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Best NYC cheesesteaks

By Elaine Paoloni | epaoloni@am-ny.com

5:12 PM EDT, May 16, 2007

Philadelphians are just as particular about their cheesesteaks as New Yorkers are about their pizza. So, when someone claims to have an "authentic" version outside the City of Brotherly Love, it's usually met with scoffs.

Adding to the ongoing quest for the perfect cheesesteak in New York may be that there is no one tried-and-true recipe for a Philly cheesesteak. Some say it takes fresh-baked Amoroso bread from Philly, others fight over Cheez Whiz vs. provolone, while others say it isn't veritable unless you order it wit' -- with grilled onions, that is.

With a little personal experience hanging out at Philly's own Pat's, Geno's and Jim's, here's what we think comes closest in the Big Apple:

Wogie's Bar & Grill This upscale neighborhood sports bar serves multiple cheesesteak variations, including a buffalo chicken cheesesteak and a pizza steak. But opt for the copious chicken cheesesteak with Cheez Wiz. Down it with a Pennsylvania-brewed Yuengling, and pair it with some tasty waffle fries. If there's no Philadelphia sports team on TV, forgo sitting in a high-backed booth and take a seat outdoors to enjoy the West Village scenery. (39 Greenwich Ave., at Charles Street; 212-229-2171; $7.25-$7.75)

Philly Slim's Cheesesteak Although the sandwiches aren't as large as competitors' and are a bit heavy on the bread and seasoning, the steak and sautéed onions tucked inside hit the spot. If you laugh in the face of grease, try the Fat Philly, with double helpings of steak and cheese, bacon, onion rings and Russian dressing. Top off your order with another Philly classic -- Tastykakes. 789 Ninth Ave., between 52nd and 53rd streets; 212-333-3042. 106 University Pl., between 12th and 13th streets; 212-989-8281. $6-$12.50

Cheesesteak Factory An open storefront on warm nights makes it easy for hungry bar hoppers to stumble in until 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Amid loud music and photos of Rocky Balboa on the wall, this place may churn out the cheesesteaks like a factory, but the sandwiches are far from fast food. They start with fresh-baked Amoroso rolls from Philly, then add a "healthy" helping of Cheez Whiz, provolone or white American that keeps the thinly sliced sirloin moist. Chopped grilled onions are optional, as is garlic bread (50 cents extra). 191 E. Houston St., between Orchard and Ludlow streets; 212-375-0700; $5.95-$7.50

Shorty's Next time you're hopping on or off a bus at Port Authority, you might want to make a pit stop at this cafe/bar formerly known as Tony Luke's. Order a cheesesteak piled high with your choice of cheese, fried onions, mushrooms, and hot or sweet peppers. While you wait, you can catch the sports games of the day on flat-screen TVs perched above the dining and drinking areas. 576 Ninth Ave., between 41st and 42nd streets; 212-967-3055; $4.50 (half)-$7.99 (whole)

Carl's Steaks If the aromatic scent of sautéed onions hanging in the air doesn't whet your appetite, you're sure to be sold on the flavor of Carl's cheesesteaks once you sink your teeth into the sandwiches. Go for The Works, which includes sliced sirloin or chicken breast covered with grilled onions, mushrooms, three types of peppers and your choice of cheese. 507 Third Ave., between 34th and 35th streets; 212-696-5336. 79 Chambers St., between Broadway and Church Street; 212-566-2828. Concession at Yankee Stadium. $6.50-$8

99 Miles to Philly The menu is simple. Choose a main ingredient (steak, chicken or vegetables) and a cheese (Cheez Whiz, American or provolone), then decide if you want onions or not. Add-ins range from pizza sauce to three types of peppers to lettuce and tomato. 94 Third Ave., between 12th and 13th streets; 212-253-2700; $6.50; add-ins, 25 cents to 50 cents each.

Fetch It might be bold to call this incarnation the Original Philadelphia Cheesesteak. But native Philadelphian chef Adam Powers might be onto something. He uses thinly sliced rib eye steak, sauteed onions and Cheez Whiz to dress up an authentic Amoroso hoagie roll. For a twist on the traditional, try Fetch's Philly cheesesteak egg roll, which stuffs sliced rib eye, sauteed onions and Cheez Whiz into an egg roll skin that is then deep-fried. 1649 Third Ave., between 92nd and 93rd streets; 212-289-2700 $11 sandwich; $9 egg roll