Pennsylvania takes its cheesesteaks seriously, and every region has its own opinion about how one should be built. In Philly, the big question is whiz or provolone, onions or no onions.
Head north to the Lehigh Valley and you will find steaks stacked with sauce, pickles, and peppers, a style that surprises plenty of first-timers. Out west in Pittsburgh, sandwich shops have their own loyal following and their own playful menu names.
This list covers eight cheesesteak shops across the state, from a South Philly corner that never closes to a small Nazareth spot open only a few days a week. Each one earns its place with something specific, whether that is ribeye on fresh-baked bread, beef tallow fries, homemade soups, or a full-on Philly theme in Reading.
Save it for your next road trip, or send it to the friend who always argues about the best steak in town.
1. Pat’s King of Steaks, Philadelphia, PA
Any cheesesteak road trip in Pennsylvania has to start at the corner that calls itself the inventor of the sandwich. Pat’s King of Steaks sits at 1237 Passyunk Ave in South Philadelphia, and its role in popularizing the cheesesteak is a big part of why people line up here.
The menu stays close to the classics. Order a cheesesteak wit whiz, which means with onions and Cheez Whiz, or go for a mushroom pepper cheesesteak if you want a little more on the roll.
The pizza steak and pizza fries add a fun twist, and cheese fries round out the tray.
Practical stuff matters here. Pat’s is open 24 hours a day, every day, which makes it a favorite for late-night cravings and early birds alike.
Service is counter-style with outdoor seating, so order fast and know what you want.
Saturday afternoon into evening is the busiest stretch, and parking nearby is often tough to find. There is no restroom on site, so plan ahead.
Dogs are welcome, and the casual, historic setting makes it a fun stop for groups and first-time visitors.
2. Peppi’s, Pittsburgh, PA
A sandwich named the Roethlisburger tells you exactly what city you are in. Peppi’s on Western Ave in Pittsburgh’s North Side mixes old-school decor with a dose of local sports history, and it backs up the personality with solid cheesesteaks.
The Philly Cheese Steak is the straightforward pick. If you want to go bigger, the Ultra Cheese Steak lives up to its name.
A mushroom cheesesteak on fresh bread is another popular choice.
Sides deserve attention too. Fresh cut fries, cheese fries, onion rings, and Cajun fries give you plenty of ways to fill out the order, and prices stay in the $10 to $20 range per person.
Peppi’s is open Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 8 PM and Saturday until 5 PM, with Sundays off. Expect counter service, a clean dining room, and friendly staff.
Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday afternoons get busy, and street parking can be a little tricky, though a paid lot is nearby.
3. Zandy’s Steak Shop, Allentown, PA
Pickles on a cheesesteak might sound strange to a Philly purist, but in the Lehigh Valley it is simply how things are done. Zandy’s Steak Shop in Allentown is one of the best places to understand that regional style.
Here the steak sandwich comes loaded with steak, onions, sauce, and pickles, while tangy cherry peppers bring some heat. It is a different scale from the Philly version, and that is the whole point.
This family-owned shop has a nostalgic, homey feel. Beyond the steaks, the menu includes pierogies, fries, onion rings, and even funnel cake for dessert.
Families will appreciate the high chairs and kids’ menu, and both counter and table service are available. Parking is easy, with a free lot and free street spots.
Zandy’s is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 AM to 7 PM and Sunday until 6 PM, closed Mondays. Weekend afternoons draw the biggest crowds.
4. Cody’s Eats & Sweets, Nazareth, PA
Short hours tend to create long lines, and Cody’s Eats and Sweets proves it. This casual Nazareth restaurant on South Main Street is open only Thursday through Saturday, from 11 AM to 6 PM, so a wait is common.
The focus is ribeye cheesesteaks. The Lehigh Valley cheesesteak comes packed with meat and flavor, giving a nod to the local style.
I would save room for the sides and sweets here. Beef tallow fries and garlic parmesan fries are standouts, and the homemade desserts include cannoli.
If steak is not on your mind, the Tricolore Chicken Cutlet Sandwich is another menu highlight. Seating, takeout, and catering are all options, and street parking is available downtown.
5. Bobby Bay’s Sandwich Shop (Lancaster), Lancaster, PA
Bread can make or break a cheesesteak, and Bobby Bay’s builds its sandwiches on fresh-baked rolls. This chef-driven shop on Lincoln Highway East in Lancaster gives the classic a more premium feel without getting fussy.
Start with Bobby’s Cheesesteak, the signature order, which comes generously packed. Tuscan Fries make a strong partner on the side.
The rest of the menu has range. The Big Vito and a ham and cheese cover the sandwich crowd, and the Puebla Salad gives lighter eaters an option.
Hours are generous: 11 AM to 8 PM most days, until 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and closed Tuesdays. Parking is easy with a free lot, and curbside pickup, delivery, and catering are available.
A kids’ menu makes it simple for families, which is handy if you are exploring Lancaster County for the day.
6. South Philly Hoagies, Harrisburg, PA
Central Pennsylvania is a long way from Passyunk Avenue, yet this family-owned takeout shop in Harrisburg keeps the Philly style front and center. The name says it all.
Cheesesteaks and hoagies are the core. The California Cheesesteak, topped with fresh fixings, is a popular choice, and the Cheesesteak Special is there for anyone who wants the full lineup.
Chicken cheesesteak fans are covered too.
The hoagie side of the menu runs deep, with an Italian Special, meatball sub, fish hoagie, and grilled chicken. Onion rings make an easy add-on.
Plan on takeout or delivery, since there is no table service. Hours run 10 AM to 9 PM Monday through Thursday and until 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, with Sundays closed.
Parking is plentiful at the Parkview Lane location, and catering is available for bigger gatherings.
7. Spenny’s, Reading, PA
Walk into Spenny’s on Route 61 and the Philly theme is hard to miss. This Reading restaurant leans into Philadelphia style inside and out, and the food matches the decor.
Cheesesteaks come on seeded rolls with a good balance of cheese and meat. The California Cheesesteak and Chicken Cheesesteak are favorites, and the Italian Hoagie holds its own.
Loaded tots are the signature side. Spenny-Style Fries, mozzarella sticks, and an Upside Down Pizza add more variety, and milkshakes made with Hershey’s chocolate ice cream keep things fun.
Vegetarians get real options too, with a full vegetarian menu. There is on-site parking, outdoor seating, high chairs, and a gender-neutral restroom.
Spenny’s is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, open Wednesday through Saturday until 7 PM, and Sunday from noon to 6 PM. Saturday is the busiest day.
8. Whitehouse Steak & Deli, Scranton, PA
Soup is not the first thing you expect at a cheesesteak shop, but Whitehouse Steak and Deli in Scranton makes homemade soups part of the appeal. Pair a bowl with a steak and cheese hoagie and you have a complete meal.
The signature cheesesteaks come in generous portions with plenty of flavor. Hand-cut fries are the classic side, and homemade sides fill out the menu.
A Northeastern Pennsylvania touch shows up with the pepperoni, egg, and cheese sandwich. Prices stay reasonable, which keeps regulars coming back.
The shop is casual, quiet, and family-friendly, with dine-in, takeout, and delivery. Find it at 312 E Elm St, open Monday through Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM and closed Sundays.
Free street parking is usually easy to find.
From South Philly to Scranton, these eight shops show how one sandwich can take on so many local personalities. Pick a region, grab a friend, and start comparing.
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