MICHIGAN - Michigan may be globally recognized for its incredible Detroit-style pizza and legendary Coney dogs, but the Great Lakes State also boasts a fiercely competitive cheesesteak scene. Whether you are hanging around a college town, exploring Metro Detroit, or heading west toward Grand Rapids, you don’t have to settle for a subpar sandwich. Thanks to dedicated locals and East Coast expats, Michigan is packed with griddles serving up finely shaved ribeye and perfectly melted cheese on authentic rolls.
Here are 10 of the absolute best spots to grab a proper cheesesteak in Michigan:
1. Gabriel's Cheese Steak Hoagies (Ypsilanti & Westland)
An absolute institution in Southeast Michigan, Gabriel's has been slinging legendary sandwiches since 1959. Ask almost anyone in the area where to get a real-deal cheesesteak, and this is the first answer you'll hear. They keep it simple and perfectly executed, serving tender, shaved beef with melted provolone and sweet cherry peppers on authentic rolls.
2. Mr. Spots (Ann Arbor)
A University of Michigan staple since 1986, Mr. Spots is the undisputed go-to for students and locals alike. Famous for being NFL legend Tom Brady’s favorite college hangout, they take authenticity seriously by shipping in real Amoroso rolls directly from Philadelphia. It is the perfect, greasy, no-nonsense cheesesteak to pair with their famous wings on game day.
3. Izzy's Hoagies and Cheesesteaks (Ann Arbor)
The rivalry between Mr. Spots and Izzy's is fiercely debated in Ann Arbor, but both are absolute heavyweights. Izzy's is beloved for its massive, heavy portions and perfectly seasoned meat. If you are a cheesesteak purist who judges a sandwich by its meat-to-cheese ratio and structural integrity, Izzy's will not disappoint.
4. Joey's Famous Philly Cheesesteaks (Southgate)
A true Downriver legend, Joey's is famous among Michigan's East Coast transplants because they refuse to compromise on the bread. They get their rolls shipped in straight from Philly, ensuring that the bread has that distinct, soft-yet-sturdy texture required to hold up to a massive pile of juicy, chopped steak and hot Cheez Whiz.
5. Detroit 75 Kitchen (Detroit)
Located in Southwest Detroit, this award-winning artisan sandwich shop offers an elevated, culinary take on the classic. Their Detroit Philly features shaved ribeye and sirloin, garlic-roasted mushrooms and peppers, and a blend of provolone, Swiss, and Romano cheeses. It is a bit more gourmet than a gritty South Street shop, but the flavor is undeniably incredible.
6. Big Shawn's Cheesesteaks (Grand Rapids)
If you are on the west side of the state, Big Shawn's is a mandatory stop. They have built a massive local following by serving loaded, unapologetically messy Philly cheesesteaks. To complete the authentic East Coast experience, they even serve authentic Philly water ice to wash down your sandwich.
7. Lefty's Famous Cheesesteaks (Multiple Locations)
Born right in Livonia, Lefty's has rapidly expanded across the state simply because their core product is so incredibly good. They do the classic steak perfectly—finely chopped and loaded with cheese—while also offering fun, localized twists like their famous corned beef egg rolls.
8. Ricky's Sub Shop (Dearborn)
Sometimes the best cheesesteaks come from old-school, blue-collar sub shops that have been doing things right for decades. Ricky's in Dearborn is a neighborhood institution. Their cheesesteak is incredibly satisfying, greasy in the best way possible, and consistently praised as one of the most reliable hangover cures in Wayne County.
9. Hoagie Man Deli (Adrian)
Hoagie Man boldly claims to serve the "Best Cheesesteak in Michigan" right on their signage, and their intensely loyal fanbase backs it up. They serve up absolutely massive, heavy sandwiches packed with high-quality beef and fresh veggies, making it well worth the drive for anyone in Lenawee County.
10. The Irish Coffee Bar and Grill (Grosse Pointe Farms)
Every great list needs a sleeper hit, and this east-side pub is exactly that. While known for their fantastic burgers, locals swear that the cheesesteak at The Irish Coffee is the best-kept secret in Metro Detroit. It is a hearty, perfectly griddled tavern steak that pairs beautifully with a cold beer and a spot at the bar.
