In honor of National Cheesesteak Day on Sunday, March 24, we are listing off the top 15 cheesesteak sandwiches served around America's Finest City.
It's one of my favorite foods in existence. A creation straight out of Philadelphia, PA, the cheesesteak sandwich combines thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and maybe some veggies (peppers, onions, mushrooms) in a long hoagie roll. As a NJ native, I was raised on these sandwiches and even manned a cheesesteak flat-top for a few years in high school and college. The sandwich is glorious, greasy deliciousness and there are many tasty versions out there in San Diego. Check out this list of our 15 favorite cheesesteaks from all over America's Finest City and get out there and get one!
For the record, my go-to cheesesteak order is beef with provolone, the works (peppers, onions and mushrooms) and hot cherry peppers if they got'em, which they always should. I'll happily take American cheese once in awhile, but whiz is for tourists. If I was left to my own devices, I'd probably eat a few every week. Below is the list of my favorite places to grab a cheesesteak sandwich from all around San Diego County.
1. Calozzi's Cheesesteaks - This newcomer has already reached cheesesteak glory in Seattle and is now taking San Diego by storm. A no-frills spot, Calozzi's is the brainchild of Philly-native Al Calozzi, who you'll catch clinking spatulas behind the flattop. These cheesesteaks are huge and delicious, with probably the best meat-to-bread ratio of any sandwich in town. Tell him SanDiegoVille sent ya and enjoy the show!
2. Giorgino's - A Golden Hill staple since 2007, this casual sandwich shop does it right, from breakfast sandwiches to burgers, but its the cheesesteaks that keep people talking. The eatery even serves cheesesteak fries and has a most-fantastic pork roll egg and cheese sandwich!
3. Alex's Brown Bag - A walk up window now located inside Ocean Beach's Mother's Saloon, Alex's Brown Bag makes an array of sandwiches, burgers, and their specialty - cheesesteaks. Owner Jim Mullen hails from the suburbs of Philadelphia, growing up on the most famous cheesesteaks in the world, and he does his hometown proud with his take on the classic sandwich.
4. Steak N Fries - Another Pacific Beach based eatery, Steak N Fries uses exceedingly fresh ingredients, from house cut ribeye to crisp vegetables to fluffy Amoroso rolls. We ordered a cheesesteak with peppers, onions, mushrooms and griddled cherry peppers and it passed the test. The owners are Philly natives to boot!
5. Surf Rider Pizza Co. - First opened in Ocean Beach in 2010 by Hilary Rossi, Surf Rider Pizza Co. is now owned by The Patio Group and has expanded to Crown Point, Mission Beach and La Mesa. In addition to tasty NY-style pizza, the eatery makes excellent cheesesteaks, as well as a cheesesteak Stromboli that is not to be missed.
6. Gaglione Brothers Famous Steaks & Subs - A San Diego destination since 2004, this authentic sandwich shop has two area locations run by three brothers and boasts an awesome pepper bar. Go for The Works cheesesteak, and be sure to get a side of jalapeno cheese fries. You won't be disappointed.
7. Bub's At The Beach - This neighborhood dive makes surprisingly bomb bar food, including some of the tastiest tots in town, and the Pittsburgh Steak sandwich may be the best of show. Be sure to get it "all the way" to get your necessary dose of grilled vegetables.
8. Anthem Vegan - A vegan cheesesteak?!? Why, yes! If Anthem made all my meals, I'd happily go vegan. This farmers-market-turned-brick-and-mortar, plant-based diner could please the most blood-thirsty carnivore with its expansive menu of breakfasts, tacos, burritos, sandwiches, salads, burgers, and more. Try the Philly cheesesteak sandwich - you won't miss the meat!
9. Philly Franks - San Diego's OG cheesesteak shop, Philly Franks is a family owned and operated establishment located in a strip mall in San Marcos that offers a simple menu of authentic East Coast-style hoagies and Philly cheesesteaks (there is even a vegetarian cheese'steak'). The eatery also sells Tasty Cakes and Wise potato chips.
10. Taste Of Chicago - This adorably quaint eatery in San Diego's Mount Hope neighborhood makes an array of Chicago-inspired eats, from hot dogs, to burgers, to fried baskets, to gyros. Although their cheesesteaks are delicious as-is, it's their crispy cheesesteak wrap that brings us back. Like a mix between an eggroll and a chimichanga, this behemoth is filled with gooey deliciousness and can be made with steak or chicken and all the fixins'.
11. Philadelphia Sandwich Company - Philly native Joe Creszenzo has been serving up some of San Diego's top cheesesteaks since 1979. Head by the family-owned eatery and pick up a Joe Special Cheesesteak. The pastrami sandwich is also delicious!
12. Philly Steak Subs - This El Cajon Sandwich shop originally opened in the 1970s before being purchased by longtime restaurateur Elias Totah in 2002. The small, family-run operation serves a bunch of tasty sandwiches, but its the Philly cheesesteaks that are the specialty. We suggest the Philly Cheese Steak with the works (NO AVOCADO, bc that's no bueno).
13. Jersey Mike's Subs - Usually, I would not include a chain on a list like this, but I'd be lying if I said that Jersey Mike's didn't serve one of my favorite Philly's in town. We always opt for the Big Kahuna, although we prefer the chicken version over the beef in this instance!
14. Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria - Okay, I know it's not technically a cheesesteak, but Lefty's Italian Beef with provolone checks all boxes and is a fantastic sandwich. Come on, tell me that you wouldn't guess cheesesteak if I fed it to you blind folded? Either way, it's awesome and deserves a mention on any list of the city's top steak sandwiches.
15. Regal Beagle - This Mission Hills beer bar knows a thing or two about cheesesteaks! Regal's version is available with either beef or chicken and includes peppers, onions, and American cheese on an Amoroso roll. Get it with a side of crispy tots and enjoy the food coma that follows.
Did we miss any amazing cheesesteaks?! If so, please let us know my emailing [email protected]!
