Where to Celebrate National Cheesesteak Day

Philadelphia, PA - When you think of the City of Brotherly Love, what is more iconic than Rocky Balboa, the Mummers, and...Cheesesteaks. On March 24th, celebrate our regions most coveted food item; after-all, it is a whole day and is dedicated as National Cheesesteak Day. With the “wit wiz” flowing throughout the tasty meat, anyone who has a love of these beloved hoagies should come out for one of the deals going on throughout PA and NJ.

Philadelphia: The Cheesesteak Epicenter

Naturally, the best place to celebrate National Cheesesteak Day is in the city where it all began: Philadelphia. The city is overflowing with cheesesteak joints, each with its own loyal following and unique take on the classic.

• The Classic Contenders:

  • Pat's King of Steaks (1237 E Passyunk Ave): Often credited as the originator of the cheesesteak (though the addition of cheese is debated), Pat's is a 24/7 institution.
  • Geno's Steaks (1219 S 9th St): Directly across the street from Pat's, Geno's is its eternal rival, sparking a decades-long debate over which is best.
  • Jim's Steaks (400 South St): A South Street staple, known for its long lines and classic cheesesteaks.
  • John's Roast Pork (14 E Snyder Ave): While, famous for their roast pork, they make a great cheesesteak.

• Beyond the Tourist Trail:

  • Dalessandro's Steaks & Hoagies (600 Wendover St): A Roxborough favorite, often cited by locals as having one of the best cheesesteaks in the city.
  • Angelo's Pizzeria South Philly (736 S 9th St): Known for both their excellent pizza and their highly-regarded cheesesteaks.
  • Cleaver's ( Multiple Locations)
  • Steve's Prince of Steaks ( Multiple Locations)

March Cheesesteak Madness: A City-Wide Competition

For a truly immersive National Cheesesteak Day experience, get involved in 6th Annual Philadelphia March Cheesesteak Madness, an annual bracket-style tournament organized by Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure.

• How it Works: 64 cheesesteaks from across the Philadelphia region (including Philadelphia, Delaware County, New Jersey/Delaware, and surrounding counties) compete for the title of "Cheesy Cup Champion."
• Voting: The early rounds are determined by online voting, allowing you to support your favorite cheesesteak spots. Check PhillyBite.com and the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure website and social media for voting links and details.
• Regions: The competition includes different regions, such as, Philadlephia, Delco, NJ/DE, and other counties.
• Final Four: The top contenders eventually face a panel of judges who determine the ultimate winner.
• Video Reviews: The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure YouTube channel features video reviews of many participating cheesesteaks, helping you make informed decisions.

Celebrating Outside Philadelphia

If you can't make it to Philadelphia for National Cheesesteak Day, you can still celebrate:

• Seek Out Authentic Cheesesteaks: Many restaurants across the country offer their versions of Philly cheesesteaks. Look for places that use thinly sliced ribeye, Amoroso rolls (if possible), and offer the classic cheese options (Whiz, American, provolone).
• Ry and Howie's (Medford, NJ)
• Cafe Scalessa (Wilmington, DE)
• Make Your Own: Numerous recipes are available online for making cheesesteaks at home.
• Other notable mentions (These are mentions from the chat that would be in the tournament, but aren't located in Philadelphia.)
• Leo's Steak Shop, Delco
• Delco Steaks, Delco
• Jimmy G’s Steaks, Counties

National Cheesesteak Day is the perfect excuse to indulge in Philadelphia's most iconic food. Whether you're a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, exploring the city's diverse cheesesteak scene is a delicious adventure. From the classic rivalry of Pat's and Geno's to the local favorites championed by March Cheesesteak Madness, there's a cheesesteak out there for everyone. So, grab a cheesesteak, "wit" or "witout," and celebrate this quintessential Philly creation!