A cheesesteak is a crusty roll filled with thin slices of sautéed ribeye and melted cheese. The cheese of choice is Cheez Whiz, but provolone is an acceptable substitution. For the perfect cheesesteak there needs to be a balance of flavors, textures and what is often referred to as the “drip” factor. Other toppings may include fried onions, sautéed mushrooms, and jalapenos. Cheesesteaks are fast, portable and make for the perfect meal.
In Philly there are two camps on who makes the best sandwich. Pat’s King of Steaks is the actual decedent of the originator of the cheesesteak. Pat Olivieri invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat’s has grown from a little stand at the southern end of South Philly’s Italian Market to one of the most famous cheesesteak shops in the world, albeit still in the same location (and still the only location). Another Philly favorite, in Philly, is Geno’s. Geno’s has been making its version from the same location for more than forty years and is a super popular choice. Like Pat’s, Geno’s is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Cheesesteak lovers debate differences between the two cheese steak stands that are mostly stylistic: cheese consistency, roll chewiness, meat tenderness. Geno’s neatly wrapped sandwiches come with thinly sliced meat. Pat’s slides it’s sliced meat sandwiches across the counter wide open and unwrapped. Geno’s recommends provolone cheese. Pat’s pushes Cheez Whiz. Both come with a side of attitude.
In Dallas, many, many miles from Philadelphia, we love anything with beef. It stands to reason that we would enjoy everything about a Philly Cheesesteak, and we do. We will help you find the best cheesesteak and other sandwiches that are similar. there are some terrific choices to be found.
The Truck Yard is all about being the super cool adult playground. Here locals bring their mutts to enjoy a day in the sun, sip cool bottled cocktails or enjoy a cold beer. There are a few dining options, including one of three rotating food trucks, and Steak Me Home Tonight, the delicious cheesesteak stand near the front entrance to the Yard. The roll is amazing, the beef is thinly slice ribeye, and there are a few veggie choices including grilled onions and sauteed jalapenos. Cheese is a matter of Whiz or provolone. Or as the natives often do, both. We consider this now the Holy Grail of cheesesteaks in Dallas. All this is served with plenty of eye candy for everyone.
A major player in the Dallas cheesesteak universe is Fred’s Downtown. There are seven locations around the Metroplex, and Fred’s offers it all. The bread is flown in from Philly for an authentic texture, and the meat is shaved in house. Expect a bit of a wait, as Fred’s is generally a busy place, and everything is made to order. Look for the two-foot Liberty Bell steak challenge, or just order a regular ten-incher.
Fred’s Cheesesteak
Gino’s Cheesesteak
Cheesesteak House
The Big Tony
John’s Cafe
Gino’s is a legit cheesesteak, and is located near Carrollton on Alpha. There are several incarnations available, and certainly with the Whiz. Cheez Whiz sounds like it would be a terrible thing, but there is something organic about the canned “cheese” that spreads so well on a mound of grilled meat. Located at 5528 Alpha Road.
John’s Cafe has been serving breakfast for 40 years and they also have a nice selection of sandwiches including a fine cheesesteak.
Big Tony’s has three locations strategically set across the Dallas area and serves up authentic cheesesteaks to an adoring fan-base. Big Tony is from Philly and brings a bit of home to Texas for a big bite.
The Cheesesteak House in Oak Cliff cranks out one super sandwich. The location is family owned and been in business since 2014 pleasing all-comers who want a great sandwich made with plenty of beef on a great roll.
Kenny’s Steak Bomb
Kenny’s Burger Joint in Frisco makes this wonderful cheesesteak called a Steak Bomb. It is large, brimming with beef, and loaded with cheese and sauteed peppers. It is amazing. Go get one this weekend.
Swiss Pastry lovin’
The legendary Fort Worth Cheesesteak at the unlikely Swiss Pastry Shop is made with freshly shaved beef and a house baked bun. Also made of legends? The Black Forest cake.
Finally for a different take on the steak, we might suggest a trek down McKinney Avenue to Del Frisco Grille for their Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls. Oh so heavenly delicious.
All credit for this delicious list goes to Craved FW. https://cravedfw.com/2019/02/11/where-to-find-a-good-philly-cheesesteak-in-the-dfw-area/
