8 Cheesesteaks You Can Skip And 8 You’ll Want Again And Again

There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfect Philly cheesesteak – that magical combo of thinly sliced beef, melty cheese, and a roll that’s just right.

I’ve spent years tracking down the best (and worst) of these iconic sandwiches.

From sad fast-food imposters to authentic Philadelphia masterpieces, I’ve endured the terrible to celebrate the transcendent.

Here’s my personal guide to which cheesesteaks deserve your hard-earned cash and which should be permanently crossed off your list.

1. SKIP: Subway’s Sad Steak Situation

My first experience with Subway’s cheesesteak left me wondering if they’d ever actually been to Philadelphia. The meat came out in weird, uniform rectangles that seemed more like beef-adjacent mystery protein than proper steak.

The cheese never fully melted, creating a strange, plasticky layer that stuck to the roof of my mouth. Even worse, the bread – which should be a crusty-yet-soft roll – was just their standard sub bread that got soggy within minutes.

Employees seem equally confused by this menu item, assembling it differently at every location. Save yourself the disappointment and $8.99. If you’re already at Subway, their Italian BMT delivers more satisfaction than this pale imitation of a Philadelphia classic.

2. TRY AGAIN: Pat’s King Of Steaks’ Historic Deliciousness

Standing in line at Pat’s at 2 AM after a night out remains one of my favorite Philadelphia memories. The neon glow, the rapid-fire ordering system, and that first bite of their original cheesesteak creates a food experience that transcends the sandwich itself.

Founded in 1930, Pat’s claims to have invented the cheesesteak, and their decades of experience show. The meat comes chopped fine enough to melt in your mouth while maintaining its beefy integrity. Their Cheez Whiz option (my personal recommendation) distributes perfectly through the meat.

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, there’s always a debate about Pat’s versus Geno’s across the street. But Pat’s delivers a consistently excellent, authentic cheesesteak experience that deserves its legendary status in Philadelphia food culture.

3. SKIP: Domino’s Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Pretender

Whoever at Domino’s decided to merge pizza with cheesesteak should be forced to apologize to the entire city of Philadelphia. This bizarre hybrid manages to insult both foods simultaneously – no small feat!

My delivery arrived lukewarm, with beef pieces that resembled tiny, dried-out pebbles scattered across a sea of congealed cheese. The promised green peppers and onions were barely detectable, appearing as withered specks that had given up their flavor long ago.

The Alfredo sauce base (instead of tomato) tries to mimic cheesesteak’s cheesy quality but ends up creating a slimy texture that slides right off the crust. For roughly the same price, you could get a frozen cheesesteak from the grocery store and at least maintain your dignity.

4. TRY AGAIN: Geno’s Steaks’ Neon-Lit Masterpiece

Geno’s flashy, neon-covered exterior might scream tourist trap, but don’t let that fool you. My first bite there silenced my skepticism immediately. Their ribeye comes sliced rather than chopped – a controversial choice that I’ve grown to appreciate for the textural difference it provides.

The rolls, sourced from Philly’s own Liscio’s Bakery, strike that perfect balance between crusty exterior and pillowy interior. They hold up beautifully to the juicy meat and melted cheese without disintegrating halfway through.

Open 24 hours, Geno’s shines brightest late at night when the neon bathes everything in a surreal glow. The staff maintains lightning-fast service even during peak hours. Pat’s may claim historical precedence, but Geno’s has earned its place in the cheesesteak pantheon through consistent quality and flavor.

5. SKIP: Wawa’s Convenience Store Compromise

My love for Wawa runs deep – their coffee fueled countless road trips, and their hoagies have saved many late nights. But their cheesesteak? That relationship needs counseling.

Ordered through their touchscreen system, what arrives is a study in mediocrity. The meat lacks that fresh-off-the-grill sear that defines a proper cheesesteak, instead tasting like it was steamed rather than griddled. The cheese melts unevenly, creating pockets of over-cheesed and under-cheesed bites.

Their bread, while fine for cold sandwiches, doesn’t stand up to the hot filling, turning soggy almost immediately. When I’m craving a cheesesteak at 11 PM and Wawa is the only option, I’ll reluctantly order one – but I always regret not getting their Italian hoagie instead.

6. TRY AGAIN: Dalessandro’s Mountainous Meat Marvel

Located in Roxborough, away from the downtown tourist circuit, Dalessandro’s serves what I consider the most generous cheesesteak in Philadelphia. My first visit left me speechless – the mountain of finely chopped beef barely contained by the roll seemed impossible to finish. I was wrong.

Their meat gets chopped finer than most competitors, creating an almost velvety texture that absorbs the flavor of the cheese and onions. The American cheese option melts perfectly into the hot beef, creating pockets of gooey goodness throughout the sandwich.

Cash-only and often crowded, Dalessandro’s represents the quintessential neighborhood cheesesteak joint. The no-frills counter service and packed dining area add to its authentic charm. Worth every minute of the wait and every penny of the (very reasonable) price.

7. SKIP: Sheetz’s Gas Station Gamble

Road trips through Pennsylvania often mean Sheetz stops, and during one moment of hunger-induced poor judgment, I ordered their cheesesteak. The sandwich that emerged from their kitchen resembled a cheesesteak in the same way a child’s drawing resembles fine art – you recognize the attempt, but something’s clearly off.

The beef had that strange, uniform texture that screams pre-processed, pre-packaged food product. Sweet peppers added an unwelcome sugary note that competed with the bland cheese for dominance, while the roll disintegrated into a gummy mess halfway through.

Sheetz excels at many things – their app-based ordering, their coffee, their fries – but their cheesesteak should be passed over for literally any other menu item. Even their hot dogs show more culinary integrity than this sad sandwich.

8. TRY AGAIN: Jim’s South Street’s Perfect Balance

My college years in Philly meant frequent pilgrimages to Jim’s on South Street, where the line often stretched down the block. Was it worth the wait? Every. Single. Time.

Jim’s achieves the perfect meat-to-roll ratio – substantial enough to satisfy but not so overwhelming that you need a nap afterward. Their griddle technique creates those coveted crispy edges on some pieces of beef while maintaining juiciness throughout. The second-floor seating area offers prime people-watching on South Street through the large windows.

A fire in 2022 temporarily closed this iconic spot, but they’ve promised to rebuild. When they reopen, make this your first stop for cheesesteak perfection. Ask for onions (they’re not automatic) and whichever cheese speaks to your soul – they execute all three options (Whiz, American, provolone) equally well.

9. SKIP: Quiznos’ Questionable Creation

Remember Quiznos? The chain has dwindled significantly, but during their heyday, I encountered their version of a Philly cheesesteak. The experience was memorable for all the wrong reasons.

Their signature toasted subs approach backfired spectacularly with the cheesesteak. The already-cooked meat got further dried out in their conveyor toaster, resulting in tough, leathery beef strips. Their cheese sauce had a peculiar tanginess that fought against the beef rather than complementing it.

The vegetables – green peppers and onions – remained partially raw despite the toasting process, creating an unpleasant textural contrast. If you somehow find yourself at one of the remaining Quiznos locations, stick to their Italian sub or turkey sandwich and leave the cheesesteak artistry to the Philadelphians.

10. TRY AGAIN: Tony Luke’s Authentic Experience

Hidden under I-95 in South Philly, Tony Luke’s original location feels like a secret you’ve stumbled upon. My first visit came after a Phillies game, when a local friend insisted we skip the ballpark food and head straight there.

The seeded rolls – baked fresh throughout the day – provide the perfect foundation. Slightly crusty outside, pillowy inside, they’re substantial enough to hold everything together without overpowering the fillings. Their ribeye is sliced thin but not chopped to oblivion, maintaining the integrity of the beef.

While they’ve expanded to multiple locations, the original stand delivers the most authentic experience. The ordering window, outdoor seating, and no-nonsense service transport you to old-school Philadelphia. Their roast pork sandwich also deserves attention, but their cheesesteak represents the platonic ideal of this iconic sandwich.

11. SKIP: 7-Eleven’s Convenience Catastrophe

Late one night in a moment of desperate hunger, I gambled on 7-Eleven’s hot food section. Their cheesesteak, rotating slowly under heat lamps, called to me like a siren song. I should have stuffed my ears with wax and lashed myself to the mast.

The pre-made sandwich had clearly been sitting there for hours. The roll had developed a strange, rubbery exterior while somehow remaining soggy inside – a textural paradox I still can’t explain. The meat had dried at the edges while swimming in an oily pool at the center.

The cheese had separated into oily and solid components, neither of which resembled actual cheese anymore. Even at the rock-bottom price point, this ranks as one of the worst food values in America. Grab a bag of chips and a soda instead – your stomach will thank you.

12. TRY AGAIN: Steve’s Prince Of Steaks’ Royal Treatment

My first encounter with Steve’s came after a Philadelphia native friend declared, “You haven’t had a real cheesesteak until you’ve had Steve’s.” Bold claim, but after one bite, I understood the loyalty.

Unlike most shops that chop their meat, Steve’s serves ribeye in thin slices laid across the roll, creating distinct layers of beef, cheese, and optional toppings. This approach highlights the quality of their meat, which tastes notably fresher than competitors’. Their American cheese melts into the hot beef without overwhelming it.

The Northeast Philly original location offers the most authentic experience, though their downtown spot delivers the same quality. Their sandwich requires a specific eating technique – don’t try to set it down once you’ve started, or you’ll wear half of it! Worth the mess, worth the trip, worth the wait.

13. SKIP: Checkers/Rally’s Fast Food Failure

After a long drive with limited options, I spotted Checkers’ window advertisement for their Philly Cheesesteak. The warning bells in my head were drowned out by my growling stomach.

The sandwich arrived suspiciously quickly, wrapped in paper that had already developed grease spots. Unwrapping revealed a sad assemblage that barely resembled its menu photo. The meat – if you can call it that – came in thin, uniform strips with an alarmingly smooth texture and a flavor profile best described as “salt with beef undertones.”

The cheese sauce pooled at one end, leaving most bites dry while the final few were uncomfortably soggy. Their famous fries outshone this sandwich by miles. When the craving hits, hold out for something – anything – better than this drive-thru disaster.

14. TRY AGAIN: John’s Roast Pork’s Surprise Contender

Despite the name focusing on roast pork (which is indeed excellent), John’s serves what many locals consider Philadelphia’s best-kept cheesesteak secret. Tucked away in an industrial area of South Philly, I almost drove past this unassuming shack my first time visiting.

Their seeded rolls from Carangi Bakery provide the perfect foundation – slightly crusty outside, soft inside, and sturdy enough for the mountain of filling. The beef is sliced fresh for each order, creating a tenderness that pre-sliced operations can’t match. Sharp provolone is the cheese of choice here, adding a tangy depth that elevates the entire sandwich.

Limited hours (closed Sundays and evenings) make this a destination that requires planning. Cash only, no-frills service, and outdoor-only seating add to the authentic experience. Their cheesesteak justifies every minor inconvenience.

15. SKIP: Burger King’s Royal Disappointment

Burger King’s menu features many questionable items, but their Philly Cheese King ranks among the most egregious offenders. Appearing occasionally as a limited-time offering, this sandwich demonstrates what happens when fast food chains venture too far from their core competencies.

The beef patties – yes, patties, not steak – get sliced into strips that maintain their hamburger texture and flavor. The cheese sauce contains no discernible connection to anything from Philadelphia. The hoagie-style roll turns soggy almost immediately from the greasy meat.

Adding insult to injury, this monstrosity often costs more than their signature Whopper. When a cheesesteak craving strikes while you’re at BK, order onion rings instead and promise yourself a proper sandwich later. Some cravings are better left unfulfilled than satisfied with this pretender.

16. TRY AGAIN: Angelo’s Pizzeria’s Game-Changing Crossover

“A pizza place for a cheesesteak?” I questioned my friend’s suggestion until that first life-altering bite at Angelo’s. Owner Danny DiGiampietro applies his bread-making expertise to create rolls that would make a worthy meal on their own – crackling crust giving way to a cloud-like interior.

The ribeye gets sliced paper-thin then chopped on the grill, creating the perfect texture – substantial enough to chew but tender enough to almost melt. Cooper sharp American cheese, melted directly into the meat, distributes evenly throughout each bite rather than sitting in a layer.

Cash-only, limited hours, and frequent sellouts make scoring this sandwich a challenge worth accepting. The South Philly location often has lines around the block. Pro tip: call ahead to place your order and bypass some of the wait. Their pizza deserves attention too, but the cheesesteak justifies all the hype.