Chef-owner James Nardone runs Elma The “Third-Sunday” pop-ups are held every month on East Girard Avenue and feature quintessential Philly sandwich varieties like cheesesteaks. Nardone launched the cheesesteak pop ups after they became so popular. They often sold hundreds of sandwiches in just a few short hours. Palace Steaks As an outpost. People line up to get rib-eyes topped with long hot peppers and Cooper Sharp cheese shredded on a Sarcone’s Bakery’s seeded roll. This is not your cheesesteak from childhood.
10. Paffuto
1009 S. 8th St.
Simple and high-quality are the hallmarks of our products. Paffuto. Paffuto’s Cheesesteak is more expensive than others, but it stays true to the Italian-American roots of its Italian-American origins with chunky curls ribeye, Cooper Sharp cheese, crisp onions and house-made spicy sauce on a Sarcone’s Bakery Hoagie Roll. No better lunch than one that comes with a maritozzo, a doughnut filled with whipped cream sprinkled with sugar and topped with powdered icing.
11. Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks
3020 S. Broad St.
Are you planning to attend a sporting event? What to consider before you head down to the stadiums for a game? Skinny Joey’s You can now get your cheesesteak fix pre- or postgame at the newest location. Podcaster-turned-restaurateur Joseph Merlino wasn’t afraid to throw his name in the hat as a cheesesteak maker; he’s got 10 hits on the menu: Plain, hoagie-style, pizza with mozzarella and pizza sauce, buffalo chicken-style, and more. Skinny Joey’s has been a surprise hit for a brand newcomer.
12. Ishkabibble’s I & II
517 South St. and 337 South St.
South Street likes to flex its cheesesteak history—case in point: There are two Ishkabibble’s Within a few streets of each other. These local favorites have been open since 1979 and popularized the chicken-cheesesteak, which you can get with American, Provolone or Whiz. Other creative versions are also available, such as their nameake, which includes mushrooms, American cheese, sweet peppers and onions, along with pizza sauce. Wash them both down with their famous Gremlin: half grape soda and half lemonade—trust us.
13. Uncle Gus’ Steaks
1136 Arch St.