New Jersey sits right next door to Philadelphia, so it makes sense that some of the best cheesesteaks around are hiding right here in the Garden State. From no-frills corner shops to family-run counters that have been slinging rolls for decades, these spots know how to stack thin-sliced beef, melty cheese, and fresh bread into something worth the trip.
Some are classic sit-down joints, others are grab-and-go windows where the line moves fast and the sandwiches move faster. What they all share is a commitment to doing one thing really well.
If you love a good cheesesteak and you do not mind a little drive to get it, this list is for you. Grab some napkins, because these eight sandwich shops make it easy to see why New Jersey holds its own in the cheesesteak game.
1. White House Sub Shop, Atlantic City, NJ
Open since 1946, this Atlantic City institution has been feeding hungry beachgoers for generations. The walls are covered in signed photos, and the place has become a genuine landmark near the boardwalk.
The subs here are famous for their size and their fresh Italian bread, which comes from a nearby bakery. A single sandwich is big enough to split, though plenty of people finish one solo.
The cheesesteak holds its own next to the legendary subs, loaded with thin-sliced beef and melty cheese on that same great roll. It is a simple order that hits every time.
Parking can be tight in season, so plan a little extra time if you visit during the summer crowds. The shop is a quick stop before or after a day near the water.
2. Donkey’s Place, Camden, NJ
What sets this Camden spot apart is the bread. Donkey’s serves its cheesesteaks on a round poppy seed roll instead of the usual long hoagie, and that little twist has earned it a loyal following since 1943.
The beef is thinly sliced and piled high, then topped with fried onions and cheese for a sandwich that eats a bit differently from the standard shape.
The shop has picked up national attention over the years, including nods from food shows that highlighted its unusual roll and old-school style.
It is a small, no-frills place with a neighborhood feel. If you want a cheesesteak that stands out from the crowd, the round roll alone makes it worth the drive.
3. Big John’s Steaks & Onion, Marlton, NJ
South Jersey folks have been ordering from Big John’s for decades, and the name pretty much tells you the priorities: steaks and onions.
The menu keeps it focused on classic cheesesteaks, cheese fries, and other griddle favorites. Portions run generous, which is part of why the place has stayed busy over the years.
Big John’s has grown to a few South Jersey locations, but the core order stays the same. You come for a well-built cheesesteak that does not try to reinvent anything.
It is an easy stop if you are cruising through the Marlton area and want something quick and filling. The kind of place where regulars know their order before they walk in.
4. Chick’s Deli, Cherry Hill, NJ
Finding Chick’s is half the fun, since it sits back off the main road and is easy to miss if you are not looking. Once you spot it, you understand why people keep coming back.
The cheesesteaks here have built a strong reputation across South Jersey, and the deli has been serving them for a long time. The bread and the beef are the stars, kept simple and done right.
Seating is limited inside, so many customers grab their order to go. That tiny footprint is part of the charm.
Cherry Hill has plenty of dining options, but this one has stayed a favorite through word of mouth. If you like the thrill of a spot that feels like a local secret, this is your kind of place.
5. Tony Luke’s, Various NJ Locations
Born in Philadelphia, Tony Luke’s has crossed into New Jersey with locations that bring the same well-known cheesesteaks to the Garden State.
The brand made its name with hearty sandwiches and a menu that leans into cheesesteaks and roast pork. The cheesesteak with sharp provolone and onions is a go-to order.
Because it started as a South Philly favorite, the NJ spots carry that reputation with them. You get a recognizable style without crossing the bridge.
It is a solid pick if you want a cheesesteak from a name people already trust. Check the specific location hours before you go, since they can vary by spot.
6. Jersey Mike’s Original, Point Pleasant, NJ
Long before Jersey Mike’s became a nationwide name, it started as a single shop at the Jersey Shore in Point Pleasant back in the 1950s.
The original location still stands near the boardwalk, which makes it a fun stop for anyone curious about where the chain got its start. Ordering here comes with a little slice of history.
While Jersey Mike’s is best known for its subs, the shop rounds out a shore-town food run and carries plenty of hometown pride.
Point Pleasant itself is a classic beach town, so you can pair your visit with time on the boardwalk. The original shop is the kind of spot that reminds you big things start small.
7. Steak 38, Cherry Hill, NJ
Not every cheesesteak has to come from a tiny counter. Steak 38 in Cherry Hill takes the classic and dresses it up with a slightly more polished, sit-down approach.
The menu centers on cheesesteaks built with quality beef and generous toppings, plus a range of other sandwiches and plates. It is a spot for when you want the comfort of a cheesesteak with a fuller dining setup.
The restaurant has drawn attention in the South Jersey food scene for taking the humble sandwich seriously.
If you are looking to make a cheesesteak the main event of a meal out rather than a quick grab, this location fits the bill nicely.
8. Cluck-U and Local Steak Counters, New Brunswick, NJ
College towns tend to know their cheesesteaks, and New Brunswick delivers thanks to the crowd of hungry Rutgers students always looking for a good, filling sandwich.
The area is packed with counters and shops serving cheesesteaks late into the night, keeping the classic griddled beef-and-cheese combo alive for a new generation.
What makes New Brunswick worth the drive is the sheer variety in one walkable stretch, where you can find your favorite version without going far.
Prices tend to stay friendly here, which is part of the appeal in a student-heavy town. If you like exploring a food scene rather than a single shop, this college town gives you options and a lively backdrop to enjoy them in.
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