The Most Popular Philly Cheesesteak, Ranked

Choose the cheesesteak you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 20, 2024 07:26
When it comes to finding the best Philly cheesesteak, opinions often vary as much as the ingredients piled onto that hearty bun. Each cheesesteak aficionado swears by their favorite, arguing over the perfect balance of steak, cheese, and onions. This makes choosing where to indulge in this iconic sandwich somewhat of a challenge for both residents and visitors alike. By voting for your preferred Philly cheesesteak, you contribute to a dynamic list that reflects the collective preference of a diverse community. This live ranking not only assists others in making informed decisions but also celebrates the rich culinary culture of the region. Your participation ensures that the list remains current and meaningful.

What Is the Most Popular Philly Cheesesteak?

  1. 1
    47
    votes
    Pat's King of Steaks
    Leonard J. DeFrancisci · CC BY-SA 3.0

    Pat's King of Steaks

    Pat Olivieri
    Pat's is one of the most famous places to get a Philly cheesesteak and has been serving them for over 80 years. They claim to have invented the sandwich and have a loyal following of locals and tourists alike.
    Pat's King of Steaks is a renowned establishment in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, known for its iconic Philly cheesesteak sandwich. It was founded in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, a local hot dog vendor who decided to grill beef and serve it on a roll instead. The cheesesteak quickly gained popularity and has since become a staple of Philadelphia cuisine.
    • Type of bread: Italian roll
    • Cheese: Whiz or American
    • Meat: Thinly sliced ribeye steak
    • Onions: Chopped and grilled with the meat
    • Peppers: Optional, grilled or raw
  2. 2
    38
    votes

    Geno's Steaks

    Joey Vento
    Located across the street from Pat's, Geno's is another iconic spot for a Philly cheesesteak. They have been serving them for over 50 years and have a reputation for being a bit more touristy than Pat's.
    Geno's Steaks is a renowned cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is located in South Philadelphia, near the famous Pat's King of Steaks. Geno's Steaks is known for its classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich and has become a staple in the culinary scene of the city.
    • Thinly Sliced Steak: Geno's uses thinly sliced beefsteak to ensure tenderness and enable quick cooking.
    • Rolls: The sandwich is served on a fresh Italian roll, providing a soft yet slightly crunchy texture.
    • Provolone Cheese: Geno's offers a choice of cheese, but the traditional option is provolone, which adds a rich flavor.
    • Onions: The cheesesteak is topped with sautéed onions, which enhance the taste and add a sweet and savory element.
    • Optional Cheez Whiz: Along with provolone, Cheez Whiz is available as a classic, though optional, cheese choice.
  3. 3
    24
    votes

    Jim's Steaks

    Jim Proietti
    Jim's has been serving Philly cheesesteaks since the 1930s and has a loyal following of locals. They offer a variety of toppings, including peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
    Jim's Steaks is a renowned establishment in Philadelphia that is famous for its mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks.
    • Established: 1939
    • Location: South Street, Philadelphia
    • Type of Cheese: American cheese
    • Type of Bread: Amoroso roll
    • Cooking Style: Chopped and grilled
  4. 4
    23
    votes

    Tony Luke's

    Tony Lucidonio Jr. (Tony Luke)
    Tony Luke's is known for their roast pork sandwiches, but their Philly cheesesteak is also a crowd-pleaser. They have several locations in the area and are popular with locals and tourists alike.
    Tony Luke's is a famous sandwich shop in Philadelphia known for their delicious Philly cheesesteaks. The shop was founded by Tony Lucidonio Jr., also known as Tony Luke, a Philadelphia native who started the business in 1992. Tony Luke's has gained a reputation for their mouthwatering cheesesteaks that are made using high-quality ingredients and secret family recipes. Here are some important specs about Tony Luke's Philly cheesesteak:
    • Bread: Freshly baked rolls
    • Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye beef
    • Cheese: Provolone or American cheese
    • Onions: Sauteed onions
    • Peppers: Grilled green peppers
  5. 5
    20
    votes

    Steve's Prince of Steaks

    Steve Iliescu
    Steve's is a family-owned business that has been serving Philly cheesesteaks since the 1980s. They use high-quality ingredients and have a reputation for being one of the best spots in the city.
    Steve's Prince of Steaks is a renowned establishment in Philadelphia known for its iconic Philly cheesesteak. It is a family-owned business that has been serving delicious cheesesteaks since 1980. The steaks at Steve's are made with thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked to perfection, and served on a fresh and crusty Italian roll. The toppings include the classic choices of grilled onions and melted American cheese, providing a perfect balance of flavors. The sandwiches are generously sized and packed with savory goodness. Steve's Prince of Steaks has become a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike who crave a truly authentic Philly cheesesteak experience.
    • Established: 1980
    • Meat: Thinly sliced ribeye steak
    • Bread: Fresh and crusty Italian roll
    • Toppings: Grilled onions and melted American cheese
    • Flavor: Savory and perfectly balanced
  6. 6
    20
    votes

    Dalessandro's Steaks

    Pat Olivieri
    Dalessandro's has been serving Philly cheesesteaks since the 1960s and is a favorite among locals. They use ribeye steak and offer a variety of toppings, including mushrooms and hot peppers.
    Dalessandro's Steaks is a renowned Philadelphia establishment that has been serving up mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks for over 70 years. It is located in the Roxborough neighborhood, known for its vibrant community and love for great food. Dalessandro's has gained popularity for its classic preparation and the use of high-quality ingredients, creating an iconic Philly cheesesteak experience.
    • Bread: Amoroso roll
    • Meat: Choice ribeye steak
    • Cheese: American or Provolone
    • Toppings: Grilled onions, mushrooms
    • Condiments: Ketchup, mayonnaise, hot or sweet peppers
  7. 7
    13
    votes
    Ishkabibble's is known for their unique take on the Philly cheesesteak, which includes chopped chicken and a special sauce. They have been serving their version of the sandwich since the 1970s and have a loyal following.
    Ishkabibble's is a renowned and beloved establishment in Philadelphia that has been serving up mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks for decades. Their cheesesteaks are often hailed as the epitome of the classic Philadelphia sandwich. The focus at Ishkabibble's is on creating a comforting, flavorful, and authentic cheesesteak experience for their customers.
    • Type of Meat: Thinly sliced ribeye steak
    • Cheese: Choice of American, provolone, or Whiz
    • Roll: Freshly baked Amoroso's roll
    • Onions: Grilled onions
    • Additional Toppings: Optional mushrooms, peppers, or hot peppers
  8. 8
    3
    votes

    John's Roast Pork

    John Bucci
    John's Roast Pork is known for their roast pork sandwiches, but they also serve a delicious Philly cheesesteak. They use ribeye steak and offer a variety of toppings, including provolone cheese and sautéed onions.
    John's Roast Pork is a legendary Philly cheesesteak made famous in Philadelphia. It is a mouthwatering sandwich that features thinly sliced, tender roast pork topped with melted provolone cheese and served on a fresh, crusty Italian roll. The sandwich is typically accompanied by sautéed spinach and sharp provolone cheese, although customization options are available. The combination of flavors and textures in John's Roast Pork creates a delicious and satisfying experience for any cheesesteak enthusiast.
    • Bread: Fresh, crusty Italian roll
    • Filling: Thinly sliced, tender roast pork
    • Cheese: Melted provolone
    • Accompaniments: Sautéed spinach and sharp provolone cheese
    • Customization: Options available
  9. 9
    7
    votes

    Campo's Deli

    Campo's Deli
    Campo's is a family-owned business that has been serving Philly cheesesteaks since the 1940s. They use ribeye steak and offer a variety of toppings, including hot peppers and sweet peppers.
    Campo's Deli is a legendary establishment in Philadelphia known for serving one of the most popular Philly cheesesteaks. Located in the heart of Philadelphia's Old City neighborhood, Campo's has been delighting locals and tourists alike since its inception in 1947. The cheesesteak served at Campo's is renowned for its mouthwatering combination of flavors and generous portion sizes, making it a must-try for any cheesesteak enthusiast.
    • Bread Type: Freshly baked Italian roll
    • Steak: Chopped rib-eye steak
    • Cheese: Whiz or provolone, available in different variations
    • Onions: Sauteed onions
    • Peppers: Grilled green peppers
  10. 10
    12
    votes
    Sonny's Famous Steaks
    Valoem · CC BY-SA 4.0
    Sonny's has been serving Philly cheesesteaks since the 1940s and has a reputation for being one of the best spots in the city. They use ribeye steak and offer a variety of toppings, including mushrooms and hot peppers.

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Ranking factors for popular cheesesteak

  1. Quality of ingredients
    The quality of the meat, cheese, and bread used in making the cheesesteak is crucial. High-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and enjoyable sandwich.
  2. Authenticity
    An authentic Philly cheesesteak should have thinly sliced ribeye steak, sautéed onions, and either provolone or Cheez Whiz. The overall taste and the balance of these ingredients are key factors.
  3. Bread
    The bread should be fresh, soft on the inside, and slightly crusty on the outside. The ideal bread for a Philly cheesesteak is an Italian roll, which can absorb the steak juices and cheese without getting soggy.
  4. Cookery
    The steak should be cooked to perfection – not too dry or too greasy. The onions and peppers (if included) should be sautéed just right, giving the sandwich a nice texture without overpowering the taste.
  5. Cheese
    The cheesesteak's cheese should be evenly melted and distributed throughout the sandwich, providing a consistent flavor in every bite.
  6. Customer reviews and reputation
    A popular cheesesteak place would usually have a strong following and positive customer reviews. Look for recommendations from locals or online sources that praise the taste and quality of the cheesesteak's ingredients and preparation.
  7. Size and value for money
    A good Philly cheesesteak should be generously portioned and fairly priced. Comparing prices and portion sizes among different options helps to determine the best value for money.
  8. Location and accessibility
    The popularity of a cheesesteak place can be influenced by its location and accessibility. This might include proximity to tourist attractions, public transportation, or shopping areas.
  9. Service and atmosphere
    The cheesesteak joint should offer friendly, efficient service, and a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall experience.
  10. Customization options
    Some people might prefer a cheesesteak with extra toppings or different types of cheese. A popular cheesesteak place would typically offer customization options to cater to different tastes and preferences.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular Philly cheesesteak. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Cheesesteak is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1887 views
  • 208 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Cheesesteak once every 24 hours. The rank of each Cheesesteak is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most popular philly cheesesteak

Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is made with thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sometimes sautéed onions, all served on a long, crusty roll. The sandwich is a popular fast food item in Philadelphia and has gained widespread popularity in other parts of the United States and around the world. The origins of the Philly cheesesteak can be traced back to the 1930s, when hot dog vendors in South Philadelphia began serving steak sandwiches. Today, there are numerous variations of the classic Philly cheesesteak, with different types of cheese and toppings. StrawPoll users have voted on the most popular Philly cheesesteak options, and we've compiled the results for you!

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