New Jersey’s close proximity to Philadelphia means that cheesesteaks are not hard to come by. Throughout the shore towns and Philly-area suburbs, there are dozens of great options. To my delight, North Jersey now enjoys many excellent cheesesteaks as well. At its simplest, a good cheesesteak includes shaved ribeye, grilled onions and melty cheese on a chewy sub roll.
From classic options that give Philly’s best a run for their money, to Italian-American hybrids that don’t necessarily resemble your typical option at all, the Garden State is dotted with excellent choices. These are some of the best cheesesteaks in New Jersey.
But first, the rules.
What Makes a Great Cheesesteak?
Any classic cheesesteak must include some key attributes, though I do welcome deviations from time to time.
1. Good Bread
A proper cheesesteak is only as good as its bread. A nice, chewy roll is a must. Bonus points if it’s a sesame roll. Many famous cheesesteak spots source their bread from Liscio’s Bakery, which produces an excellent roll for the job if you ask me.
2. Even Dispersion of Ingredients
Listen up, because this is important. A classic cheesesteak must be cohesive. Allow me to explain. The beef, cheese and onions should be properly mixed, with the correct ratio—something like two parts beef, one part each of cheese and onions sounds right to me. This homogeneity is crucial so that every bite is as good as the last. You should never take a bite of a cheesesteak that’s missing any of the main ingredients.
3. Sweet Peppers?
No. Hot peppers are okay, though.
4. Cheese Type Is Less Important Than You Think
It may be crass, but we often get lost in the politics of cheese when it comes to a cheesesteak. Some diehards insist that a “real” cheesesteak must include wiz (it doesn’t). I, too, fell for this propaganda for years. There are old-school types who say provolone is the way to go. Nowadays, many of the best cheesesteaks opt for white American cheese—specifically the Cooper Sharp brand. That’s my preferred cheese, but so long as whatever you choose is properly mixed with the meat and onions (see: Rule 2), then I’m not too worried.
5. Greasy = Good
It’s just one of those sandwiches where the greasier it is, the better. There’s a scene in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air where Uncle Phil buys Will some yuppie “cheesesteak” on a croissant to cure his homesickness. Will boldly exclaims: “This is not a Philadelphia cheesesteak. Look at the bag… no grease stain. If this were an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak, you could see right through the bag by now.”
Later in the episode, Uncle Phil arranges for Will’s hometown friend Ice Tray (played by the one and only Don Cheadle), to come through with a genuine Philly cheesesteak. Grease-soaked bag and all.
23 NJ Cheesesteaks You Have To Try
Lillo’s Tomato Pies – Hainesport, NJ
Back in 2023, I proudly claimed that “Philly’s best cheesesteak is in New Jersey.” Was I being provocative? A little bit, but Lillo’s Tomato Pies really does do cheesesteaks exceptionally well and it’s right up there with the best I’ve had in Philly. Lillo’s classic offering features Cooper Sharp white American cheese, grilled onions, shaved ribeye and a seeded roll. One bite, and you’ll get the hype.
Christo’s Wake and Steak – Bloomfield, NJ
Christo’s is doing a few different cheesesteak varieties, including Nashville hot chicken cheesesteaks and their Old School option, which comes with saucy cheese wiz and griddled onions. However, it’s the New School cheesesteak that put Christo’s on the map. Cooper Sharp, grilled onions and a seeded roll—sensing a theme yet?
Palmer’s Quality Meats – Neptune, NJ
Palmer’s is a butcher shop in Neptune City, but every Thursday through Saturday, they dish out some of the shore’s best sandwiches. That includes the PQM cheesesteak, which features house-shaved ribeye cooked in beef tallow, onions, hot cherry pepper relish and American cheese on a crusty semolina roll.
The Galley – Asbury Park, NJ
The Galley is dishing out more than just thin-crust pizzas—the cheesesteaks are a must-try. A truly gargantuan amount of shaved Pat La Frieda ribeye is loaded into a toasty sesame roll with grilled onions and enough Cooper Sharp to coat each bite. Add it to The Galley’s long list of mesmerizing options.
Steaks Unlimited – Seaside Heights, NJ
Known by me and my friends simply as “Steaks,” this Seaside Heights hot spot dishes out one of the most unique cheesesteaks in Jersey. Shaved-and-diced ribeye, white American, onions, peppers and fried cheeseballs top the house-favorite Seaside Tony. All of Steaks’ sandwiches come served inside pizza bread, making their offerings markedly different from the rest of the pack.
Donkey’s Place – Camden, NJ
Five miles from Philly is Donkey’s Place, but their world-famous cheesesteak couldn’t be further from the classic. Donkey’s Place does a cheesesteak that the late Anthony Bourdain considered the best around. Shingles of sliced ribeye are piled high on a poppy seed kaiser roll with deeply browned onions and cheese. Don’t forget the jars of pepper relish on the tables and bar top.
Meatheadz Cheesesteaks – Lawrence Twp, NJ
Meatheadz offers nearly 20 different cheesesteaks on its menu. You can’t go wrong with a classic Philly-style steak, topped with Cooper Sharp and onions, but if you’re feeling adventurous, consider springing for the Drippin’ Steak. This option takes cues from a French Dip Sandwich, combining shaved ribeye, provolone and a ladle full of house-made au jus.
Piccolo’s – Hoboken, NJ
I’d consider this more of a “steak sandwich” than a cheesesteak, but it still demands your attention. Piccolo’s famous steak sandwich has been the go-to in Hoboken since 1955. A half-inch slab of char-broiled ribeye is left whole—not shaved or chopped—on the bread. Two slices of American cheese top it. Is it unorthodox? Maybe, but delicious nonetheless.
Cheesesteak Louie’s – Seaside Heights, NJ
If you find yourself in Seaside Heights this summer, you might want to check out Cheesesteak Louie’s, where they’re dishing out an array of different steak options from classic Philly to buffalo chicken. Your choice of cheese, a generous portion of seasoned beef and onions makes up the classic option at the shore favorite.
Steve’s Burgers – Garfield, NJ
I love Steve’s Burgers for, well, burgers, but every now and then I spring for their cheesesteak, which is equally as exceptional. It sits somewhere between a classic Philly and a Jersey pizzeria-style cheesesteak with sheets of ribeye, yellow American cheese, a steamy sub roll and grilled onions. Skip the side of fries with your burger and instead get a side of cheesesteak.
Cheessteaks – Merchantville and Belmar, NJ
Whether you choose the namesake Cheessteak (not a typo), which comes loaded with Copper Sharp and grilled onions, or The OG, which swaps cheese wiz into the mix, Cheesteaks promises a sandwich experience that you won’t soon forget. Had enough beef? Give the Chipotle Honey Chicken Cheesesteak a whirl.
Dar’s Steaks – Haddon Twp, NJ
Seasoned ribeye and onions are jam-packed into a crusty seeded roll at Dar’s, which is located just outside Philadelphia, so you know it’s good. Choose between saucy cheese wiz, provolone or white American and revel in what is a phenomenal version of the classic. Try a pizza steak if you’re feeling bold, which comes with shaved steak, provolone and bright marinara sauce.
Corson’s Steaks – Haddonfield, NJ
A perfect symphony of melty cheese, ribeye and onions makes up this local favorite cheesesteak. The real star is the crusty roll, which perfectly encapsulates the entire sandwich. When I talk about an even dispersion of ingredients being paramount to a great steak, this is precisely what I mean.
Wallington Deli – Wallington, NJ
The star of the show at Wallington Deli is the house-made bread. The ciabatta-like roll is the perfect vessel for any of their stellar sandwiches. Surprise, they do a great cheesesteak too. It comes stuffed with seasoned steak, American cheese and grilled onions. I like to add hot cherry peppers to mine.
Bob-O’s Cheesesteaks – Ridgefield Park, NJ
A variety of different cheesesteak options dot the menu at Bob-O’s in Ridgefield Park, including the indulgent Disco Sandwich. The Jersey-style cheesesteak comes with juicy shaved ribeye, savory brown gravy, crispy fries and mozzarella cheese, served on tasty garlic bread. Is it classic? No. Do I care? Also no.
Brynn Bradley Cheesesteaks – Woodbury Heights, NJ
Freshly shaved ribeye, your choice of cheese and grilled onions top the classic cheesesteak at Brynn Bradley in Woodbury Heights. If you’re after a sandwich that emulates many of the best spots in Philly, this is your place.
Johnny Longhots – Wildwood, NJ
A long menu of creative cheesesteaks is what’s in store at Wildwood’s Johnny Longhots. If I were you, I’d give the “Italian Stallion” a try, which lands you shaved steak, grilled onions, sharp provolone cheese and spicy longhots.
Joe’s Steak Shop – Phillipsburg, NJ
This vintage steak shop has been serving authentic cheesesteaks since 1938. Joe’s Steak Shop specializes in a unique steak sauce that gets lathered onto your generously portioned cheesesteak. Don’t worry, you can buy it by the quart to take home.
Raceway Bagels – Berlin, NJ
In true New Jersey fashion, one of the state’s best cheesesteaks is served at a bagel shop. Raceway Bagels serves up what is the platonic ideal of a Philly cheesesteak—seasoned ribeye, grilled onions, white American and a steamy, chewy roll.
Anderson’s Country Store – Pittsgrove Twp, NJ
This old-school, cash-only corner store has become a destination spot for some of NJ’s best sandwich creations, but it’s, of course, the cheesesteak that I’m concerned with. Anderson’s Country Store is stuffing plenty of shaved ribeye with melty cheese into their version of the Philadelphia classic.
Senatore Sandwiches – Sparta, NJ
I’ll always be a guy who goes for the classics, but sometimes you can take a slight detour. Senatore has two cheesesteak options that I think are worth checking out. The Senatore Steak comes piled high with poblano peppers, grilled onions and American cheese. Or, go for the Italian Cheesesteak, which comes served with provolone, broccoli rabe and a smear of lemon aioli.
Carmen’s Deli – Bellmawr, NJ
This deli and bakery specializes in a cheesesteak that encapsulates what it means to be timeless. No reinventing the wheel here, just good quality beef, melty cheese and onions mixed to a perfect cohesion and stuffed inside a steamy, house-baked hoagie roll.
Russo’s Market – Wildwood, NJ
This beach town market also serves a sneaky great cheesesteak. Stop in at Russo’s and grab a loaded Philly cheesesteak before heading over to the beach for the day. Can you think of a better meal to enjoy with your feet in the sand? I can’t.
Peter Candia is the Food + Drink Editor at New Jersey Digest. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, Peter found a passion for writing midway through school and never looked back. He is a former line cook, server and bartender at top-rated restaurants in the tri-state area. In addition to food, Peter enjoys politics, music, sports and anything New Jersey.
