A real Philly cheesesteak comes down to three things: shaved ribeye, melted cheese, and a roll that can hold the weight.
A reader recently asked me to round up the spots in DC serving the genuine article, so here it is — the cheesesteaks worth your lunch break, your late-night craving, and in a few cases a short drive across the line. Some lean classic, some go loaded, and a couple come from butchers who cut the beef themselves. Grab a napkin!
Bub and Pop’s Runs a Scratch Kitchen Near Union Market
Bub and Pop’s is the craft pick, and it is hard to beat. The family-run shop bakes its own artisanal rolls and treats an $18 cheesesteak with the care of a fine-dining plate, which is no accident — chef Jonathan Taub trained in kitchens like Alain Ducasse’s Adour before opening here in 2013. Order the shaved ribeye with provolone dulce or Cooper Sharp and fried onions. One catch: the shop closes Monday and Tuesday, so plan around it. Address: 100 Florida Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002; about $18.
The Philly Republic Stacks Them High in Eckington
The Philly Republic does exactly what the name promises. The Eckington spot builds well-seasoned, heavily loaded steaks, and the Loaded Beef Cheesesteak piles on double meat and double cheese for $26. Order it loaded. Add the Cajun fries. Thank me later. The kitchen runs until 10 most nights, which makes it a solid dinner option, too. Address: 2000 5th St NE, Washington, DC 20002; about $20–26.
Ghostburger in Shaw Builds a Real Cheesesteak on a Sarcone’s Roll
Ghostburger takes its cheesesteak seriously enough to import the bread. “A Real Cheesesteak” loads shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, and house whiz onto a Sarcone’s roll shipped from Philadelphia, in an 8oz ($17.99) or a hefty 12oz ($23.99). The Shaw spot is as much a bar as a kitchen, so make a night of it. Address: 1250 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001; about $18–24.
George’s King of Falafel Owns Late Nights in Georgetown
George’s King of Falafel and Cheesesteak has anchored Georgetown since 1982. The shawarma gets the headlines, but the Famous Cheesesteak — shaved ribeye with jalapeños, mushrooms, onions, cheese, and mayo — earns its own following at $12.95. The real draw is the hours, since the kitchen stays open into the early morning when almost nothing else in Georgetown will feed you. Plus, it sits within walking distance of the White House, Georgetown University, and the waterfront. Address: 1205 28th St NW, Washington, DC 20007; about $13.
District MeltHouse Brings a Clyde’s Melt Downtown
District MeltHouse is a carryout kitchen run by Clyde’s, tucked inside Clyde’s of Gallery Place. The Philly Cheesesteak arrives with cheese whiz, provolone, shaved ribeye, onions, peppers, and mushrooms over fries for $20, and ordering one nets you free mac and cheese. It is downtown’s convenient option when you are working near the 7th St NW corridor. Address: 707 7th St NW, Washington, DC 20001; about $20.
Charleys at Union Station Is the Reliable Quick Fix
Charleys Cheesesteaks is the dependable chain fallback, and there is no shame in that. Inside Union Station, it turns out a classic Philly with grilled USDA-choice steak and melted provolone for $9.99, while the loaded Old School Triple Melt runs $12.99. Consistent. Fast. Done. Keep it in mind when you need a fix near the trains or the Capitol. Address: Union Station, 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002; about $10–13.
Grazie Grazie Crosses a Cheesesteak With a BLT at The Wharf
Grazie Grazie takes a more modern angle at The Wharf. Its “Philly Special” blends a classic cheesesteak with a BLT — 12oz grass-fed shaved ribeye, cherry pepper mayo, applewood bacon, and Cooper Sharp — and you can build your own around the same ribeye for about $16.95. Portions run big, and the patio makes it a fine stop before a waterfront walk. Address: 85 District Square SW, Washington, DC 20024; about $17.
DC Bites Is the Halal Newcomer in Woodley Park
DC Bites opened recently near the zoo and already pulls a 4.9 rating. The 100% halal kitchen turns out a flavor-packed Philly cheesesteak for under $13.99, and it sits steps from the Woodley Park-Zoo Metro, so it is easy to reach. Run by two brothers, the spot leans into fresh, made-to-order cooking. Address: 2604 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC 20008; about $14.
Worth the Drive: A Couple DMV Standouts
A few of the region’s best sit just over the DC line, and locals will tell you they earn the trip.
Al’s Steak House Is the Del Ray Gold Standard
Al’s Steak House has called itself the King of the Philly since 1955, and Del Ray regulars back the claim. The Alexandria institution serves massive, no-frills cheesesteaks for under $17, the kind of sandwich that never changes because it never needs to. No frills. No fuss. Just steak and cheese. Address: 1504 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301; about $15–17.
Soko in Takoma Park Wins Best in the DMV
Soko Butcher Shop & Market might top the whole list. Washington Post readers ranked its Philly the best in the region, and the edge comes from the meat, because this is a working butcher shop. The Philly stacks prime rib, caramelized onions, house-made cheese wiz, and mayo on a French roll for around $17.25, and it is big enough to feed two. Address: 7306 Carroll Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912; about $17.
Did I Miss One? That is my running list of the best Philly cheesesteaks in DC and the DMV — but a good roundup is never really finished. If your favorite shaved-ribeye spot did not make the cut, send it my way and I will go eat my way through it!
The Washington Lobbyist has covered DC dining, hotels, and happy hours since 2009, always from the point of view of someone who actually lives and eats here. Follow along for more neighborhood guides, restaurant openings, and the occasional reader request — and tell us where you want us to eat next!
