National Cheesesteak Day
March 24, 2027
About National Cheesesteak Day
National Cheesesteak Day is celebrated on 24 March each year in the United States, paying tribute to one of America’s most iconic sandwiches. Born on the streets of Philadelphia in 1930, the Philly cheesesteak — thinly sliced beef topped with melted cheese, served in a long hoagie roll — has become a beloved staple of American food culture.
How to Celebrate National Cheesesteak Day
Whether you are a Philly native or a first-timer, here are some ways to honour the mighty cheesesteak:
- Order from a local cheesesteak shop — Seek out the best cheesesteak in your area. Many cities now have dedicated cheesesteak restaurants, and National Cheesesteak Day often brings special deals and promotions.
- Make a cheesesteak at home — Thinly slice ribeye steak, cook it on a hot griddle with onions, top with your cheese of choice (provolone, Cheez Whiz, or American), and load it into a crusty hoagie roll. The key is high heat and thin meat.
- Try a regional variation — Experiment with chicken cheesesteaks, mushroom cheesesteaks, or even vegetarian versions made with portobello mushrooms or seitan.
- Host a cheesesteak cook-off — Invite friends or colleagues to each prepare their own version and vote for the best. Set categories for best classic, most creative, and best presentation.
- Learn the lingo — In Philadelphia, ordering a cheesesteak has its own language. “Whiz wit” means Cheez Whiz with onions, while “provolone witout” means provolone without onions. Practise before you visit.
- Plan a trip to Philadelphia — If you have never experienced a cheesesteak in its city of origin, start planning. Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, the two most famous rivals, sit across the street from each other at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue.
- Pair with a cold drink — A cheesesteak pairs wonderfully with a cold beer, a fizzy lemonade, or even a classic Philadelphia cream soda.
- Share your cheesesteak photos — Post your best cheesesteak creations or finds on social media and join the conversation.
What is National Cheesesteak Day?
National Cheesesteak Day is an annual food celebration honouring the Philadelphia cheesesteak, a sandwich made with thinly sliced or chopped steak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. The day is observed nationwide but holds particular significance in Philadelphia, where the sandwich was invented and where passionate debates about the best cheesesteak continue to this day.
When is National Cheesesteak Day?
National Cheesesteak Day falls on Wednesday, 24 March 2027. It is celebrated on the same date every year.
The History of National Cheesesteak Day
The cheesesteak’s origin story begins in 1930 with Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia. According to the most widely told account, Olivieri decided one day to grill some beef and toss in sliced onions, placing the mixture into an Italian roll. A passing taxi driver caught the aroma, asked to try one, and was so impressed that he told Olivieri to stop selling hot dogs and focus on this new creation instead.
Olivieri’s sandwich quickly gained a following, and he eventually opened Pat’s King of Steaks, which still operates today at the corner of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue. The original sandwich did not actually include cheese; that addition came later, often credited to Joe Lorenza, a manager at Pat’s, who began adding provolone in the 1940s. The sandwich evolved further when Cheez Whiz was introduced in 1952, becoming one of the most popular cheese options for the classic Philly cheesesteak.
In 1966, Geno’s Steaks opened directly across the street from Pat’s, igniting a rivalry that has become as much a part of Philadelphia’s identity as the Liberty Bell. The two shops have been competing for cheesesteak supremacy ever since, drawing visitors from around the world. National Cheesesteak Day, while not officially tied to either establishment, celebrates this rich culinary heritage. Fans of American food traditions may also enjoy National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day on 12 April.
Fun Facts About National Cheesesteak Day
- In March 2026, Philadelphia International Airport set a Guinness World Record for the longest line of cheesesteaks, spanning 1,291 sandwiches across the length of more than three football fields.
- The three most popular cheese options for a Philly cheesesteak are Cheez Whiz, provolone, and American cheese.
- Pat’s King of Steaks has been operating continuously since the 1930s, making it one of the longest-running cheesesteak establishments in the world.
- The Amoroso roll, a type of Italian bread baked in Philadelphia, is considered by many purists to be the only acceptable bread for an authentic cheesesteak.
- Cheesesteaks have inspired numerous variations around the world, including pizza steaks (topped with marinara and mozzarella) and cheesesteak egg rolls.
- Philadelphia consumes an estimated 300 million cheesesteaks per year, according to local tourism reports.
Why National Cheesesteak Day Matters
The cheesesteak is more than a sandwich; it is a symbol of Philadelphia’s working-class heritage and entrepreneurial spirit. From Pat Olivieri’s humble hot dog cart to a globally recognised culinary icon, the cheesesteak represents the kind of grassroots innovation that defines American food culture. National Cheesesteak Day celebrates that legacy and the countless family-run shops that continue to serve this beloved sandwich across the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Cheesesteak Day?
National Cheesesteak Day is an annual celebration on 24 March honouring the Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich, a beloved American culinary icon made with sliced steak and melted cheese in a hoagie roll.
When is National Cheesesteak Day in 2027?
National Cheesesteak Day falls on Wednesday, 24 March 2027.
Where was the cheesesteak invented?
The cheesesteak was invented in Philadelphia in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor who grilled beef with onions and served it in an Italian roll, eventually opening Pat’s King of Steaks.
Spread the Word
Celebrate this iconic sandwich and share your best cheesesteak photos on social media with #NationalCheesesteakDay and #NationalCheesesteakDay2027. Tag your friends and settle the age-old debate: Whiz or provolone?
Related Awareness Days
- National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day — Another cheesy favourite, celebrated on 12 April, honouring the simple joy of melted cheese between toasted bread.
- National Taco Day — Observed on 4 October, this day celebrates another iconic hand-held food that has shaped American culinary culture.
- National Cheese Day — Celebrated on 4 June, this day honours cheese in all its glorious forms.
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