PHILADELPHIA - If you have spent any amount of time chasing the perfect Philly cheesesteak over the last few years, you have probably heard the whispers about Backyard Cravings. For a long time, getting your hands on one of these sandwiches felt like trying to win a culinary golden ticket.
I Tried South Philly's Most Exclusive Cheesesteak—Here's Why Backyard Cravings is Worth the Hype
Founded by Sal and Gianna Burgese, the operation started as a pandemic-era backyard hobby. Armed with a grill and a wildly popular Instagram account, Sal was slinging what many locals were quietly calling the best cheesesteak in the city. You had to set alarms for their social media drops, sign up in seconds, and show up at a designated drop-off spot with cash in hand like a clandestine sandwich deal.
Well, the days of the Instagram chase are officially over. Backyard Cravings has finally opened a permanent brick-and-mortar storefront right in the heart of South Philly at 1429 Wolf Street, and I had to see if the hype translated to the new kitchen.
The Ground Rules
Before you head down to Wolf Street, you need to understand how Sal and Gianna run the show. This is a strictly old-school, walk-in-only operation. No phone number to call in your order, no online delivery apps, and no credit cards—it is cash and takeout only.
They also split their menu strictly by the day of the week. If you want Pizza, you go on Thursday or Friday (3:00 PM to 9:00 PM). If you want the legendary cheesesteak, you line up on Saturday or Sunday (12:00 PM to 7:00 PM, or until they inevitably sell out).
The Main Event: The $21 Cheesesteak
I showed up on a Saturday specifically for the cheesesteak, and let me tell you, the rumors are true.
Priced at $21, this is a premium sandwich, but you absolutely get what you pay for. Sal uses hand-cut prime ribeye, which makes a world of difference in the texture and flavor. The meat is mingled with perfectly cooked onions, then bound together by an incredibly generous melt of Cooper Sharp cheese.
But what really elevates this cheesesteak to the top tier of the Philadelphia food scene is the bread. The signature seeded roll boasts a perfect golden-brown crust while holding up flawlessly to the massive portion of juicy ribeye and gooey cheese inside. Every single bite is a masterclass in sandwich engineering.
Don't Sleep on the Pizza
While I came for the beef, I will absolutely be back on a Thursday or Friday for the Pizza. The weekday menu is tight and focused, offering a Plain pie ($22), a Pepperoni pie ($25), and rotating specials ($30). Their pizzas are built on a signature crust and frequently feature premium toppings like fresh ricotta, Parmigiano Reggiano, fresh basil, and drizzles of Mike's Hot Honey.
So, is Backyard Cravings the best new cheesesteak spot in South Philly? In a neighborhood packed with historic heavyweights, it is incredibly hard to crown a single winner. But Sal and Gianna have successfully transitioned their backyard legend into a legitimate storefront powerhouse. If you are a true cheesesteak aficionado, you owe it to yourself to get in line on Wolf Street this weekend.
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