What is a cheesesteak?

Cheesesteaks are a Philly thing. A cheesesteak is thinly sliced steak, chopped and grilled, served on a long roll (usually an Amoroso roll) with cheese. A cheesesteak “wit” includes diced grilled onions. The most common types of cheese used on a cheesesteak are American, Provolone and Wiz.

There are a few variations on cheesesteaks:

• Pizzasteak: Cheesesteak with mozzarella cheese and pizza sauce (my favorite as a kid).
• Chicken Cheesesteak: Same as a cheesesteak, but with chicken instead of steak.
• Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak: Chicken Cheesesteak with Buffalo wing sauce.
• Cheesesteak Hoagie: Yup, a hoagie and a cheesesteak all mixed together. It’s more delicious than it sounds and you really can’t get a more Philly sandwich than that.

Where’s the best place to get a cheesesteak in Philly?

A cheesesteak in Philly is like a latte in Seattle – almost anywhere you go is going to be pretty decent. However, everyone in Philly who enjoys cheesesteaks has their favorite place.

We’ll have every WCUS organizer with an opinion weigh in:

• Tracy

  Joe’s – 1 West Girard Ave. (Frankford & Girard), 19123, Fishtown.
  Four WCUS organizers walk into a cheesesteak shop. One is a vegetarian, another gluten-free, the third dairy-free and the last an omnivore – and they all enjoy a delicious cheesesteak. At Joe’s, you can get a vegan cheesesteak, or a real steak sandwich with vegan cheese or vegan steak with real cheese on a gluten-free roll – any combination you want! And, they don’t mess up the order! Joe’s is also across the street from my office in Fishtown, a really fun neighborhood to explore. Hop on the El, get off at Girard Ave. and walk just a couple blocks East to get to Joe’s.

• Alx

  Blackbird Pizzaria – 507 s 6th St. Philadelphia, 19147, Society Hill.
  Philadelphia is home to many vegans and vegetarians and doesn’t disappoint when it comes to options and variety. Cheesesteaks are no different. You can find vegetarian cheesesteaks in diners and restaurants throughout the city, but Blackbird in South Philly wins the prize. The all vegan “meat” is tender and full of flavor and the vegan wiz just brings it home. It’s one chewy, flavorful, savory, melty, delicious bundle of awesome. While you’re there be sure to try the Vegan Root Beer BBQ wings and a Blueberry Soda.

• Brad

  Dalessandro’s Steaks – 600 Wendover St. Philadelphia, 19128, Roxborough
  One of the highest rated cheesesteaks in the city, Dalessandro’s Steaks is where the locals go for awesome steaks and hoagies. There is nothing better than washing a wiz wit cheesesteak down with an ice cold lager. Dalessandro’s Steaks is not to be missed.

• Reed

  Dalessandro’s Steaks – 600 Wendover St. Philadelphia, 19128, Roxborough
  Yeah. I have to second Brad’s pick – and it was a favorite with most of the people I knew when I lived nearby. But not a wiz wit, though…’Murican witout, I say.

• Jodie

  Jim’s Steaks – 400 South St., Philadelphia, 19147, South Street
  I’ve lived near South Street since I came to Philadelphia over 15 years ago. My first Philly cheesesteak was at Jim’s many moons ago. You can’t walk down South Street without getting a whiff of their delicious concoctions and there is always a line on the weekends. I get mine with provolone and plenty of fried onions because I’ve never really liked wiz. I’m not sure if there is anything better on a chilly fall day than watching the Eagles while eating a Jim’s steak.

• Doug

  DiNic’s Roast Pork – Reading Terminal Market
  I’m going to play against type here and suggest an alternative to the cheesesteak: the roast pork sandwich. Awesomely tender pork with provolone and the addition of broccoli rabe make this sandwich a great alternative (some would say “better!”) for those who have been cheesesteak’d out. And, conveniently, the Reading Terminal Market is mere steps from the convention center!

• Liam

  Sonny’s – 228 Market Street, 19106, Old City
  Drifting into the city from the suburbs, I’m always drawn to Old City. Its history, its architecture and more enthrall me on every trip. When I arrived in Philly in 2009, Sonny’s was the first place I went for cheesesteaks. I’ve loved it ever since. Just a short stroll from the Convention, Sonny’s can be the home of your cheesesteak memories on your first visit to  Philly.

• Cami

  Joe’s – 1 West Girard Ave. (Frankford & Girard), Fishtown.
  I’m west coast dweller so I was hesitant to make a suggestion. At first. Under the guidance of this great team I like to think I’ve learned a thing or two about how to enjoy a cheesesteak and I’ve eaten at a couple of the establishments on this fine list. But my vote goes out to Joe’s. I was one of the four organizers who walked into that cheesesteak joint and I have to say that a little bit of my heart stayed there. They made ordering a gluten free cheesesteak wiz wit seem like the most normal thing in the world, and wow was it delicious. Plus bonus points for having a pickle bar.

And now, we shall leave you with this informative video from Visit Philly on how to order a Philly Cheesesteak.

Editor’s note: This was the most hotly contested post of the WCUS planning process. For Philly folks the perfect cheesesteak is serious business.