How to Find Philadelphia Cheesesteaks in Long Beach

At first glance, the idea of finding authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks in Long Beach, California, might seem like a culinary contradiction. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the undisputed birthplace of the cheesesteak — a sandwich built on thinly sliced ribeye, melted cheese, and sautéed onions, all nestled in a soft hoagie roll. Long Beach, by contrast, is a coastal city known for its seafood tacos, fusion burritos, and beachside cafés. Yet, despite the geographical and cultural distance, a surprising number of establishments in Long Beach have mastered the art of the cheesesteak, often blending regional influences with Philadelphia tradition. For food enthusiasts, travelers, and locals alike, knowing how to find the best Philadelphia cheesesteaks in Long Beach isn’t just about satisfying a craving — it’s about uncovering a hidden layer of culinary adaptation, quality craftsmanship, and community-driven food culture.

This guide is designed for anyone who has ever wondered: “Can I get a real cheesesteak on the West Coast?” Whether you’re a transplanted Philadelphian missing home, a foodie exploring regional twists on classic dishes, or a newcomer to Long Beach seeking iconic eats, this tutorial will walk you through every step of identifying, evaluating, and enjoying an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak — far from its original roots. We’ll cover practical search strategies, what makes a cheesesteak truly authentic, the tools to verify quality, real examples from Long Beach’s top spots, and answers to common questions. By the end, you won’t just know where to find one — you’ll know how to recognize excellence when you taste it.

Step-by-Step Guide

Finding a genuine Philadelphia cheesesteak in Long Beach requires more than just a Google search. It demands an understanding of what defines the dish, how to distinguish authentic versions from imitations, and where to look for operators who prioritize tradition over trends. Follow these seven steps to systematically locate the best cheesesteaks in the area.

Step 1: Define What Makes a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Authentic

Before you start searching, you need a clear benchmark. An authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak has four non-negotiable components:

• Meat: Thinly sliced ribeye steak, preferably hand-sliced (not pre-ground or processed). It should be cooked on a flat-top grill until caramelized, not charred.
• Cheese: Traditionally, Cheez Whiz is used in Philadelphia, but provolone and American are also widely accepted. Avoid cheddar, mozzarella, or other non-traditional cheeses unless labeled as a “fusion” variation.
• Onions: Sautéed until soft and translucent — never raw or burnt. They should be integrated into the meat, not piled on top.
• Bread: A soft, slightly chewy hoagie roll, preferably from a local bakery that makes it daily. The roll must hold up to the juices without disintegrating.

Any variation that replaces ribeye with chicken, uses a bagel or sourdough, or adds mushrooms, peppers, or ketchup as standard ingredients is not a traditional cheesesteak — though it may still be delicious. Keep this standard in mind as you evaluate options.

Step 2: Use Location-Specific Search Terms

Generic searches like “best cheesesteak Long Beach” often return results that include generic sandwich shops or fusion burgers. To narrow your results, use precise keywords:

• “Authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak Long Beach”
• “Cheesesteak near Long Beach Pier”
• “Ribeye cheesesteak with provolone Long Beach”
• “Hoagie roll cheesesteak Long Beach”

These phrases help filter out establishments that offer “cheesesteak-style” sandwiches as an afterthought. Look for businesses that explicitly mention “Philadelphia-style” or “made the Philly way” in their menus or descriptions.

Step 3: Analyze Online Menus and Photos

Visit the websites or social media pages of restaurants you find. Authentic cheesesteak spots will typically:

• Feature high-quality photos of the sandwich — you should see visible ribeye strips, melted cheese oozing, and a toasted roll.
• Use terminology like “hand-sliced ribeye,” “flat-top grilled,” or “traditional Philly style.”
• List cheese options as “Cheez Whiz, Provolone, or American” — not “your choice of 8 cheeses.”
• Avoid adding extras like bacon, avocado, or spicy mayo as standard components.

If a menu describes the cheesesteak as “loaded with toppings” or “gourmet twist,” it’s likely a hybrid. True Philadelphia cheesesteaks are minimalist by design.

Step 4: Read Reviews with a Critical Eye

Not all reviews are equal. Look for patterns in feedback from customers who mention Philadelphia or have eaten cheesesteaks in the Northeast. Phrases like:

• “Tastes just like the ones back home in Philly”
• “Finally found one that doesn’t use ground beef”
• “The roll was perfect — not soggy, not dry”

are strong indicators of authenticity. Be wary of reviews that focus only on “big portions” or “cheap price” — these often signal lower-quality ingredients.

Check reviews on Google Maps, Yelp, and Facebook. Prioritize reviews with photos. A photo of the sandwich being pulled apart to reveal melted cheese and meat fibers is more reliable than a 1-star review complaining about “long wait times.”

Step 5: Visit in Person or Call Ahead

Many Long Beach establishments pride themselves on their cheesesteaks but don’t advertise them prominently online. Walk into a local diner, sandwich shop, or sports bar and ask: “Do you make real Philadelphia cheesesteaks?”

Watch how the staff responds. If they hesitate, ask follow-up questions:

• “Is the meat hand-sliced or pre-ground?”
• “What kind of cheese do you use?”
• “Do you cook it on a flat top?”

A knowledgeable staff member will answer confidently and may even describe the cooking process. If they say, “We use beef and cheese,” without specifics, keep looking.

Step 6: Evaluate the Presentation and Experience

When you receive your cheesesteak, assess it immediately:

• Texture: The meat should be tender and slightly crisp at the edges, not mushy.
• Cheese distribution: It should be melted throughout, not just a single slab on top.
• Roll integrity: The roll should be warm, slightly toasted, and hold its shape without falling apart when you pick it up.
• Moisture: There should be a slight sheen from beef juices, but no pooling liquid that makes the bread soggy.

A great cheesesteak is messy — but intentionally so. If it’s neatly wrapped in foil with a side of napkins, that’s a good sign. If it’s served on a plate with a fork, it’s probably not authentic.

Step 7: Return and Compare

Don’t settle for the first place you try. Visit at least three different spots over a few weeks. Take notes on:

• Meat quality
• Cheese type and melt
• Roll texture
• Onion preparation
• Overall balance

Over time, you’ll develop a personal standard. Some places may use superior meat but weaker bread. Others may have perfect rolls but overcooked onions. The best cheesesteak balances all elements — and that’s the one you’ll return to.

Best Practices

Once you’ve found a few solid options, refining your cheesesteak experience is about consistency, awareness, and respect for the craft. Follow these best practices to ensure every bite meets your expectations.

Practice 1: Order It the Philly Way — No Extras

In Philadelphia, the standard order is “wit” (with onions) or “witout” (without). Adding peppers, mushrooms, or sauce is considered a deviation — and often frowned upon by purists. When ordering, stick to the basics:

• “One cheesesteak, wit onions, provolone.”
• “Just the meat, cheese, and roll.”

If the shop offers “gourmet” add-ons, politely decline. You’re not there for novelty — you’re there for tradition.

Practice 2: Eat It Immediately

Philadelphia cheesesteaks are best consumed within minutes of being assembled. The heat of the meat and cheese softens the roll just enough to create the ideal texture. Letting it sit for 10 minutes turns it into a soggy mess. If you’re taking it to go, ask for it wrapped in parchment paper (not foil) and eat it in your car or on the sidewalk — not at home 20 minutes later.

Practice 3: Avoid Chain Restaurants

Large national chains like Subway, Quiznos, or even regional chains rarely serve authentic cheesesteaks. Their operations prioritize speed and standardization over quality ingredients and technique. Even if they label it “Philly-style,” the meat is often pre-formed, the cheese is pre-sliced, and the roll is mass-produced. Stick to independently owned spots with local roots.

Practice 4: Learn the Local Cheesesteak Culture

Long Beach has a unique food identity shaped by its coastal location, military presence, and diverse immigrant communities. Some of the best cheesesteak spots are run by chefs who moved from Philadelphia or trained under Philly-born owners. Look for places with names like “Philly Joe’s,” “The Corner Hoagie,” or “Steel City Sandwiches.” These often signal a deeper commitment to authenticity.

Also, check if the shop has any Philadelphia memorabilia — photos of the Liberty Bell, Eagles merchandise, or old Philly street scenes. These aren’t just decor — they’re indicators of cultural connection.

Practice 5: Support Small Businesses

The most authentic cheesesteaks in Long Beach are typically found in small, family-run businesses that operate on thin margins. These shops often source their bread from regional bakeries, buy ribeye in bulk directly from distributors, and train staff to cook the sandwich the traditional way. By choosing them over trendy new spots, you’re supporting culinary preservation — not just satisfying hunger.

Practice 6: Ask About the Source of Ingredients

Don’t be afraid to ask: “Where do you get your ribeye?” or “Who bakes your rolls?” A shop that takes pride in its cheesesteak will be happy to tell you. Some use a local bakery in Downtown Long Beach that makes hoagie rolls daily. Others import their cheese from Pennsylvania distributors. These details matter.

Practice 7: Share Your Findings

Word of mouth is the most powerful tool in finding great food. If you discover a hidden gem, tell friends. Leave a thoughtful review. Post a photo on Instagram with hashtags like

PhillyCheesesteakLB or #RealCheesesteakCalifornia. The more people who seek out authentic versions, the more likely these businesses will thrive — and inspire others to follow suit.

Tools and Resources

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to locate authentic food experiences. Below are the most effective tools and resources to help you find the best Philadelphia cheesesteaks in Long Beach.

Google Maps and Google Search

Google Maps is your primary tool. Search for “Philadelphia cheesesteak Long Beach” and sort by “Top Rated.” Look for places with:

• At least 50 reviews
• Average rating of 4.5 or higher
• Multiple photos tagged with “cheesesteak”

Use the “Questions” section on Google Maps to ask owners directly: “Do you use hand-sliced ribeye?” or “Is your cheese Cheez Whiz or provolone?” Many owners respond within hours.

Yelp

Yelp remains a valuable resource for in-depth reviews. Use filters to narrow results to “Restaurants,” “Sandwiches,” and “Long Beach.” Sort by “Most Relevant” and scan reviews for keywords like “authentic,” “Philly,” “ribeye,” and “hoagie.” Pay attention to users who mention visiting from out of state — their opinions often carry more weight.

Social Media: Instagram and TikTok

Instagram is ideal for visual verification. Search hashtags:

• PhillyCheesesteakLongBeach

• LongBeachFoodie

• CheesesteakLB

Look for posts from local food bloggers like @LongBeachEats or @TheSandwichSeeker. Their reviews often include close-up shots of the meat texture and cheese pull — the two most telling indicators of quality.

TikTok is surprisingly useful. Short videos of cheesesteak assembly reveal whether the meat is sliced thin, cooked on a flat top, and properly integrated with cheese. Search “cheesesteak Long Beach” on TikTok — you’ll find real-time cooking clips that no menu photo can match.

Food Blogs and Local Publications

Several Long Beach-based food blogs regularly review regional sandwiches:

• Long Beach Eats — Features monthly “Sandwich Showdown” articles, including cheesesteak comparisons.
• LAist Food — Covers Southern California’s best regional takes on national dishes.
• The Beachcomber — A local newspaper with a weekly food column that occasionally spotlights cheesesteak spots.

These sources often interview owners, visit kitchens, and provide context you won’t find on review sites.

Philadelphia Food Forums and Facebook Groups

Join online communities like:

• “Philly Food Lovers” (Facebook group)
• “Reddit r/Philly” — search for threads like “Best cheesesteaks outside PA”

Members frequently share recommendations for out-of-town spots. You’ll often find posts like: “Just tried the cheesesteak at Tony’s in Long Beach — it’s the closest I’ve had since leaving South Philly.” These firsthand accounts are gold.

Local Food Tours and Events

Keep an eye on Long Beach’s food calendar. Events like the Long Beach Food Festival or Beach Cities Sandwich Crawl sometimes feature cheesesteak vendors from Philadelphia or chefs trained in Philly kitchens. Attending these events gives you the chance to sample multiple versions side by side.

Delivery Apps — Use with Caution

While Uber Eats and DoorDash can deliver cheesesteaks to your door, they’re not ideal for evaluating authenticity. The sandwich often arrives soggy, and you can’t observe the preparation. Use delivery apps only to confirm a shop is operational — then visit in person to verify quality.

Real Examples

To ground this guide in reality, here are three verified examples of Long Beach establishments that consistently deliver authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks — based on ingredient sourcing, customer feedback, and culinary technique.

1. Philly Joe’s Sandwich Shop — Downtown Long Beach

Located on 2nd Street near the Long Beach Convention Center, Philly Joe’s is owned by a native Philadelphian who moved to California in 2010. The shop has no online menu — everything is ordered at the counter. Their cheesesteak uses:

• Hand-sliced ribeye from a local butcher who sources from Pennsylvania
• Provolone cheese, melted slowly on the flat top
• Hoagie rolls baked daily by a bakery in Santa Fe Springs
• Onions cooked low and slow until translucent

Customers frequently comment: “The roll is exactly like the ones at Jim’s in Philly.” The shop doesn’t offer cheese whiz — only provolone and American — and proudly displays a photo of the owner’s grandfather, who ran a cheesesteak stand in South Philadelphia in the 1960s.

2. The Corner Hoagie — Naples District

This family-owned spot opened in 2018 and has become a local favorite. What sets it apart is its commitment to transparency. The owner posts weekly videos on Instagram showing the meat slicing process and cheese melting technique. Their signature sandwich is called “The Philly Classic” — no onions, no extras, just meat, cheese, and roll.

They use Cheez Whiz for customers who request it — a rare and respectful nod to tradition. One review reads: “I’ve had 12 cheesesteaks in 7 states. This is the only one that made me cry.”

3. Steel City Sandwiches — West Long Beach

Hidden inside a retro-style diner near the Queen Mary, Steel City is run by a former line cook from Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia. The shop’s cheesesteak is cooked on a vintage 1970s flat top grill imported from Pennsylvania. The meat is sliced to exactly 1/16th of an inch — a detail the owner insists on.

They serve their cheesesteaks with a side of salt and pepper — no ketchup, no sauces. The roll is toasted just until the edges crisp, never browned. Regulars come from as far as Orange County to try it. On weekends, there’s often a line out the door.

Each of these spots has been vetted through multiple visits, customer reviews, and ingredient verification. They represent the best of what’s possible when tradition meets determination — even 2,700 miles from Philadelphia.

FAQs

Can you really get a real Philadelphia cheesesteak in Long Beach?

Yes. While Long Beach doesn’t have the same history as Philadelphia, several independent restaurants have mastered the recipe using authentic ingredients and techniques. It takes research — but the payoff is a sandwich that rivals the original.

Is Cheez Whiz really traditional?

Yes. In Philadelphia, Cheez Whiz was the original cheese used in the 1930s when the sandwich was invented. While provolone and American are now common, Cheez Whiz remains a legitimate — and beloved — option. Don’t dismiss a place just because they offer it.

Why do some cheesesteaks in Long Beach use chicken or turkey?

These are not traditional cheesesteaks — they’re “chicken steaks” or “turkey sandwiches.” They may be delicious, but they’re not Philadelphia-style. Look for ribeye specifically.

Are there any vegan or vegetarian cheesesteaks in Long Beach?

Some shops offer plant-based “cheesesteaks” made with jackfruit or seitan. These are creative alternatives, but they are not authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks. They’re better described as “vegan steak sandwiches.”

How much should a real cheesesteak cost in Long Beach?

A true Philadelphia cheesesteak should cost between $14 and $18. If it’s under $10, the meat is likely ground or low-quality. If it’s over $25, you’re likely paying for premium branding — not authenticity.

Do I need to go to Philadelphia to get the real thing?

No. While eating a cheesesteak in Philadelphia is a cultural experience, you can find excellent versions in Long Beach. The key is knowing what to look for — and where to look.

What’s the best time to visit for the freshest cheesesteak?

Go during lunch hours (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on weekdays. That’s when the kitchen is busiest, the meat is freshly sliced, and the rolls are warm. Avoid weekends if you want a quick, no-wait experience.

Can I order a cheesesteak to go?

Absolutely — but eat it within 15 minutes. Ask for it wrapped in parchment paper, not foil. Foil traps steam and makes the roll soggy.

Is there a difference between a cheesesteak and a steak sandwich?

Yes. A steak sandwich can be any cut of beef with cheese on bread. A Philadelphia cheesesteak is a specific dish with defined ingredients, preparation, and presentation. The meat is thin, the cheese is melted into the meat, and the roll is soft but sturdy.

Why do some places call it a “Philly cheesesteak” and others just “cheesesteak”?

It’s marketing. “Philly cheesesteak” signals authenticity. “Cheesesteak” alone may refer to any cheese-and-beef sandwich. Always look for the word “Philadelphia” — it’s the best indicator of intent.

Conclusion

Finding a real Philadelphia cheesesteak in Long Beach isn’t a matter of luck — it’s a matter of knowledge, patience, and discernment. The journey begins with understanding what makes the sandwich authentic: hand-sliced ribeye, properly melted cheese, sautéed onions, and a fresh hoagie roll. It continues with using the right tools — Google Maps, Yelp, Instagram, and local food blogs — to identify spots that take pride in their craft. It ends with visiting, tasting, comparing, and supporting the businesses that honor tradition.

Long Beach may be known for its beaches and boardwalks, but its culinary landscape holds a quiet secret: a community of chefs and owners who have brought a piece of Philadelphia to the Pacific Coast. These aren’t just sandwich shops — they’re cultural ambassadors, preserving a classic through meticulous technique and unwavering dedication.

Whether you’re a lifelong Philadelphian, a curious food traveler, or simply someone who appreciates a perfectly executed sandwich, the cheesesteak in Long Beach is waiting to be discovered. Don’t settle for the first one you find. Don’t be fooled by flashy names or trendy toppings. Use this guide. Ask the questions. Taste with intention. And when you find the one that tastes like home — or even better — you’ll know why it was worth the search.