6 Best Cheesesteaks in Delaware County, PA

PENNSYLVANIA STATE – Delaware County, Pennsylvania, affectionately known as “Delco,” is a cheesesteak battleground. While Philadelphia often gets the spotlight, Delco residents know that some of the best cheesesteaks in the region are found right in their backyard. This article explores some of the top contenders for the Delco cheesesteak crown, highlighting what makes each one special. Forget Pat’s and Geno’s; this is the real deal.

The Contenders: Top Cheesesteak Spots in Delco

• Leo’s Steak Shop (Folcroft): The Champion

  Leo’s Steak Shop isn’t just a local favorite; it’s an award-winner. Having secured the prestigious title of the 1st Annual Cheesesteak Madness Tournament sponsored by PhillyBite Magazine in 2020, Leo’s has cemented itself

  as a cheesesteak champion. Serving oversized traditional cheesesteaks since 1974, Leo’s consistently wins “best of” awards. Their longevity and consistent accolades speak volumes. The location is right on the border of Folcroft, Sharon Hill, and Clifton Heights, making it a true Delco landmark.

  • Location: 1403 Chester Pike, Folcroft, PA
  • Highlights: Award-winning cheesesteaks, oversized portions, traditional style, long-standing reputation

• Johnny Paisano’s (Springfield): The Sleeper Hit

  Johnny Paisano’s is described as “the best cheesesteak no one is talking about.” Tucked away on Baltimore Pike, this unassuming spot delivers an exceptional cheesesteak experience. Key features include a fantastic sesame seed roll, tender, juicy, chopped meat, big chunks of fried onions and peppers, and a perfectly melted cheese that permeates the entire steak. This is a cheesesteak where quality ingredients and skilled preparation combine for greatness.

  • Location: 226 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, PA
  • Highlights: Sesame seed roll, tender chopped meat, flavorful onions and peppers, perfectly melted cheese, hidden gem

• DiFabio’s Market & Tap (Media): Quality Ingredients, but Watch the Roll

  DiFabio’s Market & Tap offers a cheesesteak with excellent, tender, juicy meat and a perfect amount of cheese. The mushrooms and onions are also praised for their size and flavor. While the roll is noted as a potential “weak link,” the overall quality of the meat and cheese makes this a strong contender.

  • Location: 1243 N Providence Rd, Media, PA
  • Highlights: Tender, juicy meat, perfect cheese amount, flavorful mushrooms and onions, quality ingredients

• Delco Steaks (Broomall): Potentially the Best, Needs Further Testing

  Delco Steaks is described as potentially “the best cheesesteak in all the land.” While one review noted the mushrooms and cheese getting slightly lost, the overall experience was still deemed “excellent.” This suggests Delco Steaks is a serious contender, and further visits are recommended to solidify its ranking.

  • Location: 2567 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA
  • Highlights: Potentially the best, excellent cheesesteak experience, high-quality ingredients

• The Original Thunderbirds (Broomall): A Classic Since 1956

  The Original Thunderbirds has been a Delco staple since 1956, offering a perfect traditional cheesesteak. The atmosphere is welcoming, making you feel part of a long-standing community. This is where customers and employees seem to share a long history.

  • Location: 2323 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA
  • Highlights: Classic cheesesteak, traditional style, welcoming atmosphere, long-standing history, great milkshakes

• Phil & Jim’s Steaks & Hoagies (Brookhaven): The Quintessential Cheesesteak

  Phil & Jim’s Steaks & Hoagies, under new (but experienced) ownership, embodies a classic cheesesteak. The traditional cheesesteak roll has a crust but can still absorb the chopped meat and perfectly melted cheese. This is the cheesesteak you imagine when considering the quintessential Philadelphia-area experience.

  • Location: 2905 Edgmont Ave, Brookhaven, PA
  • Highlights: Quintessential cheesesteak, traditional roll, chopped meat, perfectly melted cheese, classic experience

Delaware County, PA, offers a rich and competitive cheesesteak landscape. Delco is a cheesesteak lover’s paradise, from award-winning institutions like Leo’s Steak Shop to hidden gems like Johnny Paisano’s. This list provides a starting point for your Delco cheesesteak adventure – find your favorite!