OHIO - When you think of Ohio's culinary scene, chili and pierogies might be the first things that come to mind, but the Buckeye State secretly harbors an incredible cheesesteak culture. From the trendy food halls of Columbus to walk-up windows in Cincinnati and hidden gems tucked inside convenience stores, Ohio has successfully imported the magic of the East Coast staple.
Whether you are looking for an artisan brisket twist or a massive sandwich served on an authentic Amoroso roll, here are the 10 best cheesesteak spots in Ohio.
1. Marlow's Cheesesteaks
Founded by Philadelphia natives, Marlow's Cheesesteaks in Gahanna is widely considered the crowning jewel of the Columbus food scene. Built on authenticity and a commitment to premium ingredients, this spot brings true Philly style to the heart of Ohio, complete with the perfect bread and classic Cheese Whiz. With a vibrant mural of Philadelphia legends decorating the walls, it is the closest you can get to South Philly without actually leaving the state.
2. Wario's Beef and Pork
Located in the Arena District of Columbus, Wario's Beef and Pork elevates the cheesesteak from a humble street food to a true gourmet experience. Their massive "Steak Sandwich Wario's Way" is a culinary masterpiece, featuring perfectly seasoned, high-quality beef and an indulgent blend of white American, provolone, and their famous house-made whiz. While the price point reflects its premium nature, the sheer size and flavor make it a necessary pilgrimage for any serious sandwich enthusiast.
3. The Original Steaks and Hoagies
With locations in Twinsburg, Fairlawn, and Willowick, this beloved Northeast Ohio institution has built a massive following by sticking to the fundamentals. Fans consistently praise their incredibly close-to-authentic approach, which relies on classic Amoroso rolls and perfectly griddled steak that doesn't need to rely on gimmicky toppings to shine. It is a no-nonsense, highly reliable destination for anyone craving a traditional Philly in the Cleveland or Akron areas.
4. AJ's Cheesesteak
Operating out of Norwood near Cincinnati, this wildly popular food truck consistently draws long lines of hungry locals chasing the perfect sandwich. AJ's sets itself apart by refusing to compromise on the bread, utilizing genuine Amoroso rolls shipped straight from the source to house their deeply flavorful, well-chopped steak. Combined with their top-tier wings, it is a street food staple that has successfully cracked the code on authentic East Coast flavor in Southwest Ohio.
5. 13th Street Alley
Nestled in Cincinnati's historic Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, this unassuming walk-up window is a legendary late-night savior and daytime staple. 13th Street Alley delivers a consistently phenomenal, gooey cheesesteak that balances perfectly melted cheese with deeply savory, heavily seasoned meat. Whether you want classic whiz or sharp provolone, this beloved spot offers an unpretentious and deeply satisfying take on the iconic sandwich.
6. Eddies Famous Cheesesteaks
A staple of the Akron food landscape for nearly three decades, Eddies has perfected what locals proudly refer to as the "Akron style" cheesesteak. Known for extreme passion, high-quality ingredients, and fresh, made-to-order preparation right on the griddle, their massive sandwiches are paired with legendary fresh-cut fries. The incredible word-of-mouth surrounding this spot recently culminated in a highly anticipated brick-and-mortar destination right in downtown Akron.
7. M&S Drive-thru
Tucked away in Mansfield, this spot proves that you should never judge a book by its cover when hunting for culinary greatness. This unassuming convenience store earned national recognition for serving a phenomenal, heavily packed sandwich stacked high with hickory-smoked beef bacon, cheese, peppers, and seasoned grilled onions. What it lacks in traditional restaurant ambiance, it more than makes up for in explosive flavor and unapologetic, messy perfection.
8. Steak Thyme
A beloved hidden gem located on Wilmington Avenue in Dayton, Steak Thyme offers a surprisingly authentic cheesesteak experience tucked inside an eclectic menu. Locals rave about their perfectly executed griddled steak and the fact that they proudly offer real Cheese Whiz for the purists. It provides a hearty, classic sandwich that consistently hits the spot for Dayton residents craving East Coast comfort food.
9. The Village Butcher
Found in Mayfield Heights, this artisan butcher shop takes a wonderfully unconventional approach to the cheesesteak that has Cleveland foodies talking. Instead of traditional shaved ribeye, they offer a wildly popular brisket cheesesteak that melts in your mouth with rich, smoky flavor. While it might bend the strict rules of a traditional Philly, the execution, quality of meat, and sheer deliciousness make it a mandatory stop for any carnivore in Northeast Ohio.
10. Hoagie City
Located in Hilliard, this local favorite focuses heavily on classic, unpretentious flavor and consistently delivers one of the juiciest steaks in the Columbus metro area. Hoagie City allows diners to customize their perfect sandwich, offering both half and whole sizes loaded with tender meat, grilled onions, and their choice of whiz or provolone. It is a reliable, deeply comforting spot that understands the beauty of a simple, perfectly executed sandwich.