Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2018 and is updated annually.
Philadelphia is the nation’s cheesesteak capital, so it figures the best Philly cheesesteak can be found in ... New Jersey.
So proclaimed the late great Anthony Bourdain, who cited Donkey’s Place in Camden as home of the best cheesesteak anywhere.
National Cheesesteak Day is celebrated on March 24, but every day should be Cheesesteak Day, even if the gloriously greasy sandwich shortens your life expectancy bite by bite.
In 2018, I drove nearly 1,000 miles, visiting 25 cheesesteak joints around the state. The list has been updated annually since then. I’ve visited dozens more spots since the first list.
The majority of the places are, not surprisingly, in South Jersey, the longtime center of cheesesteak civilization in New Jersey. North Jersey? When it comes to cheesesteaks, you have some work to do.
39. Joe’s Steak Shop, Phillipsburg
The neon-lit Joe’s Steak Shop is a P-burg landmark. It opened in 1938 as little more than a shack — the sign advertised Royal Crown Cola. The bathroom’s outside; ask for the key at the counter.
When you order at Joe’s, they’ll ask if you want mild or hot sauce. It looks like ketchup, but is actually the steak sauce available at Joe’s since day one. You can even buy it in bottles.
38. Pete’s Steak House Tavern, Hamilton
Pete’s Steak House Tavern is a cozy roadhouse retreat; dig the old-time ads on the walls (25-cent jumbo steaks, 55-cent dishes of ravioli at the original Chambers Street, Trenton location).
We don’t talk much about chicken cheesesteaks on this list, but you can find commendable ones at Pete’s. There’s a broccoli rabe one, too, if you want to nudge the cheesesteak envelope a bit.
37. The Kibitz Room, Cherry Hill
Jewish Cheesesteak — that’s what they call it at the Kibitz Room — is a bold mix of brisket, cole slaw, pepper jack and Russian dressing. It’s different if not daring. The regular cheesesteak— I added mushrooms and peppers — is recommended. The Kibitz Room, South Jersey’s best-known Jewish deli, finished No. 5 on our list of New Jersey’s best delis, ranked.
36. Pete’s Subs & Deli, Egg Harbor Township
Several former employees of legendary White House Subs work at Pete’s, which opened Labor Day weekend, 2016.
Cheesesteak purists were horrified when I posted a photo of Pete’s tomato/mushroom cheesesteak (photo) on Twitter. “You can’t put tomatoes or mushrooms in a cheesesteak,” they bellowed. Hey, I don’t play by the rules and I’ll put anything I want in my damn cheesesteak. It was a great combination.
35. Sack O’ Subs, Ventnor
Sack O’ Subs founder Anthony Sacco was one of the original owners of the White House Sub Shop in Atlantic City. The original Sack O’Subs opened in Ventnor in 1969; there are also locations in Egg Harbor Township, Absecon, Ocean City and Atlantic City.
Like the spare decor of the Sack O’ Subs Ventnor store, this is a no-nonsense cheesesteak, with better-than-average bread.
34. The Original Steak & Hoagie, Plainsboro
Original Steak & Hoagie is headquartered in a cute little hardwood-floored house in Plainsboro. Good bread elevates their cheesesteaks above the assembly-line competition.
33. Mama’s Meatballs and Pizzeria, Pennsauken
Mama’s Meatballs specializes in meatballs, pizzas, strombolis, roast pork sandwiches — and cheesesteaks. The regular cheesesteak here (your choice of cheese and toppings) is a well-executed take on the classic, but the must-order is the Philly Willy, with sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, olive oil, grated and shaved parmesan, and a solid seeded roll.
32. Ernest and Son, Brigantine
Ernest and Son was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives in 2017, catapulting tiny Brigantine into the national spotlight. Ernest Storino opened the butcher shop in 1977; current owner Mel Cortellessa started working there when he was 13.
You know a place takes cheesesteaks and steak sandwiches seriously when they offer N.Y. strip and prime rib cheesesteaks in addition to the chopped rib-eye variety. All are available at Ernest and Son. Actually, I liked the standard cheesesteak (top) over the N.Y. strip cheesesteak (bottom), which costs about $2 more.
31. Gaetano’s, Hamilton
“Please don’t ask for discounts on food unless you are Bruce Springsteen!” reads a sign at Gaetano’s in Hamilton. The brightly-decorated strip mall cheesesteak joint opened in 2005.
The most peppery cheesesteak in New Jersey is the Peter Piper at Gaetano’s. Green peppers, sweet peppers, roasted peppers, jalapeno peppers and hot peppers add up to pepper-lovin’ nirvana. I’m drooling just thinking about it.
30. White House Sub Shop, Atlantic City
Love it or hate it, White House Sub Shop is an essential Jersey experience. Elvis, the Beatles, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber and thousands of other sub and cheesesteak-craving celebs have eaten here over the years; check out the photos on the wall. But make sure to take a ticket, at the back of the shop, first.
29. Dar’s Steaks, Westmont
“World’s best cheesesteak” is the modest claim at Dar’s, one of the newer kids on the cheesesteak block. You can get a regular cheesesteak, but go for the gooey gold and order a Hot Chester (photo), with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, banana peppers and Whiz. Then destroy whatever’s left of your diet and order a half dozen cream donuts at nearby McMillan’s Bakery.
28. Piccolo’s Famous 4 Cheesesteaks, Hoboken
On Facebook, a regular at Piccolo’s suggested that the owner consider a commercial so he could get his menu “out there.” The owner’s response: “And have a whole new crop of maniacs and nincompoops walk through my door?” It’s that kind of place. Piccolo’s is old-school and atmospheric, with a worthy cheesesteak.
27. Peter & Sons, Glassboro
Peter & Sons may have the best interior/exterior of any NJ cheesesteak joint, located in a cozy house on Delsea Drive. “Just a guy and his family serving up real deal Philly style sandwiches in Jersey!” says owner Peter Beres. Yiu can get your steak chopped or sliced, which is different. I had mine chopped; good meat, OK roll.
26. Bob-O’s Cheesesteaks, Ridgefield Park
Yes, Virginia, there are good cheesesteaks in North Jersey! Bob-O’s opened in late 2020. Build your own cheesesteak, or order one from the menu. The Bob-O, the standard cheesesteak, combines rib-eye, grilled onions, peppers and American cheese. Chicken cheesesteaks always seem to take a back seat to their steak counterparts, but the Hot Daddy (photo) is one of the state’s better chicken cheesesteaks, with thinly sliced chicken, hot cherry peppers, shaved raw onions and spicy pepper jack cheese.
25. Russo’s Market, North Wildwood
Russo’s, around for 40-plus years, is the go-to spot for towels, flip-flops, suntan lotion, sunglasses and other beach essentials. Oh, and killer sandwiches. Get a 22-inch cheesesteak if you haven’t eaten all summer. It’s cash only.
24. Espo’s, Raritan
The venerable local hangout offers its classic cheesesteak on Fridays only. It’s shaved ribeye with American cheese and caramelized onions on pizza bread; the hot cherry pepper spread adds extra pop. The cheesesteak is available Fridays only at lunch. Check their daily specials; Sunday gravy with cavatelli is available every Sunday for dinner.
23. Cheesesteak Louie’s, Seaside Heights
Cheesesteak and Jersey attitude abound at Cheesesteak Louie’s, which opened last year. One sidewalk sign reads: “Pleasant People Welcome. Unpleasant People Always Welcome, Just Make it Quick.” The Louie original is the standard cheesesteak, with choice of cheese (I went with provolone) and peppers and onions. It’s a big hunk of greasy goodness. In case you’re wondering, cheesesteak legend Midway Steaks is not on this list, but two other Seaside cheesesteak joints besides Louie’s are.
22. Rocco’s Steaks, Camden
Donkey’s Place may get all the publicity, but Rocco’s Steaks (no web site or official Facebook page) is an old-school delight — screen door, several stools, pleasantly grungy. I asked the lady behind the counter if there was a restroom, and she gave me a look that would melt 10 inches of snow on your sidewalk.
Rocco’s cheesesteaks are monstrously meaty. Ignore the low-rent exterior, step inside, and chow down. Just don’t ask if there’s a restroom.
21. The Speakeatery, Asbury Park
It’s not easy standing out on Cookman Avenue, Asbury Park’s lively commercial strip, but The Speakeatery has managed that with its creative, wide-ranging sandwiches, from pork chop and fried pickle/bacon/chicken sandwiches to the Elliott Mess, with house roasted turkey & roast beef, muenster cheese, arugula, roasted red peppers, tomato, coleslaw, cranberry aioli, and horseradish mayo on an extra soft pan baked hero.
The Ole Steak Sang-Gweech at The Speakeatery marries house-cooked roast beef with red onions, hot cherry peppers and American cheese. Good and gooey. The Speakeatery also made our list of the state’s best breakfast sandwiches.
20. Sugar Hill Sub Shop, Mays Landing
Sugar Hill was one of ten finalists in our N.J.’s best sub/hoagie shop showdown, so you know they make super sandwiches. There are regular cheesesteaks on the menu, and then there is the Gut Buster (photo). Steak, onions, mushrooms, pepper shooters, pepperoni, mozzarella and hot pepper cheese add up to a dangerously delicious steak. Note on menu: We are not responsible if your heart stops!
19. Carmen’s Deli, Bellmawr
Carmen’s Deli was also one of 10 finalists in our N.J.’s best sub/hoagie shop showdown, so it comes as no surprise they make a killer cheesesteak. The Rose’s Special sub may be my favorite sandwich in all of South Jersey.
Who’s your cheesesteak daddy? The Big Daddy at Carmen’s is a meaty, mouthwatering combination of steak, fried onions and hot cherry peppers. It’s a handful, and near-heavenly.
18. J&M Grill, Boonton
South Jersey is the center of Jersey cheesesteak civilization, but there are good cheesesteaks in North Jersey if you know where to look (and no, I’m not forgetting Central Jersey; my top-rated cheesesteak is from there). J&M is a food truck parked along Myrtle Avenue in Boonton. I had a cheesesteak with onions; it was good and gooey and agreeably greasy. They have fresh-squeezed lemonade, too.
17. Original Steaks, Seaside Heights
Seaside never sleeps. When it comes to cheesesteaks, anyway. Steaks Unlimited and Original Steaks, across the street from each other and owned by once-feuding and now-on-speaking-terms brothers, are open through the winter. Legendary Midway Steaks, on the boardwalk and open seasonally, doesn’t hold a candle to either, in my cheesesteak opinion.
16. Steaks Unlimited, Seaside Heights
Purists will shudder over the bread at Steaks Unlimited and Original Steaks. Both use pizza bread, the usual vehicle for Italian hot dogs. It may be cheesesteak heresy, but that bread is certainly sturdier than the soft sub rolls found at most cheesesteak joints.
15. Crumb Sandwich Shop, Haddonfield
Crumb is easy to find —it’s steps from the dinosaur. We’re talking about the eight-foot-tall sculpture of hadrosaurus foulkii, the first found complete dinosaur skeleton, discovered on a Haddonfield farm in 1858. It’s on Lantern Lane, just off Kings Highway. And Crumb? It calls itself a “sandwich and salad joint.” The menu is divided into late risers (brunch offerings), soups, so fresh so clean (salads), get your meat on (sandwiches), no fly zone (chicken cutlet sandwiches), pass the gras (vegan sandwiches) and lil’ crumbs (kids). The cheesesteaks are different from the get-go; they’re served on house-baked focaccia, not rolls. There are also locations in Medford and Bordentown City.
14. The Galley, Asbury Park
The Galley is one of my favorite Asbury Park restaurants, and still a relative secret in the Shore’s most compelling dining scene. The pizzas are first rate — try the Station 83, with chile oil, mozzarella, pepperoni and pecorino Romano. Burgers (even a lobster burger), chicken sandwiches, pastas and more are on the eclectic menu. The cheesesteak is a winning bend of house smoked prime rib and aged white cheddar on a toasted roll.
13. Cockadoodle Dan’s Wings & Deli, Moorestown
Beef and chicken in the same cheesesteak? It may sound daft, but the Batman & Robin cheesesteak at Cockadoodle Dan’s combines both meats, plus Cooper sharp cheese, into one tasty package. Besides the usual cheesesteak lineup, they offer a Thai chile chicken cheesesteak, with chile sauce and Cooper sharp.
12. Meatheadz, Lawrenceville
Meatheadz — “New Jersey’s best cheesesteaks,” trumpets the web site — was previously located in a former Stewart’s Drive-in on Brunswick Pike. It re-located to a new spot minutes away. Everyone who recommended Meatheadz on Twitter told me to order the Drippin’ Steak (rib eye with provolone and dipped in au jus), and the juice/broth made for a drippingly delicious sandwich. But I liked a regular cheesesteak with American even more; it’s loaded with juicy, tender meat.
11. Christo’s Wake & Steak, Bloomfield
New school or old school? That’s the choice at Christo’s Wake & Steak. The former combines Cooper sharp cheese and fried onions, the latter Cheez Whiz and onions. Whenever I see Cooper sharp on a menu, I pounce, so I went new school. It’s loaded and juicy, with quality meat and seeded roll. Yoiu can also build your own cheesesteak, with various meats and cheeses. Christo’s opened earlier this month.
10. Josie’s Good Eats, Bradley Beach
You can’t have a great sandwich without great bread, and the thick, chewy home-baked roll at Josie’s is the best at any Jersey cheesesteak joint. “Josie’s is the cumulation of passion, experience, and the love of cooking that began at a very early age watching Grandma cook,” says chef/owner Joseph Hand. The Philly cheesesteak overflows with American cheese and provolone. Salads, sandwiches, wings and mac n’ cheese are also on the menu.
9. Tony Boloney’s, Atlantic City/Hoboken
No one pushes the cheesesteak envelope quite like Tony Boloney’s. Purists will recoil in horror at the genre-bending steaks at this pizzeria/sandwich shop, but purists miss all the fun in life anyway.
What’s on the cheesesteak menu at Tony Boloney’s? A cheesesteak with goat cheese, spicy jalapeno and beet horseradish (the Bad Leroy). Another with shaved ribeye, smoked bacon, garlic aioli and fresh mozzarella (Ducktown Melt). The Ole (photo) is a messy, marvelous mix of Mezcal-marinated 10-spice steak, chipotle house sauce, fried onions and queso Oaxaca. The Brotherly Love is a winning combination of house-made white whiz, fried onions, cherry pepper relish and fried long hots. There are also locations in Jersey City, Long Branch and Margate.
8. Pat’s Pizza, Point Pleasant
Pretty much every neighborhood pizzeria offers a cheesesteak, but would you trust any of them? You can at Pat’s Pizza, an ordinary-looking strip mall pizzeria with a surprisingly good cheesesteak. Every great sandwich starts with good bread, and the sturdy, crunchy roll at Pat’s elevated it into rarified cheesesteak air. Much of the bread on my cheesesteak road trips was meh.
7. Lillo’s Tomato Pies, Hainesport
Pizzerias with cheesesteaks on the menu — that’s no surprise. Pizzerias with great cheesesteaks on the menu — that’s a shocker. On a recent visit to Lillo’s, just one of a dozen sit-down customers was enjoying a slice; everyone else was chowing down on cheesesteaks. The owners are originally from Trenton, thus the Straight Outta Trenton t-shirts on sale. Succulent meat and a top-notch seeded roll add up to cheesesteak near-perfection.
6. Donkey’s Place, Camden
Anthony Bourdain proclaimed Donkey’s Place the best Philly cheesesteak in 2015, but Donkey’s was on the cheesesteak radar well before that. Leon Lucas, a former Olympic boxer, bought the business in 1947; fans likened his punch to a mule’s or donkey’s, thus the name. Donkey’s is more bar than restaurant; order at the register or sit down and smell the steaks sizzling and popping on the grill.
5. Chick’s Deli, Cherry Hill
Chick’s Deli, sandwiched into an alley just off Route 70 in Cherry Hill, was my #1 N.J. cheesesteak joint for years, but several newcomers have supplanted it. Founded in 1957, Chick’s made my list of 20 Jersey Food Experiences You Must Try Before You Die.
It’s much easier to order a sandwich at Chick’s than it is to park there. These are simple, classic steaks, with the right balance of tasty meat and cheese. The bread is from Liscio’s. Chick’s made our recent list of N.J.’s 21 best hidden restaurants.
4. Gouldsburger’s, Haddonfield
”Good food, done right” is the slogan at Gouldsburger’s, which opened about a year ago. Burgers, naturally, are the focus, with such offerings as the gold standard (shredded lettuce, pickle chips, raw onions, Cooper sharp cheese, organic ketchup on a house-made bun) and the pocketful of sunshine (roasted tomatoes, sliced avocado, organic sunny side up egg, house-made bun). But the cheesesteaks are getting the most attention these days. The prime beef cheesesteak combines mighty fine meat and a superior seeded roll. And yes, there are veggie cheesesteaks; the portobello cheesesteak is loaded with mushrooms. If you love the latter, you’ll drool over this one.
3. Corson’s Steaks, Haddonfield
Is Haddonfield suddenly the cheesesteak capital of New Jersey? The picturesque town— ranked No. 2 on my list of Jersey’s best small towns — landed three spots on this list, including two of the top four. At Corson’s Steaks. subs, roast pork, meatball parm and chicken cutlet sandwiches are among the offerings. The steak sandwich is loaded with sliced, not chopped, rib eye. I ordered it with Cooper sharp, my favorite cheesesteak cheese.
2. Brynn Bradley, Woodbury
Brynn Bradley is a spare, unassuming sandwich shop just down the street from the Colonial Diner. But don’t let appearances deceive you; the sandwiches, including a hot roasted pork and Italian hoagie, have devoted followings. The cheesesteak, with fresh shaved ribeye and seeded Liscio’s roll, is second only to the one below in this state. Oh, and Woodbury is packed with good eats, including Brynn Bradley, BoNe (Vietnamese), Gia Nina’s, the Colonial Diner and Ms. Heavens, which merely serves the state’s best wings.
1. Neil’s Kitchen, Long Branch
Neil’s Kitchen was one of 10 finalists in our search for the state’s best sub/hoagie shop, so maybe it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to find a top-notch cheesesteak there. Even still, I was blown away when I tried the sandwich for the first time. When it came down to selecting the top cheesesteak joints, bread was a deciding factor, and the bread at Neil’s is second only to Josie’s on this list. Any great sandwich starts with great bread.
Looking for more New Jersey food coverage? Subscribe to the free Jersey Eats newsletter here!
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting NJ.com with a voluntary subscription.
Peter Genovese may be reached at pgenovese@njadvancemedia.com. On Twitter, @petegenovese. On Instagram, @peteknowsjersey and @themunchmobile.
Ad Choices