When people think of Dalessandro’s Steaks in Philadelphia, cheesesteaks are the first thing that comes to mind. But here’s a little secret that loyal regulars already know: the burgers at this legendary Roxborough spot are seriously worth talking about.
Tucked inside a menu packed with Philly classics, the cheeseburger at Dalessandro’s has quietly earned a reputation that rivals the main attraction. If you haven’t made the trip to 600 Wendover Street yet, here are 13 reasons why this iconic counter-service gem deserves a spot on your food bucket list.
A Burger That Steals the Spotlight
Nobody walks into Dalessandro’s expecting the burger to be the star of the show. Yet first-timers who order the cheeseburger often walk away talking about it more than anything else on the menu.
The burger uses the same finely chopped beef that makes their cheesesteaks legendary. That means every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with savory flavor that hits differently from your average fast-food patty.
Customers who have visited multiple times report that the cheeseburger is surprisingly generous in size, especially for the price. One reviewer even noted they split it with a partner and still felt satisfied.
At Dalessandro’s, the burger isn’t an afterthought — it’s a hidden gem hiding in plain sight on a menu full of winners.
Finely Chopped Beef: The Secret Weapon
Most burger joints use a thick ground beef patty, but Dalessandro’s does things their own way. The beef here is chopped so finely it practically melts the moment it hits your tongue.
This cooking style has been the backbone of Dalessandro’s menu for decades. It creates a texture that’s soft, dense, and almost impossible to replicate at home.
The fine chop allows the cheese to blend directly into every crevice of the meat, making each bite a perfectly unified experience.
Several reviewers have compared it to being a few steps away from ground beef, but in the best possible way. The result is something uniquely Dalessandro’s — a style of cooking that turns a simple burger into something you’ll be thinking about on the drive home.
It’s not just how they cook it; it’s why it works so well.
Cheese Options That Actually Matter
Cheese isn’t just a topping at Dalessandro’s — it’s a full-on ingredient that gets cooked right into the meat. That’s a big deal when it comes to flavor.
Regulars swear by the combination of American and provolone, which creates a creamy, tangy melt that coats every bite. Cheez Whiz is also available, though one reviewer noted it costs an extra dollar and the portion can be on the smaller side, so keep that in mind before you order.
For the burger specifically, American cheese seems to be the crowd favorite. It melts smoothly and blends with the beef in a way that feels completely natural.
The cheese doesn’t sit on top like an afterthought — it becomes part of the sandwich. That attention to detail is exactly what separates a good burger from one you’ll crave for weeks.
Soft Sesame Bun: Underrated Hero
Bread can make or break a sandwich, and Dalessandro’s clearly knows this. The sesame-seeded bun used for their sandwiches and burgers is soft, slightly pillowy, and perfectly sized for the amount of filling inside.
Unlike spots that toast their rolls by default, Dalessandro’s serves their buns soft. Some people prefer a crunch, but the softness here actually works in the burger’s favor.
It soaks up the meat juices without falling apart, holding everything together until the very last bite.
One reviewer called the bun the best part of their visit, which says a lot in a place famous for its beef. The bun isn’t flashy or fancy, but it does exactly what a great bun should do — it completes the sandwich without competing with it.
Sometimes the simplest choices make the biggest difference on a plate.
Cash Only — So Come Prepared
Walking up to the window at Dalessandro’s without cash is a mistake you only make once. This place is strictly cash only, and there are no exceptions.
The good news? There is an ATM nearby, so you won’t be completely out of luck if you forget.
But to avoid any stress, it’s smarter to stop at the bank before you go. Prices are reasonable — most standard options land in the low-to-mid teens in dollars — so you won’t need to break the bank, literally or figuratively.
Knowing this ahead of time is part of the Dalessandro’s experience. It’s one of those old-school policies that reminds you this place isn’t trying to modernize for the sake of it.
They’ve been doing things their way for years, and clearly it’s working. Just grab some bills and enjoy the ride.
The Wait Is Part of the Experience
Patience is a requirement at Dalessandro’s, and honestly, most people say it’s completely worth it. On a busy Saturday afternoon, expect to wait anywhere from 20 to 45 minutes from ordering to pickup.
One group of visitors brought a blanket and sat on the nearby grass while they waited, calling the whole thing “magical.” That kind of attitude turns a long wait into a memory. The ordering system is straightforward — you give your name or phone number, watch the screen, and pick up at the designated window when you’re called.
The staff works fast and hard, moving with that classic Philly efficiency that regulars appreciate. Thinking of it as part of the adventure rather than an inconvenience makes the whole trip more enjoyable.
And when that burger or cheesesteak finally lands in your hands, every minute of waiting suddenly makes perfect sense.
Outdoor Ordering Setup With a Philly Vibe
Dalessandro’s no longer allows indoor dining, and the entire experience now happens outside. There are two windows — one for ordering on the right and one for pickup on the left — and a handful of picnic tables scattered nearby.
It’s a no-frills setup that fits perfectly with the neighborhood’s no-nonsense personality. Some visitors head across the street or find a patch of grass to enjoy their food.
Others have been spotted walking their orders over to the nearby Wissahickon Valley Park for a full outdoor dining experience.
The outdoor setup might not suit everyone, especially on rainy days, but on a nice afternoon it genuinely adds charm to the visit. There’s something refreshing about eating a world-class burger in the open air without tablecloths or menus.
It strips the whole thing down to what matters most — great food and good company.
Toppings That Elevate Every Bite
At Dalessandro’s, toppings aren’t just extras — they’re part of the whole flavor equation. Fried onions, raw onions, sweet peppers, banana peppers, hot pepper relish, mayo, and ketchup are all on the table, many at no additional charge.
One visitor from out of town admitted she usually eats plain sandwiches but fell in love with the hot pepper relish and banana peppers after trying them for the first time. That kind of happy surprise is what keeps people coming back.
The fried onions are especially popular, cooked until they’re sweet and tender without losing their slight texture.
A quick tip from seasoned regulars: always say yes to salt and pepper when asked. Skipping it leaves the meat tasting flat.
The toppings at Dalessandro’s are designed to work together, building layers of flavor that make the burger feel complete, balanced, and totally satisfying from the first bite to the last.
A Legacy Built Over Decades
Some restaurants earn their reputation over a few years. Dalessandro’s has been earning theirs for generations.
Located at 600 Wendover Street in the Roxborough neighborhood, this counter-service spot has been a Philadelphia institution for decades.
One longtime reviewer mentioned eating there for over 25 years, describing the cheesesteaks as consistently excellent at their best. The kind of loyalty that spans a quarter century doesn’t happen by accident — it’s built on quality, consistency, and a product people genuinely love.
The place was even featured on the TV show “Somebody Feed Phil,” which inspired fans from across the country to make the pilgrimage to Roxborough. That kind of cultural recognition doesn’t just happen to any restaurant.
Dalessandro’s has become a living piece of Philadelphia food history, and every burger and cheesesteak served there carries a little bit of that legacy with it.
Prices That Won’t Empty Your Wallet
Great food doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and Dalessandro’s proves that point every single day. Most standard menu items fall in the low-to-mid teen dollar range, making it an accessible spot for families, students, and anyone on a budget.
For the quality and portion size you receive, the value is genuinely impressive. Reviewers consistently mention being surprised by how much food they get for the price.
One couple split a cheeseburger and a cheesesteak and still left feeling full and happy.
Keep in mind that a few add-ons, like Cheez Whiz, may cost a little extra. But the core menu remains affordable by Philadelphia standards, especially given the restaurant’s legendary status.
Eating at one of the city’s most celebrated food destinations without spending a ton of money feels like winning. Bring enough cash to cover your order and maybe a tip for the hardworking staff.
Staff That Works Hard and Moves Fast
The team at Dalessandro’s is known for working with the kind of focused, no-nonsense energy that defines Philly service culture. They move fast, they stay busy, and they take pride in getting orders out efficiently even during peak hours.
One reviewer was genuinely touched when the cashier announced their tip to the rest of the staff, who all responded with a group thank you. That small moment of warmth stuck with them long after the meal was over.
It’s a reminder that behind the busy windows and long lines are real people who care about what they do.
Sure, not every interaction will be a five-star customer service moment — some reviewers noted the phone staff could be friendlier. But the in-person crew consistently earns praise for being efficient and kind.
At a place this busy, that balance of speed and warmth is harder to pull off than it looks.
Ratings and Reviews Tell the Real Story
With 4.4 stars across more than 13,000 Google reviews, Dalessandro’s has one of the most reviewed and consistently rated cheesesteak spots in all of Philadelphia. Those numbers don’t lie.
Out-of-towners who drove hours just to try the food — including visitors from Michigan, North Carolina, and Texas — walked away raving about their first real Philly cheesesteak experience. That kind of word-of-mouth reach is something money can’t buy.
It’s earned one sandwich at a time.
Of course, no restaurant pleases everyone, and a handful of reviews mention off days or inconsistent experiences. But the overwhelming majority of customers leave satisfied and eager to return.
When a place earns that level of trust from thousands of strangers over many years, it says something real about the quality. Dalessandro’s isn’t famous by accident — it’s famous because it consistently delivers.
How to Visit Dalessandro’s Like a Pro
Planning your visit to Dalessandro’s the right way makes the whole experience smoother and more enjoyable. The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday until 11 PM, and Sunday until 9 PM.
Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday helps you avoid the longest waits.
Parking is available at an adjacent athletic field, which makes getting there by car relatively stress-free. One thing to note: there are no restrooms on-site, and the gas station across the street reportedly doesn’t offer public facilities either, so plan accordingly before you arrive.
Bring cash, be ready to wait, and consider visiting Wissahickon Valley Park nearby to enjoy your food in a beautiful outdoor setting. Call ahead at 215-482-5407 or check dalessandros.com for the latest updates.
A little preparation goes a long way toward making your visit truly memorable.
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