Ask a room full of Floridians where to get the best cheesesteak, and you will not get a quick answer. You will get a debate, a few side arguments about Cheez Whiz versus provolone, and at least one person who swears their spot tastes just like South Philly.
The state is packed with transplants from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, so the bar is high and opinions run hot. This list covers eight counter-serve shops, old-school hoagie spots, and late-night joints from Pensacola down to Miami Beach.
Each one earned its place for a different reason, whether it is a wall of Philly memorabilia, a Wagyu upgrade, a full vegan menu, or hours that stretch past 2 a.m. Some are cash only, some sell pizza on the side, and one is easiest to find by looking for a van.
Save it, share it, and pick your side.
1. LaSpada’s Original Cheesesteaks & Hoagies, Orlando, FL
Philly fans in Central Florida tend to feel right at home the moment they spot the walls here. Memorabilia from the City of Brotherly Love covers nearly every surface at this counter-serve shop on Lee Road.
The sandwiches are the real headline, and they are big. LaSpada’s is known for super-sized cheesesteaks and hoagies built with fresh vegetables and cold cuts, and the prices mostly land between $10 and $20 per person.
Menu favorites include the Green Pepper Cheesesteak, the Chicken Cheesesteak, and the house signature called LaSpada’s Famous. The Famous Hoagie and a Pastrami on Rye give non-steak eaters solid options too.
On the side, sweet potato fries and onion rings round things out. There is also a kids’ menu, which helps if you are feeding the whole crew.
Plan around the hours, because this is a daytime operation. It runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and closes at 4 p.m. on weekends.
Thursday and Friday afternoons get busy, while weekend mornings are calmer, and parking is free.
2. Delco’s Original Steaks, Dunedin, FL
Bring cash. That is the first practical tip for this small Main Street shop in Dunedin, and it saves a lot of hassle at the counter.
Delco’s takes its name from Delaware County, the area just outside Philadelphia, and the sandwiches lean hard into that heritage. The bread gets a lot of attention here, along with generous piles of meat and fair prices.
The Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich and Fries combo is the easy order. Add peppers or extra cheese if you like, or switch to the Chicken Philly or an Italian Hoagie.
Sports memorabilia fills the casual space, and there is outdoor seating for nice Gulf Coast days. High chairs are available for little ones.
Hours are generous, running 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.
Saturdays stay busy from morning to evening, so a weekday lunch is the smoother move.
3. NY TO PHILLY, Tampa, FL
The address literally tells you to look for the Scooby van. That quirky landmark on West Linebaugh Avenue is how many first-timers find this Tampa shop.
As the name hints, the menu mixes New York and Philadelphia favorites. Cheesesteaks lead the way, including one called the Apollo, but grinders get plenty of love too.
The Homemade Meatball Grinder and Chicken Parmesan Grinder are strong picks. There is even a Breakfast Steak Egg and Cheese Grinder for anyone who wants steak early.
Pizza is part of the deal, with personal cheese and Buffalo chicken options. Save room for a cannoli.
This is one of the more family-friendly stops on the list, with a kids’ menu, high chairs, and dogs welcome outside. Unlike most cheesesteak counters, it accepts reservations.
Note that it closes on Tuesdays. Weekend evenings draw the biggest crowds.
4. Sonny’s Famous Steak Hogies, Hollywood, FL
Some places chase trends. Sonny’s has spent years doing the opposite, and that long-standing, old-school approach is exactly why South Florida transplants keep showing up.
Yes, it is spelled hogie, not hoagie. The steak version comes with strips of steak and onions on fresh bread, and you can add Cheez Whiz for the classic South Philly style.
Purists can order the Steak Hogie Plain, Just Meat. The Burger Hogie and Cheeseburger Hogie are fun twists, and Spaghetti with Meatball shows off the scratch-made Italian side of the menu.
A Mozzarella Garlic Roll or a side of sliced cherry peppers makes a smart add-on. Unlike most counter spots, there is table service too.
One firm rule applies: cash only, no cards. Hours run 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, until 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and until 5 p.m.
Sunday. Saturday afternoon is peak time.
5. Cheesesteak For Sale, Miami Beach, FL
Wagyu on a cheesesteak sounds like a very Miami Beach idea, and this South Beach shop leans into it.
Cheesesteak For Sale is built around one thing done properly. The Wagyu Cheesesteak is the standout, with cherry peppers on the side for a little heat.
A Porchetta sandwich offers a different direction if someone in your group wants a change. The menu stays tight and focused.
Expect to spend a bit more here, around $20 to $30 per person. The Washington Avenue location puts you in the heart of South Beach.
Late hours are a big plus. It stays open until midnight Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Parking is paid only, both lot and street, so budget for that. Delivery and curbside pickup are available if you would rather skip the hunt.
6. Wicked Cheesesteaks Pizza & Wings, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Cheesesteak on a pizza? That is one of the signature moves at this Federal Highway spot, where a dining room sits next to an adjacent pizza shop.
The core sandwich uses fresh ribeye on a soft roll with grilled diced onions. Provolone or real Cheez Whiz, mushrooms, and sweet and hot peppers let you build it your way.
Sides are a serious part of the appeal. The Parmesan Truffle Fries with Garlic Aioli are a favorite, and the Wicked Good Wings hold their own.
The menu wanders beyond Philly too, with lobster rolls and Brian’s Roast Beef Sandwich. Dessert includes homemade key lime pie and a black and white cookie, which is a nice nod to both Florida and New York.
It closes Monday and Tuesday and opens at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Free Wi-Fi and outdoor seating make it an easy casual stop.
7. Eddis & Sons Cheesesteaks, Jacksonville, FL
Vegans and vegetarians rarely win cheesesteak debates. Jacksonville is the exception, thanks to this Bowden Road shop with a full vegan and full vegetarian menu.
Meat eaters are well covered too. The classic cheesesteaks are loaded with ribeye on soft bread, and the Hot Cherry Pepper Cheesesteak adds a kick.
Fries get creative here. Choose Truffle Fries, Wiz Fries, or the Cheesesteak Fry, which puts the whole sandwich experience on top of a pile of fries.
For a lighter option, the Eddis Lettuce Cheesesteak skips the bread. There is also a Vegetarian Cheesesteak.
Seating is mostly outside, with benches and tables. Curbside pickup and delivery are available.
Watch the Sunday schedule, since it is open only from noon to 3 p.m. Weekday hours generally run 11 a.m. to 7 or 8 p.m.
8. Mojo’s Famous Philly, Wings & More, Pensacola, FL
Craving a cheesesteak at 3 a.m. in the Panhandle is no longer a problem. Mojo’s stays open until 2 a.m. most nights and until 4 a.m.
Thursday through Saturday.
The family-owned joint on North Pace Boulevard opens at 9 a.m. too, so the window is huge. Philly-style sandwiches and fried wings are the main draws.
The cheesesteaks come on a toasted hoagie roll. Comfort sides like fried okra and Chicago Street Nachos give the menu a Southern and Midwest mix.
Expect a wait, especially on weekend evenings when the late crowd rolls in. Orders are made to order, so a little patience helps.
Free parking and curbside pickup make it easy on the way home. For anyone in Pensacola, it rounds out this statewide debate with a strong late-night vote.
From Orlando counters to South Beach Wagyu, Florida clearly has no shortage of contenders. Pick a favorite, then bring friends and let the arguing begin.
Enjoyed this story?
Add Fast Food Club as a preferred source to see more of our reporting on Google.