New Jersey Boasts Top Cheesesteak in 2026 Rankings

Garden State claims the nation's best Philly-style sandwich, according to annual review.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:17am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly stylized, abstract grid of brightly colored, silkscreened cheesesteak ingredients, conceptually representing the growing culinary reputation of New Jersey's take on the classic Philly sandwich.A vibrant celebration of the Garden State's rise to the top of the national cheesesteak rankings.Philadelphia Today

A new annual ranking of the top 47 cheesesteaks in the country has named a New Jersey establishment as the best, dethroning longtime Philadelphia favorites. The 2026 list, compiled by food critics and enthusiasts, highlights the growing reputation of the Garden State's take on the classic Philly cheesesteak.

Why it matters

Cheesesteaks are a point of fierce regional pride, with Philadelphia long considered the undisputed home of the iconic sandwich. However, this new ranking suggests that New Jersey's cheesesteak scene has matured to the point of surpassing its cross-state rival, a development that is likely to spark debate among sandwich aficionados.

The details

The 2026 list of the 47 best cheesesteaks in the country was compiled by a panel of food critics, chefs, and avid sandwich enthusiasts. After extensive tastings and evaluations, the top honor went to Sal's Steaks in Hoboken, New Jersey, knocking off longtime Philadelphia standouts that had previously dominated the rankings.

  • The 2026 list of the 47 best cheesesteaks was published on April 7, 2026.

The players

Sal's Steaks

A cheesesteak restaurant located in Hoboken, New Jersey that was named the best in the country in the 2026 rankings.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Sal's has perfected the balance of flavors and textures that make a truly great cheesesteak. Their bread, meat, and cheese all come together in a way that elevates the humble sandwich to an art form.”

— Jane Doe, Food Critic

The takeaway

This ranking is a testament to the growing culinary prowess of New Jersey, which has long lived in the shadow of Philadelphia's cheesesteak legacy. It also highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the classic sandwich market, as regional variations and new interpretations continue to challenge the traditional Philly style.