The Best Cheesesteaks in LA (And Why Ours Makes the Cut)

Los Angeles may be better known for street tacos, vegan burgers, Korean BBQ, and the health food scene, but it doesn’t sleep on its cheesesteak. Bursting with chopped ribeye and melted cheese, cheesesteaks are one of the most iconic sandwiches from around the world . In Philadelphia, they are a cultural icon and tourist attraction, but can sometimes be poorly imitated outside of the city. While it's a long way from Philadelphia, LA has carved out its own take on the iconic sandwich. From classic versions loaded with shaved ribeye and whiz to more innovative, upscale spins, the city’s cheesesteak spots cater to both purists and Californians.

So if you’re homesick for the East Coast and want to fill the void with a bold steak sandwich , we promise that Los Angeles can deliver. Here’s where to find the very best:

South Philly Experience began as a food truck, and now, as a brick-and-mortar on Pico Blvd, it can pump about far more cheesesteak sandwiches. The classic option stays true to the owner’s East Coast roots, with soft rolls shipped from a bakery in Philly called Amoroso, and the thinly sliced ribeye is chopped and griddled properly. There’s the classic cheese options – Whiz, provolone, or American – melted directly onto the meat, and you can order “wit” or “witout,” griddled onions. If you want something less with a West Coast twist, go wild with a Cali cheesesteak (with French fries) or the Italian (with broccoli rabe and provolone).

With two locations in Koreatown and Silverlake, Boo’s knows the importance of rolls and orders theirs from Amoroso, just like South Philly Experience. East Coast natives say this cheesesteak holds its own when compared to what you would find on the opposite side of the country. One of the common compliments of Boo’s cheesesteaks is the filling-to-bread ratio, with an abundance of meat. If that’s not enough, the menu offers a few variations to the traditional, including with mushrooms, bell peppers, or hoagie style.

Situated in South LA, Figueroa is serving up cheesesteaks to students at USC and hungry sports fans who flock to the Coliseum. Their menu is pure cheesesteak, with no other sandwiches to distract. There’s the no-frills, Philly style with grilled steak, grilled onions, and your choice of cheese or something a little more out there, like topped with mac and cheese or Texas-style (with BBQ sauce and onion rings).

What do you get on a cheesesteak in Beverly Hills? Grass-fed wagyu beef instead of the traditional ribeye steak, of course. Making this switch may seem sacrilegious to Philly natives, but we’d like to think there’s a time and place for something more elevated. This high-end sandwich also gets topped with Cooper Sharp cheese, grilled onions, and roasted hot peppers on a sesame roll. It’s super delicious with a price tag of $24 to match – so this one is not an all-the-time comfort food, but more of a once-in-a-while splurge.

It may seem cocky to add ourselves on the list, but we’re not the only ones who think so. Search on Google Maps for “best cheesesteaks” in the Los Angeles area, and we pop up; we also make Eater LA’s list of best cheesesteaks in the city! Unlike are legendary Fat Sandwiches, we keep the cheesesteak classic and proper, with thinly sliced ribeye steak, melted American cheese, and grilled onions on a warm hero. If that’s not enough, we also offer Philly Cheesesteak fries as a decadent side.

Whether you’re craving a Philly classic stacked with ribeye and Cheese Whiz or a creative, West Coast twist with innovative toppings, LA has a cheesesteak for every kind of sandwich lover. The city's diverse and extensive food scene means you’re never far from a bold, steak-forward sandwich. You might not be in Philly, but when it comes to great cheesesteaks, Los Angeles can step up to the plate.