The BEST CHEESESTEAK IN PHILLY! Dalessandro's Steaks

When it comes to the best cheesesteaks in Philly, everyone has their own opinion. A common answer is Pat's and Geno's and everyone has their own opinion for which cheesesteak is better. Is Pats or Geno's better? Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are tourist traps though. They may have invented the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, but they are not the best Philly Cheesesteak. But then which place is the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia? Is it Tony Luke's? Is it Larry's Steaks which was frequented by Kobe Bryant? Is it Ishkabibble's cheesesteak? Is it the John's Roast Pork cheesesteak? Or is it Jim's Steaks? Jim's on South Street is indeed a legendary cheesesteak. Donkey's Place in Camden, NJ is also an excellent option, although technically outside Philadelphia city limits.
I will argue, however, Delassandro's Steaks is the best cheesesteak in Philly. It is my opinion that Delassandro's best cheesesteak in Philly is a fact. Max's Steaks in North Philly comes close. Max's Steaks Creed cameo brought it more attention but it is definitely still underrated. However, Delassandro's often tops the list of the best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia and for good reason. Its onions are perfectly caramelized. They have some crunch while also being soft and juicy. They use Amoroso rolls so the bread is also soft but also with some resistance. The ribeye steak meat is also finely chopped and diced so the meat melts in your mouth.
Among all the best food in Philly, especially Philly street food like Philly Italian Roast Pork sandwiches, an authentic Philly Cheesesteak has always been my favorite. There's no beating a real Philly cheesesteak and it's definitely the best food in Philadelphia in my opinion. I hope you enjoy my video on my favorite Philly cheesesteak joint!
Like and Subscribe if you like my vids!
Restaurant Deets:
Dalessandro's Steaks
600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128

[@peterstolzer2586]

I started working at the gas station diagonal to Dalessandro's in June of 1978 (I was 15). The minimum wage was something like $2.35 an hour. Dalessandro's cheesesteaks were right around $2 (I still distinctly remember that the plain steak was $1.90). It was the first time in my life I had much spare money, and for that summer I spent about half of every paycheck at Dalessandro's. It was a given that I would get at least one cheesesteak for dinner and one to take home (haha sometimes I ate four in a day). My usual fare was a cheesesteak with extra cheese, sauce, and salt, washed down with a quart of Frank's Black Cherry Wishniak soda. I always liked that their steaks had great cheese saturation. The guy that often cooked my steaks eventually opened his own steak shop in Roxborough (Barry's). That summer of 1978 I grew two inches and put on about 25 lbs. Made the football coach at Central High School happy. Maybe it was a coincidence, but I always attribute my growth spurt to Dalessandro's cheesesteaks. Despite my nostalgia for Dalessandro's, I would say that John's Roast Pork is the best steak I have had.

[@SireneKalypso]

This was comforting to read!

[@thefareplayer2254]

Spot on! D’Allesandro’s is great, but John’s is the best. Both are worth the trip though!

[@joshkerr]

I think you need more credit for actually having good taste. Your commentary on the onions and bread is spot on.

[@uaeats]

Glad you agree regarding the role bread plays in sandwiches!

[@BDRickMC]

Dalessandros sucks. You have zero taste in cheesesteaks

[@onedollah]

This was a masterclass in food review. Insightful and passionate, I think it's your best video. I legit want a cheesesteak right now.

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the kind words! Hopefully my content continues to improve!

[@brozors]

Man, this was a legitimately good review of the cheesesteak. Super insightful and UA literally presents an argument why a Philly cheesesteak is a great sandwich.

[@uaeats]

Glad you enjoyed the vid! What can I say? I love cheesesteaks!

[@Zabestinzawest]

Keep doing what you do! Really appreciate it

[@terryhollandsworth4867]

I love how you explain everything about the food that you eat and I love your honesty and you always make me hungry

[@animaladam5]

Love your videos man. No fillers just right to the point. 🤙🏻

[@uaeats]

Glad you like the vids!

[@jeffs.4313]

Excellent review, UA. Your commentary on the sandwich was spot on. I really enjoyed watching your video. Keep up the great work, and I am looking forward to your next video.

[@uaeats]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@ainsleybbc]

Always looking forward to your consistent uploads UA - your reviews never disappoint! And congrats on 10k subs!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the kind words! And yes it's surreal to be above 10k. Gotta keep grinding for the next milestone now!

[@hackperez1625]

‘Simple but great’, that is a great comment! I love watching your videos because how simple and well you present the content. I’ve been watching a lot of your videos in NYC. I will be going there at the end of this month and will definitely hit some of the restaurants you’ve reviewed. Thank you!

[@forwork2601]

Hey bro, love your content and always look forward to your videos. Congrats on 10k and keep up the great work!

[@uaeats]

Thank you! I appreciate the support!

[@robinjones5798]

Love your content keep up the good work

[@frankcarone3769]

great review and i just subscribed ,thank you

[@dhruvbhatnagar4180]

Very well articulated!

[@derekhernandez563]

Another classic UA review, great job!

[@uaeats]

Thank you!

[@alberts2208]

Thanks UA. I'm visiting Philly next month and will definitely check this place out.

[@petersmith8174]

I 100% agree with UA on this one. Definitely the best Philly cheesesteak. Not in center of town but worth the trip!

[@uaeats]

Yeah it's a little far but it's worth it!

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks UA. We will be stopping by Philly in the summer just for the day. I had Woodrow's on my radar, but this is another option, although quite farther north from Downtown. Keep up the great work!

[@uaeats]

Thank you! Too bad Jim's burned down. It was much closer to downtown. Maybe it will be back by summer

[@mysterio1359]

Your reviews are like no other... It's always spot on and true.. I hope your reviews will always stay the same... Can't wait to see you outside the US!

[@uaeats]

I'm glad you like my vids! Yes I hope to travel internationally for vids someday!

[@tested123]

great video as always

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@laosmouse215]

Keep up these cool vids...

[@chicagorob1643]

It was incredible. I wanted another one right away.

[@jhfit]

Top notch review👍

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@andrewsaraceni]

Dalessandro's is always a solid choice. John's Roast Pork also does a great cheesesteak (even not being their signature item).

[@uaeats]

John's Roast Pork is indeed great! Though I still prefer places that use the amoroso rolls

[@caseywilson812]

Great job

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@preciousone86]

As a Philly native, Dalessandro’s is my favorite cheesesteak. When I used to live in East Falls, I was there often. Now I live in West Africa. Planning a visit home soon and legit, my first stop outside of my parents house will be Dalessandro’s. Planning to visit Angelo’s too because I miss cheesesteaks so much that I’ve been watching videos and decided to try a place I haven’t tried before as well. 😂

[@josefvachuda5447]

Amazing vids - greetings from Czech republic:-)

[@uaeats]

Thank you! Cool to hear from Czech Republic!

[@rrastetter]

Gonna shoutout Chiddy's in Farmingdale again. For Context: My only Philly steak experience was Dalessandro's. I got it with the sharp provolone, found it a bit greasy, not enough crusty bits on the steak. Sharp provolone was a bit too overwhelming of a flavor for me. Maybe I shoulda got American or Wiz. I also got it late at night so maybe that had something to do with it. Chiddy's in Farmingdale chops the meat up well, they use quality meat cooked with the onions, you get those brown bits of meat deliciousness and with wiz its my favorite (So far). (Also shout out to "99 miles to philly" near Webster hall NYC RIP that place was also awesome) Keep up the great work UA its been cool seeing your following grow, love your videos

[@tripp540]

Great video UA!

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@Betterthangoldandsilver]

Agreed on Dalessandro's being a top cheesesteak in Philly. My favorite too, although a bit of a hike to get there being I'm in South Jersey.

[@WanderingRoe]

Great review! I’ve never had an authentic cheesesteak before but vow to someday. 😄

[@uaeats]

I highly recommend it!

[@jeremyohart4536]

Now I have to come back to Philadelphia!

[@dhruv5965]

UA UAre a legend bro keep up the good content my man

[@uaeats]

Thanks! I'll keep doing my best!

[@curtisheckenlaible8868]

Love this video, when I was in Philly a while back to watch wrestling we went to Tony Luke's, such a great sandwich

[@uaeats]

Jim's and John's Roast Pork are also great spots!

[@chiefenumclaw7960]

Love this guy!

[@uaeats]

I love you guys too!

[@MichaelMarcos]

Great video. Really missing the days of walking up and down south street smelling the sweet sweet smell of Jim's filling the air right now

[@uaeats]

Jim's will be back someday!

[@MichaelMarcos]

@@uaeats wait....it's gone?

[@alchemyinyou]

Love ur vibe ! You enoucraged me to try Gordon’s fish and chips today and now I’m considering ubering from dc to Philly for you guessed it…

[@uaeats]

Wow an uber from DC to Philly would be quite expensive! What did you think of Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips?

[@alchemyinyou]

Ok better yet you are convincing me to get my license and drive! 😆 I thought the fish was really nice and hot but a bit on the greasy side for a weekly meal nice after a few days of fasting!

[@drfaizan]

Hats off to you man, such a milestone and it’s all due to your persistence. We met outside halal guys. I’ve been following your vlogs since then and you are doing amazing, keep it up UA and all the best. I’m trying the same towards my travel channel but it’s little slow.

[@uaeats]

What's up Faizan! Yes I definitely remember you. You were even briefly in that Halal Guys/Adel's video. Thanks for the kind message and best of luck to your channel!

[@drfaizan]

@@uaeats Yes I am and it was interesting to see myself in some one else's video. We should team up some day and explore some Indian/Pakistani restaurants and i can talk provide my take on these foods being a native of these regions, only if you think that would suit your channel. Thanks for the good wishes, all the best!

[@wFrontDeskConcierge]

I use to go to this butcher shop off wilmington pike West Chester PA, just outside Philly. That was the best cheese steak I've had. Great video brother.

[@TheFoodExperience]

I'm from California and I will be making a Philly type cheese steak tonight. I've Heard Dalessandro's has the best cheese steaks. I wanted to get a look at one before I made my own so I could try to get it just right. I will be making mine wiz wor. Using ribeye steak Amoroso's rolls. Thanks for the awesome video! Just subscribed.

[@ramencurry6672]

It’s actually an easy sandwich to make. To be honest, it’s a good sandwich but it’s not a great high level sandwich……Unless if you have an extra favoritism to the sandwich….In my opinion, the New York chopped cheese is a more interesting sandwich

[@TheFoodExperience]

@@ramencurry6672 It definitely was an easy sandwich to make. One of the easier ones for sure. I wanted to get it just right and I think I nailed it. I personally like recreating dishes from other regions and doing it properly. I'll have to look up a New York chopped cheese and see what I could do.

[@ramencurry6672]

@@TheFoodExperience yeah, there’s no real mystery behind a cheesesteak. I grew up in Philly. It’s basically a simple working man’s sandwich…..although prices are going up.

[@jimmyamico4713]

I went to Villanova and I will tell you the best cheesesteaks are at Delasandro’s 100% agree❤

[@nealjohnson1308]

Ua is awesome!!! Best KZbin foodie! I love cheese steaks!

[@uaeats]

Thanks! Glad you like my content!

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Great review UA I've heard this place it's on my bucket list it's a classic basic cheesesteak just the way you want it from the role to the steak onions and American cheese and that's it and by the way You Dropped a few pieces LOL I wish I had one of those sandwiches now

[@uaeats]

Yeah the meat was diced so thin I couldn't stop stray pieces from falling when eating 😅

[@knockitofff]

Born and raised in Philly over half a century...... Dalessandro's is still the king, period.

[@glentanner4770]

Wow, holy cow, this is definitely the spot to go, looks ridiculously delicious. I like my cheese steaks with mushrooms, but never lettuce or tomato.

[@uaeats]

I agree, mushrooms are a good addition!

[@alebroker7587]

Good review, you should do another one on that other Philly staple, The Roast Pork sándwich

[@uaeats]

Good idea!

[@donrevie721]

Dear UA Food review par excellence ✨️ Your word du jour ...dogmatic , very impressive,first time I've heard an American use the word. Keep 'em coming buster 👌

[@uaeats]

Thanks! Yeah I like the word dogmatic haha

[@JJ-rf7dg]

I need to try there. I've been to Jim's steaks and it was good

[@uaeats]

Jim's is also great!

[@RegondiMusic]

I'm sold.

[@MrBluesilverred]

Thanks UA, 7:48 of time drooling…..😄

[@uaeats]

It was very tasty!

[@Cream212]

Delassandro’s and Max’s are definitely top spots in Philly for cheesesteaks!🔥💯💪🏿

[@nastybizzy]

Get the Larry’s “Kobe” you will never go anywhere else

[@MrCloud-ob7sh]

I’m glad you said your favorite sandwich of all time is the cheesesteak! I agree, especially when you grew up around the best. I’ve tried “cheesesteaks all around the country but there’s no comparison! Green peppers don’t belong and the bread is always best in Philly. P.S. I imagine you’ve had scrapple but it’d be cool to see a video of different brands/market cut scrapple from PA and New Jersey..

[@uaeats]

Scrapple is a good idea!

[@laytonminnix3200]

@@uaeats Yes do a Scrapple Review.

[@ripper_cards]

love the reviews mate........jnr mike chen lol

[@uaeats]

Thanks! I'm a fan of Mike Chen's content

[@swaggrrman7326]

Just came back from Philly and this was on the top of our list.. but because it was a bit closer to the hotel we took a friends reco and went to Cleavers instead. It was amazing! However.. the next time we're back in Philly Dalessandro's will be our first stop! Cheers

[@uaeats]

I'll look into Cleavers!

[@Lawomenshoops]

I saw there is another cheesesteak place, Chubby’s, across the street from here!

[@JimKimTheIdeaHunters]

Incredible review, and again you introduce a jawn I normally would not even know about. Question, have you seen in Philly or tried a “buffalo cheesesteak”? Basically it’s a cheesesteak however the meat has buffalo wing sauce and for cheese it’s blue cheese dressing. I know it’s not an authentic Philly at all, but I’ve had it and it slaps. 👍

[@uaeats]

Glad you liked the vid! Actually some places in Philly do serve Buffalo chicken cheesesteaks. They're awesome!

[@robbiedaniels2164]

My favorite as well. Recently had a cheesesteak from Chicks Deli in Cherry Hill and was quite impressed.

[@uaeats]

Yes Chick's Deli is one of my favorites!

[@Pintexx]

I thought you were from NY, you’re from Philly this whole time 🤣 The more you know!

[@uaeats]

I'm from South Jersey to be specific! I then lived in NYC for a while after college

[@diggity0607]

Definitely one of the best. John’s Roast Pork and Angelo’s Is up there also.

[@tommytube268]

UA gotta go to phillycheesesteak but not going to wait an hour for a sandwich, but thanks for the heads up where to go!

[@uaeats]

I get it regarding wait time. Average cheesesteaks in Philly are still way better than outside Philly though

[@billymarino4452]

There's another video where they interview the owner of Dalessandro's, her name is Margie (I think she was the woman at the counter). She said that they don't salt the steaks on purpose but they do use paprika on their steaks. Never ate there (I don't know why I only live an hour from Philly), but there are tons of good cheesesteak places in Central Jersey. Meatheadz in Lawerenceville is incredible.

[@gregshonle2072]

Just curious: why is your review part of the video mirror flipped? On a cheesesteak note, the only cheesesteak I've had in Philly was at the cafeteria at the Franklin Institute; it was okay. Definitely need to go back to Philly some day, to get a great one!

[@uaeats]

I use my selfie camera when filming and it mirror flips the image. Sometimes I don't bother to flip it back. I wouldn't say a cheesesteak at a museum cafeteria is the best sample. Maybe try one at a cheesesteak joint in Philly someday!

[@boom410_]

Dalassandro’s is close but I make the short trip to South Philly to Angelo’s when I want a steak. Their house made rolls are delicious.

[@pji1979]

Glad you enjoyed it. John's Roast Pork and Angelo's are much better, in my opinion

[@john2914]

Good video. Im not a Cheesesteak lover but it looked good. You do good stuff for certain.

[@uaeats]

Thank you! I hope you still enjoyed the video despite not liking cheesesteaks

[@kennymckown8603]

Thank you for setting the record straight !! I've said that endlessly , delicious pricey steaks should never have sauces put on them to mask the flavor of the delicious meat itself !! It's a serious waste of money 💰

[@sandrolee915]

Can you do reviews of korean bbq places next

[@uaeats]

That's a good idea!

[@aeonmartialarts6783]

I'm looking forward to your videos nowadays!

[@uaeats]

Wow thanks! I appreciate it!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

That looks like the perfect cheesesteak! I'm going to have to fire up my griddle and practice my game... Hopefully get close to Philadelphia standards!

[@uaeats]

Use great Italian bread, sliced ribeye, and American cheese and it'll turn out great!

[@bb57365]

The sandwich looks amazing. I don’t know about the rest of the process.

[@lepkeb2252]

Delassandros is the bomb. But if you haven't tried it yet you should head over to donkeys place in Camden. Different kind of cheese steak and it's a very sketchy area but it's worth it.

[@nebraskaryan9308]

You should check out Angelo’s. That’s Dave Portnoy’s favorite spot in Philly for pizza and cheesesteaks

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Portnoy hahaha

[@nebraskaryan9308]

@@johnkovalicky3389 what’s funny

[@uaeats]

Appreciate the rec!

[@vanessagizelledelrio8902]

Years ago, as a teen living in Rochester, NY, I frequented a place called "Macs Steak & Take" which was a really nice, clean Muslim/halal eatery that made the best tasting cheese steak sandwiches I've ever had. I wonder if they're still I'm business making the same delicious cheese steaks as they did back in the 1970s. 🤔

[@shovel_head80]

We have a rajun cajun Philly. Spicy and sooo good

[@jeffreypaulross9767]

CAN’T TALK, MORE EAT! 😂👍🏽👍🏽

[@joeychan6300]

I don’t find Philly cheesesteak a simple dish at all. The quality of the meat can easily screw up the sandwich, same goes to the cooking of the onions and and the application of cheese with the meat. Another great video UA! Keep em coming!

[@uaeats]

True I meant simple as in not many ingredients. Though you gotta treat them well for the sandwich to really shine!

[@ramencurry6672]

I grew up in Philly. There is no real mystery or high difficultly behind a cheesesteak. The most challenging thing is finding a good roll if you’re living in another city far away but it is possible to find a decent roll close enough to a Philly bread type in many other cities.

[@nebraskaryan9308]

How’s the French dips in New York/Jersey?

[@patrickwong4824]

Simple is good!

[@uaeats]

I agree!

[@keepingitrealwithlefty]

I have to ask you this question, how do you feel about Jim's Steak on south street, Philips On Passyunk Ave and Goonies Louies in south Philly?

[@warrenbaer4532]

Remember that Jim's on South is closed until Labor Day

[@uaeats]

I love Jim's! It's amazing

[@debj2086]

I went there last week and it is the best cheesesteak that I’ve had

[@uaeats]

It's very good!

[@leonardkelz7243]

Jim. Steaks. South street

[@spechtacular1]

Enjoy your videos but PLEASE include prices of food. It would be great

[@adamarciola9658]

Angelo's is the best 👌 💯

[@thenitruc8165]

Please try Angelo's cheesesteak!!!!!

[@thommoeuth6118]

Pats or Geno? I saw on the food network. And wanted to go to Philly and try both. I get my cheese steak from this place call RB's Steak n cheese (Oakland)

[@uaeats]

Imo they're both tourist traps but I prefer Pat's to Geno's. I'd still say it's worth visiting them once though for the experience

[@yellowdog2181]

My family is from the Phili area, so I have spent a lot of time there , there are many many great places for cheese steaks, just like the area I live is known for pizza , there are two famous places but most of us that live here don’t eat there . There are many more places that have great pizza but just don’t have tv shows made about them

[@rj-vj8gr]

recommend checking out smoke beef in Canada

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the rec!

[@rj-vj8gr]

@@uaeats welcome

[@oliverram3243]

Hey UA, did you go to high school in Cherry Hill?

[@robbiebadillo2102]

Pleaseeeee try Angelo's cheesesteaks in south philly next

[@uaeats]

Will do!

[@ManofGod_84]

Thank you bro for saying what I been saying pats and genos are tourist traps dalessandros is one of the best cheesesteaks in Philly and I was born and raised in Philly 💯

[@uaeats]

Yep Pat's and Geno's are past their heyday. Dalessandros, Jim's, and Max's are the spots to go now!

[@ManofGod_84]

@@uaeats don’t forget Angelo’s Pizzaria you should try there cheesesteak

[@xclusionx]

you gotta try a Rocco's Special from Rocco's Italian Sausages & Cheese Steak if you ever visit Philly again. You can thank me later

[@uaeats]

I've had it! It's amazing! Shoot now I'm craving it

[@lamesbond0077]

A UA FL tasting trip should happen! but like everywhere these days it seems like the tourist traps AREN'T the places to go!

[@uaeats]

I gotta make my way to FL sometime!

[@ghelley]

Jim's for me

[@fumeokid]

i've been going to Dalessandro's for years now. Someone from Philly told me that Pat and Geno's was NOT the place to go. Told me to go to Dalessanro's and its my go to spot. If you eat inside you can try it with their sweet and hot peppers-even better.

[@uaeats]

I don't think they allow indoor dining anymore but I could be wrong!

[@fumeokid]

@@uaeats I haven’t been there since pre-pandemic so you are probably right! It’s so nice to see your unbiased reviews- your a breath of fresh air in the KZbin community. Thanks for the great content!

[@paigewillow8768]

Healthy junkfood did a very thorough tour of all of these spots. I think they rated Max’s very high. They were very surprised. Your thoughts?

[@uaeats]

I love Max's!!! I actually would put it up there with Dalessandro's but it's good for different reasons. I was gonna film a vid there too but I decided just to enjoy it for myself this time.

[@omeraykut3218]

I live at Phili and I still go to Gino.; Gino is nice.

[@goldcd]

I've never been to Philadelphia - but even I know the "Pat and Geno's" rivalry is a now tourist trap. I appreciated them being mentioned, and then ignored. I don't want to try them all - I just want to know where to go *tick* Just whilst I'm here - Can I just share how angry I am about the subscriber count? I love finding YT recommending me channels, me clicking subscribe, and then watching them soar. I know I "didn't do that all by myself", but feels like I'm part of something that should happen. Very occasionally it doesn't seem to work out how it should. All I can do is write this saying how unfair it is and how much I appreciate the channel. UA - if you're reading this. Please just stick at it. I'd watch you review anything.

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the kind words of encouragement! I am now above 10k and counting so hey I think I'm making headway with the algorithm. Hope the channel keeps growing!

[@ihateregistrationbul]

This place is the new tourist trap

[@jeffland7275]

Woodrows!

[@georgewbushcenterforintell147]

I like mine with just meat onions and Mayo

[@jonnygrowlately]

then hey!!