Ohio takes its cheesesteaks seriously, and if you bring up the best one at any table, someone is bound to argue. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, small shops across the state are grilling ribeye, melting cheese, and stacking rolls high enough to start friendly debates.
Some use real Philly rolls shipped straight from Pennsylvania, while others put their own spin on the classic. Here are eight Ohio spots that locals will happily defend as the best sandwich in the state.
1. Wario’s Beef and Pork Downtown, Columbus, OH
Downtown Columbus has plenty of quick bites, but this window-serve spot at 111 W Nationwide Blvd has built a reputation on one thing: doing cheesesteaks right. The menu leans into huge filled sandwiches, cold cut options, and roast pork, all built for people who want value packed into every bite.
The star is The Steak, loaded with flavorful meat, perfectly melted cheese, and grilled onions on a roll that stays crisp outside and soft inside. Homemade Wiz and a vegetable relish give it a personal touch you won’t find at chains.
Sides like the Wario Spuds and smashed crispy potatoes round out the plate.
Beyond cheesesteaks, you can grab a Chicken Caesar or a Classic Chicken Cutlet Sandwich. It is counter service with a patio, no table service, and no reservations, so expect a wait during busy stretches.
Hours run Wednesday through Sunday, with late-night service Thursday through Saturday. Parking downtown can be tricky, so plan for a garage or paid lot.
2. Marlow’s Cheesesteaks, Gahanna, OH
Started by Philadelphia natives and a husband-and-wife team, Marlow’s brings genuine hometown flavor just outside Columbus at 93 N High St in Gahanna. The shop uses premium shaved ribeye on real Amoroso rolls shipped directly from Philly, which is about as authentic as it gets in Ohio.
Regulars swear the sandwiches are super tender, cheesy, and balanced with just the right amount of heat. If you want to branch out, try the Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak, the Parkside Salmon Cheesesteak, or the vegetarian Cheese Fries.
Unlike a plain counter shop, Marlow’s runs a full bar and offers table service, making it a comfortable spot to settle in and catch a game. The vibe is casual and welcoming, with high chairs for kids and free Wi-Fi.
It is closed Mondays and keeps later hours on Friday and Saturday. Parking is easy here, with a free lot and street spots, so you won’t circle the block looking for a space.
3. Capo Steaks, Cleveland, OH
Tucked along Euclid Avenue at 11332, Capo Steaks keeps things simple and lets the food do the talking. Cheesesteaks are the specialty, and the kitchen uses high-quality steak paired with Capo’s own special seasoning to give each sandwich its signature flavor.
The original cheesesteak has plenty of fans, but the sweet steak is the one people talk about most. Whatever you order, save room for the hand-cut fries, which come out fresh and seasoned just right.
Chicken sandwiches are also on the menu if you want an alternative to beef. Service is fast, the setting is casual and quiet, and it works well for a solo lunch or a laid-back dinner.
Capo is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. You’ll find free street parking and a paid lot nearby, and since it doesn’t take reservations, walking in is the way to go.
4. Browns Cheesesteak on the Strip, Geneva, OH
Set right along the historic Geneva-on-the-Lake resort strip at 5340 Lake Rd E, this sandwich shop pairs its cheesesteaks with a lakeside vacation atmosphere. The location alone makes it a fun stop during a summer trip through northeast Ohio.
Cheesesteaks arrive on the same style of rolls used in Philadelphia, packed with plenty of meat and vegetables. You can get yours with Cheese Wiz or American, and the mac and cheese on the side has earned its own following.
Live music adds to the resort-town energy, and the spot is family-friendly with dogs welcome outside. It is a counter-service operation focused on comfort food done well.
Hours are limited, so plan ahead: it opens Friday evenings, runs Saturday afternoon into the night, and offers a shorter Sunday window. There’s free street parking, and it fits naturally into a weekend along the water.
5. Cincy Steak and Lemonade, Cincinnati, OH
Down in Cincinnati at 2607 Short Vine St, this local favorite doubles the fun by pairing Philly-style steaks with fresh lemonade and thick milkshakes. It is the kind of casual stop that works for a quick bite or a meetup with friends.
The Philly Mix Steak and Chicken keeps things interesting, and the Beef Cheese Fries are a satisfying add-on. Sandwiches are made to order on fresh bread, with well-seasoned fries and Cajun options for those who like a kick.
Beyond cheesesteaks, the menu stretches into gyros, wings, cheeseburgers, and crispy chicken sandwiches, so a mixed group can all find something. Rainbow lemonades and slushies keep kids happy, and there’s a kids’ menu too.
Open seven days a week with late-night hours on Friday and Saturday, it’s an easy call after an evening out. Just note there’s no restroom on site, and parking near Short Vine can take a minute.
6. Steak Thyme Bar & Grill, Dayton, OH
Dayton diners who want a full sit-down experience with their cheesesteak head to Steak Thyme at 103 N Springboro Pike. It blends a sports bar vibe with a menu that puts a creative twist on the classic sandwich.
The Italian cheesesteak has a loyal following, and the kitchen backs everything up with homemade special sauces and a house-made ketchup. Loaded fries and addictive garlic parm fries make strong sidekicks, and The Big Bavarian Pretzel is a crowd-pleaser.
Vegetarians get real options here too, from Feta Fries to a Greek Salad and vegan Onion Rings. With table service, a big menu, and screens for the game, it works for families, groups, or a solo stop.
Unlike most spots on this list, Steak Thyme accepts reservations, which is handy on busy Thursday and Friday evenings. Parking is plentiful and free, and it’s closed only on Mondays.
7. Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks And Grille, Akron, OH
Long before it moved into its current spot at 147 S Main St, Eddie’s built a name feeding hungry crowds in downtown Akron. That long history is part of why it’s become a fixture of the city’s cheesesteak scene.
The sandwiches lean generous, with mountain-sized portions of fresh hot ingredients and plenty of toppings to customize. An original three-pepper sauce sets the flavor apart, and the crispy seasoned steak-cut fries have earned their own reputation around town.
Beyond cheesesteaks, you’ll find gyros and other grilled sandwiches on the counter-serve menu. Prices stay reasonable, and the setting is casual, clean, and easygoing for a solo lunch or a quick dinner.
Eddie’s runs weekday hours only, open Monday through Friday and closed on weekends. Street parking downtown can be a little competitive, so build in a couple of extra minutes.
8. The Original Steaks and Hoagies – Cleveland, Cleveland, OH
Right next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport at 4760 Grayton Rd, this fast-casual shop greets you with a nod to Philadelphia and delivers on the promise. Fresh-grilled meats, melted cheese, toasted hoagie rolls, and generous portions are the whole point here.
The cheesesteaks star grilled ribeye with sweet peppers and onions, and you can pick your favorite cheese. Fresh-cut fries, Cajun fries, and the signature Whizzy Tots keep the sides just as tempting as the sandwiches.
Freshly breaded chicken tenders and a full vegetarian menu widen the appeal, and there’s a kids’ menu for families. The setting is no-frills and casual, built for efficient service whether you dine in, take out, or order delivery.
Open seven days a week with late hours Friday and Saturday, it’s an easy grab before a flight or after landing. Parking is free and plentiful, which makes the airport-adjacent location even more convenient.
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