Mayfair sits in the middle of a cheesesteak corridor that stretches from Frankford Avenue through the residential blocks east of Roosevelt Boulevard. The neighborhood has never lacked for competition: steak shops, pizza joints and corner delis all claim a version worth driving for. That density means quality stays high, and regulars have strong, specific opinions about who does it best.
The places below appear consistently in local cheesesteak rankings for the Mayfair area, according to review aggregators and diner feedback. If you live here, you probably already have a favorite. If you don’t, start with this list.
The spots
Steve’s Prince of Steaks
Steve’s is the name most people outside the neighborhood already know, and it appears on virtually every Philadelphia cheesesteak list that includes the Northeast. The shop has built its reputation on a classic, no-frills steak with a loyal following that spans generations. Expect a line during lunch and dinner rushes, which locals treat as a sign you’re in the right place. If you’ve never been, order the whiz wit and see what all the fuss is about.
Jack’s Place
Jack’s Place lands at or near the top of Yelp’s Mayfair cheesesteak results, a ranking driven by consistent diner reviews rather than marketing. It’s a neighborhood spot through and through, the kind of place where the staff knows the regulars by name. The cheesesteaks here get praised for generous portions and well-seasoned meat. Go during off-peak hours if you want a seat without a wait.
Giannone’s Steaks
Giannone’s is a name that comes up quickly when Mayfair residents argue about the best steak in the neighborhood. The shop keeps things simple, focusing on cheesesteaks and a short menu of related items rather than trying to be everything to everyone. Reviewers frequently cite the quality of the meat and the bread as standout details. It’s the kind of place you go when you want a cheesesteak and nothing else.
Frank’s Steaks & Burgers
Frank’s earns its spot by doing two things well, cheesesteaks and burgers, and not overcomplicating either one. The shop appears in multiple Yelp searches for Mayfair cheesesteaks, which speaks to steady local support. Portions are solid and prices stay reasonable, a combination that keeps regulars coming back weekly. It’s a good pick when half the group wants a burger and the other half wants a steak.
La Nova Pizza & Steak
Pizza-and-steak shops are a Northeast Philadelphia institution, and La Nova fits the mold. The cheesesteak here benefits from the same oven and grill setup that turns out the pizza, giving the rolls a slightly different character than a dedicated steak shop. La Nova shows up in both Yelp cheesesteak searches for the Mayfair area, suggesting broad, repeat support from local diners. Order a steak and a slice if you can’t decide.
Dattilo’s Delicatessen
A deli making a cheesesteak list might surprise outsiders, but not anyone who has eaten at Dattilo’s. The shop appears among Yelp’s top Mayfair cheesesteak results, competing alongside dedicated steak places. Dattilo’s brings a deli sensibility to the sandwich: careful meat prep, quality rolls and attention to the details that separate a good steak from a forgettable one. Stop in for lunch when you want something a step removed from the standard steak-shop experience.
Sneak N Eat
The name alone has kept this spot in neighborhood conversation for years, and Sneak N Eat shows up in multiple local cheesesteak searches for the Mayfair area. It’s a small operation with a loyal base of regulars who treat it like a well-kept secret, even though it isn’t one anymore. The cheesesteaks here are straightforward and satisfying, without any gimmicks. If you spot it and you’re hungry, walk in.
Mayfair’s cheesesteak scene rewards the curious. Most of these spots are within a short drive of each other, so picking a favorite is really just a matter of eating your way through the list. Start anywhere, keep notes and settle the argument for yourself…