Capriotti's Sandwich Shop is a well-known name amongst die-hard sandwich fans. Who can blame them? This sandwich chain has established a winning formula for immense, luscious, and irresistible sandwiches. Namely, the secret is in the high-quality ingredients, which include the best quality meats and cheeses, and fresh rolls and produce delivered daily. Try their popular cheesesteak or chicken cheesesteak, for a filling and flavorful take on the Philly classic. The cheesesteak here is stuffed with premium grilled steak and melted white American cheese. You can choose to add mushrooms, hot peppers or onions, depending on how you like your cheesesteak.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: The Capriotti cheesesteak delivers great ingredients and your choice of toppings.
Patricia's expert tip: Although not exclusively a cheesesteak shop, Capriotti's cheesesteak with mushrooms hits the spot when you're craving the Philly classic.
Pizza and cheesesteaks under the same roof? That's right. Rocky's Pizza and Cheesesteaks delivers the goods in a friendly counter-service spot in Mesa. The menu, with a huge selection of hand-crafted salads, sides, pizza, cheese steaks, paninis, deli sandwiches, burgers and oven-baked French fries, feels like it's engineered cheese and meat lovers in equal spades. Some of the highlights here include the enormous 28-inch pizza pies, the irresistibly saucy Buffalo chicken fries, oversize calzones, of course, the cheesesteaks. There are five varieties of the famed sandwich on the menu, including a spicy version with jalapenos. Good value, good flavor and a family-friendly ambiance make Rocky's a good spot for casual dining with the kids.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: Rocky's Pizza and Cheesesteaks delivers five extra-meaty versions of Philly's famed cheesesteak sandwich.
Patricia's expert tip: For a very filling lunch under ten bucks, check out the restaurant's "Knock Out" special, which comes with one large pizza slice, a side salad and a drink.
DeFalco's Italian Deli and Grocery is an award-winning, traditional, and family-owned Italian grocery and delicatessen. This small but always-busy store and restaurant has been repeatedly named one of the best lunch spots in town by several local publications. The smell of simmering tomato sauce and garlic from the kitchen offers the perfect mouth-watering setting for enjoying a delicious lunch or dinner. Cheesesteak aficionados take note: DeFalco's serves up one of the Valley's most irresistible cheesesteak sandwiches, featuring thin-sliced rib-eye topped with melted cheese and served on a fresh Italian roll. Mushrooms, onions, and fried peppers can be added upon request.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: It may not adhere strictly to a traditional Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, but Defalco makes a mean cheesesteak.
Patricia's expert tip: Defalco's let you order your cheesesteak sandwich with your choice of either beef or chicken. For a more traditional cheesesteak flavor, try it with the beef.
What a Sub has been serving up their special "meals in a bun" for more than 25 years now. New visitors to this busy sub shop will find fresh cut meats, high-quality cheeses, and fresh, oven-baked bread--all served up with a friendly smile. This is a busy breakfast and lunch destination for sandwich-lovers on the go. Try their version of the Philly cheesesteak, or whatever sandwich is the daily special, and be prepared to delight your taste buds. Check out the monthly menu to see the daily specials. This is a good place to check out if you need a cheesesteak fix while on the go.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: What a Sub makes cheesesteaks with high-quality cheeses and meats. The results are, not surprisingly, very tasty.
Patricia's expert tip: What a Sub's Philly cheesesteak makes an extra-meaty rendition that hits the spot when you can't make it to Philly.
Authentic cheese steak sandwiches in Phoenix? While they may not be made in Philly, the cheesesteaks at Corleone's are a worthy (and tasty) homage to the original sandwich. Corleone's uses Amoroso rolls and the very best meat available. Go for the original, which begs the question: "Wiz wit or not?" That's right, you're sandwich comes topped with Whiz cheese and grilled onions. Another good option is the Little Joey's, a cheesesteak hoagie. For a true taste of Philly, try The Godfather, which is made from capicola, pepper ham, genoa salami, hot cappy, pepperoni, provolone, sweet peppers, oil, and vinegar. Corleone's also makes great pizzas, wings and other specialty sandwiches. There's a small beer and wine menu, as well as dessert menu featuring shakes and ice cream.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: Looking for a place in Phoenix that specializes in cheesesteaks? Corleone's is the place to go.
Patricia's expert tip: If you're coming with a group, the menu at Corleone's also carries a large selection of pizza and wings.
This classic hamburger shop features made to order burgers made with fresh, never frozen, 100% angus beef patties. Burgers come in singles, doubles, or if you're really hungry, the signature rocket size burger, a 12-inch sub roll stuffed with three juicy patties and loaded with your favorite burger fixings. You'll also find a complete menu of specialty burgers, including a savory teriyaki burger, featuring pineapple, swiss, lettuce, tomato, and a homemade teriyaki sauce. Also on the menu are classic subs, sandwiches, rocket dogs, mini corn dogs, fresh salads, chicken and "rocket sides," including fries, cheese fries, chili fries, chili and cheese fries, rocket rings (aka onion rings), and fried zucchini. Still hungry? Rocket Burger & Subs has a large selection of cones, shakes, sundaes, floats, Slush Puppies, and the popular rocket freeze ice cream treat. Rocket Burger & Subs is also home to a popular soda pop shop where thirsty diners can find one of the largest selections of bottled sodas, including hard-to-find novelty pop. Tasty treats, friendly service and fast food prices make this one of the Valley's best burger shops.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: When you need your cheesesteak fix on the go, Rocket Burgers has its own delicious twist on the famous sandwich.
Patricia's expert tip: For a twist on the classic Philly Cheesesteak, try the restaurant's Philly cheesesteak burger, a burger with grilled onions.
This family-owned deli in Glendale has real deal East Coast-style sandwiches, including a very good rendition of Philly's famed cheesesteak. The bread is soft, the meat is plentiful and tender, and there's plenty of Cheez Whiz in sight. There are six iterations of the famed sandwich on the menu, so you can get it the way you like it. There's even a chicken cheesesteak on the menu if that's your thing. If a cheesesteak isn't your thing, the menu also features hot subs (chicken parmesan, cheeseburger sub and a meatball sub) and a slew of cold sub options.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: Phila Deli is a westside deli with six delicious takes on the classic Philly cheesesteak sandwich.
Patricia's expert tip: This newer Philly-themed deli offers a genuinely delicious "special cheesesteak" stuffed with grilled onions, grilled mushrooms, grilled bell pepper, marinara sauce, pepperoni and plenty of cheese.
Best of Philly has been a central Phoenix institution since opening its doors in 1995. This cozy, family-owned restaurant prides itself on its authentic mouth-watering Philly cheesesteaks using only lean steak that is chopped on the grill with olive oil and topped to your liking, then stuffed between fresh-baked Italian bread. The extensive menu also features gyros, burgers, salads, and even a vegetarian version of their Philly cheesesteak sandwich (stuffed with grilled onions, mushroom, tomato, pepperoncini or sweet peppers and cheese). If you're looking for something light, there is also a large selection of hot and cold sandwiches and salads.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: Since 1995, Best of Philly has done a good job of bringing the Philly cheese steak sandwich to the Sonoran desert.
Patricia's expert tip: Be forewarned: Best of Philly is closed on Sundays.
Forefathers Gourmet Cheesesteaks & Fries is the closest thing you'll get to a Philly cheesesteak without having to hop on a flight back East. All the cheesesteaks here are made from high quality thinly sliced steak and served on fresh Italian bread. Who could ask for more? The menu is extensive and creative, featuring the original Philly cheesesteak, along with chicken cheesesteak sandwiches, a delicious pizza cheesesteak sandwich, and a variety of gourmet soups, sides, and salads. With plenty of light options on the menu, even those members of your group who are watching their diet can enjoy a meal at Forefathers.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: It's not the real thing, but Forefather serves up a pretty decent rendition of a Philly cheesesteak sandwich in the Valley.
Patricia's expert tip: Still hungry? Forefathers offers a deliciously gooey homemade bread pudding for dessert.
Philly Steak & Wings uses only the finest ingredients to create memorable and authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwiches. The sandwiches here are made using Allen Brothers Steaks, high quality hand-carved USDA prime steaks that are slow aged for flavor and tenderness. As a result of the care and attention that go into the cooking process, the meat here is well-seasoned, tender and perfectly cooked. Although the hot and gooey Philly cheesesteaks are the star of the show here, Philly Steak & Wings also cooks up some delectable burgers, gyros, and salads. The restaurant is tucked behind a McDonald's restaurant, so don't miss it.
Recommended for Cheese Steak Shops because: Philly Steak and Wings uses quality USDA prime steaks to make their version of the famous Philly sandwich.
Patricia's expert tip: Not in the mood for a cheesesteak? The restaurant also carries gyro wraps.