NEW YORK STATE - When you think of New York State's culinary identity, pizza, bagels, and Buffalo wings usually take center stage. However, from the bustling streets of Manhattan to the snowy corners of Western New York, the Empire State has quietly built a highly respectable cheesesteak scene. Whether it is an exact South Philly replica imported to the five boroughs or a unique regional twist found in Upstate cities, New York takes its meat and cheese very seriously.
Whether you are looking for a gourmet tavern take or a late-night street food savior, here are the 10 best cheesesteak spots in New York State.
1. Federoff's Roast Pork
Located in Brooklyn, this establishment might put roast pork in the name, but their cheesesteak is widely considered to be the absolute best in the five boroughs. Run by a Philadelphia native, Federoff's utilizes premium, incredibly tender meat and flawless bread to create an aggressively authentic, highly acclaimed South Philly experience right in Williamsburg.
2. Jim's Steakout
A true Western New York institution with multiple locations across the Buffalo area, Jim's offers a beloved regional twist on the classic sandwich. Their signature "Buffalo-style" cheesesteaks feature perfectly chopped steak, melted cheese, and their famous, highly guarded secret sauce, making it an absolute staple for locals craving late-night comfort food.
3. Wogie's Bar & Grill
Situated in Manhattan with locations in the West Village and the Financial District, this energetic sports bar was founded by a Philly expat looking to bring genuine hometown flavor to NYC. Wogie's bakes their bread fresh in-house every single morning, ensuring their generously stuffed, perfectly seasoned cheesesteaks have the ideal foundation to soak up every drop of savory flavor.
4. Chiddy's CheeseSteaks
What started as a single food truck has blossomed into a Long Island empire with multiple brick-and-mortar locations. Chiddy's is famous for its massive portions, high-quality ingredients, and fully customizable menu, offering an incredibly reliable and deeply satisfying cheesesteak experience for anyone craving East Coast authenticity outside of the city limits.
5. Mac's Philly Steaks
Operating out of Rochester, this beloved Upstate spot proudly refuses to cut corners when it comes to authenticity. Mac's insists on using genuine Amoroso rolls shipped straight from the source to house their hot, finely chopped, and perfectly cheesy steak, providing a true and highly praised taste of Philadelphia near the shores of Lake Ontario.
6. Pepper Jack's
A staple of the Capital Region located right in Albany, this quick-serve neighborhood joint is legendary among locals and college students alike. Pepper Jack's executes a phenomenal, straightforward cheesesteak that focuses entirely on hearty flavor, a perfect meat-to-cheese ratio, and an unpretentious, incredibly satisfying bite that keeps residents coming back for more.
7. Olde City Cheesesteaks & Brew
Located in Manhattan, this lively Chelsea hangout beautifully recreates the magic of an authentic Philadelphia corner pub. Olde City imports their bread directly from the source and utilizes high-quality ribeye to craft a masterful, traditional cheesesteak that pairs perfectly with their impressive craft beer selection and undeniable hometown energy.
8. Ruby's Cheesesteaks and Fries
Often cited by Upstate foodies as a hidden culinary gem, this unassuming spot in Syracuse delivers surprisingly massive, big-city flavor. Ruby's is frequently praised for having the best, most well-seasoned cheesesteak in the region, offering a flawless, gooey sandwich that easily rivals dedicated shops much closer to the Pennsylvania border.
9. Rocco's Cheesesteaks
A standout destination in Queens, Rocco's is highly celebrated for bringing serious sandwich craftsmanship to the borough. They deliver a hearty, perfectly balanced classic, utilizing fresh, crusty bread and an ideal blend of deeply savory steak and melted cheese, making it a mandatory stop for anyone hunting for the ultimate comfort meal in NYC.
10. Shorty's
With a long-standing reputation as one of the premier destinations for a Philly fix in Manhattan, this bustling bar and restaurant consistently hits the mark. Shorty's imports authentic bread from the Philadelphia area to ensure their massive, juicy sandwiches maintain that vital chew and texture, easily satisfying purists and casual diners alike.
