Where To Find the Best Philly Cheesesteak in Atlanta

If you’re craving a Philly cheesesteak in Atlanta, you’re not alone. Atlanta might be better known for wings and Southern cooking, but the city has quietly built a strong cheesesteak scene—from classic, no-frills spots to creative, chef-driven versions.

Below is a guide to some of the best places for a Philly cheesesteak in Atlanta, what makes each one stand out, and how to pick the right spot depending on where you are in the city and what kind of sandwich you want.

What Makes a Great Philly Cheesesteak?

Before choosing a spot in Atlanta, it helps to know what you’re looking for. A solid cheesesteak usually comes down to:

• Bread: Soft, slightly chewy roll that holds up without getting soggy.
• Steak: Thinly sliced ribeye or similar cut, cooked on a flat-top griddle.
• Cheese: American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz–style sauce are the classics.
• Onions & add-ons: Griddled onions, peppers, mushrooms, and other toppings if you like extras.

In Atlanta, you’ll find:

• Traditional “Philly-style” cheesesteaks that try to stay close to the original.
• Southern or Atlanta twists, like extra spice, specialty sauces, or non-traditional cheeses.
• Upgrade options, such as premium cuts of beef or house-baked bread.

Quick Comparison: Popular Atlanta Cheesesteak Spots

Use this simple table to narrow down your options based on style and location.

Below are some of the more commonly recommended styles and where Atlantans tend to go for them.

Classic Philly-Style Cheesesteaks in Atlanta

If you want something as close as possible to a traditional Philly cheesesteak, look for places that emphasize:

• Thinly sliced steak on a long, soft roll
• Minimal toppings (often just onions and cheese)
• Fast, griddle-focused cooking

What to Order

When you’re aiming for a “true Philly” feel in Atlanta, try:

• “Steak with onions and cheese” or “steak, onions, and provolone/American”
• Keep add-ons simple: maybe mushrooms or peppers, but avoid overloading if you want a more classic texture.

Tips for a Better Classic Cheesesteak in Atlanta

• 🔹 Ask about the bread. Many locals find the best sandwiches come from shops that either ship in specialty rolls or work with a consistent local bakery.
• 🔹 Order it “chopped” or “sliced” based on preference. Some grills chop the meat finely; others keep it in longer strips.
• 🔹 Go during peak lunch or early dinner. High turnover often means fresher bread and hotter sandwiches.

Atlanta-Style & Creative Cheesesteaks

A lot of Atlanta cheesesteak fans enjoy spins on the original—extra heat, specialty sauces, or non-traditional toppings.

Common Local Twists

You’ll often see:

• Added spice: Hot peppers, spicy mayo, or local hot sauces
• Extra-rich cheeses: Pepper jack, multiple-cheese blends, or house-made cheese sauces
• Loaded toppings: Bacon, jalapeños, fried onions, or even fried eggs at some spots

These variations can be especially popular:

• Late at night near Downtown, Midtown, and college areas
• In food halls and mixed-use developments where vendors experiment with menus

If you like bold flavors, ask about:

• A “fully loaded” or “house special” cheesesteak
• Any signature cheesesteak or “Atlanta-style” option on the menu

Neighborhood Cheesesteak Options Around Atlanta

Where you are in the metro area often shapes what’s most convenient. Here’s how to think about cheesesteaks by area:

Downtown & Midtown Atlanta

Ideal if you’re:

• Staying in a hotel near Peachtree Street, the Georgia World Congress Center, or State Farm Arena
• Looking for a quick bite before or after a concert, game, or event

What to expect locally:

• Fast-casual counter spots serving cheesesteaks alongside burgers and wings
• Extended hours near nightlife or event venues
• Plenty of takeout and delivery options for hotels and offices

Tips:

• For events, plan for extra time—lines can grow around tipoff, first pitch, or showtime.
• If you’re staying near Downtown or Midtown MARTA stations, look for spots within a short walk or quick rideshare.

Westside, West Midtown, and Surrounding Areas

On the Westside (around Marietta Street, Howell Mill Road, and nearby corridors), cheesesteaks may appear:

• In neighborhood sandwich shops
• As specials in bars or breweries
• In food halls where vendors sometimes feature a cheesesteak or steak sandwich option

These can be good if you’re:

• Working at a tech or media office nearby
• Visiting breweries, the Atlanta BeltLine Westside Trail, or Westside developments

Eastside (Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, East Atlanta, Decatur)

On the east side of town, cheesesteaks show up in:

• Local delis and sandwich shops
• Casual restaurants near the BeltLine Eastside Trail
• Small neighborhood spots where cheesesteaks sit alongside wings, tenders, and burgers

Locals often:

• Grab cheesesteaks to-go for nearby parks or to take home
• Pair them with local craft beer or sweet tea at casual hangouts

South Atlanta & Airport Area

If you’re near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport or in nearby South Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Many wing and sub shops include cheesesteaks on the menu.
• These are convenient if you want a fast, filling meal between flights or on the way home from the airport.

Tip:

• If you’re pressed for time, call ahead or use an app for pickup, especially during evening rush hours around I-85 and airport corridors.

How to Choose the Right Cheesesteak Spot in Atlanta

When you’re deciding where to go, a few practical factors matter just as much as flavor.

1. Proximity and Traffic

Atlanta traffic can turn a “quick trip” into a long outing. Consider:

• Where you’re starting from (Downtown, Buckhead, Decatur, suburbs, etc.)
• Time of day—rush hour and event times can add a lot to your drive
• Whether the spot offers easy parking or is better reached by MARTA or rideshare

2. Dine-In vs. Takeout

Some cheesesteaks are best eaten immediately, especially if they’re heavy on cheese and grilled onions.

• If you’re taking it to-go, ask for the cheese on top rather than fully mixed to help the bread hold up a bit longer.
• For office lunches or hotel stays, consider shops known locally for reliable packaging and consistent delivery.

3. Customization Options

If you’re particular about your sandwich:

• Look for menus that let you choose your cheese type, toppings, and whether you want your steak chopped or sliced.
• Ask if they can lightly toast the bread or leave it soft, depending on your preference.

Ordering Tips for a Better Cheesesteak Experience

A few small choices can make a big difference:

• Cheese choice:

  • Provolone – milder, less messy
  • American – melty and creamy
  • Cheese sauce/“whiz”-style” – richer and runnier

• Onions:

  • If you like sweetness and flavor, go for griddled onions.
  • Ask for light onions if you want the steak to stand out more.

• Peppers & extras:

  • Banana peppers or jalapeños if you like heat
  • Mushrooms for extra savoriness
  • Many Atlanta shops will happily add these if they’re on the menu.

• Size:

  • Many Atlanta spots offer half and whole sizes.
  • A half is usually enough for a light meal; a whole can easily be shared.

Practical Info: Finding and Contacting Cheesesteak Shops

Because hours and exact menus change, it’s usually best to:

• Use map apps to search “cheesesteak” or “Philly cheesesteak” near [your Atlanta neighborhood]
• Call ahead to confirm:
  • Current hours
  • Whether they have traditional cheesesteaks, chicken cheesesteaks, or vegetarian alternatives
  • Parking or pickup instructions if you’re driving

If you’re unfamiliar with the city layout:

• Downtown / Midtown: Generally concentrated around Peachtree Street, Marietta Street, and near MARTA’s Five Points, Peachtree Center, and Midtown stations.
• Neighborhood pockets: Look along major corridors like Ponce de Leon Avenue, Memorial Drive, Moreland Avenue, Howell Mill Road, and Buford Highway, where sandwich and grill shops are common.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta vs. Living Here

Visitors:

• Focus on cheesesteak spots near your hotel or main attractions (Downtown, Midtown, Westside, or near major venues).
• Plan around events—if you’re going to a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium or a concert at State Farm Arena, aim to eat before peak pre-game crowds or right after.

Locals:

• Try a few different neighborhoods and styles to find your go-to spot.
• Many Atlantans end up with:
  • One favorite for classic cheesesteaks
  • Another for late-night
  • And maybe a third for creative or loaded versions

Finding the best Philly cheesesteak in Atlanta depends on what “best” means to you—authentic Philly flavor, bold Atlanta twists, late-night convenience, or a reliable neighborhood standby. With a bit of planning around where you are in the city, traffic, and how you like your sandwich built, you can easily find a cheesesteak that feels like it was made just for you.