Philly Cheesesteak
Philadelphia's iconic sandwich - thin-sliced beef griddled and piled on a long roll with melted cheese, ordered in the city's own shorthand.
Saved in this browser only - no account, nothing sent anywhere. See your map
Illustrative image - a scene in the spirit of the place, not a photograph of it. Real photos are below.
The cheesesteak is Philadelphia's contribution to the world of sandwiches: thinly sliced beef griddled with onions and piled onto a long soft roll, blanketed with melted cheese, whether provolone, American or the famous Cheez Whiz. Ordered in the city's own rapid-fire shorthand, it is cheap, messy, beloved and fiercely debated.
What you actually see
- The classic cheesesteak - griddled beef and cheese on a long roll.
- The ordering shorthand - saying it fast, like 'one whiz wit' for cheese and onions.
- The rival shops - the famous cheesesteak institutions facing off across the city.
- The neighbourhood joints - the local shops many locals prefer.
When to go
Year-round; a hearty any-time sandwich, and the famous rival shops stay open late. Come hungry and ready to eat it messy.
Honest expectations
The most famous tourist shops are not necessarily the best, and many locals prefer neighbourhood spots. It is messy, greasy and filling, exactly as intended. Knowing the ordering shorthand smooths the experience but is not essential.
Nearby
Found across Philadelphia; the famous rivals sit in South Philadelphia near the Italian Market.
What to pack for Philly Cheesesteak
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
