The Philly Cheesesteak is an often contested, more often consumed, part of Pennsylvanian — particularly Philadelphian — culture. Walk down any street in the City of Brotherly Love, and you’re likely to hear groups of bystanders violently debating which is the best cheesesteak in town. Ok, maybe not, but you are likely to bump into tourists on their way to Pat’s and/or Geno’s. Scrumptious eats are everywhere you turn — here are 8 of the best cheesesteaks in Pennsylvania.

1. Pat's King of Steaks, Philadelphia
The Original Pat's King of Steaks/ Facebook
The Original Pat's King of Steaks/ Facebook
Founded in 1930, Pat's (along with Geno's) is pretty much the cheesesteak authority. The restaurant was originally a hot dog stand, until its founders, Pat and Harry Olivieri, invented the cheesesteak. As you can tell, it took off. If you travel to Pat's to try their famous cheesesteak, be sure to do your homework and know how to order: whiz wit or whiz wit-out? To learn more, visit the official website for Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia.
2. Geno's Steaks, Philadelphia
Geno's Steaks/ Facebook
Perhaps the most noticeable difference between Pat's and Geno's, beyond their differing locations on opposite sides of the street, is that Geno's does not chop up its meat while Pat's does. Geno's was founded after Pat's, in 1966 by a guy named Joey Vento. Pat's and Geno's have a long-standing rivalry, which you probably know already, considering you're a Pennsylvanian. Visit the website for Geno's Steaks to learn more.
3. Jim's Steaks South Street, Philadelphia
Jim's Steaks South Street/ Facebook
Sorry Pat's and Geno's; this may be my hipster sensibility kicking in, but I have to give my personal stamp of approval to Jim's Steaks. Located on South Street (since 1939), Jim's offers the classic, delicious Philly cheesesteak with not quite as much hype. For more information, visit the website for Jim's Steaks South Street.

Look, I could go on and on about amazing Philly cheesesteaks located in Philadelphia, but let's give the rest of the state some love for the rest of this article...
4. The Brass Rail, Allentown
The Brass Rail/ Facebook
Some of the best cheesesteaks outside of the City of Brotherly Love can be found about an hour north, in the Lehigh Valley. One of the first establishments in the area to serve up the cheesesteak was the Brass Rail, which was opened in 1937 by Phillip Sorrentino. The Brass Rail is now run by its third generation of Sorrentinos, and still sells plenty of its steaks which are adorned with onions, sauce, pickles, and peppers. Visit The Brass Rail's website to learn more.

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5. Giacomo's Italian Market, Easton
Italian Market/ Facebook
Italian Market/ Facebook
Giacomo's cheesteak was the winner of the 2011 Lehigh Valley Cheesesteak Showdown. Giacomo's incorporates a sweet, tomato-based, red sauce into its cheesesteaks, which is a tradition originating in the Lehigh Valley. Check out the official website for Giacomo's Italian Market to learn more.
6. Mama's Pizzeria, Bala Cynwyd
Mama's Pizzeria/ Facebook
Paul Castelluci, the owner of Mama's Pizzeria, has perfected his ingredients and methods to produce a unique, delicious version of the Philly cheesesteak. The steaks include a personal signature three-cheese blend. They earn top marks from Matt Sloane, CNN producer and self-proclaimed cheesesteak connoisseur. To learn more, visit the website for Mama's Pizzeria in Bala Cynwyd.
7. Philadelphia Subs, Wilkes-Barre
Philadelphia Subs/ Facebook
On East Northampton St. in the Heights are the most mouth-watering cheesesteaks in Wilkes-Barre. The chef, who is originally from France, once was the executive chef of the restaurant Les Halles in New York City before he set up shop here. For more information, visit the Facebook page for Philadelphia Subs in Wilkes-Barre.
8. DiMaria's Pizza & Italian Kitchen, Lititz
DiMaria's Pizza & Italian Kitchen/ Facebook
DiMaria's specializes not only in Philadelphia cheesesteaks, but also in tomato pie, which is also a Philly specialty. Co-owner, Vincenzo DiMaria, hails from Philadelphia. The talent runs in his family; his father was a partner at a cheesesteak shop which won third best cheesesteak in the city in 2005. To learn more, visit the website for DiMaria's Pizza & Italian Kitchen in Lititz.

What do you think of our list of the best cheesesteaks in Pennsylvania? Are there any others we left off? Battle it out in the comments below.

If you’re still hungry, check out these 11 hometown restaurants in Pennsylvania that will take you back in time.

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best cheesesteaks in Pennsylvania

Elisa Regulski | October 15, 2020

What kind of food is Pennsylvania known for?

When most people think about food in Pennsylvania, their mind goes to the famous Philly cheesesteak. Of course, there is no shortage of amazing places to devour a scrumptious, cheese-covered sandwich, but that isn’t the only dish we’re known for! Pennsylvanians also love scrapple, shoofly pie, and chipped ham. Want to learn more about the iconic foods in our great state? Check out our list of the most famous dishes from Pennsylvania.

Where can I find the best sandwiches in Pennsylvania?

Philly cheesesteaks aren’t the only kinds of sandwiches in Pennsylvania. If you want a truly epic meal, visit Primanti Brothers in Pittsburgh. This famous eatery is known for putting tasty french fries on their sandwiches, and the result is pure heaven. If it’s a reuben you’re after, head to Issac's Famous Grilled Sandwiches in Lancaster. These mouthwatering meals are so good, you’ll want to get one every week. You’ll also find some delicious dishes at Tommy DiNic's Roast Beef & Pork. As you can see, there are so many places to get delicious sandwiches in Pennsylvania.

What are the most famous restaurants in Pennsylvania?

Looking for the famous restaurants in Pennsylvania? Search no more! We compiled a list of the most well-known restaurants in Pennsylvania, and each place is guaranteed to dazzle your taste buds. From the groovy atmosphere at Kathy's Cafe in Hughsville to the smoky BBQ at Three B Saloon in Erie, these eateries always provide memorable dining experiences. And of course, everyone needs to visit Jean Bonnet Tavern at least once. This historic eatery, located in Bedford, isn’t just famous for their scrumptious home-cooked meals. They’re also known for the resident ghosts that haunt the hallways. Don’t worry too much, though. These specters are known to be friendly.

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Featured Addresses
Pat's King of Steaks, 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
Jim's South St., 400 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
3015 Lehigh St, Allentown, PA 18103, USA
700 Cattell St, Easton, PA 18042, USA
426 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004, USA
555 E Northampton St, Wilkes-Barre Township, PA 18702, USA
1183 Erbs Quarry Rd, Lititz, PA 17543, USA