FLORIDA STATE - Florida is a long way from the Delaware River, but thanks to decades of East Coast transplants heading south for the winter—and eventually staying for good—the Sunshine State has developed a serious cheesesteak pedigree. Whether you are craving a heavy, traditional, grease-stained masterpiece or a surprisingly perfect plant-based alternative, you don't have to board a flight to Philly to get your fix.
Here are 10 of the absolute best spots to grab a proper cheesesteak in Florida:
1. Sonny's Famous Steak Hogies (Hollywood)
Established in 1958 by a baker from Philadelphia, this no-frills, cash-only institution has been serving up legendary steaks for over six decades. They bake their own bread from scratch daily, ensuring the perfect crust-to-crumb ratio to hold up to their generously portioned, finely chopped steak.
2. Delco's Original Cheesesteaks (Dunedin)
A massive favorite in the Tampa Bay area, Delco's is the kind of place die-hard sandwich fans will happily drive 40 minutes to visit. Named after Delaware County right outside of Philly, they deliver an incredibly authentic, greasy, and flavorful steak that makes Pennsylvania expats feel right at home.
3. Cavo's Bar & Kitchen (Orlando)
Located in Thornton Park, Cavo's is widely regarded as serving the best cheesesteak in Central Florida. The tavern brings a brilliant Northeast energy to Orlando, serving a sandwich that regularly draws comparisons to the absolute best shops actually located in Philadelphia.
4. Farmacy Vegan Kitchen (Tampa)
Florida's cheesesteak scene isn't strictly limited to beef. For an incredible plant-based take on the East Coast classic, Farmacy Vegan Kitchen delivers a phenomenal vegan cheesesteak. It hits all the right savory, comforting, and melty notes without missing a beat, making it a must-try even for traditionalists.
5. LaSpada's Original Cheesesteaks & Hoagies (Orlando Area)
With locations near Lee Road and out in Sanford, LaSpada's has been the go-to standard for Orlando locals since they were kids. They don't overcomplicate the process: they just focus on high-quality, thinly sliced ribeye, perfect melting cheeses, and great bread.
6. The Cheesesteak Experience (Pompano Beach)
Owned and operated by a family from South Jersey and Philadelphia, this spot takes its bread very seriously. They proudly ship in authentic Amoroso rolls directly from Philly, guaranteeing that distinct, soft-yet-sturdy texture that is absolutely crucial to a legit cheesesteak.
7. Wicked Cheesesteaks (Fort Lauderdale)
If you want real-deal, hot Cheez Whiz poured over a massive pile of perfectly seasoned beef, Wicked Cheesesteaks is the spot. They are famous for their huge portions and a menu that lets you customize your sandwich exactly to your liking.
8. Art's Sandwich Shop (Orlando)
Tucked away on Orange Blossom Trail, Art's is an old-school, lunch-only, blue-collar sandwich shop that punches way above its weight class. It is a hidden gem that locals swear by, offering a heavy, perfectly griddled steak that is well worth the midday trip.
9. Mikeeo's Food Truck (Tampa)
Sometimes the best cheesesteaks come from four wheels. Usually parked along Dale Mabry Highway, Mikeeo's has built a massive cult following in Tampa. They focus entirely on getting the exact right texture on the grill, serving it up hot, fresh, and remarkably authentic.
10. South Philly Steaks (Avalon Park)
Located just east of Orlando, this shop brings the true gritty, flavor-packed essence of a South Philly steak to a quiet Florida neighborhood. Their meat-to-cheese ratio is spectacular, and it is a reliable heavy-hitter for anyone missing the taste of the Northeast.