CALIFORNIA STATE - California might be thousands of miles away from the City of Brotherly Love, but the Golden State has cultivated a surprisingly fierce cheesesteak scene. Thanks to a dedicated network of East Coast transplants and local culinary talents who respect the craft, you don't have to board a flight to get your hands on legit chopped ribeye, melty cheese, and authentic Amoroso rolls.
Whether you are in the Bay Area or soaking up the sun in San Diego, here are 10 of the absolute best spots to grab a proper cheesesteak in California:
1. Boo's Philly Cheesesteaks (Los Angeles)
Run by actual Philly natives, Boo’s is an LA institution that refuses to cut corners. Located in Silver Lake (with a spot in Koreatown), they ship their Amoroso rolls directly from Pennsylvania. The result is an incredibly authentic, no-nonsense steak that perfectly balances juicy ribeye with classic Cheez Whiz or provolone.
2. The Cheese Steak Shop (Multiple Locations, Bay Area)
Since opening its doors in San Francisco in 1982, this beloved chain has expanded across the Bay Area while keeping its quality remarkably consistent. They use Amoroso rolls, real thinly sliced steak, and offer a spot-on sweet pepper and hot pepper bar that makes you feel like you are standing on South Street.
3. Gaglione Bros. Famous Steaks & Subs (San Diego)
A massive staple in San Diego, this family-run shop was founded by two brothers who wanted to bring East Coast sandwich culture to the West Coast. Their cheesesteaks are loaded, greasy in the best possible way, and pair perfectly with their famous garlic fries.
4. South Philly Experience (Los Angeles)
What started as an incredibly popular food truck has evolved into a heavy-hitting brick-and-mortar favorite. They are beloved for capturing the true gritty, flavor-packed essence of a South Philly steak. If you are a skeptic about putting Cheez Whiz on a sandwich, this is the place that will make you a believer.
5. Jake's Steaks (San Francisco)
Located in the Marina District, Jake's brings the perfect sports bar energy to their cheesesteak game. It is a fantastic place to catch an Eagles game, grab a beer, and eat a steak that gets the subtle details right—perfectly browned meat, melty cheese, and a roll that holds up to the grease.
6. Figueroa Philly Cheese Steak (Los Angeles)
Located near USC in Downtown LA, this spot brings serious East Coast heat. They import both their Amoroso rolls and their marinated ribeye straight from Philadelphia. For a fun West Coast twist, they also offer a "nacho jalapeño" cheese option that is surprisingly incredible.
7. Matū (Beverly Hills)
If you are looking for an elevated, gourmet take on the classic, Matū is the place. While far from a traditional "grungy" sub shop, their ultra-premium Wagyu beef cheesesteak is a culinary masterpiece. It is pricey and definitely a different vibe, but the melt-in-your-mouth quality makes it an unforgettable West Coast splurge.
8. Phillies (San Francisco)
Tucked away in the Outer Mission, Phillies is regularly praised by locals as a hidden gem that hits every single note correctly. They don't overcomplicate things; they just focus on getting the exact right texture on the grill and serving it up fresh and hot.
9. Giorgino's (San Diego)
Located in the Golden Hill neighborhood, Giorgino's is a neighborhood favorite that takes East Coast comfort food seriously. Their cheesesteaks are hearty, packed with perfectly seasoned steak, and reliably hit the spot when you are craving a heavy, satisfying East Coast meal.
10. Philly's Best (Multiple Locations, SoCal)
With locations peppered throughout Southern California, Philly's Best was founded in the early 90s by native Philadelphians who missed the taste of home. They have grown into a highly successful chain precisely because they import everything—from the rolls to the Herr's potato chips and Tastykakes—ensuring a genuinely authentic regional experience.