: thin-sliced rib-eye, grilled onions, and Whiz on a soft roll. There’s nothing fancy or fussy about it, just a satisfying, beefy bite that’s easy to love. Watching the grill in action behind the window, you get the sense that every sandwich is made with practiced hands.

It’s hard not to appreciate the simplicity that has kept Pat’s at the forefront of Pennsylvania’s cheesesteak scene for nearly a century. Locals and tourists mingle in the outdoor seating, comparing notes and debating the best cheese option. If you’re only eating one cheesesteak in Pennsylvania, Pat’s is a must-try for its legacy alone.

2. Geno’s Steaks (Philadelphia)

You can spot Geno’s Steaks from blocks away thanks to its electric neon glow. The shop opened across from Pat’s in 1966 and quickly grew a following. Every visit here feels charged, especially under the bright lights after sunset.

I noticed the bread immediately: crusty and fresh, holding the seasoned steak and onions together perfectly. Geno’s uses thin, wide slices of beef, different from the finely chopped style you find elsewhere in Pennsylvania. The sandwich holds up well, never soggy, which I appreciated on a hot day.

Many locals have strong opinions about whether Geno’s or Pat’s does it best, and it’s common to see groups buying one of each for a side-by-side comparison. That rivalry keeps the energy high at this South Philadelphia landmark. Geno’s is a great spot if you want to experience the ongoing cheesesteak debate firsthand.

3. Jim’s Steaks (Philadelphia, South Street)

The first thing that struck me about Jim’s Steaks was the aroma wafting down South Street, smoky, savory, and inviting. After a fire temporarily closed the shop, the 2024 reopening drew food fans back with high expectations. There’s a buzz outside as folks share stories about their first visit.

Inside, the grill sizzles nonstop, churning out cheesesteaks piled high with juicy, smoky beef. The meat is chopped, not sliced, and those caramelized onions add a rich depth that’s hard to forget. The sandwich tastes indulgent but never overwhelming.

I found the bread held up even with the generous filling, and the shop’s black-and-white tiled interior feels timeless. Jim’s has become a go-to for both old-timers and those discovering Pennsylvania’s cheesesteak culture for the first time. There’s something about the South Street vibe that gives Jim’s its own flavor.

4. Dalessandro’s Steaks (Roxborough, Philadelphia)

If you ask ten locals where to get the best cheesesteak in Pennsylvania, at least a few will send you to Dalessandro’s in Roxborough. The line often stretches out the door, but the anticipation builds community among waiting customers. The smell of sizzling steak leaking out onto the sidewalk lets you know you’re in the right spot.

Dalessandro’s is famous for chopping the beef extra fine, blending it so every bite is balanced. The cheese melts into the steak and onions, creating a creamy, cohesive mix. I appreciated the sandwich’s consistency, it never felt like I was getting just bread or just meat.

The shop is compact, so most people grab their cheesesteak and eat outside or take it home to enjoy. Dalessandro’s doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel but nails every detail. This is a favorite for many who grew up in Pennsylvania and still make regular pilgrimages back.

5. John’s Roast Pork (South Philadelphia)

John’s Roast Pork has an old-school feel that’s difficult to fake. Tucked in South Philadelphia, this shop is best known for its roast pork, but the cheesesteak has its own devoted following. The seeded roll, baked fresh daily, instantly sets it apart from the typical long roll.

Biting in, I found the steak juicy and the cheese portion generous, with provolone complementing the savory meat. The sandwich is hefty, and I could barely finish one by myself. Service here is efficient and no-nonsense, the team moves fast, but the food never feels rushed.

John’s has racked up awards over the years, but it still feels like a local’s secret. If you’re exploring Pennsylvania’s sandwich scene, add this stop to your list for a satisfying, hearty meal that bridges the city’s classic tastes with a small twist.

6. Steve’s Prince of Steaks (Northeast Philadelphia)

At Steve’s Prince of Steaks, tradition takes a slightly different turn. The steak isn’t chopped but sliced into broad ribbons, giving the sandwich an appealing texture and chew. Each bite is distinct, as you taste the layers of meat and creamy melted cheese.

I watched as the staff prepared each sandwich with care, stacking steak and adding toppings to order. The bread held everything together without getting soggy. Steve’s has a loyal following across Pennsylvania, and I saw families making stops here after work or school.

The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, a kind of low-key hangout where regulars know each other by name. Steve’s stands out because it refuses to blend in with the crowd, sticking to its method and making it work. The unique steak cut is its calling card, and it’s worth experiencing for yourself.

7. Tony Luke’s (South Philadelphia)

Tony Luke’s always feels like the center of excitement, especially on game days. Its location near the sports stadiums makes it a natural gathering point for fans. The brick building tucked under the expressway gives it a gritty, authentic feel that matches its reputation.

I opted for their classic cheesesteak, and the sturdy Italian roll made a solid first impression. The steak was juicy, and the onions caramelized just right, with cheese tying it all together. Portions here are generous without going overboard.

Staff move quickly, but there’s always time for a smile or a quick joke with someone in line. Tony Luke’s has built a reputation in Pennsylvania as a reliable spot for great sandwiches, both for locals and visitors. It’s a place where you feel part of the crowd, even if you’re just passing through.

8. Angelo’s Pizzeria (South Philadelphia)

Angelo’s Pizzeria is a name more associated with pizza, but their cheesesteaks have become a word-of-mouth favorite in Pennsylvania. The first thing you notice is the bread, baked on-site and still warm. The aroma drifting out the door is enough to tempt anyone walking by.

I ordered the cheesesteak and found the ingredients top-notch: tender beef, gooey cheese, and onions cooked until sweet. The sandwich feels handcrafted, with attention paid to every step. Each bite brings together a satisfying crunch from the crust and a rich, savory filling.

Angelo’s has limited seating, so most people grab their order to go, but the cozy vibe makes it worth lingering. For those who enjoy finding hidden gems, this spot captures what makes Pennsylvania’s food scene so special, quality over flash. Angelo’s proves that even a pizza shop can make cheesesteak magic.

9. Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Steaks (Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia)

Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Steaks is tucked inside Reading Terminal Market, making it an easy choice for anyone exploring downtown Philadelphia. The steady stream of both locals and tourists keeps the atmosphere lively all day. Standing in line, you can watch the busy kitchen team assemble sandwiches with speed and skill.

When I got my cheesesteak, it was hot, hearty, and overflowing with steak and melted cheese. The bread held up well under the weight of all those fillings. I watched as people grabbed their sandwiches and wandered off to find a spot among the market’s crowded tables.

What stands out about Carmen’s is its ability to deliver reliable flavor every time, no matter how busy it gets. It’s the kind of spot where you can fuel up before exploring the rest of Pennsylvania’s largest city. For visitors on a tight schedule, this shop makes tasting a classic cheesesteak simple and delicious.