As soon as you say you’re from Philly, you get hit with the million dollar question, “Where’s the Best Cheesesteak?” or my least favorite, “So Pat’s or Genos?” to which we immediately reply “Neither.”
The truth is if you were to ask every Philadelphian their favorite cheesesteak, you will get plenty of different answers. We have way too many great cheesesteaks spots for one to be the absolute best.
On the bright side, you really can’t go wrong with trying out most suggestions from a local & I highly recommend trying out a few on your first trip to the city of brotherly love.
I’m sharing with you my personal top 3 cheesesteak spots to hit in the Northeast Philadelphia area. There’s great spots in other parts of the city, but as a local to the Northeast I figured I’d stick to what I know best.
#1 - Steve's Prince of Steaks
Number 1 in not only the Northeast, but all of Philadelphia, in all the world actually is Steve’s Prince of Steaks. Operating for 45 years & originally located on Bustelton Ave in the Northeast (my fav location), Steve’s now has 4 locations all around the city and it’s surrounding areas.
Their tag line of “One bite and you’ll be a loyal subject for life” couldn’t be more true. Steve’s has plenty of options on their menu but you’re doing it wrong if you don’t order a steak with Whiz AND American, along with an order of Spicy American Fries (To-Go, always order them to-go).
#2 - Cafe Carmela
Number 2 on my list is new to the Northeast but has made it’s mark during it’s short time here. Café Carmela is my next go-to cheesesteak if I’m feeling a chopped steak instead of sliced steak liked Steve’s. Café Carmela has only been around since early this year but it’s “Don Cheech’s Steak” along with the rest of it’s menu, is a huge fan favorite in the neighborhood. Located on Holme Ave in the Northeast section of Philly, Café Carmela is an essential addition to your lists of cheesesteaks to try while you’re here.
#3 - Gaul & Co. Malthouse
Last but not least, my Number 3 spot puts a unique twist on the traditional Philly Cheesesteak..
Gaul & Co. Malthouse is home to the “Wit or Witoutski” similar to the cheesesteak but instead of steak it has chopped up Kielbasa meat, covered in their house made cheese sauce. Their first ever bar/restaurant is located in Port Richmond, with a new location in Rockledge that opened up earlier this year.
It isn’t your typical cheesesteak but it incorporates the Philly staple of a cheesesteak & the Polish meat of Keilbasa that is also popular in the city.. it should absolutely be added to your list of local Philly cuisine. Check out their recent feature on the food network to get yourself hungry!
I hope this helps you narrow down your list of spots to hit on your trip to Philadelphia…
As I mentioned before these are just some of my personl favorite located in the Northeast section of Philly. Feel free to branch out & try some more while you’re here, you can never have too many cheesesteaks!
To steer you in the right direction, here are my favorites in other sections of Philly:
Ishkabibble’s, South Philly | John’s Roast Pork, South Philly | Dalessandro’s, Roxborough
