Everyone assumes the best cheesesteaks live across the river in Philly, but New Jersey has been quietly building its own case for years. From poppy seed buns in Camden to overloaded subs in Lawrence Township, these shops are turning steak-and-cheese into an art form of their own.
Some stick close to tradition, while others put a Jersey twist on the whole idea. Here are eight sandwich shops where the cheesesteaks can go toe-to-toe with anything Philadelphia serves up.
1. Donkey’s Place, Camden, NJ
The poppy seed bun is the giveaway that you are not in a standard cheesesteak shop. Instead of a long roll, Donkey’s Place piles its steak and cheese onto a round Kaiser roll dusted with poppy seeds, which gives the whole sandwich a look and flavor all its own.
Caramelized onions bring a French onion twist to the beef, and a side of spicy relish adds a little kick if you want it. The sandwiches run big, and the combination has earned this Haddon Avenue counter a national reputation, including a nod from Anthony Bourdain.
The setting is a down-home counter and bar joint, casual and historic, with a neighborhood vibe that is more about the food than the frills. You can grab vegan seasoned fries or onion rings on the side, plus jumbo dry rub wings.
Hours run Monday through Thursday from 10 AM to 6 PM, with an early 7 AM opening on Fridays and weekends closed. Parking can be a little tight, so plan for a short hunt.
Find it at 1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103.
2. Chick’s Deli, Cherry Hill Township, NJ
Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks are the signature move here, and that alone sets Chick’s Deli apart from the classic steak-only crowd. It is a longtime, no-frills fixture built around hoagies and platters, the kind of spot people return to for years.
The traditional cheesesteaks come with perfectly cooked steak on fresh rolls, and the buffalo chicken version has become the sandwich most people talk about. Beyond that, the menu covers pork roll egg and cheese, a BLT, and a chicken salad sandwich, so there is more than one reason to stop in.
Fast service and a classic deli atmosphere keep things moving quickly, and the shop is welcoming to everyone. It is open Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 6 PM and Sunday until 3 PM.
There is a free on-site parking lot, which makes a quick lunch run easy. You will find it at 906 Township Ln, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002.
3. Champs Cheesesteaks And Hoagies, Audubon, NJ
Green and Eagles décor set the tone the moment you spot this Audubon shop. Champs leans into its Philly fandom while serving cheesesteaks that hold their own against the famous corners across the bridge.
The standout is the Jawn Cheesesteak, made with Cooper Sharp and Whiz mixed together for a creamy, sharp finish. If you are feeding a group, the 2ft cheesesteak is built for sharing, and there is a buffalo chicken version for those who want something different.
Loaded fries, wraps, and hamburgers round out the comfort menu, and the shop offers catering too. The setting is casual and quiet, and it is a good pick for families with kids.
Hours vary by day with midday and evening service, and weekends stay open latest, until 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. Parking is usually plenty, which is a nice bonus for a small-town main street.
The address is 123 W Merchant St, Audubon, NJ 08106.
4. Chief’s Steak Shop, Middlesex, NJ
Portion size is the first thing that grabs your attention at this Middlesex shop. Chief’s Steak Shop is a family-owned spot known for hefty cheesesteaks loaded with well-seasoned meat and fresh toppings.
The steak comes piled on a soft, freshly baked hoagie roll, and you can dress it with Cheez Whiz and lettuce for a fuller sandwich. Beyond the classic, the menu branches into Chief’s pulled pork, cheesesteak fries, loaded tots, and even cannoli for dessert.
The atmosphere is clean and casual, and the family-run feel comes through in the service. Kids are welcome, and there is usually plenty of parking, so it is an easy weeknight dinner stop.
One thing to know before you go: the hours are limited. It is only open Tuesday through Friday from 4:30 PM to 8 PM, with Monday and weekends closed.
Time your visit right and head to 109 Harris Ave, Middlesex, NJ 08846.
5. Meatheadz Cheesesteaks, Lawrence Township, NJ
Stock up on napkins before you order here. Meatheadz has built a reputation on cheesesteaks so overloaded that the meat practically tumbles off the bread, and one sandwich can easily feed two people.
The Jersey Steak and the Drippin Steak are the specialty subs to know, layering tender meat and creamy sauce onto soft garlic bread. If you are still hungry, there are loaded fries, cheesesteak fries, a classic burger, and a chopped cheese.
This is a family-run take-out eatery that focuses on quality ingredients, and prices run a bit higher than the average sandwich shop for good reason. The space is clean with plenty of parking, and dogs are even allowed inside.
It is closed Mondays, open Tuesday through Thursday and Sunday until 8 PM, and stays open until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday. You will find it at 2495 Brunswick Pike #39, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648.
6. CheeseSteak Louie’s, Seaside Heights, NJ
A boardwalk town is the last place you might expect a serious cheesesteak, but Seaside Heights has one. CheeseSteak Louie’s slices its steak fresh and layers it onto quality semolina bread with a seeded roll option.
Chipotle mayo adds a little extra character to the juicy steak, and the meat and cheese run all the way through the sandwich rather than clumping at one end. The menu also covers thin-sliced chicken sandwiches, burgers, fries, buffalo tots, loaded fries, and a root beer float to finish.
The vibe is relaxed and family-friendly, with outdoor seating and dogs welcome outside. Late-night food is on offer, which fits the shore setting nicely.
Hours run daily from 11 AM, closing at 8 PM most nights and 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. Between the beach and the boardwalk, it is an easy stop for a real cheesesteak.
The address is 22 Boulevard, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751.
7. Christo’s, Bloomfield, NJ
North Jersey finally has a cheesesteak champion worth bragging about. Christo’s in Bloomfield has earned recognition from NJ.com as having the best cheesesteaks in northeastern New Jersey, covering Passaic, Essex, Bergen, Hudson, and Union counties.
The cheesesteak is the headliner, but the North Shore Beef sandwich runs right alongside it as a favorite. The menu takes some creative turns too, with a Chopped Cheese done Big Mac style, a Chicago Beef, and a Roast Beef Sloppy Joe.
Since it opens early, breakfast is part of the draw here, and the breakfast sandwiches get their own following. Coffee and quick counter service make it a solid morning or midday stop.
It is closed Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday from 7 AM to 3 PM. Street parking can be a little tricky, so give yourself a minute.
Find it at 1290 Broad St, Bloomfield, NJ 07003.
8. Johnny Longhots Steaks – Wildwood, NJ, Wildwood, NJ
Down the shore in Wildwood, Johnny Longhots makes cheesesteaks generous enough to stand out even to people who grew up in Philly. The serving of meat and cheese here is heavier than what many shops offer these days.
The name points to the long hots, and the menu delivers with South Philly Long Hots and vegan Zio’s Long Hots. The Pizza Steak is another creative pick, and the shop is also known for its meatballs and Italian roast pork subs.
This is a casual, Philly-style spot that is family-friendly and welcoming to everyone, with a full vegetarian menu and free wi-fi. Chicken cutlet sandwiches round out the lineup for those skipping the steak.
Closed Mondays, it opens daily at 11 AM, running until 8 PM most nights and 9 PM on Friday and Saturday. Late-night food and a spot near the boardwalk make it a fitting last stop on this list.
The address is 3115 Pacific Ave, Wildwood, NJ 08260.
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