If there's anything Lehigh Valley natives take seriously, it's food. Whether it's cheesesteaks or hot dogs, locals are passionate about their favorites, and they'll tell you exactly where to go. In this region, cheesesteaks are decidedly different than those Philly cheesesteaks. A Lehigh Valley cheesesteak typically includes cheese, yes, but also sauce and pickles. Below are a few noteworthy cheesesteak standouts and check out the map detailing the cheesesteaks of Lehigh Valley for even more standouts. Let us know who we missed by tagging us on social media @LehighValleyPA.

Allentown Brew Works and Bethlehem Brew Works

812 Hamilton St, Allentown and 559 Main St #101, Bethlehem

In particular, the chicken cheesesteak at both the Allentown and Bethlehem locations of "The Brew Works"—this cheesesteak interpretation offers grilled chicken on a ciabatta roll. Add a little tabasco if you care to kick it up a notch and you got a winner.

Wiz Kidz

65 Elizabeth Ave, Bethlehem and 4817 Freemansburg Avenue Unit A106, Easton

Flashback to the '80s / '90s in this Bethlehem Wiz Kidz shop from the Bayou Boys offering up a wide variety of cheesesteaks, from a classic Lehigh Valley style cheesesteak (marinara, pickles, onions, and cheese) to the Soprano (roasted garlic aioli, balsamic marinated grape tomatoes, fresh arugula, onions, signature cheese blend, topped with Parmesan-Romano cheese and a drizzle of balsamic glaze). Check out their new location on Freemansburg Avenue in Easton.

Carl's Corner

2 W Elizabeth Ave, Bethlehem and 848 Nazareth Pike, Nazareth

When you ask a local, "Who's got the best cheesesteak?" Carl's Corner is a frequent response. Satisfying and affordable, a cheesesteak from Carl's will keep you full all day for less than $9. Look for the blue and white sign on the corner of New Street & Elizabeth Ave. Pictured below is the chicken cheesesteak. Check out their new location in Nazareth.

A chicken cheesesteak from Carl's Corner in Bethlehem, PA

Iron Mule

831 South Delaware Drive, Easton

We feel like you can taste this cheesesteak simply by looking at it. So many colors and so many flavors - between the thinly sliced chicken or ribeye topped with sautéed mushrooms, peppers, onions with melted American cheese, all on a toasted baguette. It is simply divine and a hidden gem when you stumble upon the Iron Mule by chance, but we recommend making it part of your plan while visiting the region. 

Crossroads Hotel

1443 Main St, Hellertown

Yes, a true Lehigh Valley cheesesteak comes adorned with a marinara-style sauce, and, yes, this long-running establishment serves those cheesesteaks. But you’d be remiss if you didn’t also try Crossroads Hotel's take on the California cheesesteak: savory chopped steak, sweet sauteed onions, fresh lettuce, tangy tomato, creamy mayo, and sour pickles—all tucked into a toasted roll. Banana peppers are optional, but, really, they aren’t.

Crossroads California Cheesesteak

Giacomo's Italian Market

700 Cattell St, Easton

Known for their Italian delicacies and groceries, Giacomo Italian Market in Easton also has one of the most popular cheesesteaks in the area, having won the 2011 Express Times Cheesesteak Showdown.

Handheldz

518 E 3rd St, Bethlehem

Being vegan doesn't mean you can't enjoy the flavors and fun of a cheesesteak. Handheldz, formerly Hummus House, offers a vegan showstopper with a falafel cheesesteak open featuring baked falafel, lettuce, tomato, banana peppers, red and green peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and a garlic tahini mix rolled in pita and topped with cheese. Then it's double-baked to marry all the flavors. 

 

Little Miss Korea

1825 Chew St., Allentown

Try something different at Little Miss Korea's location within the Allentown Fairgrounds. Try the Bulgogi beef cheesesteak or the spicy pork cheesesteak, both featuring a fiery gochujang aioli.