Editing Dalessandros Steaks

{{Infobox Restaurant
| name = Dalessandro's Steaks
| image =
| image_caption = Dalessandro's Steaks
| cuisine = Cheesesteaks
| address = 600 Wendover Street
| neighborhood = Roxborough
| coordinates = 39.0289,-75.2153
| phone = (215) 482-5407
| website = https://www.dalessandros.com
| established = 1960
| founder = The D'Alessandro family
| owner = D'Alessandro family
| price_range = $
| hours = 11 AM - 10 PM (closed Sundays)
| rating =
| reviews =
}}

'''Dalessandro's Steaks''' is a cheesesteak restaurant located at 600 Wendover Street in the '''Roxborough''' neighborhood of Philadelphia. Operating since '''1960''', Dalessandro's has earned a devoted following who consider it the '''best cheesesteak in Philadelphia''', with fans willing to travel from across the city and beyond to this residential neighborhood location. Known for its generous portions, high-quality meat, and old-school atmosphere, Dalessandro's represents authentic neighborhood Philadelphia dining.<ref name="dalessandros-official">{{cite web |url=https://www.dalessandros.com |title=Dalessandro's Steaks |publisher=Dalessandro's |access-date=December 31, 2025}}</ref>

== History ==

=== Founding (1960) ===

The '''D'Alessandro family''' opened the original location in '''1960''':

'''Origins:'''
* Family-owned from the start
* Neighborhood-focused operation
* Served Roxborough and Manayunk communities
* Built reputation through quality

=== Building a Legend ===

Over decades, Dalessandro's grew from local secret to citywide phenomenon:

'''Growth:'''
* '''1960s-1980s''': Neighborhood favorite
* '''1990s''': Word spread beyond Roxborough
* '''2000s''': Featured in national media
* '''Present''': Destination restaurant

Despite recognition, Dalessandro's has remained in its original location and maintained its character.

=== Family Tradition ===

The D'Alessandro family has operated the restaurant for over 60 years:

* Multiple generations involved
* Recipes and techniques passed down
* Resisted franchising offers
* Maintained quality standards

== The Cheesesteak ==

=== What Sets It Apart ===

Dalessandro's cheesesteak is distinctive:

'''The meat:'''
* '''High-quality ribeye''': Premium cut
* '''Generous portions''': More meat than competitors
* '''Chopped on the grill''': Traditional technique
* '''Perfect seasoning''': Proprietary blend

'''The bread:'''
* '''Fresh Italian rolls''': Crusty exterior
* '''Proper size''': Balances the generous meat
* '''Holds together''': Despite the quantity

'''The cheese:'''
* '''Cheese Whiz''': Classic option
* '''American''': Melty choice
* '''Provolone''': Sharper flavor

=== The Preparation ===

'''Grilling process:'''
1. Ribeye sliced thin
2. Grilled on flat-top
3. Chopped with spatulas
4. Cheese melted on meat
5. Transferred to fresh roll
6. Served immediately

The speed and technique are perfected over decades.

=== Portion Size ===

Dalessandro's is known for '''generous portions''':

* Significantly more meat than average
* Rolls sized to match
* Value for the price
* '''Plan your appetite accordingly'''

== The Menu ==

=== Cheesesteaks ===

'''Main event:'''
* '''Cheesesteak''' - With choice of cheese
* '''Cheesesteak wit''' - With fried onions
* '''Pizza steak''' - With tomato sauce
* '''Mushroom steak''' - With sautéed mushrooms

=== Other Items ===

* '''Hoagies'''
* '''Chicken cheesesteak'''
* '''Fries'''
* '''Beverages'''

While other items are available, the cheesesteak is why people make the trek.

== The Location ==

=== Roxborough Setting ===

Dalessandro's sits in '''residential Roxborough''':

'''Neighborhood character:'''
* Working-class neighborhood
* Tree-lined residential streets
* Far from downtown tourist areas
* Requires intentional visit

'''The building:'''
* Corner location
* Classic cheesesteak shop appearance
* Indoor counter seating
* Not fancy—intentionally

=== Getting There ===

'''Transportation:'''
* '''By car''': Most practical option
* '''SEPTA''': Bus routes serve the area
* '''Parking''': Street parking available
* '''Distance''': 20+ minutes from Center City

The location ensures serious cheesesteak seekers only.

=== Proximity to Chubby's ===

'''Chubby's Steaks''' is located nearby, creating options:

* Two excellent cheesesteak shops in proximity
* Some visitors try both
* Friendly competition
* Each has devoted fans

== The Experience ==

=== Atmosphere ===

Dalessandro's is '''no-frills authentic''':

* '''Counter seating''': Limited indoor space
* '''Simple decor''': Focus on food
* '''Efficient service''': Order, pay, eat
* '''Casual dress''': Appropriate

=== Ordering ===

'''The process:'''
1. Enter and join the line
2. Study the menu (simple)
3. Order at the counter
4. Pay immediately
5. Wait for your order
6. Find a seat or eat standing

=== Crowds ===

'''Peak times:'''
* Lunch rush (11:30 AM - 1:30 PM)
* Dinner rush (6 PM - 8 PM)
* Weekends

Lines are common but move quickly.

== Rankings and Recognition ==

=== Best Cheesesteak Debates ===

Dalessandro's consistently appears in '''top cheesesteak rankings''':

* '''Philadelphia Magazine''': Regular top finisher
* '''Local publications''': Frequent #1 or #2
* '''National media''': Featured in "best of" lists
* '''Food critics''': Consistent praise

=== The Argument ===

When debating the best cheesesteak:

* '''Tourist spots''': Pat's and Geno's
* '''South Philly insider''': John's Roast Pork
* '''Northwest insider''': Dalessandro's

Dalessandro's fans are fiercely loyal.

=== Why Locals Love It ===

* Far from tourist crowds
* Generous portions
* Consistent quality
* Authentic atmosphere
* Fair prices

== Chubby's: The Neighbor ===

'''Chubby's Steaks''' (5826 Henry Avenue) is nearby:

'''The relationship:'''
* Located within walking distance
* Both have devoted fans
* Friendly local rivalry
* Some visitors compare both

'''Differences:'''
* Similar quality level
* Slightly different styles
* Each has regulars who prefer it
* Both excellent choices

== Tips for Visitors ==

'''Recommendations:'''
* '''Order the cheesesteak wit Whiz''' for classic experience
* '''Come hungry''' - portions are generous
* '''Visit off-peak hours''' for shorter wait
* '''Bring cash''' - faster (cards accepted)
* '''Try Chubby's too''' if you're making the trip

'''What to expect:'''
* Counter seating or standing
* Efficient, not leisurely, dining
* Casual neighborhood atmosphere
* Serious cheesesteak quality

'''Getting there:'''
* GPS the address
* Allow time (20+ minutes from Center City)
* Street parking available
* Worth the trip

== See Also ==
* [[Cheesesteaks]]
* [[Roxborough]]
* [[Pat's King of Steaks]]
* [[John's Roast Pork]]
* [[Philadelphia Food Culture]]

== References ==
<references />

== External Links ==
* [https://www.dalessandros.com Dalessandro's Official Website]

{{#seo:
|title=Dalessandro's Steaks - Roxborough's Legendary Cheesesteak Since 1960
|description=Dalessandro's Steaks in Roxborough, Philadelphia. Generous portions and premium ribeye have made this neighborhood shop a citywide cheesesteak destination since 1960.
|keywords=Dalessandro's Steaks, Philadelphia cheesesteak, Roxborough, best cheesesteak, Northwest Philadelphia
|type=Article
}}

[[Category:Restaurants]]
[[Category:Food]]
[[Category:Cheesesteaks]]
[[Category:Roxborough]]
[[Category:Northwest Philadelphia]]