Ask five Virginians where to get the best cheesesteak and you will probably hear six different answers. From Richmond to Norfolk to Northern Virginia, people defend their favorite sandwich shop with serious loyalty.
Some spots are run by folks with real Philly roots, while others put their own spin on the classic with shrimp, egg rolls, or spicy peppers. Here are eight places that keep the debate going, so you can taste them and pick your own winner.
1. Holly Philly, Richmond, VA
Late-night cheesesteak cravings have a friend on West Main Street. Holly Philly stays open until 1 AM most nights and 2 AM on Fridays and Saturdays, which makes it a favorite with the college crowd.
The shop started in Colonial Heights before expanding to Richmond. Everything here is halal, and the counter-service menu goes well beyond the classic steak and cheese.
The Richmond Philly tops a cheesesteak with shrimp, and the Philly Egg Roll packs the sandwich into a crispy wrapper. There is also an 8-inch steak Philly and five wings combo, plus gyros, fried fish, and red velvet cake for dessert.
Prices land around $10 to $20 per person. Parking is usually easy, and curbside pickup and delivery are both options if you would rather eat at home.
2. Stanley’s, Richmond, VA
Former Philadelphians living in Richmond tend to get a little emotional about Stanley’s. The Park Avenue spot takes a sit-down, slightly dressed-up approach to the cheesesteak while keeping it true to Philly style.
Expect thin steak strips with spicy cheese and peppers, served on a roll that holds everything together. The roast pork sandwich is another big draw, and wedge salads round out the table.
The space has a friendly neighborhood feel with table service, and a full vegetarian menu means everyone in the group can order something.
Plan around the schedule. Stanley’s is closed Tuesdays and takes a break between lunch and dinner most days, reopening at 4 PM.
Friday and Saturday evenings get the busiest, and street parking is free.
3. Al’s Steak House, Alexandria, VA
Breakfast and a cheesesteak from the same counter is a very Del Ray kind of morning. Al’s Steak House on Mount Vernon Avenue opens at 10 AM on weekdays and 9 AM on weekends.
The steak is the headliner here. The meat is tenderized, diced, and piled generously onto an authentic-style roll, and the crew will customize your order with plenty of toppings.
Beyond cheesesteaks, the menu covers hot and cold subs, chicken Phillys, burgers, hot dogs, and wings. A mini steak and cheese is on offer for smaller appetites.
The space is basic and has an old-times charm. Street parking can be tricky, so give yourself a few extra minutes, or use takeout and delivery.
4. The Broiler, Arlington, VA
Crinkle cut fries might be the secret weapon in this debate. The Broiler on Columbia Pike serves them in portions big enough to share, right next to a seriously loaded steak and cheese sub.
This veteran Arlington stop has an old-school vibe and compact setup. Subs come on a toasted roll with grilled onions, hot peppers, and provolone if you like it that way.
The Pizza Steak and Cheese Sub is a fun twist, and the menu also includes meatball subs and large square pizzas.
Hours run from 9 AM until 10 PM most days, with an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays. A free lot helps, and the counter moves fast.
5. George’s Steak N Things, Fairfax Station, VA
Baklava is not the first dessert you expect at a cheesesteak shop. George’s Steak N Things on Ox Road serves it anyway, and it has become part of the reason people keep coming back.
The main event is a steak and cheese sub with crispy bread and gooey cheese. The Cajun Steak and Cheese adds a little kick for anyone bored with the basics.
Sides lean crunchy, with big onion rings and seasoned waffle fries. The menu also branches out into fried chicken, Greek salad, and tacos.
This clean, family-friendly shop has high chairs, a kids’ menu, and outdoor seating. Note that it closes on Sundays and wraps up around 8 or 9 PM the rest of the week.
6. Iggles Cheesesteaks & Burgers, Virginia Beach, VA
The name alone tells you where this shop’s heart lives. Iggles is how many Philly fans say Eagles, and the small Virginia Beach Boulevard spot leans into that with a Philly sports theme.
Cheesesteaks come loaded with meat, grilled onions, and soft rolls. The cheesesteak egg roll is the other star, wrapped in a crispy wonton shell.
A chicken cheesesteak hoagie and crispy fries round out the order. Service is quick, and tables stay clean.
Timing matters here. Iggles is closed Sundays and Mondays and closes by 5 PM Tuesday through Thursday, 6 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, so this is a lunch or early dinner stop.
7. Philly Style Steaks & Subs, Norfolk, VA
Phillies, Eagles, 76ers, and Flyers gear covers the walls at this Tidewater Drive counter. Philly Style Steaks and Subs is run by folks with real Philadelphia roots, and it shows.
The roll gets a lot of credit here, soft and chewy enough to hold tender steak, cheese, and fried onions. Sweet peppers are a popular add-on.
Burgers and other subs are on the menu too. Expect a wait during Friday and Saturday afternoons, since this is a go-to spot across the 757.
The shop is open 10 AM to 8 PM Monday through Saturday and closed Sundays. Free parking makes the stop easy.
8. Lucky’s Cheesesteak & Sub Shop, Charlottesville, VA
Few cheesesteak spots stay open until 2 AM every single night. Lucky’s on Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall does exactly that, starting at noon daily.
The music-themed shop serves cheesesteaks on rolls that hold up without getting soggy. The Spicy Hot Cheesesteak is a standout, and vegan onion rings and mozzarella sticks make easy add-ons.
The menu also surprises with spicy Thai bowls, creative salads, and full vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options. That makes it a smart pick for mixed groups.
A patio offers outdoor seating when the weather cooperates, and the place is set up for watching sports. Kids’ menus and high chairs are available too.
Eight shops, eight strong cases. The only fair way to settle the argument is to try a few and pick your own champion.
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