New Jersey’s cheesesteak scene is a feast of sizzling griddles, seedy rolls, and bold personality. From boardwalk bites to deli counters with decades of swagger, each stop brings its own twist on molten cheese and juicy ribeye.
You will discover classics that honor tradition and inventive riffs that keep things exciting. Bring an appetite, because these counters are worth the extra napkins and the happy food coma.
Donkey’s Place
Step up to Donkey’s and you immediately smell onions hitting the flat-top, sweet and smoky. The cheesesteak lands on a seeded kaiser roll, which feels rebellious in a world of long hoagies.
Cheese melts into nooks, the roll soaks up jus, and every bite stays balanced without falling apart on you.
You can order it hot with a dash of their pepper relish, and that zip makes the steak pop. There is history in the walls and pace in the sizzle, and it feels like lunchtime theater.
Expect quick service, direct smiles, and a firm suggestion to grab extra napkins.
Purists might blink at the round roll, but one bite ends the debate in your head. The texture contrast is the hook, then the onions finish the story.
Park nearby, slide into a booth, and let the Camden classic show why its legend stretches far beyond the city limits.
Address: 1223 Haddon Ave, Camden, NJ 08103
Chick’s Deli
Chick’s Deli feels like a secret you share only with friends who actually show up hungry. The roll is soft yet sturdy, hugging ribbons of steak chopped just enough to keep things juicy.
Ask for Cooper Sharp and onions, and watch the cheese cascade into every crevice.
There is a rhythm here: call in, arrive, pay, unwrap, grin. The bag fills with that warm steak perfume, and the first bite sets the tone for the day.
You will probably promise to save half for later, then fail gloriously.
Portions lean generous without turning sloppy, so the sandwich stays easy to manage. If you like heat, a line of long hots wakes everything up fast.
It is classic South Jersey deli energy, the kind that wins you over in under five minutes and has you plotting your next visit before you reach the parking lot.
Address: 906 Township Ln, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08002
City Steaks of Burlington
City Steaks brings lively neighborhood energy, with a griddle soundtrack that makes ordering feel like a celebration. The ribeye gets a respectful chop, then a tumble with onions until everything sings together.
Provolone melts smoothly, anchoring the beef without stealing the show.
Ask for long hots if you enjoy a confident burn that still respects balance. The seeded roll keeps structure while absorbing drippings, so every bite lands focused.
You can customize sauces, but the house pepper relish is the move for a bright, vinegary snap.
Service is brisk and friendly, the kind that remembers your name by the second visit. It is an easy swing-through on High Street, perfect for a quick lunch or a late bite after errands.
Grab extra napkins, crack open a cold soda, and let this Burlington staple remind you why cheesesteaks thrive on simple ideas done right.
Address: 818 High St, Burlington, NJ 08016
Meatheadz Cheesesteaks
Meatheadz wins over skeptics with details that matter, starting with fresh ribeye and rolls that crunch then cushion. The Drippin Steak, served with au jus, turns the cheesesteak into a dunkable thrill.
One dip and the bread transforms, soaking up flavor without collapsing.
Cheese choices lean classic, but Cooper Sharp melts into velvet and feels right with the juicy chop. Onions get a gentle caramel, never burnt, and the seasoning hits a savory, peppery sweet spot.
The line can move fast, so know your order and be ready.
You might add mushrooms or long hots, though the base build needs nothing. The au jus steals the show, so do not forget it on the counter.
It is the kind of sandwich that convinces you to linger over your last few bites, then packs neatly for the ride home with zero regret.
Address: 2495 Brunswick Pike #39, Lawrence Township, NJ 08648
White House Sub Shop
White House Sub Shop is a pilgrimage stop, and the cheesesteak rides that legendary Atlantic City roll. It is long, seeded, and sturdy, an architecture lesson disguised as lunch.
Thin-sliced steak piles high, then gets sealed with a soft blanket of white American and onions.
The vibe is busy but kind, with practiced hands wrapping submarine torpedoes like art. Order half if you are timid, but know that leftovers cold are still a joy.
A dash of hot pepper oil sneaks heat into the folds without drowning the steak.
Photos on the wall tell decades of stories while the griddle keeps writing new ones. Expect a line, expect chatter, and expect to carry out a heavyweight.
You will leave full, a little salty from the ocean air, and slightly smug about your excellent life choices on Arctic Avenue.
Address: 2301 Arctic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
Pete’s Subs & Deli
Pete’s feels like the deli you grew up with, only the cheesesteaks have a grown-up confidence. The steak is shaved thin, kissed with salt and pepper, and tossed with onions until glossy.
Ask for Cooper Sharp and a swipe of mayo for a creamy, nostalgic finish.
Rolls arrive fresh and lightly seeded, with enough give to cradle the meat without getting soggy. If you want crunch, add pickled hot peppers on top for zip.
Portions satisfy, but you can split one and still leave happy.
The counter crew moves quickly and cheerfully, and your order comes wrapped tight for the road. It is an easy weeknight savior or a Saturday errand reward.
Grab chips, a cold tea, and that first bite will feel like a high-five from a favorite neighbor.
Address: 501 Zion Rd, Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
Cuzzie’s Steaks
Cuzzie’s serves the kind of late-night cheesesteak that turns a good evening into a great one. The chop is medium, so you get texture without big hunks fighting back.
Cheese whiz melts into the crevices, while onions soften into sweet little treasures.
Ask for cherry peppers or long hots for flickers of heat. The roll handles drip like a pro, so the last bite is as satisfying as the first.
You will find friendly counter banter and quick-fire tickets sliding out hot.
Whether you are finishing a boardwalk stroll or dodging casino lights, it fits the moment. Get extra napkins, maybe a soda, and take a seat on the curb if necessary.
Atlantic Avenue adds soundtrack and scenery, while your cheesesteak handles the rest of the night’s decisions.
Address: 1336 Atlantic Ave, Atlantic City, NJ 08401
CHEESESTEAKS
Merchantville’s CHEESESTEAKS brings swagger and a sense of play to a beloved format. The Original Gangster Whiz Wit leans classic, then flips the script with house seasonings and a plush roll.
Onions melt into the steak while whiz acts like glue in the best way.
Fries are hand-cut, crisp, and perfect for dunking in spicy ranch or garlic aioli. You can level up with long hots or mushrooms if you like extra layers.
It is a place where first-timers become regulars by the second visit.
There is creativity without losing the plot, which keeps the sandwich honest. Service is upbeat, music is lively, and plates arrive with photogenic swagger.
Bring a friend, split two different builds, and argue joyfully about which one wins while plotting the next round.
Address: 177 S Centre St, Merchantville, NJ 08109
Garnet Grill
Garnet Grill feels like a neighborhood clubhouse where the flat-top never truly cools down. The cheesesteak arrives on a toasted seeded torpedo, edges just crisp enough to add crunch.
Steak gets a fine chop, mingling with onions and peppers for a gentle sweet heat.
Order provolone if you want a clean, salty melt that highlights the beef. Everything stays neat, so it is perfect for a quick lunch without a wardrobe change.
The counter team keeps conversation easy and the grill rhythm steady.
You can tweak with hot sauce or a dab of mayo for creamy contrast. Portions are generous without tipping messy, and the last bite remains tidy.
Park out front, slide into a booth, and enjoy a South Jersey staple that respects tradition while keeping it weekday-friendly.
Address: 531 Clements Bridge Rd, Haddon Heights, NJ 08035
Ernest & Son Meat Market
This old-school butcher counter turns out a beach-town cheesesteak with serious chops. The steak quality shows, tender ribbons seared hot and quick, then folded with onions.
Sharp provolone snaps with salt, bringing a grown-up edge that pairs beautifully with the beef.
The roll is simple and fresh, built to keep filling in line while you stroll back to the shore. You can add roasted peppers or a swipe of mustard for personality.
Service is straightforward and warm, the kind that hands you a perfect wrap and a smile.
Grab napkins, wander outside, and let the sea breeze join your lunch. It is exactly the kind of sandwich you remember later that night.
Ernest & Son proves that butcher shops still know how to season, sear, and slice with unmatched confidence.
Address: 3305 W Brigantine Ave, Brigantine, NJ 08203
Rocco’s Steaks
Rocco’s runs like a well-oiled machine, with a griddle symphony that draws you from the sidewalk. The cheesesteak lands hot, draped in American cheese, onions shimmering from the fry.
There is a salty, beefy depth that makes you nod mid-bite.
Ask for cherry peppers to add sparks of heat between the rich layers. The roll keeps its posture even when the steak juices start to dance.
Tickets move fast, wrappers crinkle, and you leave holding a handheld heater.
It is pure Camden comfort, equal parts speed and satisfaction. Perfect for lunch on the go, or a backseat feast you swear you will not start early.
Spoiler: you will take a bite before driving away, and it will be the best decision of your afternoon.
Address: 464 Marlton Ave, Camden, NJ 08105
Champs Cheesesteaks & Hoagies
Champs brings a retro hoagie-shop charm with cheesesteaks that deliver reliable comfort. The steak is juicy, chopped fine, and married to onions and mushrooms for soft umami.
A blend of cheeses turns silky, threading flavor through every pocket of meat.
The roll gets a quick toast for hold and crunch. Add banana peppers for bright zip if you like that tangy push.
Orders come out wrapped tight, with a pickle spear that somehow makes everything taste more complete.
Staff keep it light and quick, so even busy lunch hours feel manageable. The menu invites mixing and matching, but the classic build steals the show.
Sit by the window, unwrap slowly, and let that first bite remind you why hoagie counters still matter.
Address: 123 W Merchant St, Audubon, NJ 08106
Monmouth Clubhouse Deli
Monmouth Clubhouse Deli leans hearty, with cheesesteaks tailored for post-beach hunger. The ribeye is tender, chopped medium, then drenched in melting Cooper Sharp.
Onions add sweet bass notes, while long hots deliver rhythmic heat.
The seeded roll anchors everything, and a light toast helps ward off sogginess. Ask for a side of house hot oil if you enjoy a late-blooming kick.
Portions skew generous, so splitting is kind, though you may not want to share.
Service is upbeat and fast, with sports chatter bouncing across the counter. It is a great call before a game or after a workout.
Grab a bag of chips and an iced tea, then take that first victory bite that just might carry you through the afternoon.
Address: 825 W Park Ave, Ocean Township, NJ 07712
Roman Pantry
Roman Pantry carries decades of local love, and the cheesesteak shows why the praise sticks. Steak is shaved thin, seasoned simply, and folded into onions for gentle sweetness.
American cheese melts through like a warm hug, nothing fancy, everything right.
The roll is soft yet supportive, ideal for car-eating without a mess. Add hot peppers or extra onions if you want a brighter edge.
The counter is brisk, the smiles are real, and orders land hot and confidently wrapped.
It is the kind of spot where regulars swap stories while the grill crackles. You get consistency, comfort, and a sandwich that disappears faster than planned.
If you are rolling through Penns Grove, this is the detour that turns into a tradition.
Address: 447 Harding Hwy, Penns Grove, NJ 08069
Steaks Unlimited
Boardwalk nights meet cheesesteak cravings at Steaks Unlimited, and it just works. The whiz melts into the chop, and onions bring the sweetness you crave after a long beach day.
The roll holds together even when the ocean breeze tries to steal a napkin.
Order the famous cheeseballs if you want extra indulgence. There is energy in the lights, the footsteps, and that paper-wrapped heat in your hands.
You can walk, talk, and eat without losing your place in line.
It is summer distilled into a sandwich, but locals know it hits in the off-season too. A little hot sauce wakes up the last third of the sub beautifully.
Finish with a boardwalk stroll, and call it the unofficial dessert your evening deserves.
Address: 14 Dupont Ave, Seaside Heights, NJ 08751