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Photo courtesy of Ricky's Cheesesteak & Sub Shop
In the heart of Metro Detroit, cheesesteaks have found a special place in the hearts of locals. While the classic Philly cheesesteak remains a beloved staple, various establishments in the area have taken this iconic sandwich to new heights, making a new home in the culinary scene here. Let’s embark on a flavorful journey through some of Metro Detroit’s standout cheesesteak havens…
BULLDOG’S CHEESESTEAKS
22749 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
33171 Grand River Avenue, Farmington
Bulldog’s Cheesesteaks takes pride in its family-owned and operated establishment offering a no-frills approach to delivering mouthwatering cheesesteaks. This spot is known for its generous portions and the ability to customize your sandwich with a wide range of toppings, ensuring each bite is as unique as the customer. Keep things simple with the Bulldog Whiz and the classic Philly, or switch things up with the Philly Slugger, which features cherry hot peppers, jalapeños, provolone cheese, and a chipotle mayo. If that isn’t enough Philly for you, get the Philly fries to accompany your meal.
RICKY’S CHEESESTEAK & SUB SHOP
6460 Greenfield Road, Dearborn
Ricky’s Cheesesteak & Sub Shop has carved out its niche by combining tradition with a touch of personal flair. “Ricky’s has been a Metro Detroit favorite since 1988, serving giant cheesesteaks and subs on made-fresh daily Italian bread. We use 100 percent ribeye for our cheesesteaks and all of our sauces are made in-house,” says owner Feras (Fez) Mansour. There are three options to choose from: the O.G. Philly, the Philly steak and cheese, and the Firecracker Philly. The O.G. sandwich keeps things simple with steak, grilled onions, and your choice of cheese. The Philly is topped “with everything” and includes lettuce, tomatoes, onions, banana peppers, and Ricky’s sub sauce along with your typical grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Finally, the Firecracker is perfect for those looking for a kick, as the steak is cajun-seasoned the sub has a spicy pepper relish amongst the other toppings.
PHILLY’S ORIGINAL CHEESESTEAKS
23202 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair Shores
Philly’s Original Cheesesteaks brings the authentic Pennsylvania flavor to Michigan. Co-owner Phil Washington’s quest for an authentic cheesesteak after moving from Pennsylvania led to the creation of this establishment with his wife, a Michigan native. “Since I couldn’t find a sufficient cheesesteak, we decided to make our own,” Phil recalls. This dedication to authenticity has made Philly’s Original Cheesesteaks a beloved spot among those craving a taste of the classic Philly sandwich. The sandwiches here can come with the classic grilled onions, peppers, and mushrooms, with cheese options of white American or melted Cheese Wiz. Other options with this flavor profile include the cheesesteak pizza, fries, and egg rolls. Any way you want this delicious combination of steak, veggies, and cheese, Philly’s has you covered.
DETROIT 75 KITCHEN
4800 West Fort Street, Detroit
At Detroit 75 Kitchen, the story of Mike and Ahmad Nassar is one of unexpected success and unwavering dedication. What started as a humble endeavor to serve truckers at their family’s truck stop has blossomed into one of the Top 100 Restaurants in the U.S. and a Top 3 Food Truck in the country. Their cheesesteaks, part of a broader menu that has captivated the hearts of Detroiters, embody the spirit of innovation and excellence that the Nassar brothers stand for. The 3rd St. Detroit Cheesesteak is exactly what you’ll want, with a mix of ribeye and sirloin along with provolone and Swiss cheeses, roasted mushrooms and peppers, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato, sweet pickled jalapeños, aioli, and a house-made vinaigrette on a freshly baked sesame roll.
For even more sandwich choices, check out our list here.
OAK HOUSE DELI
603 South Washington Avenue, Royal Oak
At Oak House Deli, the cheesesteak transcends traditional boundaries. “Oak House Deli is the brainchild of businessman and local rock and roll legend Tony Maisano. It prides itself on offering the freshest possible ingredients as well as vegetarian, meatless, and vegan options,” shares the Oak House Deli Team. This establishment redefines the cheesesteak experience by catering to a broad spectrum of dietary preferences, without compromising on flavor. Here, the Big Mick is the closest sandwich to a Philly, made on a soft hoagie with steak, onions, American cheese, pickles, lettuce, and Russian dressing, which also is available as a vegan version as well.
