Ask five Nevadans where to find the best cheesesteak and you will probably get five different answers, plus a long debate about Cheez Whiz versus provolone. From 24-hour counters in Las Vegas to college-town favorites in Reno and a burger shop in Sparks that takes its Philly seriously, this state has more serious sandwich spots than most people realize.
This list covers eight places that keep coming up whenever the argument starts, each with its own style, specialty, and loyal fan base. Save it for your next craving, then pick a side.
1. P.O.P.S. Philly Steaks, Las Vegas, NV
Three in the morning is a strange time to crave a cheesesteak, but on South Decatur Boulevard, nobody will judge you. P.O.P.S.
Philly Steaks is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, which makes it one of the easiest answers to the late-night Vegas food question.
The steak is chopped fresh and piled onto soft bread that holds up to all the juices. Whiz fans and provolone loyalists can both order their way here, which is part of why the shop has earned a reputation among Philly transplants as one of the closest things to the real deal in town.
The sides are where things get fun. Fried green beans, fried okra, fried mushrooms, and sweet potato fries all show up on the menu, along with Pastrami Chili Cheese Fries and Cheese Whiz Fries for anyone going all in.
Ordering happens at the counter, service moves fast, and there is outdoor seating where dogs are welcome. One practical note: the shop has no restroom, so plan accordingly.
Weekend afternoons and Friday nights tend to be the busiest stretches. If you want a quieter visit, Monday or Wednesday mornings are your best bet, and most sandwiches land in the $10 to $20 range.
2. Straight From Philly STEAKOUT, Henderson, NV
Small space, big following. Straight From Philly STEAKOUT sits on West Warm Springs Road in Henderson, and this long-running shop has built its name almost entirely on doing one thing well.
The classic order here is a cheesesteak wit Whiz, loaded with onions, hot peppers, and bell peppers. Those hot peppers add a tangy kick that cuts through all that rich cheese, and the mushroom cheesesteak is another popular way to go.
Fries come in generous portions, and the steak fries are crispy enough to earn their own fan club. For something extra, the Garlic Parm Fries with Cheese and Bacon are hard to ignore.
Not in a steak mood? The meatball sandwich and Grilled Pastrami Sandwich both have their supporters.
There is even a full vegan menu, which is a nice surprise at a shop this focused on beef.
I like this stop for how easy it is. There is a drive-through, plenty of free parking, high chairs for little ones, and prices that stay friendly.
Hours run 11 AM to 8 PM most days, stretching to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Friday and Saturday afternoons get the biggest rush.
3. Paulie’s South Street Steaks, Las Vegas, NV
Named after one of Philadelphia’s most famous streets, Paulie’s South Street Steaks is not shy about where its loyalties lie. The shop sits on West Craig Road in northwest Las Vegas, and it has become a serious contender in the city’s never-ending cheesesteak debate.
Portions are the first thing people notice. The sandwiches come stuffed with tender, well-seasoned beef that is thoroughly coated in cheese, and a side of fries turns lunch into a real meal.
Those fries deserve a spotlight. Paulie’s has built a following for its loaded fries, including Philly Fries and Jalopy Fries, and they bring a style you will not find at most other steak shops in town.
Beyond the classic, there are plenty of other sandwich options, and a full vegetarian menu keeps the whole group covered. Families get a kids’ menu and high chairs too.
This is the kind of place I would pick when someone insists P.O.P.S. is the only answer in Vegas. Plenty of locals rank the two neck and neck.
Hours run 10:30 AM to 8:30 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 8:30 PM on Sunday. Curbside pickup is available, but delivery is not.
4. Philly Cheesesteak Factory, Las Vegas, NV
Eighteen inches. That is the size of the signature cheesesteak at Philly Cheesesteak Factory, and it is the reason this place gets mentioned whenever the conversation turns to go-big-or-go-home sandwiches.
The shop has been a Las Vegas tradition since 1995. Nearly three decades later, it still focuses on oversized Philly-style sandwiches built with plenty of meat and melted cheese.
Not everyone can tackle a foot and a half of steak, so a 6-inch version is on the menu for normal appetites. Seasoned fries round out the order either way.
Here is a practical tip. Expect a wait when you visit, because the sandwiches are made to order and the place keeps busy.
You will find it at 6115 S Pecos Road on the east side of the valley. Curbside pickup, delivery, and no-contact delivery are all options if you would rather eat at home.
Hours are 11 AM to 7 PM Monday through Saturday and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday. The earlier closing time means this one works best as a lunch or early dinner plan.
5. Those Guys Pies, Las Vegas, NV
A pizza shop on a cheesesteak list might start a few arguments on its own. Those Guys Pies on West Desert Inn Road earns its spot by turning the cheesesteak into more than just a sandwich.
Yes, you can order a classic cheesesteak hoagie. You can also get a Cheesesteak Pie, which puts the whole idea on a thin, East Coast-style crust, or Cheesesteak Fries if you want it in side-dish form.
The pizza itself is the other big draw. The crust is crispy yet chewy, the pies are huge, and many locals consider it some of the best pizza in town.
There is plenty more to explore. Chicken fingers, wings with unique sauces, a Sausage and Peppers Sub, BBQ Maui Wowie Fries, and Cinnamon Poppers for dessert all share the menu.
Prices stay reasonable, generally between $10 and $20 per person. The shop is good for watching sports, dogs are allowed inside, and parking is easy.
Hours are 11 AM to 9 PM most days, with Friday and Saturday stretching to 10 PM. It is also a popular pick for office lunches and group orders.
6. Pub N’ Sub, Reno, NV
Reno cheesesteak fans have a familiar complaint: finding a good one in the north can take some effort. For many of them, the search ends at Pub N’ Sub on Ralston Street.
This longtime neighborhood spot sits close to the University of Nevada, Reno, so it draws a steady college crowd. Families and groups show up too, thanks to a kids’ menu, high chairs, and a relaxed setting.
The cheesesteaks are the headline, but the pizza holds its own. Expect a nice crust, ample sauce and cheese, and a hearty load of toppings.
Planning a party? The Six Foot Sub is exactly what it sounds like, and it tends to steal the show at any gathering.
Wings, a meatball sandwich, garlic bread, and a veggie sub fill out the rest of the menu.
Inside there is a fireplace, and outside there is patio seating where dogs are welcome. It is also a solid place to catch a game.
Unlike most places on this list, Pub N’ Sub accepts reservations. Doors are open 11 AM to 11 PM every day, which gives you plenty of room to work it into your schedule.
7. Beefy’s, Reno, NV
Nobody walks into a place called Beefy’s expecting a light lunch. This retro-looking grill on South Virginia Street in Reno is mostly known for its burgers, which makes its cheesesteak a bit of a wild card.
That sandwich is called Pat’s Philly Cheesesteak, and it might be the most debated item on this entire list. Some diners call it the best cheesesteak they have ever had, while others want more seasoning and a better ratio of beef to cheese.
Honestly, that split is exactly why it belongs here. Try it yourself and decide which camp you are in.
If the cheesesteak does not win you over, the burger menu probably will. The Awesome Awesome is stacked with cheese and grilled onions, and the Patty Melt, Devil Dog, Chili Cheese Fries, and The Fry Daddy all have their own fans.
Kids get a menu of their own, including cheeseburger sliders and hot dogs. Free wi-fi and outdoor seating are nice extras.
Hours need a quick check before you go. Beefy’s opens at 11 AM on Monday and 10 AM Tuesday through Saturday, stays open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and closes on Sundays.
8. BurgerNV | Sparks, Sparks, NV
Freshly chopped onions might not sound like a selling point until you realize how many places skip that step. At BurgerNV in Sparks, toppings are prepared when you order, and the cooks are not shy with the seasoning.
The name puts burgers front and center, and the half-pound patties are a big reason people come. Still, the Philly cheesesteak has quietly become a favorite, with plenty of diners ranking it among the best they have had in the Reno and Sparks area.
The rest of the menu leans hearty. Hot sandwiches, fish and chips, chicken strips, hand-battered onion rings, and battered mushrooms all make regular appearances, and there is a sourdough breakfast sandwich for anyone stopping by early.
Prices land in the $10 to $20 range, which puts it a touch above a basic sandwich counter. The staff are friendly, service is quick, and parking is usually plentiful at the Avenue of the Oaks location.
Timing matters here. BurgerNV is closed on Mondays, open 11 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 11 AM to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 AM to 4 PM on Sundays.
If you end up somewhere between Reno and the Nugget side of Sparks with a cheesesteak craving, this is a smart place to settle the argument for yourself.
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