Quick answer
Philadelphia's cheesesteak scene goes far beyond Pat's and Geno's. The real action is at neighborhood joints like John's Roast Pork, Angelo's Pizzeria, and Dalessandro's. This list, curated from hundreds of Reddit posts across r/PhiladelphiaEats and r/philadelphia, covers the 12 spots that actual Philadelphians recommend.
- Best overall
- John's Roast Pork — 4.6★ (3,878 reviews)
- Best newcomer
- Angelo's Pizzeria — cooper sharp on seeded roll
- Best neighborhood
- Dalessandro's Steaks — 4.4★ (13,305 reviews)
- Last verified
- 2026-03
Top verdicts
- John's Roast Pork: Reddit's consensus #1 cheesesteak. Juiciest meat, firmest roll.
- Angelo's: The Michelin-recognized newcomer with cooper sharp cheese.
- Dalessandro's: The neighborhood legend with 13,305 reviews.
Philadelphia's cheesesteak scene offers a range of options, typically costing $10-$16, with John's Roast Pork and Angelo's Pizzeria consistently topping Reddit recommendations for their superior quality and unique takes on the classic. While tourist spots like Pat's and Geno's are worth a visit, local favorites are scattered throughout the city.
Philadelphia invented the cheesesteak, and the debate over who makes the best one has raged since Pat Olivieri first threw some beef on a hot dog grill in 1930. We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts across r/PhiladelphiaEats, r/philadelphia, and r/food to find the 12 spots that actual Philadelphians recommend — not just the neon-lit tourist traps on Passyunk Ave.
A standard cheesesteak costs $10-$16 at most spots. The big three debate (Pat's vs. Geno's vs. Jim's) is largely for tourists — locals have their own favorites scattered across South Philly, Fishtown, Roxborough, and the Northeast. Three cheese choices dominate: Cheez Whiz (iconic), provolone (sharp), and American (creamy), with cooper sharp emerging as a modern fourth option at spots like Angelo's.
Cheesesteak Map
1John's Roast Pork
Classic Cheesesteak
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2Angelo's Pizzeria
Cooper Sharp
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3Dalessandro's Steaks
Neighborhood Legend
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4Sonny's Famous Steaks
Old City Gem
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5Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop
Fishtown Classic
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6Woodrow's Sandwich Shop
House-Made Whiz
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7Jim's South St.
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8Steve's Prince of Steaks
Northeast Philly
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9Ishkabibble's
South Street
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10Tony and Nick's Steaks
South Philly Local
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11Pat's King of Steaks
Tourist Landmark
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12Geno's Steaks
Tourist Landmark
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia?
John's Roast Pork and Angelo's Pizzeria are the most consistently recommended on Reddit. John's has the juiciest meat with a perfect roll, while Angelo's uses cooper sharp cheese on a seeded roll that converts skeptics.
What cheese should I get on a Philly cheesesteak?
The three classic options are Cheez Whiz (the iconic choice), provolone (sharp and melty), and American (mild and creamy). Cooper sharp is a newer favorite at places like Angelo's.
Is Pat's or Geno's better?
Neither is considered the best by locals. They're tourist landmarks worth visiting for the experience, but Reddit overwhelmingly recommends John's Roast Pork, Angelo's, and Dalessandro's over both.
How do I order a cheesesteak in Philly?
Keep it simple: say your cheese choice and whether you want onions. 'Whiz wit' means Cheez Whiz with fried onions. 'Provolone without' means provolone, no onions. Have your money ready.
How much does a cheesesteak cost in Philadelphia?
A standard cheesesteak costs $10-$16 at most spots. Angelo's and Woodrow's are on the higher end ($14-$16). Pat's and Geno's are around $12-$14.
What are the best cheesesteak spots away from tourist areas?
Dalessandro's in Roxborough, John's Roast Pork in South Philly, Steve's Prince of Steaks in Northeast Philly, and Tony and Nick's on Oregon Ave.
What's the difference between a cheesesteak and a roast pork sandwich?
A cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye cooked on a flat-top grill with melted cheese. A roast pork sandwich uses slow-roasted pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe. John's Roast Pork is famous for both.
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