Philadelphia, PA
- Every sandwich at the award-winning Tony & Nick's Steaks—now with multiple locations in multiple states—is worth ordering. And although the cheesesteak, made with 100% USDA-inspected rib-eye steak, was not on the restaurant’s original menu, it’s been a top seller ever since it was added six months after opening in 1992. The original location, 39 E. Oregon Avenue, (215) 892-1010, tonylukes.com
Located next to an I-95 underpass on an otherwise dull stretch of Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia, Tony & Nick's Steaks is a Philadelphia institution. There’s no need for an inside here — you order and pick up your sandwich from the street-side windows and feast upon your reward at the outdoor picnic-style tables. When ordering, don’t be offended if the staff seems a bit a less than friendly; they take pride in giving a hard time to both regulars and first-timers. It’s part of Tony & Nick's Steaks lure.
"While the menu of countless delicious “Old Philly Style Sandwiches” can seem overwhelming, you can’t go wrong with either the Cheesesteak (with Wiz or American) of the Roast Pork Italian, the two most popular choices by far." VISIT PHILLY
South Philadelphia Cheesesteak Guide
- Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are a civic icon, a tourist draw and a cultural obsession. Often imitated around the world, the cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia. Here are a few of the best South Philly cheesesteak locations.
Center City Philadelphia's Cheesesteak Guide - Here in Philly, cheesesteaks are a civic icon, a tourist draw, and a cultural obsession. Often imitated around the world, the cheesesteak is rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia. Here are PhillyBite's and Visit Philly's List of top center city cheesesteak locations.
The Philly Taco, South Street Sushi, The Lorenzo's and Jim's Challenge - Are you searching for the ultimate Philadelphia frankenfood, look no further, its The Philly Taco. A combination of a Philly cheesesteak and a slice of pizza. The combo gets its origins on South Street, where foodies of all kinds head over to both Jim's Steaks and Lorenzo's Pizza for their steaks and pizza. Just wrap your Jim's steak in your Lorenzo slice, and you just made The Philly Taco or South Street Sushi.
The Best of Philadelphia's Ginormous Foods - Are you searching for enormous foods in Philly? How about The Whale, a 14-pound bagel leviathan brimming with smoked salmon and whitefish salad at Spread Bagelry or the 9-pound superhero sandwich, a pile-up of bacon, pork, and cheese at Jake's Sandwich Board. Finish things off with the Car 23, a trolley-shaped loaf of French toast stuffed with berries and cream cheese at the Trolley Car Diner.
Cosmi’s Deli - Although Cosmi’s Deli is a relative newcomer among the cheesesteak contenders, this corner store has won plenty of praise for its rendition of the famous Philly delicacy. It’s even a two-time winner of Philadelphia magazine’s coveted “Best of Philly” award. 1501 S. 8th Street, (215) 468-6093, cosmideli.com
Genos Steaks - 
It may be across the street from the oldest cheesesteak joint in town, but Geno’s Steaks is a formidable competitor going roll-for-roll with Pat’s for more than 50 years. The key to success for the 24/7 spot? Quality thinly sliced rib-eye steak for maximum juiciness, the freshest of onions, and house-made bread. 1219 S. 9th Street, (215) 389-0659, genosteaks.com
Gooey Looie’s - With a name like Gooey Looie’s, the kitchen isn’t going to skimp on the meat. The Pennsport deli plumps up its sandwiches with a beyond-generous helping of steak and cheese that demands many napkins—and sometimes utensils. 231 McClellan Street, (215) 334-7668, gooeylooies.com
Pat’s King of Steaks - The original home of the cheesesteak, Pat’s King of Steaks has been owned and operated by the Olivieri family for 87 years and counting. A 24-hour shop, Pat’s shuts down for only 48 hours each year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-1546, patskingofsteaks.com
