By JA Williams Jr
Atlantic City and the surrounding Shore towns may be famous for casinos, beaches, nightlife and the Boardwalk, but some of the area’s best experiences come wrapped in paper and served on a roll.
I recently ranked the top cheesesteaks in Northwest Philadelphia. I did it that way because, to me, trying to rank cheesesteaks citywide is crazy. Every section of Philadelphia has its own neighborhood spots, traditions and preferences about what makes a great steak.
The same thinking went into this Atlantic City list.
I ranked these cheesesteaks based on my own standards, but I’m not approaching the Shore as an outsider or occasional tourist. I also have a residence in Atlantic City, and I’ve been searching for the area’s best cheesesteak since I bought my condo here.
I’m a Northwest Philadelphia resident, an Atlantic City resident and, most importantly for this assignment, a veteran cheesesteak eater. I’ve eaten them all over Philadelphia and have spent years trying different spots in and around Atlantic City.
And I’ll say this: there are some really good cheesesteaks in Atlantic City.
Philadelphia shouldn’t assume it has this category completely locked up. These rankings are based on what matters to me in a cheesesteak—the quality and flavor of the meat, the roll, cheese, juiciness, portion and how the entire sandwich comes together.
After tasting my way around Atlantic City and the surrounding Shore communities, I believe our Top 3 can hold their own against the majority of Philly cheesesteak spots.
This isn’t about comparing every Atlantic City steak to some mythical “perfect Philly cheesesteak.” It’s about finding the best cheesesteaks Atlantic City and the surrounding Shore communities have to offer.
Here are the Boardwalk Standard picks for the best cheesesteaks in the Atlantic City area.
1. Joe’s Famous Hoagies & Steaks — Atlantic City
Boardwalk Standard’s #1 Cheesesteak
Joe’s Famous Hoagies & Steaks on Ventnor Avenue takes our top spot—and one reason is that Joe’s gives steak lovers two different options.
You can order the Rib-Eye Cheesesteak or the traditional non-rib-eye cheesesteak, and after trying both, we came away impressed with each.
The rib-eye brings the tenderness, richness and beef flavor you’d expect from the premium cut. But don’t overlook the regular steak. Both are incredible, making Joe’s one of those rare places where you don’t necessarily have to order the premium cut to get a great sandwich.
Joe’s combines flavorful meat, melted cheese, a substantial roll and generous portions into a cheesesteak that doesn’t need Philadelphia’s skyline behind it to compete.
Joe’s earns the Boardwalk Standard cheesesteak crown.
2. Celebrity Corner — Atlantic City
Celebrity Corner earns our #2 ranking on the strength of an impressive cheesesteak made with noticeably high-quality ingredients.
The meat was tender, flavorful and exceptionally juicy, but the seeded roll may have been the biggest surprise. The roll absorbed the juices while maintaining enough structure to keep the sandwich together instead of becoming a soggy mess.
There is one knock: the portion is on the smaller side compared with some competitors. But this is a case where quality helps compensate for quantity.
The biggest downside may have nothing to do with the sandwich: Celebrity Corner isn’t open year-round. When it’s open, however, this is one of Atlantic City’s best cheesesteaks.
3. White House Sub Shop — Atlantic City
You can’t have an Atlantic City sandwich conversation without White House.
The original Arctic Avenue institution has served generations of locals, tourists, entertainers and celebrities. Its history and reputation are virtually unmatched in the city.
White House remains an essential stop and the Atlantic City classic on our list.
When Joe’s, Celebrity Corner and White House are your Top 3, Atlantic City has a legitimate argument that its best cheesesteaks deserve to be mentioned alongside many of Philadelphia’s.
4. Vic’s Subs — Absecon
Vic’s is one of the area’s sleeper picks.
It doesn’t have the tourist recognition of some Atlantic City establishments, but its cheesesteaks, bread and generous portions have helped build a loyal local following. For anyone willing to venture a few minutes off the island, Vic’s deserves consideration.
5. Dino’s Subs & Pizza — Margate
Dino’s represents the neighborhood Shore sandwich shop at its best.
A longtime Margate favorite, Dino’s has become a familiar destination for pizza, subs and cheesesteaks. It’s an easy addition to any Downbeach food tour.
6. Hooters — Atlantic City
Hooters might be the unexpected entry on the list, but its cheesesteak earns a spot.
For visitors who want a cheesesteak alongside wings, drinks and a casual sports-bar atmosphere, Hooters provides another solid Atlantic City option.
7. Ernest & Son — Brigantine
Ernest & Son brings an old-school neighborhood butcher-and-sandwich-shop feel to the rankings.
Quality meats are central to its reputation, making it a natural Brigantine destination for anyone searching for a good cheesesteak.
8. Sack O’ Subs — Ventnor
Sack O’ Subs has deep roots in the Atlantic City area and remains one of the region’s recognizable sandwich names.
Its cheesesteak represents the traditional South Jersey Shore sub-shop experience and remains a dependable Ventnor option.
9. Charlie’s Bar — Somers Point
A good cheesesteak doesn’t necessarily have to come from a sub shop.
Charlie’s combines the atmosphere of a longtime neighborhood bar with a cheesesteak that has developed its own loyal following.
10. Chickie’s & Pete’s — Atlantic City
The famous Philadelphia sports-bar brand rounds out our Top 10.
Its Atlantic City location gives casino and Boardwalk visitors another cheesesteak option without having to travel far.
Boardwalk Standard’s Top 3
#1 — Joe’s Famous Hoagies & Steaks, Atlantic City
#2 — Celebrity Corner, Atlantic City
#3 — White House Sub Shop, Atlantic City
Philadelphia may be America’s cheesesteak capital, but don’t sleep on Atlantic City.
I’ve eaten enough cheesesteaks over the years to know that a great steak isn’t determined by the ZIP code where it was made. It comes down to the meat, bread, cheese, preparation, juiciness, portion and how everything comes together when you take that first bite.
Joe’s, Celebrity Corner and White House show that Atlantic City can make a serious cheesesteak.
And these rankings aren’t finished. Boardwalk Standard will continue tasting its way around Atlantic City and the Shore. A great cheesesteak can move up the board—and an overlooked neighborhood spot could always become the next #1.
