Unearth The Voyage
Steak subs might not always get the spotlight, but once you find a great one, you remember it forever. Juicy beef, melted cheese, and toasted rolls make these chain picks seriously craveable.
Some are classic, some are clever hacks, and all of them deliver big flavor without slowing you down. Ready to discover the sandwiches regulars whisper about and reorder on repeat?
1. Jersey Mike’s – #16 Mike’s Famous Philly
Jersey Mike’s cooks the #16 hot on the flat top, so the steak, onions, and peppers mingle beautifully. White American cheese melts into the crevices, creating that classic Philly comfort.
The roll stays soft yet sturdy, capturing every juicy bite.
Order it Mike’s Way for a fresh crunch of lettuce and tomatoes, or keep it classic and hot-only. The aroma alone convinces you it will hit the spot.
It is just the right amount of juicy, quick to satisfy, and always consistent when cravings strike.
2. Charleys Cheesesteaks – Philly Cheesesteak
Charleys serves a crowd-pleasing take on the Philly, with thin-sliced steak that cooks fast and stays tender. Provolone melts smoothly, hugging onions, peppers, and optional mushrooms.
The hoagie is soft with a light toast, keeping every bite cohesive and satisfying.
Customization is the move here: extra cheese, extra steak, or a drizzle of creamy sauce. Grab the famous fries on the side and you have a complete comfort combo.
It is quick, reliable, and surprisingly indulgent for a fast-food setting, perfect between errands or before a movie.
3. Subway – The Philly
Subway’s The Philly flies under the radar, but with the right tweaks it satisfies nicely. Toast the bread, double the cheese, and add onions and peppers for that classic combo.
The steak is surprisingly hearty for the price, especially when portioned right.
Ask for a light drizzle of chipotle southwest for smoky heat, or keep it simple with mayo. The beauty is the control you have at the counter.
It is budget-friendly, customizable, and perfect when you want a quick steak fix without a big detour.
4. Penn Station – Philly Cheesesteak
Penn Station cooks your cheesesteak right on the griddle, so you see and smell everything. The steak gets a savory sear, onions soften, and provolone melts into a glorious blanket.
Their fresh-baked roll holds up without getting soggy, even with extra juice.
Do not skip the fresh-cut fries, salted and crisp. Add banana peppers or mushrooms for a little extra flair.
This one feels old-school in the best way, with confident flavors and hearty portions that leave you satisfied, not stuffed. It is comfort food done right.
5. Firehouse Subs – Steak & Cheese
Firehouse Subs nails the balance of melty and meaty with its Steak & Cheese. Thin-sliced steak gets griddled until tender, then layered with provolone, peppers, and onions on a perfectly toasted roll.
Each bite brings warmth, crunch, and that comforting smoky edge.
You can dial up the heat with hot sauce or keep it mellow with mayo and mustard. Ask for extra cheese if you love a gooey finish.
It is the kind of sub that feels familiar yet special, ideal for lunch or a quick dinner fix.
6. Quiznos – Classic Steak
Quiznos leans into the toasted magic with the Classic Steak. Mushrooms and onions bring savory depth, while mozzarella bubbles and browns along the edges.
The bread crisps just enough to contrast the juicy interior, creating a satisfying crunch-to-chew ratio.
Ask for a drizzle of peppercorn or a touch of jalapenos if you want a kick. It is a sandwich that rewards heat and patience, emerging from the toaster perfectly fused.
When you crave char-kissed flavor without fuss, this one delivers every single time.
7. Potbelly – Steakhouse Beef Sandwich
Potbelly’s Steakhouse Beef amps things up with Angus beef and a bold horseradish aioli. Provolone melts into the caramelized onions and toasted roll, bringing a balanced richness.
The flavors feel elevated without getting fussy, just comfort with a sharper edge.
Add lettuce and pickles for crunch, or keep it straight and beef-forward. The portion hits that sweet spot between filling and manageable.
It is the kind of sub you happily linger over, enjoying each savory swipe of aioli and every tender slice of beef.
8. Jimmy John’s – The Big John (steak-style customization)
Jimmy John’s is not a hot-steak shop, but the Big John can scratch that itch. Load roast beef with provolone, hot peppers, onions, and a swipe of mayo for steak-sub vibes.
The bread is fresh and sturdy, with a clean chew that showcases the fillings.
Ask for extra meat and cheese if you want more heft. It is a slick, quick option when you prefer cold over hot but still crave beefy satisfaction.
Simple, reliable, and easy to customize, it turns into a sleeper favorite for weekday lunches.
9. Wawa – Hot Philly Cheesesteak
Wawa’s Hot Philly Cheesesteak wins because it is made to order and reliably hot. The steak is chopped and juicy, with silky cheese sauce that coats every bite.
Onions add sweetness, and the soft hoagie makes it easy to devour on the go.
Order extra cheese or a double meat upgrade for late-night cravings. The touchscreen lets you tweak everything in seconds.
It is ideal road trip fuel and a cult favorite for a reason. Quick, comforting, and always there when you need it most.
10. Checkers/Rally’s – Philly Cheesesteak Sub
Checkers and Rally’s deliver a grab-and-go cheesesteak with unapologetically big flavor. The steak is salty and satisfying, the cheese melty, and the onions well-griddled.
It is the kind of sandwich that tastes even better after a long drive.
Expect a little grease and a lot of payoff. Pair it with seasoned fries to round out the experience.
It is drive-thru friendly, quick, and comfort-forward. When convenience matters but you still want that steak-and-cheese payoff, this one delivers the goods without hesitation.
11. Erbert & Gerbert’s – Spartan Sandwich
Erbert & Gerbert’s brings a quirky spin with the Spartan. Seasoned beef pairs with provolone and a gentle pepper kick, tucked into their pillowy bread.
The texture is soft and comforting, ideal when you want mellow heat rather than a blast.
Add lettuce for freshness or a dab of mayo to enrich the bite. It lands squarely in comfort-food territory, beloved in the Midwest for good reason.
Simple, kind, and dependable, it is a steady weekday favorite that never feels heavy.
12. Blimpie – Ultimate Club with Steak (menu hack)
At Blimpie, ask to swap the meats on the Ultimate Club for grilled steak and you get a sleeper hit. The result is a saucy, cheesy, protein-packed sub that feels like a secret.
The toasted roll holds it together while the steak takes center stage.
Add onions, peppers, and a touch of oil and vinegar for balance. It is a fun hack when you want more beef without losing that loaded-club energy.
Generous, rich, and a little rebellious, it makes repeat appearances in your lunch rotation.
13. Sheetz – Custom Steak Sub
Sheetz thrives on customization, and the steak sub is where that shines. Choose your cheese, pile on mushrooms and peppers, and toast the hoagie for crunch.
The steak is hearty enough to handle big flavors, especially with a creamy sauce or extra cheese.
Order it late at night or during a road trip stop and it still hits. The portions feel generous and the price stays friendly.
Build it your way and you will never get bored. It is a dependable, filling pick for hungry travelers.
14. Milo’s Hamburgers – Philly Cheesesteak
Milo’s might be famous for burgers, but the cheesesteak is a regional sleeper. Smoky beef rounds out a creamy, melty interior that leans comforting over traditional.
The roll is soft, the cheese generous, and the flavor deeply satisfying.
Fans love the local twist and dependable value. It is the kind of sandwich you discover by word of mouth, then keep coming back for.
If you are road-tripping through the South, add it to your list. It delivers heartwarming, beefy vibes with every bite.
15. Arby’s – Classic Beef ‘n Cheddar (Philly remix)
Arby’s is not a traditional steak sub, but the Beef ‘n Cheddar easily morphs into a Philly-inspired bite. Add onions and peppers where available, and double cheese for a fuller effect.
The tangy red sauce contrasts nicely with the rich beef and cheddar.
It is quick, affordable, and way more customizable than you expect. Think of it as a playful remix that still satisfies those cheesesteak cravings.
When you want speed and a beefy punch, this hack-friendly staple delivers big flavor without fuss.
