Arizona is famous for saguaros, sunsets, and some seriously good Mexican food, so a proper Philly cheesesteak might not be the first thing on your radar here. That is exactly why this list exists.
Plenty of East Coast transplants have spent years hunting for a sandwich that tastes like home, and a handful of shops across the Valley and Tucson have answered the call. These spots take the basics seriously, from thin-sliced steak and soft rolls to the great Cheez Whiz versus provolone debate.
Some lean old-school with Philly memorabilia on the walls, while others add wings, gyros, or a free cookie to the deal. Whether you grew up near South Street or just want a messy, cheesy lunch, these six restaurants prove you do not need a plane ticket to get the real thing.
Save this one for your next craving.
1. Eddie’s Philly, Chandler, AZ
Big portions are the first thing to know about this Chandler counter. Eddie’s Philly sticks to the Philadelphia playbook, building its menu around classic cheesesteaks and hoagies.
The menu reaches a little further than you might expect. Meatball subs, chicken Parmesan, a corned beef sandwich, Caesar and chef salads, and onion rings all share space with the steaks.
There is even a full vegan menu, which is a rare find at a cheesesteak shop.
I like this stop for a quick solo lunch, since the service moves fast and the room stays casual and quiet. Families get plenty of support too, with a kids’ menu that includes a chicken strips combo, high chairs, and a changing table.
You will find it at 3016 N Dobson Rd, Suite 9. Hours run Monday through Saturday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and it is closed Sunday.
Parking is free and usually easy. Reservations are not taken, so plan around the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon rush if you want a calmer visit.
2. Frankie’s South Philly Cheesesteaks, Tucson, AZ
Cheez Whiz fans, your Tucson headquarters is on West Ina Road. Frankie’s leans proudly into the South Philly style, and the Whiz option is a big part of the appeal.
The South Philly Cheesesteak is the headliner, served on soft, airy bread loaded with meat and cheese. The South Philly Italian Hoagie is the other sandwich to know about.
Sides are where Frankie’s gets playful. Tater tots come plain, sweet potato, or as Philly Tots, and there are Philly Fries and fried green beans too.
Wings round out the menu for anyone who wants something besides a sandwich.
The space doubles as a friendly spot for watching sports, so it works for a game day lunch with a group. Kids are welcome, with high chairs and a kids’ menu available.
Find it at 3780 W Ina Rd #184. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM, with free parking out front.
3. Corleone’s, Scottsdale, AZ
Walls covered in Philadelphia memorabilia set the tone the moment you step inside Corleone’s. This Scottsdale shop is built around authentic cheesesteaks, and it wears its hometown pride openly.
Fries deserve their own mention here. They come seasoned, crispy outside and soft inside, and the Cheese Steak Fries turn the side into a full meal.
Sandwich lovers have more to explore than the standard steak. The Pizza Steak Sandwich is a Philly classic that does not show up on many Arizona menus, and the Italian Hoagie holds its own too.
Service is counter style and quick, which makes it easy to grab lunch near the Northsight business area. There is outdoor seating, and dogs are allowed outside.
Corleone’s sits at 15040 N Northsight Blvd #106. Hours are Monday through Saturday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 10:30 AM to 6 PM.
Friday evenings tend to be quieter, which is good news for anyone trying to beat the line.
4. Forefathers Cheesesteaks, Tempe, AZ
Even the phone number has a history lesson in it, ending in 1776. Forefathers Cheesesteaks in south Tempe brings a patriotic Philly theme to an industrial-style dining room.
The steak is seasoned and cooked well, tucked into soft bread with cheese that complements the meat instead of burying it. Legit Whiz is available for purists.
Toppings are a big deal here, so you can keep it simple or pile things on. Sizes include a Mini Cheesesteak and a Large, which helps if you are feeding a hungry teen or just want a lighter lunch.
Soups and salads are also on the menu.
Seating is plentiful, and the crowd mixes college students, families, and visitors. A kids’ menu and high chairs make it easy to bring everyone.
Look for it at 8707 S Priest Dr, Suite 101. It is open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM and Sunday from 11 AM to 3 PM.
5. Philly’s Finest, Tucson, AZ
Every meal here comes with a free chocolate chip cookie. That sweet little bonus has become part of the identity at Philly’s Finest on East Speedway.
The Original Cheesesteak is made to order with hot, fresh meat, and it has earned a following among Philly natives living in Tucson.
Beyond the steaks, the menu covers plenty of ground. Chicken fritters and fries, the Big Phil Burger, a bacon cheeseburger, fried mushrooms, and onion rings are all options.
Chicken pasta salad and brownies help round things out.
Timing matters with this one. Hours are Monday through Wednesday from 10 AM to 3 PM and Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and it is closed Sunday.
I would save this stop for a weekday lunch. The address is 6210 E Speedway Blvd, and free parking makes the visit simple.
6. Philly Steak & Wings, Mesa, AZ
Behind a McDonald’s on West Southern Avenue sits a small shop that is easy to miss and hard to forget. Philly Steak & Wings packs a lot of variety into a compact space.
Cheesesteaks come on warm, soft bread, and the wings are a solid size. Go big with the 24-piece Chicken Wings Bucket if you are feeding a crew.
The menu wanders in fun directions too. Gyro platters, a Philly Panini, a double cheeseburger, chicken tenders, and a grilled chicken salad all make appearances.
Gelato is also part of the lineup for dessert.
Patio seating is available, and dogs are welcome outside. Food comes out quickly, and the dining area stays clean and casual.
You will find it at 1450 W Southern Ave, Suite A. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 8 PM and Saturday from 11 AM to 8 PM, with Sunday closed.
From Chandler to Tucson, these six shops show that a true cheesesteak is closer than most Arizonans realize. Pick one, bring a friend, and settle the Whiz debate yourself.
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