This is hands down the best cheesesteak I've ever had - the prime rib is perfectly cooked and seasoned with just the right amount of heat (and you can get more with seasoning and hots), and the roll is ample enough to grab the juices and hold on to the fillings without being hard and crusty. Our experience here was especially delightful with an extended conversation with the owner Scott about the origin of Shay's, and his desire for this to be a safe place for everyone of all stripes to come and enjoy some Philadelphia hospitality and amazing food. It's clear this is a passion of his and he infuses that passion into every ounce of this place! read more

Heard good things about this place, so I had to try it! I was on a layover in Philadelphia and thought to myself, I have to get a good cheesesteak. I've heard great things from other crew members about this place, so I had to check it out. The shop itself is small and clean, and the staff was extremely friendly--honestly, friendlier than most people I've encountered in New York! I decided to go with the original cheesesteak, which comes with ribeye steak, fried onions, and Cooper Sharp cheese. When I finally found the place, I walked right in and there wasn't really a line to order. I got my order in right away, but I noticed there were about 10 people waiting for their food. After ordering, I ended up waiting about 25 minutes for one sandwich. To me, that was a little excessive and would probably keep me from coming back. There are plenty of other cheesesteak spots in Philadelphia that make a sandwich just as good, but get you your food much faster. That said, my rating is based on the cheesesteak itself and not the wait time. If I were rating the entire experience, this would probably be closer to three stars. As for the sandwich itself--it was hot, the meat was well seasoned and cooked to perfection, and it wasn't dry whatsoever. The Cooper Sharp cheese was melted throughout the sandwich, and there was just enough onion to complement the steak without overpowering it. The sandwich was a good size and had a generous amount of meat. You could really taste all of the individual elements, and they came together really well. Overall, it was a great cheesesteak. I understand that a freshly cooked sandwich takes time, but I was there around noon during the lunch rush, and I would expect a place like this to have sandwiches moving pretty quickly since everyone is there for lunch. Overall, it was a good experience. The staff was friendly, the cheesesteak was very good, and I'm glad I tried it. However, I probably wouldn't walk a mile to come back here again. Next time, I'll probably find a cheesesteak somewhere closer to the market and save myself the wait. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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After walking around and taking in Philadelphia's history, we couldn't leave without having an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Shay's Steaks turned out to be a great choice. We ordered the Classic, the Philly Special, and cheese fries. Everything arrived piping hot and fresh, and the sandwiches were absolutely delicious. Honestly, I could drive back to Philly just for another bite. It did take a little over 20 minutes despite the restaurant not being very crowded around 2 p.m., but the food was well worth the wait. We enjoyed every bite! Place was clean, enough for a sandwich place. Don't go expecting a white glove service and you're all set! read more

Best philly cheesesteak we had during our trip!! Bread was soft, proper amount of cheese, tasty all around! Owner was also very nice and made sure we had a good visit. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

After visiting Franklin Institute with my family, we headed over to Shay's for a late lunch. Even though it was after lunch hours, there were still a decent amount of people there. We each ordered a different cheesesteak (The Classic, Plain Remi James, Philly Special, Great Gabe (with hash browns). I wanted the cheesesteak with American wagyu but they were sold out by the time we got there. First off, the portions of the cheesesteaks are big. The beef is tender and mixed well with the melted cheese. The soft sesame bread also went really well with the beef. There is actually a fair amount of seating. If you head further back, there's another room with more seating. It's a casual no frill place with great cheesesteak! read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic, Plain Remi James, Great Gabe, & Philly Special (starting from top going clockwise). - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great juicy moist not over cooked like in California, real American cheese steak Better cheese and I eyed the prime rib model but missed it Here's a pic of my yummy sandwich from last summer read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This was definitely a good philly. The prime rib was tender and seasoned well. I would've enjoyed a tad bit of spice to balance out the flavors a bit more. The seeded bread was sooo soft and chewy, omg. It was definitely stuffed with meat, but for $20 I could use more sandwich. This could've been a good 8 inches when I've seen competitors with a foot long. read more

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I found this place thanks to Yelp reviews, and they absolutely did not disappoint. When I first walked into the shop, the staff was busy preparing a large corporate order and didn't notice me right away. Rather than waiting around, I was able to place my order easily through the kiosk and settled in to wait. What really stood out was the customer service. The manager noticed the delay, kindly apologized, and even offered me a drink and chips while I waited. That level of hospitality goes a long way and left a great impression. I ordered the Philly Special along with the Hot Honey chips, and both were delicious. The sandwich hit the spot, and the chips were a perfect addition. Yum! Sometimes it's not just the food that makes a place memorable, it's how you're treated. The team handled a busy moment with professionalism and kindness, and because of that, I left happy and impressed. I'll gladly be back the next time I'm in Philadelphia. Another visit definitely awaits! read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Easy...repeat EASY 5-start sandwich. In from out of town and based on research, a first-hand interview (shout out Uber driver) and proximity to my hotel, I landed on Shay's. Very glad I did. I had the The Classic ($19.95: Prime Rib, Cooper Sharp Cheese, Buttery Steakhouse Seasoning, Sautéed Onions). Great seeded roll, perfectly melted cheese, and grilled onions. Service was great. Went to the shop off-hours / around 2:30 on a Friday. Probably 10 people there, so my steak was served up quickly- maybe 5 minutes max from order to handoff. The staff was helpful and patient walking through a rookie on what to order. The shop is un-assuming. Not tons of signage, not a lot of quirky decor on the walls. I visited on one of the first very hot days of the spring. I decided to get the sandwich to go and devoured it at my hotel. Best Cheesesteak is a hot topic in this town. No real point in trying to say one's the best but some food for thought from an out-of-towner: 1) Research. Ask around. Listen to the passion with which they offer their recco. 2) Highly consider Shay's. I really enjoyed the Cheesesteak and the entire experience. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This Philly phavorite sells incredible classic cheese steaks. The sesame seed soft roll holds up to the chopped prime rib, onions and wet cooper sharp cheese. This sammy is drippy, hot and packed with flavor. Pair it with a big bag of Utz chips and a soda, but preferably a beer which they don't sell. This meal holds up against the other spots that claim top billing in Philly. The owner is opening two more locations in Vegas. That's a good gamble to succeed. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Ordered a classic Philly cheesesteak to share with a friend. We were not very hungry, and the portion size was just right for sharing. The fries smelled so good that we ended up ordering them afterward -- great seasoning and definitely worth it. A piece of buffalo chicken sandwich was offered for free (it seemed like every table received one), which was a nice touch. That said, I still preferred the beef cheesesteak. The restaurant has around 10 tables, which is pretty good for a cheesesteak spot, though finding a seat during rush hours can be a bit challenging. read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This location is closed, sometime before October 4, 2026. Their food truck was in the parking lot on 16th. Limited menu, Classic, Chicken, and Remi. No peppers, only onions. Ordered one Classic and one Chicken. Pretty tasty. read more

YESS!!!! What a tasty cheese steak!! The establishment is fast food style with space to sit and enjoy your meal. The owner stopped by to ask us how everything was, he was very friendly and shared with us the story of his business, he just opened it within the last year or so (don't quote me) and I was thoroughly impressed! The cheesesteak was SO GOOD. OH MY GOODNESS. Super tasty, hot and fresh off the grill. The cheese and meat truly just melt in your mouth, the bread was perfect. Everything about this cheesesteak was amazing. It was seasoned and cooked to perfection. A quality cheesesteak! I love that the menu has options for what kind of meat you want as well. I'm not a fan of mystery meat and fake cheese and here you feel like you're getting quality ingredients and a quality meal. I can't wait to come back the next time I'm in Philly! A must try! read more

Shay's Steaks - Ribeye cheesesteak - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I think that this was the best cheese steak I've ever had!!! I went on a Sunday afternoon on a visit to Philly from NYC and it was quite busy. The order came out rather quickly regardless and service was fine. I ordered their original cheese steak with cooper sharp and let me tell you... IT NEEDS NO ADJUSTMENTS!!!! The sandwich is full of flavor and plenty of cheese, which I love on a cheese steak. It's a small place with seating for about maybe 10 people, but many grab and go like I did. That said, I ONLY took off a star due to the price relative to the size of the sandwich. I went to three places yesterday and this was the smallest of the sandwiches yet the most expensive at $20 a pop. I mean, maybe it's due to the higher quality meat, but that's still outrageous to me. Either way, I'm def returning on my next trip to Philly read more

One of my bucket list in life is to hit up as many Philly cheesesteak spots as I can. Ranked #3 in Yelp's Top 25 Steakhouses in America for 2024, I bookmarked this place. It's listed as a steakhouse because they use premium cuts of steak in their sandwiches. Menu: they are so busy on the weekends that you can only customize the sandwiches on the weekdays. I let my son order and he chose "The Classic" for us to try. Since we were having dinner in a couple of hours, we decided to share. It is pricey for the size. I'm used to having it a footlong at most other places and these are more like half the size. After placing our order on the kiosk, it was ready within minutes. The Classic consists of prime rib, Cooper sharp cheese, buttery steakhouse seasoning with sautéed onions all held intact by this sesame hoagie. OMG!!! My son and I loved it!! I'm salivating as I am writing this review. The Cooper sharp cheese just melts everything together. You can tastes the high quality cuts in their meats. It is now in my top #3. I will definitely be returning to try their other popular creations. Seating is limited. My one little complaint is that I wish they would wipe the tables and barstools down. It was sticky and dirty. Service is excellent even with the soccer match crowds. read more

YUM! This is a great spot for steaks. Don't want a 2 foot stomach bomb but want a QUALITY steak? Come here! Perfect size, high quality, and simply delicious. There are many types of steak to choose from and seasoning so you're able to find the perfect taste for you. Ordering is easy at screens at the front and even when busy you get food quick, staff has always been friendly as well. Quick stop in vibe with limited seating but there are some spots when it's not as busy. Limited beverage options is my only complaint, they just had coke when I went. Would recommend! read more

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Shay's is a no frills cheesesteak joint. We stopped by after a lot of downtown World Cup festivities. We wanted an authentic cheesesteak experience & saw Shay's was highly rated on Yelp. My friend ordered the classic, I got the Philly special. We had 1 handcut fries. $46.65, $3.74 tax, $7.00 tip. Total = $57.39. You order at a kiosk & wait for your # to be called, with some nuances. The service was terrible. We waited 40 minutes before inquiring. 1 worker said everybody was waiting as long. He could not expedite. But I did see people with a higher order number get served their complete meal before we did. At some point we got fries. We waited 15 minutes. My friend got his sandwich after we nearly finished the fries. Another 10 minutes & I got my classic cheesesteak, because it took more effort to make. For ~$28/person, we shouldn't wait an hour for staggered food. The staff were hard working & pleasant, just overwhelmed. The cheesesteaks were fantastic. But the fries were REALLY over salted. Shay's could be a 4, even a 5 if they fixed the service. I really loved the sandwiches. Lots of meat, perfect cheese melt, nice chunky onions, peppers, & great bread. I'm a fan. Fix the service & don't over salt the fries. You got something good here, take it the rest of the way. read more

If you're in the area this is a good option! I grew up here, so I don't have to eat cheesesteaks ever again and I would be great. My bf on the other hand wants to try everyplace in the city. We had chicken cheesesteaks and it was good to me. They forget the extra add ons we ordered. But this place is a madhouse and the people at the register don't seem to have it together always. They gave me my order without 2/4 of the four sandwiches I ordered. Fries were, meh! Limited seating, long lines, order from a kiosk. Loud and exciting as you wait for food. read more

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Great quick service and a casual vibe. I am in Philly for a conference and just had to try a highly-rated cheesesteak place before I leave town. I ordered "The Classic" with fries. The steak sandwiches was HUGE - I couldn't eat it all. I am really not a big cheesesteak guy (being from the Chicago area) but this one had perfectly cooked meat, great onion and butter sauce and cheese. The fries were great, half a click down from my all time favorite, Five Guys. All in all, well worth your trip - highly recommended - 4.5 stars!!! read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Ok. I just went to Shay's steaks. At first I was thinking why did people keep saying that this was the best steak in Philly. Then I was upset after I ordered and found out it was 22$ for a cheesesteak with fried onions but let me just tell you how wrong I was! Definitely one of the best steaks I've ever had in my life! Fresh shaved ribeye super fresh seeded roll which I'm not sure what they put on the roll itself before the steak but it brought the sandwich to a whole new level! Service was fast and friendly. Tiny spot not much seating but I'm thinking they're pretty new or it's a new spot for them. I'll definitely be going back and I'm getting more than a couple next time! read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Holy crap what good sandwiches absolutely delicious. This was our first meal in Philly and it did not disappoint. Their classic with the peppers and onions and jalapeño spice was divine. My wife's chicken Philly was great too. Service was great and prices as to be expected. Good was absolutely delicious like one of the best Phillys ever. They live up to the reputation! Would absolutely recommend a visit. They've got plenty of indoor seating available and it was a bit warm in there but otherwise it was perfect. read more

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We came here for a later lunch and this place was busy! With a few tabletops in the front of the restaurant with a few more tables in the back it is def. cozy. My husband and I split "The Classic: which consists of Prime rib, cooper sharp cheese, buttery steakhouse seasoning and sauteed onions and peppers. We also got an order of their hand cut fries (pricey at almost $7!). The sandwich came out pretty quick and smelled amazing. First bite and you know the steak was seasoned very well. Loved the cheese throughout. I also loved how they hollowed out the bread so its filled with meat, cheese and veggies. This might be one of my favorite cheesesteaks in the city! The hand cut fries were also pretty tasty with ketchup. Fried a perfect golden brown and were really good. Solid place! And a place where you can actually sit down. We def. will be back to try other sandwiches. read more

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We headed over for dinner and wanted to try another Philly cheesesteak recommended by a friend. The interior has some seating along the windows and it is pretty bright inside. The staff were nice and helped us with choosing something since it was our first time. We opted for one of their preset options already to make it easier. The Classic - This was so savory, rich and cheesy. The prime rib meat that we selected was so soft and the bread, while thick, was easy to bite through. All together the flavors worked well from the meat, different melted cheeses and the caramelized onions. Fries - It wasn't too salty and nice to eat on the side with the more flavorful sandwich. We did take it to go so it was a little soggy but it had good seasoning. Overall, this gave a good impression of cheesesteaks after trying some other ones and we are interested in trying some of their other meat cut options as well as maybe building our own. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic, Fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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My whole reason of coming here was to try the wagyu steak. They didn't have it. Or the filet steak. They didn't have it. So I got their prime rib cheesesteak. The meat was cut entirely too thick. Like chunky! Wouldn't recommend. read more

Stopped by here after hearing lots of good things about this place. I had been craving a cheese steak after shopping at the Christmas Market in Center City. Lucky me, I found a nice parking spot right across the street from Shay's. Upon entering the door, I noticed the place is rather quaint, so I looked around and spotted kiosks where you could place your order and a few tables to sit in the front of the restaurant followed by a few tables in the back. I placed an order for a ribeye cheese steak with Cooper sharp cheese with black salt, pepper and garlic. I tried to order fries, but was told there were no fries on Sundays. So, I can't review them. I waited maybe 10-12 mins when my name was called. I was handed a plate with my cheese steak. I loved the fact that the steak was pouring out of the bread. I immediately tried a fork full and smiled. The cheese steak was well-seasoned, the meat was tender and the meat to cheese ratio was spot on. The roll was soft and held the contents well. I was happy with the cheese steak and wished that I had some fries to go with it. Lol! Overall, Shay's makes a solid steak that I would gladly grab again whenever I am in the area. read more

Shay's Steaks - Cheese steak with Cooper Sharp (front view) - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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I was in Philly for a business conference and the first night Shay's was recommended. This place has the best Philly cheese steaks. Meat is sliced to order and they are plentiful. The owner who is a local District Criminal Judge opened this place up 18 months ago. We got a tour of the kitchen and a lesson on a proper Philly Cheese steak. As you can see from my pictures, I ate the first half and almost forgot to snag a picture. Service was fast considering there ere about 15 of us. We were entertained while we dined with a history of the owners family. Listed currently as the number 3 steak restaurant in Philly, check them out! read more

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CAUGHT SLIPPIN! This place had A LOT of hype... we walked 17mins carried baby 8 blocks to be disappointed We got a Classic Philly and Philly special. Not a lot of cheese on either one. The classic had more flavor than the Philly special. We were confused.. the full name for this dis is. Philly cheese steak? And they didn't put hardly any cheese. Very disappointing and we couldn't try another place because we wasted so much time on this one. They have yelp signs and awards... but for $50 for 2 sandwiches I'd try somewhere else. I literally asked them for some salt because it was just so bland. Then it just tasted like a poured salt on it. oh.. and the bathroom open to the public! I love that.... but it was a 0/10 so nasty I think someone had just vomited? It smelled like sickness. The toilet seat looked like someone put their shoes on it. Toilet paper on the back of the toilet (you have to touch it) same with the paper towels... read more

PRETTY CLOSE TO PERFECT I don't know if this place has the best cheese steak sandwich but it was delicious. Got the original eith the caramelized shopped onions, melting cheese, and the sweet tender brisket all in a sesame bun and it was chefs kiss. I shared one but could have def ate a whole one. I tried another sandwich at oh brother not too long before this and will say Shay's def was on a whole another level. Gotta mention the shop smelled so f good. Will be craving another sandwich from here for a longgg time. read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You order at a kiosk and pick up from the counter. I don't mind this type of setup, so no complaints there. There are some tables in the main are and several more in the back for larger groups. The sandwich was amazing! Cooked well, perfectly seasoned, and the right amount of cheese. It's also a huge portion, so you could easily split it if you wanted to. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly special was tasty. A little small in size. When cut in half looks more like two burger buns. I expected a longer sandwich. Fries are unreal. I'm still thinking about them. Loved the Cajun spice on top. The chips were terrific too! Met the owner and the whole story of how it started. Very friendly and you can tell he loves it. read more

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A great experience! The food was amazing and the customer service was outstanding. The portion was great and the fries were crispy and fresh. Recommend! read more

The classic cheesesteak was amazing. Everything you want in a cheesesteak and nothing you don't. I really appreciated the less shaven steak pieces cuz sometimes places have too thin of steak. The cheese was great, seasoning was great. Only critique would be a bit crispier of a sesame roll. But all around worth it and you can't go wrong. The chef, chef Ron, actually came up to me and asked me how everything was, how my day was going, and what I thought of the place. Super nice guy, I told him I know my way around a cheesesteak and this steak is incredibly valid. Great guy, great establishment. read more

Shay's Steaks - The Classic - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I thought about going to one of the better known spots but heard good things and decided to try it. Simple, unassuming restaurant with kiosk ordering and basic tables, but you're not really here for ambiance. I tried the philly special which is their basic plus the garlic pepper sauce. I brought the sandwich back to my hotel and when I opened it, it was still piping hot. The bread held up well given the amount of melty cheese and sauce on it. Good quality meat and liked the flavors of the onions and peppers. The cheese was melty and gave the whole sandwich a creamy, rich taste. The fries were great, seasoned well, and cooked just right. I had to hold back from overdoing it. All in all, this was a pretty good philly cheesesteak. There was something missing though, that wow factor, that prevented me from giving it 5 stars. Also, the drink options were pretty mediocre. Would be cool if they had some craft sodas or something. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend it but is it the top of the top in a crowded cheesesteak market? Probably not. read more

Shay's Steaks - The philly special. Great flavors, great quality meat - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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While in downtown Philly we came here for our second try of cheese steaks. The place is very small and basic. You can order on a kiosk or with the staff. The bathroom was jot working which is unfortunate after walking for hours but the manager once he talked to us was kind enough to let us use a bathroom in a nearby business. Their bathroom really didn't work. The sandwich was loaded with meat and tasty. It was a 9 outta 10 for me. No frills but straight to the point and fast service. Some tables and sodas. The fries were super crispy and seasoned and again a great portions. read more

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This is the greatest cheesesteak I've ever had. I may just be a Philly visitor, but I have had my fair share and this place does everything perfectly. The meat is chopped well and the cheese melts right into everything so deliciously. The bun is super fresh. The hand cut fries were crispy and not greasy. I dream of this sandwich from Michigan quite often. read more

Shay's Steaks - Prime rib with provolone, hand cut fries - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

As soon as we entered we knew we were in for a treat. Not just because they've won awards and are rated so highly but because of the aromas that met us at the door. When our orders were ready, I snapped a few close up pics below to capture the tenderness of the steak, the creaminess of the cooper sharp cheddar, and the freshness of the sesame seed roll. The steak sandwiches here are the standard that all steak sandwiches should be held to: tender juicy steak seasoned to perfection, creamy bold cheese with a flavor that pops, fresh wholesome rolls that can stand up to the juiciness of the steak without getting wimpy or soggy. I had a New York strip steak sandwich with cooper sharp cheddar, sautéed onions and bell peppers, seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic. My son had the same thing, minus the ad ons. The service was fast, friendly and the owner came by our table to ask how everything was-he's really kind and welcoming. I definitely recommend eating here. Great experience! read more

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Who knew you could get fancy cheesesteak with filet mignon?! I sure didn't, but I know now, and you know now too. Filet mignon is technically less fatty than the other steak options, but it sure didn't feel like it with the cheese, fried onions, and sautéed mushrooms that I added to it. To be extra fancy, I added their black garlic and truffle seasoning. I placed my order on an easy-to-use kiosk and got my sandwich in about 10 minutes. My sandwich was quite hefty, with lots of meat, so consider sharing one. It's best to dine-in, as my bread became steamed inside the foil during the 10 minutes it took me to drive home. It was still delicious though! read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Amazing Philly, light crispy, sesame seed bread super cheesy steak with extra onions and extra peppers. It was delicious 10 out of 10. read more

Shay's Steaks - Philly special - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Must visit, the original is so juicy and cheesy that they really are one of the best. The team there works their a_ _ off and they live the work they do....their product is amazing! read more

Shay's Steaks - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I was back in Philly for a few days and went back to Jims and tried Angelos for the first time. Both were bad. Jim's was especially bad considering that used to be my number one back in the day smh. But then I came across Shay's...and that finally hit the spot. It was everything you want in a steak and it saved the trip, food wise. If you're on the fence on where to go or have limited time, you're more than safe rolling the dice with Shay's. read more