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The holy trinity of cheese, steak ,and bread is comfort food, hangover cure, and cheat day rolled into one. Even casual cheese steak fans know that the classic sub was created in Philadelphia, but few realize how far back the history of the menu item goes. The cheese steak — which curiously enough did not originally feature cheese — was dreamed up in the 1930s by two hot dog vendors named Pat and Harry Olivieri who were bored with their usual lunch.
Since the original beef, onion, and bread version, the cheese steak went through multiple transformations before arriving at its modern day iteration. Today’s cheese steak features rib-eye steak or round top steak, Cheez Whiz, provolone or American cheese, a roll from Amoroso’s, and various other toppings, if so desired. Those hungry for the perfect cheese steak in Vegas can find it at these five restaurants.
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A Las Vegas cheese steak institution
The distinctive triangular building on the corner of Decatur Boulevard and Alta Drive has been home to some of the best cheese steaks in Las Vegas since 2002. Open 24 hours a day, Pop’s Philly Steaks serves a variety of Philly cheese steaks including simple varieties with Cheez Whiz, American cheese, or provolone and exciting creations featuring bacon and Swiss and pepperoni pizza toppings. Philly’s famous Italian ice makes for the perfect post-cheese-steak cool down.
Pop’s Philly Steaks, 501 S. Decatur Blvd.; 702-878-6444
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Cheese steak by the lake
Tucked away in a tiny storefront beside Lake Sahara, Those Guys Pies is a true hidden gem that serves more than just pizza. While the pies are worth a try, the restaurant’s cheese steaks are the real standout. The 10-inch rib-eye cheese-steaks are loaded with generous layers of cheese, plus optional onions, mushrooms, peppers or even less common toppings such as broccoli rabe.
Those Guys Pies, 2916 Lake East Drive; 702-629-2626
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Great cheese steaks from a gas station
Every true Las Vegan knows that sometimes the best meal in town comes from the least expected place. This is definitely the case with Philly Cheesesteak Factory. Located inside a gas station near Sunset Park, this unassuming spot offers a simple menu of steak or chicken cheese steaks with a choice of cheese, mushrooms, onions, or peppers. Other menu items include chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks, and onion rings.
Philly Cheesesteak Factory, 6115 S. Pecos Road; 702-456-6500
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Dive bar delights
Located near the UNLV campus, The Stake Out Bar & Grill is a Buffalo Bills themed dive bar that just happens to serve a pretty mean cheese steak. The dimly lit bar offers a winning combination: cheap booze, and Philly cheese steaks with mushrooms, onions, peppers, or bacon.
The Stake Out Bar & Grill, 4800 Maryland Pkwy.; 702-798-8383
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Cheese steaks served on genuine Amoroso rolls
True to its name, Straight From Philly Steakout serves cheese steaks in true Philadelphia tradition. The westside restaurant serves its cheese steaks on the preferred Amoroso roll, which is soft and slightly salty. On-the-go diners can order the popular Philly Phanatic steak (topped with chili, Cheez Whiz, American cheese, and provolone) from the drive-thru.
Straight From Philly Steakout, 5181 W. Charleston Blvd.; 702-822-6360