True Cheesesteak Rotation
Angelo's Pizzeria
Bella Vista
Angelo's is known for their viral sensation and mile long lines for their pizza and sandwiches, but their cheesesteaks are worth even longer lines. The star of their success beyond the high quality meat & cheese is their homemade fresh italian, seeded rolls
Woodrow's Sandwich Shop
South Street
South Street yields several quality options from Jim's & Ishkabibble's, but Woodrow's quality earns the spot for South Street. Any sandwich from Woodrow's is destined to satisfy, but the signature of theirs is getting a steak Woody Style. Truffle Whiz & Cherry Pepper Mayo is not traditional, but fuck tradition when the quality is that good.
Sonny's
Old City
Old City's finest & GQ's favorite cheesesteak. In terms for Philly historical sites and proximity, Sonny's is perfect balance of quality and location for tourism. No frills, a simple menu where they do what they do, and do it real good.
Cosmi's Deli
Italian Market
When you are in the same location as the Pat's & Geno's intersection, you are going to be under the radar for the general public. Italian Market regulars know Cosmi's delivers exceptional Cheesesteaks and deliever more than the other legacy spots around the corner. Beautiful seeded roll with portions that satisfy. Cosmi's also had plentiful of deli options as well as the untraditional, stoner science creation of their Mac & Cheesesteak.
John's Roast Pork
Pennsport
The GOAT. One of the best cheesesteak, if not the best in the world. Insane quality from bread to meat to cheese. Probably the only reason to go to the Southeast unless you want to go bowling. Regardless, John's is the standard for exceptional Cheesesteaks and should be any visitors of Philly or even locals first choice. The only pairing needed for it is getting a roast pork with the sharp prov & broccoli rabe. Arguably a better sandwich than a cheesesteak and a better representaiton of Philly but I digress.
Rocco's Sausages & Philly Cheesesteaks
Packer Park
The Home Depot legend. A food stand/truck operation station outside Home Depot in the Southwest & one in the Northeast. One of those head-scratchingly great spots that deserves a storefront, but I will relish getting a bite after looking at stuff I dont need for an hour. Rocco's highlight is there Rocco's Special Sandwich, bringing their stars together. Sweet or Spicy Sausage mixed in with steak and cheese. A collab no one asked for but damn sure grateful for.
Nipotina
East Passyunk
The newest spot cracking the list. In an area where Philips has reigned supreme with their original style steaks, Nipo brings that modern style to the Southwest. Almost a cross of Woodrow's & Liberty Kitchen hoagies, Nipo has the potential to be known as one of the modern greats among all of Philadelphia proper, but for now, we will recoginze their greatness today. From the owners of P'unk burger & Slice, nothing on the menu is a miss. For an adventurous route, the hangover cure is everything you think it is. A steak with tots, egg & sriracha sounds like a college paradise. If I had that today, I probably would be worse than I started the hangover.
Cafe Carmela
Northeast
Wars between the Northeast and the rest of Philly would occur over the strong opinions of Cafe Carmela. A neighborhood Italian spot that TikTok has turned them into a cult following. Cafe Carmela deserves the love as the quality meets the hype. This spot almost has too many great pairings from their fried mozz, ricotta with chilis or chili honey wings.
Barry's Steaks
Roxborough
Barry's cracking the list is not due to their otherwordly quality, since the truth is, it is not on the same level as the steak titans. However, the Dalessandro's takeover of that neighborhood has been outstanding. From every Barstool tournament, foodie influencer and joe schmo, Dalessandro's has a strangehold on the area and it is a bit excessive. Barry's represents the true steak spot in Rox and exceeds the quality Dale's has become. In another time, the opposite was true but cannot say the same today. The re-opening of Barry's is bringing a level of excitement back to the area to finally get an above par steak without a line having to dodge cars from Henry Ave, to a spot to dodge less cars from Ridge Ave.
Guppy's Good Times
Conshy
Heading down the Schuylkill, Guppy's is a notable standout outside the city limits. Conshy has been up and coming for 2 decades I believe, but Conshy's food environment is relatively slpet on. However from all the BYOBs, Vetri tree chefs and mortage priced Mexican food, this bar brings in fantasic bar food including their cheesesteak. The biggest curveball of all these places and their specific slant, Guppy's offers the wild combo of a cheesesteak and sushi. Not life changing sushi, but only one spot in the galaxy that offers both.
Johnny's Pizza
Main Line
The Main Line never truly captures the Philly oura. It is more like the rich kid down the block door, but everyone wants to hang with the greasy poor kid that has a trampoline and a slip n slide. Regards, Johnny's Pizza is as Philadelphian of a cheesesteak as it gets. From portions to every indgredient's quality, Johnny's deserves to be in the same conversation as some of the greats. Easily the best the burbs have to offer, but is worth a long commute to enjoy it in their graffitied interior. Their standout includes a Spicy Cooper Sharp. Unfornately, it is closer to a pimento cheese than a thin cheese, but too each their own