Best Lehigh Valley Cheesesteaks

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 a Philly cheesesteak.

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.

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.

SMP Mini Mart

1341 Mickley Rd, Whitehall

Chow down on a delicious cheesesteak from SMP Mini Mart! The “Didn’t Suck Cheesesteak” lives up to its promise by focusing on the details that matter most. Using fresh bread baked seven days a week, the shop proudly follows a simple philosophy: great bread doesn’t need to be toasted. The result is a roll that’s soft, sturdy, and never soggy, with sesame seeds that add the perfect crunch. Every bite delivers that classic Philly-style cheesesteak experience, packed with rich, melty cheese and a subtle touch of black pepper that brings the flavors together. If you’re looking for something local, try The OG, their take on a Lehigh Valley–style cheesesteak.

Taste of Italy

639 Main St, Hellertown

Taste of Italy in Hellertown serves up a premium ribeye cheesesteak every day for lunch until 3 p.m. The sandwich is loaded with 12 or 24 ounces of thinly sliced ribeye, melted Cooper sharp cheese, and caramelized onions on a Jersey-style seeded roll.

Cody's Eats & Sweets

52 S Main St, Nazareth

At Cody’s, the steady line of customers is a sign you’ve found a good spot. Their Cody's OG Ribeye Cheesesteak comes on a seeded bun and is packed with plenty of gooey Cooper cheese, creating a rich, melty bite. Order The Lehigh Valley Ribeye Cheesesteak for a taste of that classic saucy and pickly combo. If you want to skip the wait, it’s best to order ahead online for pickup!

Giacomo's Italian Market

700 Cattell St, Easton & 4041 William Penn Hwy. 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 and Best Cheesesteak 2025 in Lehigh Valley Style Magazine.

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.

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.