The Ultimate Guide: Philly Cheesesteaks in Asheville, NC

Steak. Cheese. Goodness. Try all of the cheesesteaks Asheville has to offer.

Asheville’s cheesesteak scene is definitely not Philadelphia. And admittedly, it has a lot of room to grow. But Asheville and the surrounding area are rich in mountain vistas in a way that you won’t be finding anywhere near the Delaware River. Each of these spots offers a unique twist on this beloved classic. Whether you’re an Asheville local or a visitor to our beautiful city, these places are sure to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on the Asheville cheesesteak tour today, and let me know your favorite spot in the comments below.

Asheville is a city in North Carolina that is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, its stunning natural beauty, and its delicious food. But did you know that Asheville also has some of the better Philly cheesesteaks in the Southeast? If you’re a fan of this classic sandwich, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of places in Ashevile where you can get your fill of tender steak, melted cheese , and soft bread. Whether you prefer “wit” or “witout” onions, peppers, mushrooms, wiz, or provolone, there’s a cheesesteak for everyone in Asheville. Here are some of the top spots to try.

Little Louie's

Location: 1478 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806

Little Louie's is a restaurant inspired by food from Philadelphia, PA. The steak is tender, the cheese is gooey, and the ambiance is just right. I’ve been a regular here since they recently opened, and each visit feels like a visit to the local spot. The Louie’s Special Cheesesteak is something you’ll dream about long after you’ve finished the last bite. The staff knows their cheesesteaks and are always eager to recommend something new. Also well worth trying is the meatball sandwich. It’s a cozy and odd spot where you feel right at home with the cheesy goodness.

Mike’s Philly Steak Plus

Location: 589 Brevard Rd B, Asheville, NC 28806

Mike’s Philly Steak Plus currently has the highest ratings of any of the restaurants on this list. I would not go that far, but it’s a solid option. I give it extra points for being in a gas station, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. The cheese to meat ratio is just right, the quality of ingredients tastes good, and there’s no frill. You want a cheesesteak? This place is worth trying and is a repeat spot of mine. In my opinion it just fits the classic bill of a cheesesteak from outside of Philadelphia.

Mike's signature sandwich, well worth trying.

South of Philly

Location: 4 S Tunnel Rd Ste 600, Asheville, NC 28805

South of Philly is a sandwich shop that specializes in authentic Philly cheesesteaks. They claim to use fresh ingredients, high-quality meat, and Amoroso’s rolls from Philadelphia. You can choose from a variety of cheeses, including American, provolone, Swiss, cheddar, and cheese whiz. You can also add toppings like lettuce, tomato, mayo, mustard, ketchup, hot peppers, sweet peppers, and more. Unfortunately there’s just something not quite right about the sub. The Tunnel Road location feels a little too much like a chain restaurant but with a lower quality taste. I’m not sure if I got my excitement up higher because of the name, expecting more and feeling like I ate below the bar of expectation. Either way, it is at least accurate in that the restaurant is south of Philadelphia. South of Philly has two locations in Asheville: one on Tunnel Road and one in the Sylva Shopping Center.

Woody’s Cheesesteaks

Location: 431 N Church St, Hendersonville, NC 28792

Woody’s Cheesesteaks is a place that captures the essence of Western North Carolina’s friendly spirit. The place is small, but who cares? It’s the food that matters. With perfectly cooked cheesesteaks and an even greater staff, it’s a real gem in the area. I’ve never had a bad meal here, and the vibe always lifts my spirits. Definitely make sure to try the homemade hot relish! It’s the perfect spot to share a meal or enjoy tender, cheesy steak in silence so you can enjoy each bite.

Mac’s Burgers & Cheesesteaks

Location: 104 West St, Black Mountain, NC 28711

Mac’s is where cheesesteaks meet taste buds. Every visit to Mac’s is always one of delight. The space is just awesome! It’s an old house with a lot of history. The Mac’s Philly Cheese has a unique flavor that keeps me coming back. And the onion rings. The atmosphere is lively, and the staff treats you like family. It’s a place that blends the traditional with the innovative, and the result is simply delightful. If you’re in the Asheville area (Black Mountain), Mac’s is a must-try.

Pizza Mind

Location: 285 Haywood Rd #10, Asheville, NC 28806

Pizza Mind is a pizza place (shocking!) that also offers sandwiches, salads, wings, and delicious appetizers. Their Ashephilly cheesesteak is made with seared ribeye, onions and green bell peppers, mayo, and choice of pimento beer cheese or sharp provolone, on Geraldine’s bread. I did not expect the Ashephilly to be as good as it was, but they hit a spot. I went with provolone because I’m a bit of a traditionalist, but will definitely be going back to try the beer cheese.

Lenny’s

Location: 645 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28803

Ah, Lenny’s! Yes, it’s a chain. But also yes, it’s a good cheesesteak. The cheese to steak ratio is right where it needs to be. They let you customize if that’s something you enjoy. The quality of the meat is surprisingly good, and the bread is also better than you would expect. The Classic Cheesesteak here is more than a sandwich; it scratches the itch for an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. One reviewer said “Best cheesesteak he’s ever had.” While I can’t completely agree, it’s pretty good. He went on to say “The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the bread, oh, the bread — it’s a masterpiece.”

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge

Location: 7 Rankin Ave, Asheville, NC 28801

Rankin Vault Cocktail Lounge is one of the best spots to get a late night bite or enjoy some afternoon drinks. It’s a lounge that serves cocktails, beer, wine, and food. Their Philly cheesesteak is made with shaved ribeye steak, grilled onions, poblanos, spicy mayo, queso, and provolone cheese on a hoagie roll. Honestly, everything that the kitchen makes at Rankin Vault is delicious, so it’s tough to go wrong here. The poblanos are definitely an interesting take. Let me know what you think of it in the comments below.

The Hungry Bear Café

Location: 165 Smokey Park Hwy, Asheville, NC 28806

The Hungry Bear Café is a café that serves breakfast and lunch. Their Philly cheesesteak sub is decent, but nothing special. It’s more of a steak and cheese sub than a cheesesteak. It is made with shaved steak, grilled onions, peppers, and provolone cheese on a sub roll. It’s worth a visit if you’re looking for a classic diner and very reasonable prices, but I wouldn’t put it in the top of the contenders of a cheesesteak.

This list is always growing and evolving. Comment below to help fill out the ultimate guide to Philly cheesesteaks in Asheville. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite, a hearty meal, or a late-night snack, you’ll find a cheesesteak that suits your taste buds in Asheville.

Be sure to comment your thoughts or recommendations below.

Remember though, this isn’t Philadelphia. And that’s okay. So what are you waiting for? Grab some napkins, enjoy some cheesy grease, and dig in!