After years of craving a proper Philly cheesesteak — a soft Amoroso roll filled with thinly sliced steak, onions and either American, provolone or Cheez Whiz — the meat-packed sandwich has finally begun to appear around Sonoma County.
California versions often add bell peppers and mushrooms, but purists tend to prefer the classic: steak, onions and plenty of melted cheese.
Here are a few local contenders to try on National Cheesesteak Day (March 24) — or whenever the craving strikes.
For a sampling of several versions at once, Parliament Brewing hosts its annual cheesesteak competition March 21, with food trucks, live music and prizes.
Top dogs
Mamadilos
Raised outside Philadelphia in Delaware County, Chris Amadio grew up knowing exactly what goes into a proper cheesesteak. With partner Sasha Zukanoff, he ships Amoroso rolls and a blend of shaved rib-eye and sirloin from the Philadelphia area, finishing each sandwich with white American cheese — a traditional choice that’s less common on the West Coast. The result is a straightforward, East Coast-style cheesesteak that local transplants tend to seek out. The pop-up often appears at the Rincon Valley Taproom (4927 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa) and local breweries.
Schedule: instagram.com/mamadios_philly
Golden Steak Warriors
You’ll want a stack of napkins for this one. Their take on Cheez Whiz is homemade and ladled generously over shaved sirloin and onions. The sandwich is served on a locally made roll rather than the classic Amoroso, but the husband-and-wife team behind the truck has built a loyal following for their hearty, messy cheesesteaks.
Schedule: instagram.com/golden_steak_warriors
Also approved
Golden Brown & Delicious
This food truck serves a solid cheesesteak with shaved steak, white American cheese, grilled onions and pickled sweet peppers on an Amoroso roll. East Coast transplants tend to give it high marks. Schedule: instagram.com/gbandd707
The Butcherman
Best known for barbecue, this shop inside the Sonoma Cheese Factory offers a California take on the cheesesteak with rib-eye, sautéed red onions, bell peppers and house cheese sauce on a toasted French roll.
2 W. Spain St., Sonoma, thebutchermansonoma.com
Canevari’s Deli
Available on Fridays only, this hefty cheesesteak comes piled with beef and finished with a molten center of cheese. While you’re there, the cannoli are worth picking up, too.
695 Lewis Road, Santa Rosa, 707-545-6941, canevarisdeli.com
On our radar
Flavor Burger
Flavor Burger’s Philly sandwich comes with chicken or beef, Swiss cheese, grilled onions and bell peppers on a French roll. It leans more California than Philadelphia but remains a satisfying option.
6560 Hembree Lane, Suite 178, Windsor, 707-836-4096, flavorburgercafe.com
Ike’s Place
The Hollywould’s S.F. Cheesesteak piles steak, mushrooms, provolone, lettuce and tomato onto a roll with Ike’s signature “dirty sauce,” a garlicky aioli. Like most Ike’s sandwiches, it’s big and messy.
1780 Mendocino Ave., Santa Rosa, 707-293-9814; 124 Calistoga Road, Suite B, Santa Rosa, 707-919-3215, ikessandwich.com
Charleys Cheesesteaks
Charleys’ Steak Philly follows the chain’s familiar formula: thinly sliced steak, grilled onions and provolone on a toasted roll. A convenient option if you’re craving a cheesesteak while shopping at the mall — and easy to order for delivery.
1071 Santa Rosa Plaza, Suite 2104, 707-545-7596, charleys.com
La Bodeguita Panino
More a nod to the Philly than a faithful replica, this grilled panini features steak, sautéed bell peppers and onions, mozzarella and mayo.
16316 C Main St., Guerneville, 707-604-7079, labodeguitapanino.com
Streetside Asian Grill (currently closed)
When it’s open, this food truck offers one of the closest versions of a classic Philly in Sonoma County. The sandwich features crisp-edged steak, grilled onions, bell peppers, white American cheese and mayo on an Amoroso roll shipped from Philadelphia. The cheesesteak appears only occasionally on the menu, and the truck is currently closed, but it’s worth watching for a return.
Whether you’re a cheesesteak purist or open to a California twist, Sonoma County has something worth sinking your teeth into. Grab a friend, map out your stops, and make it your own cheesesteak tour — and if you find a standout, don’t keep it a secret. Reach out and let us know your favorite spot!
