Best Philly Cheesesteaks in U.S.? Dallas Spot Makes National Ranking

Cheeseteaks have been getting a lot of headlines recently, particularly after the Michelin Guide gave three cheesesteak spots recognition in the inaugural Philadelphia guide. Weird, huh? They probably say that about the four Texas barbecue spots that earned a Michelin star. Maybe not a good comparison, if you ask us. Anyhoosie.

In Dallas, we have some decent cheesesteak spots, like it or not, Eagles fans. Last year, we got to know the Padilla family in Oak Cliff, who have built a small empire with Cheesesteak House; we even added them to our Top 50 restaurants in Dallas this year.

Writer Andrew Pogue at The Takeout recently ranked the best cheesesteak spots outside of Philly. Fred’s Downtown Philly in Plano, according to Pogue, has yet to disappoint in terms of Texas-based restaurant marketing itself as a Philadelphia Cheesesteak restaurant.

“Fred’s Downtown Philly mixes authenticity with fresh toppings and signature sauces, making for a marvelous menu that is simply bursting at the seams with mouthwatering options. There are 19 cheesesteaks to choose from, ranging from comforting classics like the simple Philly Cheesesteak and Pepper Cheesesteak, all the way to bold re-inventions, like the Pastrami Cheesesteak, the South Street Cheesesteak (featuring steak, chicken, and shrimp), and the jaw-dropping Cheesesteak fries that are a must-order alongside your sandwich.”

Fred Walker opened the original Plano shop in 1995. There are now two more locations in North Texas, in Carrollton and Allen.

In our 2024 Best of Dallas issue, we anointed Fred’s as the best in town, specifically the Pizza Cheesesteak (No. 9), where the steak, sauteed onions and cheese are topped with a bit of pizza sauce, which is then, of course, all encased in a soft Amoroso roll.

We may have to do a showdown and compare Fred’s with Cheesesteak House. Who doesn’t love a good Philly food fight?