Missouri might be known for barbecue and toasted ravioli, but bring up cheesesteaks and the arguments start fast. Kansas City folks will point you one way, St. Louis fans another, and Springfield has opinions of its own.
From late-night counters to a family steakhouse and even a barbecue joint, these eight spots each have loyal fans ready to defend them. Here is where to go when that shaved steak craving hits, and why each one earns a place in the debate.
1. Tay’s Cheesesteak, North Kansas City, MO
Saturday night hunger has a friend on Armour Road. Tay’s stays open until 1:30 AM on Saturdays and until 11 PM the rest of the week, which makes it one of the easiest late cheesesteak stops in the Kansas City area.
The counter-serve shop focuses on locally sourced cheesesteaks, and the meat is well seasoned without turning the sandwich into a grease sponge. Pastrami sandwiches share the menu for anyone who wants to switch things up.
Fresh-cut seasoned fries are a big part of the draw, and the Cheesesteak Fries take things a step further. Smaller appetites can grab a Mini Chicken Cheesesteak, and there are cookies for dessert.
I like this stop for groups because service moves quickly and there is usually plenty of free parking. Transplants from Philadelphia have been known to call it the real deal, which is high praise in cheesesteak circles.
2. The 7th on Walnut, Springfield, MO
Small spaces can pack big flavor. The 7th on Walnut is a tiny, family-owned sandwich shop in downtown Springfield, and it has built a following with creative cheesesteaks, hoagies, and hot dogs.
The Grilled Cheesesteak, formerly known as the Philly, is the classic pick. Adventurous eaters can try the Spicy Cheesesteak or the playfully named Yo Adrian, and a Veggie Philly keeps meat-free diners in the game.
Hand-cut fries and onion rings round things out, and burgers like the Hawaiian Burger have fans too.
A few practical notes help here. The shop is closed Sunday and Monday, has no restroom, and parking downtown can take some patience.
Saturday hours run until 2 AM, so it is a natural late stop for the college crowd.
3. STL Steak and Cake, St. Louis, MO
Cheesesteak and gooey butter cake under one roof sounds like a very St. Louis idea, and that is exactly the pitch here. STL Steak and Cake sits on Morgan Ford Road and pairs hearty sandwiches with the city’s famous dessert.
The cheesesteaks arrive hot and generously loaded with veggies. The Soulard Special gives a nod to the neighborhood, and the STL Famous Cheesesteak Wrap is an option for anyone who wants it rolled instead of on a roll.
Burgers, whole wings, hot dogs, cheese fries, and fried chicken fill out the menu. Save room for dessert, since cake slices and cheesecake are part of the identity.
Hours stretch past midnight most nights, and there is a kids’ menu too. Street parking can be tight, so plan an extra minute or two.
4. Vinnie’s Italian Beef & Gyros, St. Louis, MO
A Chicago-style sandwich shop might seem like an odd place to find an award-winning Philly, but Vinnie’s pulls it off on Ivanhoe Avenue in the Lindenwood Park area.
The Philly cheesesteak here gets a local twist with provel cheese and plenty of peppers. The Big Boy Philly comes with a dipping sauce that adds a lot of flavor.
Italian beef is the other headliner, with tender shaved beef, provolone, and house-made giardiniera. Gyros, Chicago dogs, meatball subs, and Italian sausage sandwiches keep the menu broad.
Sides deserve a look too, including cheesy tater tots, Vinnie’s Fried Potatoes, and a Greek salad. Portions run large.
The shop is closed Sunday and Monday and wraps up around 8 PM most nights, so it works best for lunch or an early dinner.
5. The Chicago Cheesesteak Company South, Springfield, MO
Springfield gets a second vote in this debate, and this one sits on Battlefield Road. The Chicago Cheesesteak Company blends two sandwich traditions, serving gourmet cheesesteaks alongside Chicago-style Italian beef.
Regulars tend to order by number, and the #6 comes up often. The spicy Philly is another favorite, with juicy meat, a good balance of onions and peppers, and a toasted sub roll holding it all together.
Hand-cut fries and onion rings make solid sidekicks. A Veggie Philly, Jumbo Chicago Dog, and the Chicago Sandwich add variety.
Families will appreciate the kids’ menu, high chairs, and easy parking. Doors open at 11 AM every day of the week, and the staff is quick with recommendations for first-timers.
6. G & D Steakhouse, Columbia, MO
Not every great cheesesteak comes from a dedicated sandwich shop. G & D Steakhouse on West Worley Street is a family-oriented Columbia fixture known for ribeyes and country fried steak, yet its Philly has quietly built a fan base.
The roll comes toasted just right, and the steak is cooked with care. It pairs naturally with the steak fries the restaurant is known for.
The bigger menu is part of the appeal. Choices include an 8-ounce or 16-ounce ribeye, gyros and fries, fried fish, burgers, and big desserts, so a mixed group can all find something.
Prices stay in the $10 to $20 range, which makes it popular with college students. Reservations are accepted and parking is rarely a problem.
7. Mr. Clark’s Barbecue and Catering, Joplin, MO
Here is the wild card. A barbecue spot in Joplin earns a mention in a cheesesteak roundup because its sandwich lineup reaches well beyond smoked meat.
Mr. Clark’s serves gourmet burgers made with fresh patties, pulled pork, Reubens, chicken sandwiches, and a Philly cheesesteak. The cheesesteak leans heavy on cheese sauce, so fans of a gooey style will be happy.
Fries come with seasoning options like garlic and BBQ, and the mac and cheese bites are a fun add-on. Portions are generous enough that finishing a double cheeseburger basket is a real challenge.
Weekend barbecue specials add another reason to stop. Timing matters, since the restaurant is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6:30 PM, with a drive-through for travelers on the go.
8. Philly Time, Kansas City, MO
Amoroso rolls and cheese wiz are the two details that make Philadelphia purists nod. Philly Time on North Mulberry Drive offers both, which puts it high on the list for anyone chasing an authentic-style sandwich.
The ribeye is piled with grilled peppers and onions on a roll sturdy enough to handle the juices. Beyond the classic, the shop plays with plenty of original takes, plus burgers, wraps, and subs.
Onion rings and fries come at friendly prices, and specials have been known to make lunch even cheaper.
It is an easy family stop, with a kids’ menu, high chairs, outdoor seating where dogs are welcome, and plenty of parking. Plan ahead, since it closes at 7 PM on weekdays, 5 PM Saturday, and all day Sunday.
Eight shops, eight answers, and a good excuse for a cheesesteak road trip across Missouri. Pick a side, or better yet, try them all.
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