When it comes to sandwiches that steal hearts (and taste buds), the Philly cheesesteak reigns supreme. Known for its tender, thinly sliced beef, melted cheese, and soft hoagie roll, this iconic dish has earned a loyal following across the United States. Winston-Salem is no exception. If you’re searching for the best Philly steak near me, your search ends here.

At Tony’s Pizza, we take pride in offering more than just pizza. Our menu includes a variety of subs, including our own version of the Philly cheesesteak. Plus, we have a unique twist on it called the Chick-O-Philly — a chicken version that’s just as mouthwatering.

Let’s dive into the rich history of the Philly cheesesteak, explore what makes it special, and find out why Tony’s Pizza is your go-to spot for this beloved sandwich.

The Origin of the Philly Cheesesteak

The Philly cheesesteak story began in the 1930s in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri created the sandwich as a simple combination of thinly sliced steak and onions on an Italian roll. Initially, cheese wasn’t part of the recipe. It wasn’t until later that cheeses like Cheez Whiz, provolone, and American were added, taking the sandwich to the next level.

What started as humble street food quickly became a regional favorite. As its popularity spread, major cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles put their own spin on it. Today, you’ll find variations across the country, including right here in the Charlotte and Hickory area. Locals and visitors alike can’t get enough of this savory classic.

Four Key Ingredients of a Great Philly Cheesesteak

Crafting a perfect Philly cheesesteak requires attention to detail. Not all cheesesteaks are created equal. Here’s what sets a top-notch sandwich apart from the rest:

1. Quality Meat

The heart of any great cheesesteak is the beef. Thinly sliced and cooked to perfection on a griddle, it should be tender and full of flavor. Ribeye steak is the traditional choice, but similar cuts also work well.

2. Creamy Cheese

Cheese plays a starring role in this sandwich. Classic options include provolone and American, while Cheez Whiz adds a nostalgic touch. Melted cheese should blend seamlessly with the steak for that gooey, indulgent bite.

3. Fresh, Soft Bread

An authentic Philly cheesesteak demands a fresh hoagie roll. It should be soft on the inside with a slightly crusty exterior. The roll’s texture absorbs the meat’s juices without turning soggy, keeping each bite satisfying.

4. Tasty Toppings

While some purists prefer a simple cheesesteak, many like to add toppings. Popular options include:

• Onions
• Sweet or hot peppers
• Mushrooms
• Mayo
• Oil and vinegar

At Tony’s Pizza, we elevate our cheesesteak with banana peppers, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. This combination delivers a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that keeps customers coming back.

Tony’s Pizza: Your Local Spot for Authentic Philly Cheesesteak

When you’re in the Piedmont Triad and craving a Philly cheesesteak nearby, Tony’s Pizza is the place to go. Known for our authentic New York-style pizza, we also deliver one of the best cheesesteak experiences in town.

What Makes Tony’s Cheesesteak Unique?

Our steak sub includes cheese, banana peppers, onions, mayo, lettuce, tomato, and a hint of oil and vinegar. Prefer a classic style? You can order it with bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions for that traditional Philly taste. Plus, our Chick-O-Philly offers a tasty chicken alternative that packs just as much flavor.

What Customers Are Saying About Tony’s Cheesesteak

Nothing beats hearing from satisfied customers. Here’s what locals have to say about our Philly cheesesteaks:

“This food is absolutely delish. They do a few lunch specials so I opted for the chicken Philly sub with fries. It was simply amazing. Made to order fries and they were piping hot and crispy. Fried to perfection. The sub was so delicious with fresh beautiful tomatoes and crisp lettuce. Believe me when I say I will be back.” – Cynthia R.

“Always a pleasure here. Start to finish. Hot, tasty food met with friendly and personable service. Great place to dine in and take out from. Spacious seating and a medium noise level.” –  Nick B.

“The food is great-love the pizza (can order by the slice), the fried mushrooms are delicious , and great spaghetti meal deal! Definitely chill place and a lot of people get take out. I have eaten here before and plenty of seating.” – Ali H.

These rave reviews show just how much our customers love our cheesesteaks and other menu items.

Why Choose Tony’s Pizza?

We know you have options when looking for a Philly cheesesteak near you, but Tony’s Pizza stands out for several reasons:

Multiple Convenient Locations

With 6 locations across throughout Charlotte and Hickory, there’s always a Tony’s Pizza nearby. Plus, we make it easy to order takeout, dine in or delivery with one of our delivery partners such as Doordash.

Beyond Cheesesteaks

Our menu doesn’t stop at cheesesteaks and savory subs. We offer a wide range of New York-style pizzas, calzones, strombolis, and Italian entrees. Plus, our kids’ menu makes family dining easy and enjoyable.

Loyalty Program Rewards

We love rewarding our customers! Sign up for our loyalty program and earn points on every purchase. Enroll in-store by giving your phone number or download the “Mario’s Tony’s” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

FAQs About Tony’s Pizza

Have a few questions about your search for the best philly steak near you? Luckily, we have some answers!

Where Are Tony’s Pizza Locations?

We have 6 locations throughout the Charlotte and Hickory area including in Mooresville, Huntersville, Galleria, Ballantyne and near UNCC and Lake Norman. Below, find the location  nearest you.

• 688 Bluefield Road, Mooresville (704) 658-1926
• 9548 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Huntersville (704) 394-5677
• 1530 Overland Park Lane, Charlotte (704) 688-6880
• 1605 Galleria Boulevard, Charlotte (704) 708-5111
• 14027 Conlan Circle, Charlotte 704-541-82
• 1832 Catawba Valley Boulevard SE, Hickory (828) 327-6636

What Else Can I Order from Tony’s?

Aside from our famous cheesesteaks, enjoy authentic New York-style pizza, calzones, strombolis, Italian entrees, and more. Our diverse menu has something for everyone, including child-friendly options.

How Do I Join the Loyalty Program?

It’s simple! Sign up in-store during your next order or download the Mario’s Tony’s app to join. Enjoy exclusive rewards and discounts just for being a loyal customer.

Experience the Best Philly Cheesesteak in the Triad

Even though we’re miles away from Philadelphia, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy an authentic Philly cheesesteak. Tony’s Pizza delivers on flavor and quality with every bite. Whether you crave a classic or want to try our Chick-O-Philly, we’ve got you covered.

Visit one of our convenient locations today to experience the best Philly steak around. Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates on our menu and special offers. Your new favorite cheesesteak is just a visit away!

Thanks to busy schedules folks are dining out more than ever. Moreover, they often need fast, easy and casual options. Especially, this is true for families on the run. Luckily, Tony’s Pizza is one of the best places to find casual food near me in the Charlotte area.

Below, we’ve put together a little info about our locally-owned restaurants and some of the tasty food we offer in the hopes that it will help you figure out where the best food around town is located.

What Makes Tony’s Pizza the Best?

While it’s delightful to occasionally dress up and hit the fancy restaurants, it’s also nice to have a local spot where you can relax and enjoy delicious food. In Charlotte and Hickory, you’ll find multiple casual restaurants scattered about including all sorts of food types. In fact, there are so many fun places to dine that it’s often hard to narrow down the best place to eat.

Fortunately, we’re here to help.

Lots of Delicious Options

First, we have a wide variety of options. Obviously, pizza is in our name so we clearly have that. NY-style to be exact. Additionally, we have other classic Italian fare such as calzone, stromboli and pasta. Conversely, we don’t have just Italian fare. We also have subs and a huge assortment of appetizers. In fact, a lot of our folks who are looking for casual food near me order several appetizers as a meal and then one of our delectable desserts. It doesn’t get much more relaxed than that!

Years of Experience Creating Delicious Dishes

Secondly, we have a lot of experience in making delicious food for our neighbors. Brothers Mario, Vinny and Tony begin serving their iconic NY-style pizza over 40 years ago in Brooklyn. Then, they moved to the Carolinas and expanded their menu to include all the delightful fare we serve now.

Lots of Local Locations

Third, we’re convenient and easy to find. We have 6 locations placed throughout Charlotte, Mooresville, Huntersville and Hickory. Find your favorite neighborhood spot at:

• 688 Bluefield Road, Mooresville
• 1605 Galleria Blvd., Charlotte
• 1530 Overland Park Ln, Charlotte
• 14027 Conlan Cir, Charlotte
• 1832 Catawba Valley Blvd SE, Hickory
• 9548 Mt Holly-Huntersville Rd, Huntersville

Kids’ Meals $5 and Under

Fourth, as a family-owned business, we know how expensive feeding your family gets. Thus, we want to help our parents on a budget as well. Currently, all of our kids’ meals are priced at $5 and under AND include a kid-sized drink.

Choose from:

• Cheese slice
• Pepperoni slice
• Meatball sub with fries
• Ham and cheese sub with fries
• 3-piece cheese sticks
• Spaghetti or ziti with marinara or butter sauce (meatballs optional)
• Cheese-stuffed ravioli
• 4-piece grilled or crispy chicken tenders with fries

Dietary Options

Fifth, we also consider our customers who have special diets. Specifically, we offer vegan cheese and have multiple menu items for vegetarians. Plus, if you’re trying to avoid gluten, we have 2 different types of gluten-free pizza crusts. Keep in mind, we are not a certified gluten-free facility.

Our Customers Love Us Too!

Honestly, we could go on and on about how we think we’re one of the best local places to eat near you but it really comes down to the experts – our customers! Ultimately, what they think matters the most. Here are a few reviews to help you get to know more about us and our food.

“Huge pizza slices and great lunch specials. Good place for a casual bite and the workers were friendly. Happy to have stumbled on this place while visiting.” – Ari A.

“Amazing! Enjoyed everything about this place. Plenty of seating as you walk in. Order at the counter just like New York Style 😉… we ordered our usual half cheese half pepperoni 🍕 and it’s every bit New York style. The sauce is yummy! The crust is perfect. We are totally going back!” Mario G.

“While in NC a few weeks ago, we decided to order pizza, not from the commercialized places we’re all very familiar with. We ordered take-out. It was ready when promised, piping hot when we got home, and delicious. The garlic rolls were also very good. There were ZERO left overs.” Jennifer L.

FAQs About the Best Casual Food Near Me in the Triad

Still wondering what makes us one of the best restaurants serving casual food near me? Below, we have some questions our customers commonly ask along with answers.

Does Tony’s Pizza Have Coupons or Specials?

Absolutely! We offer both lunch and daily specials. Available every day until 4 PM, you can enjoy pizza or a sub meal. Alternatively, our daily deals change based on the day of the week.

• Monday: YOU PICK! Choose a special from any other day.
• Tuesday: Stromboli or calzone plus a drink
• Wednesday: 17-inch pizza with one topping, plus an appetizer (excluding wings)
• Thursday: One 15” one-topping pizza & 2 drinks
• Friday: 19-inch pizza with one topping, plus garlic knots
• Saturday: Two 17-inch pizzas with one topping each
• Sunday: 19-inch pizza with one topping, plus 12 boneless wings

Be sure to check the menu of the location nearest you for the most updated specials.

Do You Have a Loyalty Club

Speaking of specials, we also have a loyalty club as well. Just for joining, you get a free slice of our NY-style pizza. Then, you’ll receive points on every order thereafter. Once you reach 50 points, you’ll get a $5 credit added to your account. Sign up here for an android and here for an iPhone. Or, let a team member know you’d like to sign up when you order.

Do You Offer Catering?

While we don’t actually bring and set up food, we do offer a more casual party experience. If you let us know ahead of time, we can create delicious party trays for your next event. Pick them up and serve to your delighted guests! Choose from:

• Garden Salad
• Greek Salad
• Garlic knots
• Baked Ziti
• Spaghetti with marinara/meatballs
• Lasagna
• Chicken parmigiana
• Eggplant parmigiana
• Ravioli
• Cannoli

Also, our humongous 24-inch pizzas are perfect for parties.

So, stop searching for casual restaurants the whole family will enjoy and stop by your nearest Tony’s Pizza.

Trying to find the best sub sandwich shops near me? If you’re looking for the best sandwich or sub in the Charlotte and Hickory area, we suggest that you give Tony’s Pizza a try. Of course, we’re a little bias but we think you’ll be delighted by our extensive sub menu and delicious sides and appetizers to complete your meal.

Reviews for the Best Subs in Town

However, don’t just take our word that we have the best subs nearby for lunch or dinner, hear what our loyal customers have to say.

We ordered a large pizza, Philly cheesesteak and fries. Everything was delicious! Will be visiting again soon. A hidden spot that we would have never found had I not Googled for good pizza restaurants. – Deirdre C.

Tried a chicken sub + side salad & drink special. I don’t know what the secret sauce is, but very tasty & worth a trip back next time I end up this side of Charlotte. – David D.

I just made my second trip to Charlotte in a month and I just made my third trip to Tony’s pizza in a month. I am absolutely hooked on their cheesesteaks.

They are huge – the hubby and I can barely finish one. Juicy, tender chopped steak, gooey provolone and lots of grilled peppers, onions and mushrooms stuffed into a super fresh sub roll. It is as good as some that I’ve had in Philly. Really.

Our third visit was for pizza. The XL authentic NY pie was too big to fit on our kitchen table. Once again – really. I thought the sauce had a little too much oregano but I’m the only one who didn’t love it. Four famished family members couldn’t finish this filling food (felt a little like Dr Seuss there for a sec!).

My son is moving from Charlotte next month. There are a lot of things that I’m going to miss – Tony’s Pizza will definitely be one of them. – Sue F.

Ten Reasons to Choose Tony’s Pizza for Subs

Moreover, if you’re searching for the best sub sandwich shops near me, you likely want some tips on who has the best food around. Below, we’ve listed the top ten reasons to choose Tony’s Pizza for lunch or dinner nearby.

1. Lots of Sub Options

First, we have lots of options if you’re looking for the best sub sandwich shops near me.

• Steak Sub
• Grilled Chicken Sub
• Chick-o-Philly
• Sausage Parmigiana Sub
• Eggplant Parmigiana Sub
• Chicken Parmigiana Sub
• Meatball Parmigiana Sub
• Sausage, Peppers & Onion Sub
• Italian Sub
• Turkey Sub
• Veggie Sub

Likewise, we have delicious sides and appetizers to go with your sandwich. Choose from sides like fries, onion rings or salad. Or, start with an appetizer such as wings, fried mushrooms, fried ravioli, cheese sticks or jalapeno poppers.

2. Convenient Locations in Charlotte and Hickory

Similarly, we want to make it easy to get to the best sub near you. After all, when you’re hungry, your stomach rather not wait long for good food. Thus, we have 6 locations scattered throughout the area in Charlotte, Huntersville, Mooresville and Hickory. Use the dropdown menu above (click on Change) to view all of our locations.

3. Quality Fast Food

Speaking of not waiting, we pride ourselves on getting your food to you as quickly as possible. Many fast food chains are indeed quick. Although, they often skimp on quality. We do our best to also provide superior subs handmade with premium ingredients.

4. Fresh Toppings

Similarly, we use local ingredients as often as we can. Not only does it help the community, it means that you’re getting the freshest toppings possible.

5. Easy Dining

Likely, when you’re craving a sub, you probably want a simple solution with easy clean up. We offer quick counter service so that you can order, relax and eat in or get your sub to go. Best of all, there is very little clean-up required as there would be if you made your own sub in your kitchen.

6. Order the Best Sub Nearby Online

Keeping our theme of fast and easy, ordering food online from Tony’s is simple. First, click on the Start Takeout Order button above. Then, select the location nearest you. Finally, select the sub of your choice, add sides or dessert and place your to-go order. Similarly, you can order straight from our loyalty app as well.

7. Customer Loyalty Program

As mentioned, we have a loyalty program so that you can save money and get the best deals for lunch and dinner. For every purchase you make (except for alcohol), you receive 1 point for every $2 you spend. Once you reach 50 points, you get a $5 credit to spend as you wish.

Plus, we offer a free slice of pizza when you join! Today, sign up by downloading our app (android or iPhone). Or, drop by one of our locations and sign up with a phone number.

8. $5 Kid’s Sub Meal

Speaking of deals, we have great savings for kids as well. Currently, both of our sub options for kids are $5 and include fries and a kid’s sized drink. Choose from a scrumptious meatball or ham and cheese sub. Moreover, all of our kid’s meals are currently $5 or even less.

9. Local- and Family-Owned Restaurant

Even though we have multiple locations in your area, we are a local and family-owned business.  Brothers Vinny, Mario and Tony founded and own all of the Tony’s Pizza locations. Consequently, when you choose Tony’s you are investing in your local community while enjoying fabulous food.

10. Massive Menu

If you’re looking for some menu options other than subs for lunch or dinner, we have more to offer on our menu. Of course, as our name implies, we have plenty of pizza. NY-style to be exact. Also, we have delicious and authentic Italian entrees, calzones, stromboli, salads and Italian desserts.

Best Sub Sandwich Shops Near Me FAQs

Have some questions about the best sub near you? Below, we’ve listed a few of our frequent queries.

Where is Tony’s Pizza?

We have 6 locations in Charlotte and Hickory. Plus, our sister restaurant, Mario’s Pizza, has all the same great subs and food throughout the triad in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, High Point and Clemmons.

Here are our locations in the Charlotte area:

• Galleria Boulevard
• Overland Park Lane
• Conlan Circle (Ballantyne)
• Mooresville
• Hickory
• Huntersville

Do You Have Sub Specials?

Absolutely! Every day until 4 p.m., get a daily sub special which includes a small sub, one side, and a drink. Side options include chips, fries, mozzarella sticks, onion rings, garlic knots, side salad, jalapeno poppers, or fried zucchini.

Do You Have Other Daily Deals?

Yes! Every day we offer a different deal. Select the location nearest you for updated pricing:

• Monday: 15-inch pizza with one topping and two drinks
• Tuesday: Stromboli or calzone plus a drink
• Wednesday: 17-inch pizza with one topping, plus an appetizer (excluding wings)
• Thursday: One 24” two-topping pizza
• Friday: 19-inch pizza with one topping, plus garlic knots
• Saturday: Two 17-inch pizzas with one topping each
• Sunday: 19-inch pizza with one topping, plus 12 boneless wings

Also, follow us on Facebook and Instagram for specials, menu updates, and fun content.

So, come see us for lunch or dinner today! We look forward to serving you.