The Best Cheeseteak Shops In Philadelphia

If your looking for the best Philly style cheesesteak, the best place to find it would be...well you guessed it Philadelphia. If you are from Philly like myself, you probably have a favorite already. But if your new to the area or just visiting, you could probably use a little help in finding the best cheesesteaks our city (and the world for that matter) has to offer.

You're probably familiar with the rivalry between Philly's most popular cheesesteak joints: Pat's and Geno's. These two South Philadelphia cheesesteak shops are located directly across the street from each other, and have become quite the tourist attraction over the past few decades. Sports stars, celebrities, and politicians from around the world have voiced their opinions on which of these two steak shops makes the better sandwich, and the results have been pretty evenly split. While both of these shops make a great sandwich, only one of them makes my list for the top 3.

There are hundreds of cheesesteak shops in Philly, and not all of them are fortunate enough to get the publicity that they deserve. Two of the steak shops on my top 3 list may be popular amongst locals, but tourists don't even know that they exist. I've lived in Philadelphia all my life, and have tried cheesesteaks from all over the city. Unless you can point me toward a better steak shop that I haven't tried yet, I'd have to say that the best 3 cheesesteak shops in Philly are....

Geno's Steaks has been a landmark in South Philadelphia since 1966. The flashy neon signs on the building may help to draw the tourists in, but it's the mouth watering thinly sliced rib-eye steak and melted cheese on fresh oven-baked rolls that have kept the crowds coming back for more than 45 years now.

When visiting Geno's Steaks be aware that there is no indoor dining area, so on a cold night you may be taking your sandwich to go. However on a nice evening you can enjoy your cheesesteak and the ambiance of South Philadelphia under the canopies of the outside dining area. Grab yourself a nice thick stack of napkins, because these babies can get quite messy, but hey that's just the price you'll have to pay when you sink your teeth into what in my opinion is Philly's best cheesesteak.

Scroll down for a map, directions, business hours and contact information.

Steve's Prince of Steaks is perhaps the most underrated cheesesteak shop in Philadelphia. Many people assume they have to head down to South Philadelphia (where all of the "big name" steak joints are) to get a great steak sandwich. With two locations in Northeast Philly, these little cheesesteak shops are hidden gems.

Steve's Prince of Steaks uses gourmet level thinly cut round steak, and you'll never find an ounce of fat or gristle on this masterpiece of a sandwich. Choose from Whiz, American, Provolone and Mozzarella cheese. Service is very quick, and the staff is well trained and courteous. Indoor counter-style seating is available, and you can help yourself to the condiment bar.

Scroll down for a map, directions, business hours, and contact information.

Another hidden gem, Chink's Steaks is also located in Northeast Philadelphia. For more than 60 years this quaint "mom-and-pop" steak shop has been serving up delicious gourmet cheesesteaks.

This nostalgic Northeast Philly shop still has it's original' classic 50's decor. You may be impressed by the vintage soda fountain, timeless tin ceiling, original mahogany booths and gorgeous waitstaff, but it's the cheesesteak that will truly fascinate you and have you coming back for more.

Scroll down for a map, directions, business hours, and contact information.

Did your favorite Philly Cheesesteak shop make my Top 3 list? Perhaps you know of a better sheesesteak joint that I have not yet tried. If so please let me know about it in the comments section below so I can try it out, and possibly edit my list if theymake a worthy sandwich!

Be sure to also check out my list of The Best Hoagie Shops in Philadelphia.