Legendary American sandwiches don’t get any tastier than the legendary Philly cheesesteak. Born and bred in Philly, the union of thinly sliced beef with melted cheese, and hoagie rolls has won the hearts of foodies everywhere in America. Not every cheesesteak, however, is born equal. Some of them are above the rest, capturing the essence of this vintage sandwich with quality ingredients, expert preparation, and perfectly balanced flavors.
At Johnny Longhots Deptford, we take pride in making an authentic Philly cheesesteak that the locals come back for. You might be an old-timer cheesesteak aficionado or a new arrival looking to taste the buzz. We respect the cheesesteak culture and add a signature touch to it ourselves to create an epic sandwich that leaves every palate in awe. In this guide, we’ll reveal to you what makes our Philly cheesesteak unique among the rest, why it’s a local favorite, and how it fits in the offerings of our steakhouse in Deptford.
The Origin of the Philly Cheesesteak

To savor a great Philly cheesesteak, one must know its origin. This sandwich was born in the 1930s when Pat and Harry Olivieri, a Philadelphia hot dog vendor, decided to grill some beef and put it in an Italian roll. This gave rise to the well-known cheesesteak. Over time, variations came and went, but the basic ingredients remained the same: quality beef, melted cheese (usually American, provolone, or Cheez Whiz), and a fresh hoagie roll.
What Makes an Ideal Philly Cheesesteak?
Making the authentic Philly cheesesteak takes more than good ingredients—it takes skill, precision, and respect for tradition. This is what sets a truly super cheesesteak from all others:
1. Quality Steak
The star of a Philly cheesesteak is the beef. We only offer the best-quality, thinly sliced ribeye steak, seared to perfection on a hot griddle. This type of beef is juicy, tender, and rich in flavor, with every bite a pleasure.
2. The Right Cheese
The cheese is nearly as vital as the steak. At Johnny Longhots Deptford, we offer a range of cheeses, including the original Cheez Whiz, rich American cheese, and creamy provolone. Each type of cheese has a different flavor and texture, melting perfectly into the meat.
3. Fresh Hoagie Roll
A cheesesteak is no better than the bread it’s served on. Our soft but firm hoagie rolls drink in the steak and cheese juices without becoming soggy, providing the perfect balance of crunch and chew.
4. Expertly Cooked Onions & Toppings
A classic Philly cheesesteak consists of nothing but steak and cheese, but onions, mushrooms, or bell peppers grilled can be added to enhance the experience. At Johnny Longhots Deptford, we offer a range of toppings so customers can personalize their cheesesteak.
5. Masterful Cooking Technique
A perfect cheesesteak is grilled on a hot griddle, where the steak can get a great sear without drying out. Our chefs are cheesesteak masters, providing a consistent and great experience every time.
Why Our Philly Cheesesteak is a Local Favorite
At Johnny Longhots Deptford, we don’t just sell cheesesteaks—memories are made here. Here’s why our
Philly cheesesteak is a local favorite and a must-try for visitors:
1. Authenticity with a Local Twist
We honor the original Philly cheesesteak recipe but give it a twist of our own, so customers get the best of both. Do you like the original cheesesteak or one of our specialty cheesesteaks? There’s something for everyone.
2. Quality You Can Taste
We never compromise on quality. Our steaks are never frozen, fresh every time; cheese melted to perfection; and rolls, are freshly baked every day.
3. Ideal Pairings with Pizza and More
One of the best things about Johnny Longhots Deptford is the variety on our menu. Our cheesesteaks pair perfectly with our name pizzas for a winning meal. Want to indulge yourself in a cheesy steak sandwich or cheesy pizza slice? You’re in luck.
4. A Welcoming, Family-Oriented Atmosphere
We provide a warm and inviting atmosphere where families, friends, and food lovers come to enjoy an amazing meal.
5. Convenient Location in Deptford
We are conveniently located for locals and visitors to enjoy a cheesesteak experience to remember.
Pairing Our Cheesesteak with the Perfect Sides
The perfect meal can’t be complete without the perfect sides. A few of our favorite pairings with cheesesteaks are:
- Crispy French Fries – The favorite side dish that pairs well with the cheesesteak’s richness.
- Onion Rings – Golden and crunchy, providing the perfect contrast with the soft roll and juicy steak.
- Mozzarella Sticks – Cheesy goodness that will pair well with our cheesesteak.
- Garlic Knots – A delicious side dish to enjoy with any meal, great to share.
How to Eat a Philly Cheesesteak Like a Local
To have a Philly cheesesteak the right way, here are some easy tips:
- Go for the Classic First – If you are new to cheesesteaks, order the classic cheesesteak with steak and cheese only to taste the complete flavor.
- Eat It Hot – A cheesesteak has to be consumed hot off the grill when the cheese is gooey and the bread is warm.
- Serve it With a Local Beverage – A glass of cold iced tea or a soda is the perfect pairing to the rich flavor of the sandwich.
- Experiment with Various Variations – Experiment with different varieties of cheese, toppings, and even a pizza-cheesesteak variation for a change.
Conclusion
The Philly cheesesteak is not just a sandwich, it’s a phenomenon that embodies Philadelphia’s rich food history. We at Johnny Longhots Deptford take heritage seriously, preparing every cheesesteak with the finest ingredients and care. Our dedication to authenticity, taste, and customer pleasure has earned us a favorite among locals and a steakhouse you must visit in Deptford.
Whether you are a cheesesteak enthusiast or new to the delight, we welcome you to discover what makes our Philly cheesesteak special. Visit us today and see why our customers keep coming back for more!