Although everyone has their own views on what a good cheesesteak should be like, the key elements are the same: fluffy bread with a crunchy crust, fresh meat well seasoned, and flavorful toppings for extra texture. You can never go wrong with the classic cheesesteak, with simply onion and cheese, but creative recipes are always fun too. Read on to see where to find some of the best cheesesteaks in Hoboken and Jersey City.
Hoboken
Midtown Philly Steaks | 523 Washington Street
The menu has classic steak sandwiches as well as more spiced-up items, such as the popular “Diablo” with jalapenos, hot relish, banana peppers, and ranch. Customers can also build their own sandwiches by choosing from a list of toppings, or opt for “low-carb platters” served without bread and with extra meat and veggies. Salad, wings, and Italian subs are also on the menu.
Piccolo’s | 92 Clinton Street
The cheesesteaks here are simple – beef, onion, and cheese on Italian rolls. But unlike the thinly sliced chip steaks in most cheesesteak recipes, the steaks at Piccolo’s are cut into thick slabs. Ask for hot peppers on top for some extra flavor. Other menu items such as soups and sandwiches are made from family recipes.
Tony Boloney’s | 263 1st Street, Hoboken + 363 Grove Street, Jersey City
(Photo credit: Tony Boloney’s)
It’s not only pizza that patrons can find here. The quick eats restaurant makes some of the cheesiest, messiest, and most creative cheesesteaks in town. Try the OLE’, loaded with mezcal marinated ribeye (or chicken), chipotle sauce, fried onion, lettuce, tomato, cilantro, and string cheese (vegan alternative available). For something even cheesier, get the “OUI OUI”, stuffed with shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, and gruyere ‒ essentially a meaty french onion soup in a sandwich.
Jersey City
Barshay’s Original Steak N’ Take | 175 Sip Avenue
The no-frills eatery makes more than a dozen cheesesteak varieties ranging from the original with onions and cheese to more jazzed-up versions such as the Hawaiian. Other comfort food options are plenty, such as fried fish and popcorn chicken.
Ghost Truck Kitchen | 356 Varick Street
The restaurant designed mainly for pickup and delivery makes a wide variety of comfort food, fusion style. For example, an order could tart with cauliflower hash browns, go on to coconut curry, and finish with a tres leche cake, because why not.GTK’s take on a cheesesteak is filled with grilled steak and topped with chipotle aioli, mushrooms, peppers, onions, all on a pressed baguette.
O’Hara’s Downtown | 172 1st Street
O’Hara’s cheesesteaks are made with thinly ribeye steak, onions, peppers, and American cheese. For something more unconventional, patrons can order it in spring rolls. Steak, peppers, onions, and mixed cheese, all the elements of cheesesteak wrapped in an egg roll and served with chipotle aioli dipping sauce.
South House | 149 Newark Avenue
(Photo credit: @southhousejc)
The southern restaurant’s menu marries the highlights of southern cooking with new American classics. Its southern-inspired cheesesteak is loaded with chopped smoked brisket, topped with onions, poblanos, and queso.
Sub Culture | 260 Newark Avenue
The small, funky spot serves all kinds of pop-culture-inspired sandwiches and milkshakes. Some hot sandwiches are not “cheesesteaks” strictly speaking but are equally meaty and melty. Try the Balboa, for example, with chicken or steak topped with cheese, peppers, and onions.
The Little Sandwich Shop | 333 Grove Street
The small deli is right off Jersey City’s Newark Avenue main drag and makes all kinds of sandwiches and breakfast dishes. Customers love the chicken cheesesteak, which is served on crusty bread. Top it with grilled mushrooms for extra heartiness.
White Star Bar | 230 Brunswick Street + 179 Warren Street
(Photo credit: @whitestarbar)
The restaurant not only makes some of the most famous burgers in town but also offers all kinds of comforting American classics. Its cheesesteaks are just as what diners would expect ‒ thinly sliced steak, caramelized onions, American cheese, queso, all loaded on fluffy hoagie rolls.
