South Philly is lauded as the mecca for cheesesteaks, but Northeast Philadelphia is quietly nipping at its heels. The Northeast Times recently profiled six Northeast Philly cheesesteak shops that are upping the cheesesteak stakes for bragging rights in the city.
Gionnone’s
Gionnone’s earns praise for its ribeye, seeded buttered roll, and Cooper sharp cheddar with fried onions.
Guido’s Steaks
Guido’s Steaks stands out for consistently solid steak, cheese, and onions on a reliable roll. Word of mouth has made this place a favorite among new and repeat customers.
La Nova
La Nova’s Don Cheech’s Steak is built on a base of meaty ribeye, Cooper sharp cheddar, fried onions, and a seeded roll. If you’re visiting on the weekends, be ready to wait in line for your cheesesteak.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks
Steve’s Prince of Steaks is known for its Cheez Whiz-heavy steaks, long rolls, pile of chopped beef, and fast-moving lines. If you’re visiting or are a new Philly resident and getting familiar with cheesesteaks, consider starting with the classic Whiz Wit.
Stoli’s Steaks
Stoli’s Steaks is a dependable, meat-forward cheesesteak option popular in Yelp reviews for the 19136 and surrounding ZIP codes. “Order at the window, grab your foil-wrapped steak, and find a spot. It is the kind of place that does not need a marketing budget because the regulars do the talking,” writes Sofia Bianco for the Northeast Times.
Wit or Witout
Philadelphia magazine named Wit or Witout the best cheesesteak in Philly in 2009. The name itself acknowledges the classic Philly cheesesteak ordering shorthand — with or without fried onions.