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 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.

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.

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.

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.

SMP Mini Mart

1341 Mickley Rd, Whitehall

Chow down on a delicious cheesesteak from SMP Mini Mart, where they put fun twists on a classic. Try something new with like the buffalo ranch chicken cheesesteak, western BBQ bacon chicken cheesesteak and so many more. You can turn your cheesesteak into a bowl if you prefer to opt out of a bun.

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.