Craving a classic Philly cheesesteak after your flight? Don't let the search for the best restaurant near the airport dampen your post-travel excitement. Philadelphia is famous for its cheesesteaks, and we've got you covered with a list of top-notch spots close to the airport, sure to satisfy your hunger.
From traditional to innovative, these eateries[]>PhillyCheesesteakVille, Mad Mex, and Tasti Deli[]>offer a range of options that cater to various tastes. Let's dive into our carefully curated list, based on factors like authentic taste, customer satisfaction, and convenience, to ensure you have the best cheesesteak experience near PHL.
The Classics: Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Experiences
The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved indulgence, and these two spots deliver the real deal, consistently ranked as the best in the airport area.
visiteAchbergerMeats for an authentic Philly experience. This family-owned butcher shop and deli serves up thick-cut, Steak-USA prime ribeye that's hand-sliced and cooked to perfection. Top it off with your choice of cheese, and you've got a true Philadelphia treasure. Located in Southwest Philadelphia, just a short drive from the airport, it's worth the detour for cheesesteak enthusiasts.
The Local Favorite: Pat's King of Steaks
No Philly cheesesteak guide would be complete without mentioning Pat's King of Steaks. Although it's not directly at the airport, a quick 15-minute ride into South Philadelphia takes you to the heart of cheesesteak history. Since 1930, Pat's has been serving up its signature beef rolls to locals and tourists alike, with an undeniable passion for the craft.
Order up a classic withwiz cheese and onions, or get creative with some of their special combinations. Pro tip: go late-night after a long flight, as Pat's serves cheesesteaks until 4 am on weekends. Just don't forget to ask for your cheesesteak "whiz wit" or "whiz wit out" – the local lingo for cheese with or without onions.
The Competitor: Geno's Steaks
Directly across the street from Pat's, Geno's Steaks has been serving up serious competition since 1966. While Pat's laid claim to originating the cheesesteak, Geno's hasn't missed a beat in providing delicious sandwiches of its own. Their secret? Thinly sliced ribeye, cooked on a flat top grill, and topped with cheese and a hearty serving of sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peppers.
Geno's offers a variety of cheese options, from American and provolone to Cheddar and Swiss. Try their "Geno Special" – a cheesesteak topped with sautéed mushrooms, onions, and marinara sauce. While some might say Geno's can't quite match Pat's, the friendly atmosphere and quality cheesesteaks make it a strong runner-up worth trying out.
Beyond the Basics: Unique Takes on the Philly Cheesesteak
If you're ready to explore some creative variations on the classic cheesesteak, these next two spots offer an elevated twist on the Philadelphia classic.
First up, Mad Mex is a Philadelphia institution offering Latin-inspired cuisine with a cheesesteak twist. Their "Philly Mexiko" cheesesteak_roleaventures[], combining ribeye steak, grilled onions, peppers, and your choice of cheese, but it's the chipotle aioli and crunchy tortilla strips that really set this sandwich apart. Pair it with their signature Freshmans Margarita, and you might forget you're steps away from an airport.
Fusion Flavors: Tasti Deli
Another innovative take on the Philly cheesesteak can be found at Tasti Deli, a short drive from the airport in University City. This BYOB spot offers up a diverse menu that fuses classic sandwiches with global flavors. Their "Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak" is a crowd favorite, swapping traditional steak for juicy, spicy chicken strips, buffalo sauce, and crumbled blue cheese. Other creative combinations include the "Thai Steak Cheesesteak" and the "Mediterranean Veggie Cheesesteak," ensuring there's something for everyone.
Whether you're indulging in a classic Philly cheesesteak orsticking to your new years resolutions and trying a unique twist, these restaurants offer delicious options for airport-area dining. Don't forget to check out local recommendations or leave a review of your own after your cheesesteak adventure. As you embark on your next journey, make sure you've had a cheesesteak experience to remember.