Kentucky may be famous for fried chicken and hot browns, but plenty of folks here crave a good Philly cheesesteak too. The trick is finding one with tender steak, plenty of cheese, and a bun that holds it all together.
From Louisville to Covington, these seven shops serve cheesesteaks worth ordering, and every one of them offers delivery. Save this list for the next night you want a real sandwich without leaving the couch.
1. SAM’S CHICAGO GRILL, Louisville, KY
A Chicago-themed grill might seem like an odd place to find Louisville’s Philly fix, but Sam’s makes it work. The shop at 4501 Cane Run Rd serves Italian beef, fried seafood, and cheesesteaks that land right in that sweet spot of rich but not greasy.
Creative versions are part of the fun here. The menu includes a Catfish Philly Cheesesteak and Philly Steak Nachos, so regulars can mix things up without straying far from the classic.
Hungry groups can round out an order with onion rings, catfish nuggets by the pound, or a gyro plate. Save room for baklava or lemon cake.
Delivery and no-contact delivery are both available, and there is even a drive-through. Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, until 11 PM on Friday, and until 7 PM on Saturday, with Sundays off.
2. South of Wrigley, Lexington, KY
Plan ahead for this one, because the hours are short and the line moves fast. South of Wrigley on Southland Drive is open for lunch Tuesday through Saturday, with a short evening window on Fridays from 4:30 to 7 PM.
The Chicago roots show in Big B’s Italian Beef, the Classic Chicago Dog, and the Pizza Puff. Still, the cheesesteak holds its own, built on a sturdy bun with fresh, hot fillings that easily rival what you’d find much farther north and east.
I would pair it with the fries. They come crispy and generous, and the cheese sauce on the side makes them hard to share.
Counter service keeps things casual, and delivery is available if you can’t make the lunch rush. Reservations aren’t taken, so walking in is the move.
3. Gyros On Main, Covington, KY
Deep-fried cheesesteak. Yes, really, and it is one of the main reasons people keep ordering from this little Greek shop at 607 Main St in Covington.
The crispy Philly gets a crunchy outside that sets it apart from every other sandwich on this list. If you want to stay closer to the shop’s Greek side, the Gyro Philly combines both worlds in one order.
Everything is made to order, and the wider menu covers chicken shawarma, falafel, spanakopita, hummus with pita, and cheesecake for dessert.
Night owls, take note. The kitchen stays open until 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, and it closes on Wednesdays.
Seating is small and street parking can be tight, so delivery is often the easier route. Double-check that your drinks made it into the bag.
4. Charleys Cheesesteaks, Bowling Green, KY
Sometimes the name says it all. Charleys built an entire chain around Philly-style cheesesteaks, and the Bowling Green shop on Morgantown Road keeps that focus front and center.
The old-school Philly Cheesesteak is the one to try first, made in a style close to what Philadelphia serves. Chicken Philly fans are covered too.
Sides lean indulgent, with Ultimate Fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks. Sauces like Charleys Signature and Mango Habanero add a kick, and the Watermelon Strawberry Lemonade is a fun change from soda.
Hours are easy to remember: 10 AM to 10 PM every day. That makes it a handy pick for WKU students and anyone driving through town.
Delivery is available, and the parking lot usually has room.
5. Big City Pizza Richmond, Richmond, KY
Ordering a cheesesteak at a pizza place sounds like a gamble, but Big City Pizza turns it into a smart call. The Richmond shop at 1105 Kim Kent Dr makes its steak sandwich with real shredded steak instead of pressed, preformed patties.
That difference shows up in every bite, and it is why the sandwich stacks up well against the big sandwich chains.
Pizza is still the headliner, of course. Garlic knots, cheese sticks, the Three Point Pepperoni, and beer cheese round out a menu that works well for a group order.
Delivery is a strong point here, with no-contact delivery available and drivers reaching spots just outside city limits. The shop is open until 11 PM Monday through Saturday and until 9 PM on Sunday, which helps Eastern Kentucky University students on late study nights.
6. Halal Munchies, Lexington, KY
Craving a cheesesteak at 3 AM on a Saturday? Halal Munchies on South Limestone is open until 4 AM on Fridays and Saturdays and until 2 AM the rest of the week.
The location near the University of Kentucky campus makes sense. Students and late-shift workers alike can count on the Philly and fries combo, which ranks among the best cheesesteaks in the state for plenty of regulars.
Beyond sandwiches, the menu leans into hearty halal favorites. Lamb over rice, the Mix Gyro, a chicken sandwich, and an NY Style Chopped Cheese all make strong backup picks.
Delivery and no-contact delivery are both available, so getting a late meal doesn’t require getting dressed. If you do stop by, free parking is usually easy to find.
7. The Gruff, Covington, KY
Few spots on this list have a deli and a gift shop under the same roof. The Gruff, at 129 E 2nd St in Covington, mixes a pizza kitchen, deli, and market in a bright, minimalist space.
Neapolitan-style pies get plenty of attention, including a Dill Pickle Pizza and a Brussels Sprouts Pizza. Even so, the Philly Cheesesteak earns its own fan base, served with crispy fries and a homemade ketchup made without sugar.
The menu draws on fresh, local ingredients and offers full vegan and vegetarian options.
Parking can be tricky near the riverfront, so delivery and curbside pickup are handy. Weekend brunch starts at 10 AM on Saturdays and Sundays, and reservations are accepted for anyone who prefers to eat in.
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