The cheesesteak is a staple of Philadelphia’s culinary scene, and it’s not hard to understand why. The sandwich is simple yet delicious, with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese stuffed into a long, crusty roll. It’s a meal that’s easy to eat on the go, and it’s been a favorite of Philadelphians for decades.

But with so many cheesesteak shops to choose from in the city, it can be difficult to decide where to go for the best sandwich. Some people swear by Pat’s King of Steaks, while others insist that Geno’s Steaks is the way to go. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best cheesesteak joints in America, from the classic to the gourmet.

Pat’s King of Steaks

Pat’s King of Steaks is a Philadelphia institution that has been serving up cheesesteaks since 1930. It’s located in South Philly, and it’s a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience. The sandwich is made with thinly sliced beef, grilled onions, and melted cheese, all stuffed into a crusty roll. Pat’s is also known for its ordering system, where customers must specify whether they want their cheesesteak “wit” or “witout” onions, and what type of cheese they want (Provolone, American, or Cheese Whiz).

Geno’s Steaks

Geno’s Steaks is located right across the street from Pat’s King of Steaks, and it’s been a rival of sorts for decades. The shop has been open since 1966, and it’s known for its brightly lit exterior and its ordering system (which is similar to Pat’s). The cheesesteaks at Geno’s are made with thinly sliced beef and melted cheese, and customers can choose whether or not to add grilled onions.

Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies

Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies is located in the Roxborough neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it’s been serving up some of the best cheesesteaks in the city since 1960. The shop is known for its crispy rolls and its high-quality beef, which is sliced thin and cooked to order. Dalessandro’s also offers a variety of toppings, including mushrooms, peppers, and extra cheese.

Sonny’s Famous Steaks

Sonny’s Famous Steaks is located in the Old City neighborhood of Philadelphia, and it’s been a favorite of locals and tourists alike since it opened in 1958. The shop is known for its high-quality beef and its delicious toppings, which include sautéed mushrooms, sweet peppers, and hot cherry peppers. Sonny’s also offers a vegetarian version of the cheesesteak, which is made with grilled mushrooms, onions, and peppers.

Max’s Steaks

Max’s Steaks is located in North Philadelphia, and it’s been a favorite of locals since it opened in 1969. The shop is known for its huge portions and its delicious toppings, which include fried onions, sweet peppers, and mushrooms. Max’s also offers a variety of other sandwiches, including chicken cheesesteaks and Italian hoagies.

In conclusion, the Philly cheesesteak is an American classic, and there’s no shortage of great places to try it. Whether you’re a fan of Pat’s King of Steaks, Geno’s Steaks, or one of the many other cheesesteak joints in Philly, you’re sure to find a sandwich that’s delicious and satisfying. So the next time you’re in Philadelphia, be sure to grab a cheesesteak and see for yourself why this sandwich has become a culinary icon.