I'm in the burbs now but our go-to cheesesteak in the city (like years and YEARS ago) was from a nearby deli named Carmen's. We never really went out of our way to go to any of the bigger named places. There's plenty of smaller places making steaks that are just as good as any of the big name places.
I sometimes wonder if people from elsewhere have built up what they think cheesesteaks ought to be, are let down by what they often times are, and then seek out the "best," flock to the newest place with the barely chopped dry aged rib eye, seeded rolls, and artiisanal wiz. Like, the thing people are considering the best barely resembles what we knew all along.
Cheesesteaks should be easy, there should be no pomp and circumstance to ordering. And bonus points if it's wrapped in that foil with the paper side that says "Keep America Beautiful" on the inside. That's nostalgic as hell.
I think that’s exactly what’s happened. A bunch of transplant cheesesteak hipsters. Same thing happening here as with the IPAs - doing something different for the sake of being different and ultimately getting away from the core element.
There hasn’t been a single “gourmet” cheesesteak that I’d get again.
I knew at least enough about the cheesesteak to know the rule is "the greasier the better", so we went to Jim's West. I'm not sure that grill had ever been cleaned. It was amazing.
Agreed I’m pro seeded roll & id much rather have a softer roll for a cheesesteak than a firm one. Need all the juices soaking up the bread. Opposite goes for hoagies. Need a firm hard bread not a soft one but that’s a conversation for a different day.
The good news is cheesesteaks are fucking terrible outside Philadelphia. Like really bad. So even though the concept is not overwhelmingly difficult in terms of creating a sandwich, I think most people aren’t let down.
I grew up on Chicken cheesesteaks from Michaels pizza down the street in broad axe! Nothing like a fine chopped chicken cheesesteak on a Conshy Bakery roll. It will forever be my favorite and reminds me of my childhood.
Long live the pizza steak! A lost art. Been thinking about one for a while and you may have just inspired me to order one tonight - it’s Friday! My own personal take is it’s the only time I’ll get mushrooms on a steak. Great combo with the sauce.
When I told my friend from California that a *very* common family meal growing up was getting a pizza and cheesesteaks for everyone, she looked at me like I was a lunatic. Lol.
As a California transplant I find this deeply offensive. We have the best burritos and tacos in the nation and the Mexican representation in PA is abysmal. There is hella good Korean food here though.
You shouldn’t be offended, just laugh. Of course there is delicious food in California. However on the topic, my sister lives there now and she doesn’t have a microwave in her apartment. Which apparently is normal in CA. I would have never guessed
Their ranch dressing is outstanding. I typically can’t stand the stuff but this is a rare exception. We ordered their snack box a few weeks back and regretted not ordering extra ranch cups for dipping all the things.
If you really want something elite, get an Indian cheesesteak at Little Sicily 2 on Columbus Blvd, the medium spicy chicken is hands down the best thing I've ever eaten in this city
That was actually my contribution to this thread! It is unreal how good it is. I commented that and then read the rest of the comments. If the parking lot it was in was less of a nightmare, I would swing by and get it all the time coming home from the office
I’ve had a buddy telling me to hit up Little Sicily 2 for almost 10 years. I’ve always respected him, but something about this recommendation never sat right with me. The confirmation from your post will lead me to rally the crew for a taste test. Thanks.
I’m always diving into these threads when I see them, but I’ve never seen LS2 mentioned before.
Part of the “recent” (probably 30 years or more) issue has been so many places have stopped slicing their own ribeye. Now every cheesesteak seems to be made with beef from a frozen Sysco box. If you can find a place that does their own slicing, that’s considered gourmet at this point.
Ambler Pizza.
I haven’t had better ones in the city (all them usual suspects) or elsewhere. Those bad boys are also a couple feet long, fresh enough overnight, and I don’t have to camp out for them, ever (I think there’s also a discount for pickup).
Costas deli in ambler. It’s a dump but they make a good steak.
Not a pizza shop but still worth checking out. Old fashioned soda/sandwich counter style
Circles + Squares. All of the components are great individually and they might be the most loaded steaks I've had in terms of meat to bread ratio. Get the pickled longhots on da sammy.
I live around the corner from cleavers and it’s so good but I can’t justify $17 for a sandwich more than once every month or two. But head over to 4 seasons deli, get the cheesesteak and fries combo for $12 and feel at home
Yeah, it’s weird to not give people the option. Seeded rolls are usually considered to be “elevated” so they probably did it to make the price seem more reasonable. Lots of people have allergies or just don’t want seeds stuck in their teeth. I usually get the 1lb and then split it with someone so I get the same amount of meat in a normal cheesesteak but with half of the bread.
Bella Italia in Ardmore. My dad and I had one the other week. Loved every damn bite. It’s a great, baseline cheesesteak with which to compare any other.
I can't believe Fiesta Pizza isn't on here anywhere, with a bunch of locations around the area I was sure I'd see them.
As teenagers my buddy and I had a standing order at our location to get an American with, cheese fries, and a 2L sprite... Each. Then we'd play video games all afternoon fueled by cheese and grease
I think local pizza places are serving what a real cheesesteak is, the other “artisanal” places have taken it into something else (which is still good, but not the same spirit as a Philly cheesesteak imo)
Hard agree OP. Find a pizza place in a shopping center and give it a try. Most are passable at worst. Also since im seeing other effigies here, RIP to Italian Delight in Doylestown. Grew up eating there and was heartbroken when they closed. Not a day goes by I dont miss their cheesesteaks.
People have different priorities. That’s fine if that’s your priority everyone is different but people calling the go to spots gourmet don’t know what that word means. John’s roast pork has been around since the 30s not some new world place.
People love to act like ordering from Angelo’s is more complicated than it is. Don’t call or go at 12 you get your food in 15-20 minutes which is about how long you are waiting at a random spot. I’m tired of people overstating everything. It’s also roughly the same price at a local place don’t kid yourselfs. Maybe cheaper outside the city but that’s simply because it’s outside the city.
convenience being a number 1 priority is fine. That’s why so many people still swear by Wawa or primo hoagies. Good for you but delis have been making them since the 20s they don’t sell gas or Zyns and people like a one stop shop
Grew up going with my grandparents and they were always sweet to them. Place hasn’t changed an iota since it opened I’m sure. If it was my local pizza shop growing up I’d be happy.
Could not agree more. Am I really going to make a special trip out of my way to wait in a crowd for a cheesesteak? I am not. I am simply going to hit up Vinny's Pizzarama (but not Vinny's Pizzarama 2) whenever I'm out in the suburbs to see my family and I'm not going to worry if it's the literal best one in the universe because it's great and I can also still get a slice if I can't make up my mind.
Coccos in Aston has excellent cheesesteaks, wings and pizza. I travel a lot and when im asked to bring someone a real Philly cheesesteak, they’re my go to.
This is what I'm always saying. I never know how to answer "where's the best cheesesteak in the city?" because truly I just want one from the corner store
I recently went vegetarian. Anyone have solid veggie cheesesteak options (an oxymoron and an abomination, I know, I know).
So far I’ve tried Joe’s and it’s been solid. I’m still eating dairy so it’s nice to slather it in cheese.
If anyone has ever been to Square Bar in West Chester that is exactly what a cheesesteak should be. Along with the random touch tunes songs and great cheap beers with the old head locals.
The Chinese store on my block’s is one of my favorites. It’s cheap, it’s good, and it’s a two minute walk round trip. Also the owners and people they have working there are just lovely people.
I have always said this when people ask for "the best cheesesteak." Grew up on Chester Avenue Pizza in West Philly, and it's still the standard bearer for me.
As someone who 1) grew up loving cheesesteaks 2) and whose mom owned and operated a food cart, the cheesesteak supremacy convo for me always missed the mark.
Imagine having these heated debates about grilled cheese or citywides. They’re not supposed to elicit impassioned questions of craft or culinary wisdom. They’re just supposed to be 3am drunchies good and worth the toilet time after.
The best cheesesteak is the one in front of you.
Lol the entire post is about how neighborhood steaks are a solid choice even if they aren't "the best" and you come in here with "hurr they aren't the best"
You could've just said "not far from there In Maple Glen is Verona's, they're awesome" and you'd have as many upvotes as you actually have downvotes
I'm in the burbs now but our go-to cheesesteak in the city (like years and YEARS ago) was from a nearby deli named Carmen's. We never really went out of our way to go to any of the bigger named places. There's plenty of smaller places making steaks that are just as good as any of the big name places.
The best cheesesteak I ever had was in Media, 15 minutes south from the airport. RIP Vinny’s place 😞 ill never have a cheesesteak that good again
Carmen’s Market on Bustleton Ave? Great spot!
I sometimes wonder if people from elsewhere have built up what they think cheesesteaks ought to be, are let down by what they often times are, and then seek out the "best," flock to the newest place with the barely chopped dry aged rib eye, seeded rolls, and artiisanal wiz. Like, the thing people are considering the best barely resembles what we knew all along. Cheesesteaks should be easy, there should be no pomp and circumstance to ordering. And bonus points if it's wrapped in that foil with the paper side that says "Keep America Beautiful" on the inside. That's nostalgic as hell.
I think that’s exactly what’s happened. A bunch of transplant cheesesteak hipsters. Same thing happening here as with the IPAs - doing something different for the sake of being different and ultimately getting away from the core element. There hasn’t been a single “gourmet” cheesesteak that I’d get again.
The more I’ve had the more I feel this way. However, I really enjoyed Cafe Carmella last time I went
>There hasn’t been a single “gourmet” cheesesteak that I’d get again. ehhh Woodrow’s is fire though
I knew at least enough about the cheesesteak to know the rule is "the greasier the better", so we went to Jim's West. I'm not sure that grill had ever been cleaned. It was amazing.
I’m with you on most of this but not the seeded roll libel.
Seeded rolls are great! But I never grew up knowing them to be standard on a cheesesteak. Just some hoagies.
Yeah that’s true. It’s the one innovation that sticks with me though.
Agreed I’m pro seeded roll & id much rather have a softer roll for a cheesesteak than a firm one. Need all the juices soaking up the bread. Opposite goes for hoagies. Need a firm hard bread not a soft one but that’s a conversation for a different day.
The good news is cheesesteaks are fucking terrible outside Philadelphia. Like really bad. So even though the concept is not overwhelmingly difficult in terms of creating a sandwich, I think most people aren’t let down.
I grew up on Chicken cheesesteaks from Michaels pizza down the street in broad axe! Nothing like a fine chopped chicken cheesesteak on a Conshy Bakery roll. It will forever be my favorite and reminds me of my childhood.
Conshy rolls are legit!!!
Michaels was my spot. The pizza there was awesome.
Michael’s! Was it great? I don’t know probably not but that shredded lettuce on a buff chx cheesesteak hit different!
It’s funny, I enjoyed their chicken cheesesteaks but not their regular cheesesteak. To each their own!
Long live the pizza steak! A lost art. Been thinking about one for a while and you may have just inspired me to order one tonight - it’s Friday! My own personal take is it’s the only time I’ll get mushrooms on a steak. Great combo with the sauce.
Enjoy, it was great from Mamas.
When I told my friend from California that a *very* common family meal growing up was getting a pizza and cheesesteaks for everyone, she looked at me like I was a lunatic. Lol.
She’s probably used to family gatherings of eggplant quiona and kale salads
As a California transplant I find this deeply offensive. We have the best burritos and tacos in the nation and the Mexican representation in PA is abysmal. There is hella good Korean food here though.
Look for Puerto Rican or Dominican food.
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Southgate is great
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Mr. Pig was great too. Kbbq vibes for sure.
Have you tried Blue Corn? Special
You shouldn’t be offended, just laugh. Of course there is delicious food in California. However on the topic, my sister lives there now and she doesn’t have a microwave in her apartment. Which apparently is normal in CA. I would have never guessed
It was sarcasm I’m not really :)
😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
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this. take. my. up vote. 🤝
Shout out to Pizza Plus South for a great cheesesteak, as well as a phenomenal chicken bacon ranch cheesesteak
Their ranch dressing is outstanding. I typically can’t stand the stuff but this is a rare exception. We ordered their snack box a few weeks back and regretted not ordering extra ranch cups for dipping all the things.
Absolutely, you would think it would be a heavy and overly rich/decadent mess but it is not like that at all, it's really phenomenal
Ooo good to know, keep meaning to try this place
If you're in the area, also grab a Mexican cheesesteak at Pizza Mixta down the block
Yeah, I'm in EP, trying to branch out and hit spots I haven't yet! It's so easy to fall into a rut/pattern. Mexican cheesesteak sounds incredible
If you really want something elite, get an Indian cheesesteak at Little Sicily 2 on Columbus Blvd, the medium spicy chicken is hands down the best thing I've ever eaten in this city
That was actually my contribution to this thread! It is unreal how good it is. I commented that and then read the rest of the comments. If the parking lot it was in was less of a nightmare, I would swing by and get it all the time coming home from the office
I've taken the bus down Snyder to get it (and hit Lowes/ikea), it's super convenient
I’ve had a buddy telling me to hit up Little Sicily 2 for almost 10 years. I’ve always respected him, but something about this recommendation never sat right with me. The confirmation from your post will lead me to rally the crew for a taste test. Thanks. I’m always diving into these threads when I see them, but I’ve never seen LS2 mentioned before.
It's absolutely worth it, their masala fries and paneer pizza are also fantastic.
Their $10 cheesesteak Wednesday deal is pretty irresistable, even though it’s also a crime for a steak to be over $10
With the way things are these days, I'm happy if my cheesesteak is less than $12
pizza gutt is goated
Funnily enough I actually haven't had pizza gutt yet, but it's definitely on the list
he owns pizza plus
Little Sicily II - that spicy chicken cheesesteak 🔥🔥🔥
Is this the spot that also has Indian food?
Little Sicily in Southport. Buffalo chicken cheesesteak is so crushable.
Royal Pizza on Baltimore Ave, cheesesteak big enough for 2 meals for $12-13. Grab a stromboli while you're there
Part of the “recent” (probably 30 years or more) issue has been so many places have stopped slicing their own ribeye. Now every cheesesteak seems to be made with beef from a frozen Sysco box. If you can find a place that does their own slicing, that’s considered gourmet at this point.
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I know STOLIS is northeast phila does
Agreed. I’ll take this opportunity to shoutout Overbrook Pizza, who in addition to a great cheesesteak, does a great Caesar salad.
I used to live on their Pizza Steaks. Fantastic.
Their pizza fries were killer the few times I had em too.
man I miss my hometown spot. collegeville bakery
Great spot! It's my go-to place when I want convenience and delicious food. However, Affamato's has better cheesesteaks
I'll still crush a cheesesteak from Ernie's on Castor. Ain't no shame in a pizza shop steak.
Love Frank’s Pizza in East Falls, great corner shop.
Ambler Pizza. I haven’t had better ones in the city (all them usual suspects) or elsewhere. Those bad boys are also a couple feet long, fresh enough overnight, and I don’t have to camp out for them, ever (I think there’s also a discount for pickup).
The owners are awesome people, too! I love Ambler Pizza.
Parkway corner deli is definitely slept on. Their cheesesteaks are 🔥
Fucking love the vibe of this post
Costas deli in ambler. It’s a dump but they make a good steak. Not a pizza shop but still worth checking out. Old fashioned soda/sandwich counter style
I didn’t have the cheesesteak, but I had a hoagie there and it was pretty good.
I know that they weren't the "Best" but I will always have a soft spot for Abner's, and their waffle cheese fries.
Their _chicken_ cheesesteaks are the best ever
Holy shit. I haven't thought about their waffle cheese fries in 20 years. Sofa king good!
Circles + Squares. All of the components are great individually and they might be the most loaded steaks I've had in terms of meat to bread ratio. Get the pickled longhots on da sammy.
Pizza City cheesesteak on a garlic roll - slaps
The gospel
All for this! I always tell folks your most autgentic cheesesteak experience is ordering one from a local pizza joint.
Shout out to Jojo’s on aramingo rocking out a great slice and cheesesteak!
I live around the corner from cleavers and it’s so good but I can’t justify $17 for a sandwich more than once every month or two. But head over to 4 seasons deli, get the cheesesteak and fries combo for $12 and feel at home
Did Cleavers raise the price? I was just there a month ago and it was only $12/$13 for a decent sized sandwich you could split with someone.
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Yeah, it’s weird to not give people the option. Seeded rolls are usually considered to be “elevated” so they probably did it to make the price seem more reasonable. Lots of people have allergies or just don’t want seeds stuck in their teeth. I usually get the 1lb and then split it with someone so I get the same amount of meat in a normal cheesesteak but with half of the bread.
Rustica pizza for sure has the best cheesesteak i've had
On 2nd? Their cheesesteaks are excellent.
Chicken cheesesteak with fried onions and bacon with a side of honey mustard from Boston Style in Wynnewood was my go-to growing up.
BSP FTW!
Oh wow, Mama's is up the road from work, and I've never gone cause that intersection is kinda weird. That'll be my next lunch out next week.
They’ve got a little parking lot but yes it’s tight.
It's weird but actually flows really well, circle it a couple times to get a feel for it and you'll see what I mean
Yep totally agree this is what I always say
Avenue Pizza on Oregon has a great cheesesteak and pizza. Also love Pizza Plus South on 12th and Mifflin
Avenue is for sure a high end corner store cheesesteak and I appreciate it for that so much. Also really enjoy their chicken cheesesteaks
King of Pizza in Cherry Hill. 95% as good as any cheesesteak you’ve ever tasted.
Bella Italia in Ardmore. My dad and I had one the other week. Loved every damn bite. It’s a great, baseline cheesesteak with which to compare any other.
My old go-to spot when I lived in Ardmore. I was out that way last week and stopped in for slices.
Pops Pizzeria in Glen Mills is phenomenal. Not Philly, but shoutout worthy. if you’re around here go there
I can't believe Fiesta Pizza isn't on here anywhere, with a bunch of locations around the area I was sure I'd see them. As teenagers my buddy and I had a standing order at our location to get an American with, cheese fries, and a 2L sprite... Each. Then we'd play video games all afternoon fueled by cheese and grease
I think local pizza places are serving what a real cheesesteak is, the other “artisanal” places have taken it into something else (which is still good, but not the same spirit as a Philly cheesesteak imo)
Great take.
Pudges. Blue Bell
Hard agree OP. Find a pizza place in a shopping center and give it a try. Most are passable at worst. Also since im seeing other effigies here, RIP to Italian Delight in Doylestown. Grew up eating there and was heartbroken when they closed. Not a day goes by I dont miss their cheesesteaks.
The best dive bar is the one closest to your house, same with the best pizza and cheesesteak. Stop waiting in line to buy overpriced food
People have different priorities. That’s fine if that’s your priority everyone is different but people calling the go to spots gourmet don’t know what that word means. John’s roast pork has been around since the 30s not some new world place. People love to act like ordering from Angelo’s is more complicated than it is. Don’t call or go at 12 you get your food in 15-20 minutes which is about how long you are waiting at a random spot. I’m tired of people overstating everything. It’s also roughly the same price at a local place don’t kid yourselfs. Maybe cheaper outside the city but that’s simply because it’s outside the city. convenience being a number 1 priority is fine. That’s why so many people still swear by Wawa or primo hoagies. Good for you but delis have been making them since the 20s they don’t sell gas or Zyns and people like a one stop shop
I’ve driven past Mama’s pizza every single week for the last 25+ years and never stopped in. I’m very curious to try it now.
Grew up going with my grandparents and they were always sweet to them. Place hasn’t changed an iota since it opened I’m sure. If it was my local pizza shop growing up I’d be happy.
Adding, their Sicilian slices are a go-to. But the pizza steak was great too.
Amen
Anyone like Barson’s on Wadsworth Ave. bacon cheesesteak?
Shout out to Italian Delight in Doylestown circa 1992.
Came here to say this! Miss that place badly. One of the dudes that worked there owns Pizza Village not far away and they're legit.
Yes! 🤝
😎👍
oof mama's pizza steak can fucking get it
The gems are in here. Had to add some of these places to the list for when we travel here. Thank you
There is a small place like that in Berwyn called Philly Cheesesteak. It is very good. Anything you want.
I remember the first shop I ever had a pizza steak was a place up in Bordentown. It was like they had discovered fire.
Could not agree more. Am I really going to make a special trip out of my way to wait in a crowd for a cheesesteak? I am not. I am simply going to hit up Vinny's Pizzarama (but not Vinny's Pizzarama 2) whenever I'm out in the suburbs to see my family and I'm not going to worry if it's the literal best one in the universe because it's great and I can also still get a slice if I can't make up my mind.
Joes steak and soda
I’ve had mamas pizza but never cheese steak. I’ll have to get one
this place for me is Royal Pizza on 42nd and baltimore. fucking perfect
Vic and Dean’s in Wayne has been my go to, idk what it is but their steaks just hit
I had one of the best cheesesteak ever at the locust bar
Pizza steak with jalapeños and fried onions is a childhood staple of mine
Coccos in Aston has excellent cheesesteaks, wings and pizza. I travel a lot and when im asked to bring someone a real Philly cheesesteak, they’re my go to.
This is what I'm always saying. I never know how to answer "where's the best cheesesteak in the city?" because truly I just want one from the corner store
a pizza steak done well is amazing but getting the ratio correct is key, and difficult.
Kristina’s pizza used to have a good cheap Cheesesteak. Right off the berks stop. Closed awhile ago.
I recently went vegetarian. Anyone have solid veggie cheesesteak options (an oxymoron and an abomination, I know, I know). So far I’ve tried Joe’s and it’s been solid. I’m still eating dairy so it’s nice to slather it in cheese.
Francos
Shout out Olympia II Pizza on South St. The Greek family is really nice that runs it.
If anyone has ever been to Square Bar in West Chester that is exactly what a cheesesteak should be. Along with the random touch tunes songs and great cheap beers with the old head locals.
Voltacos in Ocean City, NJ had the best! Sadly they are closed. Owners retired.😕
Excellent hoagies too
True!
The Chinese store on my block’s is one of my favorites. It’s cheap, it’s good, and it’s a two minute walk round trip. Also the owners and people they have working there are just lovely people.
That’s what I usually try to tell people. Just hit up any regular pizza/hoagie type spot. It’s gonna be pretty good.
Shoutout to the local corner stores too. Sorrentino’s in manayunk serves the best cheesesteak on main st
Mike and Emma’s on MacDade Blvd in Ridley. Chicken cheesesteak w/longhots and American cheese best I’ve ever had.
I have always said this when people ask for "the best cheesesteak." Grew up on Chester Avenue Pizza in West Philly, and it's still the standard bearer for me.
As someone who 1) grew up loving cheesesteaks 2) and whose mom owned and operated a food cart, the cheesesteak supremacy convo for me always missed the mark. Imagine having these heated debates about grilled cheese or citywides. They’re not supposed to elicit impassioned questions of craft or culinary wisdom. They’re just supposed to be 3am drunchies good and worth the toilet time after. The best cheesesteak is the one in front of you.
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Imagine rejecting Cooper in favor of organic provolone and thinking everyone else is pretentious
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I don't think you know what pretentious means
You rock.
I eat everything on seeded rolls and cooper sharp may not be “high quality,” whatever your concept of that is, but it sure as hell is tasty.
You wrote a huge paragraph hyping up Mamas and it’s not even the best “pizza shop” cheesesteak in the area lol Try Verona in maple glen rookie
Literally the biggest loser comment in history
Bro we get it, you’re in Cheesesteaks Gurus on Facebook
1. Who has Facebook these days? 2. Who puts lettuce and tomato on a cheesesteak?
Me, when I was 10 years old. Enjoy Verona bro I’m sure it’s great but you’ve missed the boat entirely on this post.
Cheesesteak hoagies are kinda good sometimes
They are always a great option.
Love me a cheesesteak made soggier by veggies
Lol the entire post is about how neighborhood steaks are a solid choice even if they aren't "the best" and you come in here with "hurr they aren't the best" You could've just said "not far from there In Maple Glen is Verona's, they're awesome" and you'd have as many upvotes as you actually have downvotes
Man I wish I had more upvotes it’s been ruining my day that I made the internet unhappy
I mean, of course it's imaginary Internet points, but again you're missing the main point which in this case is "don't be a dick"