[Dinner] Jake's Steaks for San Francisco's Best Philly Cheesesteak
Details
Jake's Steaks
I was inspired by Eddie's post about the top 20 food tourist destination meals by Food and Wine,
California has three listings, the highest is for California Style Pizza, then was the only corporate listing a Southern California Classic (but we have them too) In-n-Out Burger (ok I'll do this event.. maybe when we aren't in baseball season). Finally, Napa Valley Wine (we'll have another wine tasting event in 2026) the only alcohol on the list.
But topping the list is Philadelphia CheeseSteak. San Francisco is lucky enough to have a restaurant that imports the specific bread used to make these delicacies, and have the classic cheese options.
There are several places in San Francisco and the surrounding Bay, and this is a classic that is copied on many menus, but Jake's Steaks, in my opinion does this the best. They have two locations, one in the Mission and their original location in the Marina, which I've been eating at since 2006... i used to live just up the hill.
A certain someone grabbed a Marina apartment that I wanted minutes before me in 2006, but a few blocks away and 100 feet (or maybe more) higher I found one larger, cheaper and with a view.
This event is in the Marina District.
Jake's is a no frills place, order at the counter join us in a booth, CheeseSteaks have some options... like cheese..
I only respect two choices.. ok.. maybe three. Provolone, American and 'with whiz'. I was always a Provolone guy.. the other white cheese.. melt in those onions and peppers.. there was nothing better.. until Jake's... now it's 'with whiz'... like a Kansas tornado (hmm.. wrong metaphor), I don't know.. but I like their golden melted goodness.
Yeah, you can decorate yours with lots of other stuff.. look at their menu or wait and be surprised.
Jake's also has hamburgers, great hot dogs, lots of other main course items. Their Waffle Fries (as seen above) are great, I get mine 'with whiz' -- of course.
Come join me (and maybe Eddie) for a melty, not too greasy, lunch, or just stop by on your own and say San Francisco Foodies sent you.. or more simply.. 'I'm here to #Eat San Francisco'.
Minutiae
Not too much parking, but spots are able to be found, under $20 unless you get a lot of toppings or items.. under $30 unless you're a professional eater.
History
As for the cheesesteaks themselves, the classic order is a heap of beef and onions that are paired with the classic ‘Cheese Wiz’ and put together in an Amoroso roll imported from Philadelphia. In every way possible, Jake’s is as authentic as a cheesesteak gets outside of Philly. Although Jake’s has plenty of variety in their menu, the classic order is their “Cheesesteak Special.” For $15.99, it comes with their classic 8 inch cheesesteak along with waffle fries and a soda. The wait time was relatively short as the whole thing came out piping hot in no more than 10 minutes. Along with the quick wait-times, the employees at the front of the store are always friendly, welcoming, and excited to take your order. As someone who has tried cheesesteaks in Philadelphia and plenty of other San Francisco spots, I can say that Jake’s is the best in terms of sheer quality and flavor. The symphony of salty flavors that comes together with the onions, steak, and cheese is flawless. The vibes are great too, the sports bar atmosphere means that there is always something on the TV’s to cheer, jeer, or boo at while enjoying the great food.
from The J.
Menus and Reviews
Jake's Steaks
Jake's Steaks (Yelp)
Jake's Steaks (Instagram)
Administratriva
A full meal, their 8" Special (Cheesesteak, Fries and Soda) is $16.99, individual items will run a little higher, as does their 12", most likely under $25.
Dress is comfortable casual
Taxes and Restaurant Fees
Ordering at counter, each attendee pays for their order.
Transportation to Jake's Steaks
MUNI: 30, 43, N
Finding street parking in the Marina is usually not bad.
Parking garages can be found nearby
Use event comments for Car Pooling and Ride Sharing.