Where to get a Philly cheesesteak in the DC area ahead of the Super Bowl
WASHINGTON - Eagles fans hungry for a Super Bowl win and wishing for a taste of Philadelphia here in the D.C. area are in luck. While there may not be a Pat vs. Geno's rivalry in the District, there are plenty of spots to get your fix for a ‘whiz wit,’ or any other cheesesteak variation you might prefer.
Rai's Pizza
This pizza spot in Sterling serves up plenty of New York-style pies, but they're also known for their Philly-style cheesesteaks, made with shaved ribeye, onions, and your choice of the ever-popular Whiz, or the more classic provolone. For a real Philly feel, try the Balboa, complete with Italian sausage, sweet peppers and sauteed onions.
Rai's Pizza
21430 Cedar Dr. #128 Sterling, VA
703-259-3200
Philadelphia Tavern
Head to Manassas for a taste of the City of Brotherly Love. Philadelphia Tavern's cheesesteaks are made with Amoroso rolls – the true mark of an authentic Philly cheesesteak.
Philadelphia Tavern
9413 Main St. Manassas, VA
703-393-1776
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory
It's all in the name – this family-owned and operated spot serves up authentic Philly cheesesteaks. They even have Cheez Whiz for those who prefer "whiz wit" over American or provolone cheese.
Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory
3060 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA
703-461-7878
Paisano's
With multiple locations throughout the DMV, Paisano's serves up a few cheesesteak options – including a menu item called "Steak & Cheese" which comes with lettuce, tomato and grilled onions, what some from the Philly area may better recognize as a "cheesesteak hoagie." As an added bonus, they also have stromboli – the calzone's Philadelphian cousin.
Paisano's
Multiple Locations
paisanospizza.com
Bub and Pop's
Bub and Pop's brought handcrafted hoagies and cheesesteaks from the neighborhoods of South Philly to Northwest D.C. Their sandwiches are big and, unless you're ordering the classic hoagie or the cheesesteak, uncustomizable. Try the Philly Special just the way it is, with porchetta, provolone, broccoli rabe and hot cherry peppers. Guy Fieri ate one himself in 2015.
Bub and Pop's
1815 M St NW, Washington D.C.
202-457-1111
Grazie Grazie
With two locations in D.C., Grazie Grazie touts itself as a "neighborhood Italian deli." They have a stacked menu of cold sandwiches, plus a number of cheesesteak options – including a vegetarian cheesesteak.
Grazie Grazie
Locations in Dupont and the Wharf
graziegrazie.com
Jerry's Carry Out
This Chinese food spot is open late, and satisfies any cravings you may have for General Tso's and cheesesteaks after hanging out on U Street or in Shaw. Try the Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls for a little bit of Asian fusion.
Jerry's Carry Out
2016 Georgia Ave NW, Washington D.C.
202-462-8740
Capo Deli
Capo Italian Deli strives to model itself after Italian delis in New York and Philly, and has three locations in the DMV (with a fourth on the way). Plus, they serve delicious cocktails in the speakeasy behind their Shaw location (located through a refrigerator door behind the deli's register.)
Capo Deli
Multiple Locations
capodeli.com
Continental Pizza
The family-owned and operated spot in Kensington is a local favorite for its pies and its cheesesteaks, also known as a "Steak & Cheese" on the menu. It's cash only, so make sure to hit up an ATM.
Continental Pizza
10532 Connecticut Ave Kensington, MD
301-949-9797
Brew Belly Kitchen
Whether you like a cheesesteak with the most classic of fixings, or you're up for an adventurous cheesesteak with toppings like soy-hoisin sauce or feta cheese, Brew Belly has it all. All of their beers on tap are local to the DMV, if you'd like to wash your cheesesteak down with a craft brew. As an homage to our friends north of both Philly and D.C., get the poutine on the side.
Brew Belly Kitchen
18065 Georgia Ave, Olney, MD
240-389-1927