Sandwich Of The Week: Ray's Pizzeria's Cheesesteak

What's the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia? It's a debate that has raged for decades. We haven't stepped into the conversation on 22nd & Philly mostly because we do not have a strong opinion, plus enough other locals have opined ad nauseam.

However, I can tell you the best cheesesteak in the Lansdale, Pa., area — the one that I'll plan an entire day around getting — is the cheesesteak at Ray's Pizzeria & Restaurant.

My mouth waters just thinking about making the trip to my hometown to get one. Ray's delivers on all the key attributes of a great cheesesteak, including a good roll, quality steak, and being made fresh to order.

The amount of meat stuffed into the roll compared to other good cheesesteaks is what I love most about Ray's, though. Nothing disappoints me more than when a cheesesteak is not filled with enough meat. This happens more often than you think. And yes, that can even include the likes of Pat's, Geno's, Jim's, etc.

I order my cheesesteak with sauce and onions — it's how my family has ordered at Ray's for as long as I can remember and I stick with tradition. The sweetness of the red sauce is a perfect complement to the American cheese. Ray's also uses a healthy dose of onions, cut thick instead of chopped thin.

If you go to Ray's, order a large so you have some leftovers. A cold, leftover Ray's cheesesteak is like discovering a $20 bill in your back pocket. You forget about it, but the next day you do a little victory dance when you find it.

The cheesesteak in these photos was crushed in about three minutes. I had planned to share some with my parents, but it was gone before I knew it. Or so I told them... Better hurry up to Ray's before I crush yours, too.

Click here for other featured sandwiches or check out the 2012 Year in Sandwiches and the Sandwich of the Week Slideshow. Know a sandwich that should be featured? Email The Daily Meal or comment below. Better yet, become a contributor and write up your favorite today!

22nd & Philly is a popular blog sharing experiences with the restaurants, food culture and lifestyle in Philadelphia region. We are normal everyday neighbors with a passion to share. Check us out at www.22ndandPhilly.com and subscribe to our blog.