NORTH CAROLINA - While North Carolina is undeniably the kingdom of barbecue, the state’s thriving culinary scene has made plenty of room for an East Coast classic. Thanks to a steady influx of Northern transplants and talented local chefs, finding a perfectly executed, authentic Philly cheesesteak in the Tar Heel State is easier than ever.
Whether you are looking for a classic "Whiz wit" served hot from a food truck or a creative mountain-town twist, here are the 10 best cheesesteak spots in North Carolina.
1. Philly Steak & Subs
Located in Raleigh, this unassuming, old-school neighborhood staple has been serving up some of the best comfort food in the Triangle for over two decades. Philly Steak & Subs has built a fiercely loyal community following by delivering consistently flawless cheesesteaks stuffed with tender, flavorful steak and perfectly melted cheese on a beautifully sturdy roll. It is a no-nonsense, welcoming spot where the genuine hospitality is just as highly rated as the incredible food.
2. Philly Corner
Operating out of Charlotte, this incredibly popular spot boldly claims to serve the best Philly cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia, and legions of local foodies completely agree. Philly Corner is highly praised for its massive, generous portions of meat, extremely fresh ingredients, and a flawless cheese-melting technique that creates a wonderfully gooey, traditional bite. For anyone in the Queen City craving authentic East Coast sandwich flavor, this is an absolute must-visit.
3. J Michael's Philly Deli
A legendary coastal institution located in Wilmington, J Michael's has been satisfying local sandwich cravings for years. Longtime residents and beachgoers alike flock to this spot for its hearty, authentic take on the classic cheesesteak, which perfectly balances top-tier meat with fresh rolls and excellent topping integration. It possesses that nostalgic, classic deli atmosphere that makes diving into a messy, perfectly seasoned sandwich feel like an event.
4. Lil's Cheesesteaks
Serving Durham and the surrounding areas, this beloved food truck brings serious, authentic Philadelphia flavor directly to the streets of North Carolina. Run by a Philly native who is deeply rooted in the local community, Lil's Cheesesteaks utilizes incredibly fresh ingredients to craft a hot, massive sandwich that purists absolutely adore. Catching this truck feels like striking gold, and their North Philly Cheesesteak is a frequent topic of glowing word-of-mouth praise.
5. Hero House
A beloved sandwich sanctuary located in Winston-Salem, Hero House is famous across the Triad for its massive menu and undeniable dedication to quality. While they offer a wide variety of excellent subs, their cheesesteak variations are the true standout, offering a generously stacked, highly satisfying meal that absorbs all the savory juices perfectly. It is an enduring, unpretentious local favorite that never fails to hit the spot.
6. Italian Pizzeria III (IP3)
Located in the heart of Chapel Hill, this lively and deeply beloved spot is famous for its passionate soccer culture and phenomenal food. While it might be an Italian pizzeria by name, IP3 serves up an incredibly hearty, savory cheesesteak that rivals dedicated sandwich shops across the state. The quality of the bread, paired with heavily seasoned, finely chopped steak, makes it a premier destination for students and locals alike.
7. Marathon Restaurant
Tucked away in Greenville, this unique eatery proves that culinary greatness can come from the most unexpected places. While it operates primarily as a Greek restaurant, Marathon has achieved legendary local status for serving one of the absolute best, perfectly griddled cheesesteaks in Eastern North Carolina. The impeccable seasoning, tender meat, and massive portions make it a fiercely defended hidden gem among locals in the know.
8. Town Tavern
Situated high up in the picturesque mountain town of Blowing Rock, this welcoming sports bar brings incredible, big-city flavor to the High Country. Frequent visitors and locals regularly cite Town Tavern's cheesesteak as one of the best they have ever had, praising the savory, high-quality steak, perfectly melted cheese, and fresh bread. It is the ultimate comforting meal after a long day of exploring the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway.
9. Mario's Pizza
With locations scattered throughout the Piedmont Triad, including Greensboro and Winston-Salem, this authentic New York-style pizza joint holds a delicious secret. Their cheesesteak sub is an absolute sleeper hit, offering a zesty, elevated take that locals proudly refer to as the "Mario's Way," complete with banana peppers, lettuce, tomato, and oil and vinegar. For the purists, they also flawlessly execute a traditional style with bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
10. Bubbly's
Located in Hickory, this vibrant and creative spot is the perfect destination for anyone looking to shake up their traditional sandwich routine. While they offer a fantastic array of foods, their Bulgogi Cheesesteak is a brilliant, highly acclaimed fusion masterpiece. By swapping traditional shaved ribeye for deeply savory, marinated Korean beef and pairing it with perfectly melted cheese, Bubbly's offers an unforgettable flavor profile that completely reinvents the classic.