Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is a Philadelphia ribeye cheesesteak shop at 3020 S. Broad Street in South Philly, opened in March 2025 by Joey ‘Skinny Joey’ Merlino. Located steps from the Philadelphia sports complex, the shop sold 2,000 sandwiches on its first Saturday and closed early after running out of food.
Custom Aversa’s Bakery rolls baked exclusively for the shop are what reviewers identify as the biggest differentiator. The ribeye is thin-sliced, fresh daily, and seared on a flat-top griddle. TripAdvisor gives the shop a 4.4/5 rating and ranks it #498 of 4,910 Philadelphia restaurants. CrossingBroad and PhillyBite both confirm the product delivers.
This review covers what a first-time visitor needs to know before showing up at 3020 S. Broad Street: the full menu and pricing, what the ribeye and chicken cheesesteaks actually taste like, how Skinny Joey’s compares to Pat’s and Geno’s, and whether the two-hour wait is worth it.
What Is Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks?
Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is a Philadelphia-style cheesesteak shop at 3020 S. Broad Street in South Philadelphia, opened in March 2025 and immediately labeled the city’s most anticipated food destination of 2025. The shop sits directly across from the Philadelphia sports complex, steps from Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, and Wells Fargo Center.
Here’s the thing: the restaurant wasn’t built on marketing hype. It was founded by Joey ‘Skinny Joey’ Merlino alongside podcast partner Lil Snuff of ‘The Skinny Podcast.’ The concept is rooted in authentic South Philly cheesesteak tradition. Fresh ribeye. Custom rolls. No shortcuts.
Demand was immediate and overwhelming. On the first Saturday of operation, Skinny Joey’s sold 2,000 sandwiches and shut down two hours early after running out of food. That’s not hype. That’s a line that wraps around the building from day one.
Who Is Skinny Joey Merlino?
Joey Merlino is a 62-year-old South Philadelphia public figure who spent over a decade in federal prison on racketeering and gambling charges tied to alleged 1990s activities before being acquitted of murder charges. He’s now a businessman and podcast host reinventing himself as a South Philly cultural icon.
The Skinny Podcast With Joey Merlino reached Episode 81 as of early 2026. And now the cheesesteak shop is his flagship entrepreneurial venture. His co-host, known as Lil Snuff, is a co-founder and shows up at the shop regularly. This isn’t a celebrity vanity project. It’s a South Philly operation run by South Philly people.
Where Is Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Located?
Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is located at 3020 S. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19145, in a standalone building with Merlino’s portrait visible from I-76, directly across from the Philly sports complex. The address places it within walking distance of all four major Philadelphia professional sports venues.
And it’s expanding. A second location is coming to the Wildwood Boardwalk in Wildwood, New Jersey in summer 2026, on Magnolia Avenue. A job fair was held in May 2026 to hire cooks, managers, pizza makers, and counter staff. The cheesesteak empire is growing.
How Does Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Work?
Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks operates as a counter-service restaurant where customers order fresh-made sandwiches built to order, with efficient systems designed to handle the high volume of walk-in traffic near the sports complex. Despite lines that sometimes stretch two hours, the operation moves steadily.
In fact, the cooking process is the key. Every sandwich is cooked fresh on a hot flat-top griddle. Thin-sliced ribeye is seared on high heat, fried onions are cooked alongside, and cheese is melted directly into the meat during cooking. The cheese is not placed on top after the fact. That’s full integration of meat, cheese, and onion in every bite.
What Makes the Bread at Skinny Joey’s Different?
The rolls at Skinny Joey’s are custom 10-inch loaves from Aversa’s Italian Bakery in South Philadelphia, baked exclusively for the shop and described as skinnier and less doughy than standard Italian rolls, with Aversa’s signature crispy exterior. Merlino has called the roll ‘the foundation’ of the entire sandwich.
The shop used 2,200 rolls on opening day alone. Worth knowing: reviewers consistently identify the Aversa roll as the single biggest differentiator. One TikTok food reviewer called it ‘the best Aversa roll I’ve ever had.’ Merlino put it directly: ‘We got the best of everything. The ribeye, the cheese, but especially the roll.”
How Is the Steak Prepared at Skinny Joey’s?
The ribeye at Skinny Joey’s is thin-sliced, sourced fresh daily, and never frozen. It is cooked on a hot flat-top griddle where it’s chopped and seared to create just enough browning without drying out the meat. Reviewers consistently describe the result as gristle-free and superbly seasoned.
Crossing Broad’s reviewer captured the result precisely: ‘every bite had a perfect ratio of just-browned onion, gooey cheese, and beef that had just enough grease, with distribution across the fresh Aversa roll being perfect.’ The flat-top sear is the technical foundation of the product’s consistency.
What Is on the Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Menu?
The Skinny Joey’s menu centers on ribeye and chicken cheesesteak builds, ranging from $15 for a plain chicken steak to $19 for specialty builds like the Ribeye Old Fashion (hot or sweet peppers, tomatoes, and provolone) or the Chicken Old Fashion. The Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak ($18) adds hot sauce, American cheese, and blue cheese crumbles.
The full sandwich lineup covers Ribeye Steak Plain ($17), Ribeye Cheesesteak ($18), Ribeye Cheesesteak Hoagie ($18), Chicken Steak Plain ($15), Chicken Cheesesteak ($16), Chicken Cheesesteak Hoagie ($18), and Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak ($18). Cheese choices across all builds are Whiz, American, or Provolone.
Sandwich Menu Overview:
| Sandwich | Price |
|---|---|
| Ribeye Steak Plain | $17.00 |
| Ribeye Cheesesteak | $18.00 |
| Ribeye Cheesesteak Hoagie | $18.00 |
| Ribeye Old Fashion | $19.00 |
| Chicken Steak Plain | $15.00 |
| Chicken Cheesesteak | $16.00 |
| Chicken Cheesesteak Hoagie | $18.00 |
| Buffalo Chicken Cheesesteak | $18.00 |
How Much Does a Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteak Cost?
A standard Ribeye Cheesesteak at Skinny Joey’s costs $18.00 (USD), placing the shop at the moderate-to-premium end of the Philadelphia cheesesteak market, where most comparable establishments range from $12 to $20 for a full ribeye build. The Chicken Cheesesteak runs $16.
Is $18 worth it for a cheesesteak? The Philadelphia Inquirer thinks so. The publication described the pricing as ‘substantial and high-quality for the price point.’ The custom Aversa roll, fresh ribeye, and generous portions support that number. Specialty builds like the Ribeye Old Fashion top out at $19.
What Sides Does Skinny Joey’s Serve?
Skinny Joey’s sides include Fries ($6), Cheese Fries ($7), Onion Rings x8 ($7), Mozzarella Sticks x5 ($6.75), Chicken Tenders x4 ($8.50), and Chicken Wings x10 ($14, available in BBQ, Hot Honey, or Buffalo), all fried to order alongside the sandwiches.
The good news? The sides hold up on their own. TripAdvisor reviewers called the onion rings ‘flawlessly breaded and fried’ with a crispy texture. Skinny’s Balls (three spinach-and-artichoke stuffed bites at $15) are a menu standout. Roast pork sandwiches sourced from Esposito’s are also on the menu and praised by visitors who skip the cheesesteak entirely.
Sides Menu:
- Fries: $6.00
- Cheese Fries: $7.00
- Onion Rings (8): $7.00
- Mozzarella Sticks (5): $6.75
- Chicken Tenders (4): $8.50
- Chicken Wings (10): $14.00 (BBQ, Hot Honey, Buffalo)
- Skinny’s Balls (3, spinach and artichoke): $15.00
What Do Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Reviews Say?
Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks holds a 4.4/5 rating on TripAdvisor from 11 reviews, ranked #498 of 4,910 Philadelphia restaurants, with 8 five-star reviews and 2 one-star reviews that cite food inconsistency as the main issue. Overall sentiment across platforms leans strongly positive.
And it’s not just TripAdvisor. Philadelphia Inquirer, NBC10 Philadelphia, CrossingBroad, and PhillyBite all covered the opening favorably. The minority of negative reviewers cite inconsistent meat cooking or bland flavor. Bottom line: the shop wins far more often than it loses.
What Are the Most Common Complaints About Skinny Joey’s?
The most consistent complaints against Skinny Joey’s center on food inconsistency. TripAdvisor reviewers reported meat that was ‘undercooked the first time and overcooked the second,’ plus isolated reports of ‘dry and hard chicken’ and ‘dried-out fried food’ on certain visits.
Operational friction is another frequent issue. Crowds block sidewalks and building egresses near the shop on busy days. Parking lot congestion on game days forces pedestrians to cross Broad Street. Line waits can stretch two hours. One reviewer summarized the experience as ‘meh’ and ‘bland.’ That’s a minority position. But it’s a real one.
Common Complaints:
- Inconsistent meat cooking, undercooked or overcooked on repeat visits
- Some reviewers found the flavor bland with no standout element
- Crowds block sidewalks and building exits near the shop
- Game-day line waits can reach two hours
- Parking lot congestion on busy event days
What Do Customers Love About Skinny Joey’s?
Five-star reviewers at Skinny Joey’s consistently praise the gristle-free ribeye, the Aversa roll described as ‘a difference maker’ with ‘a delicate crunch,’ the Cooper Sharp and American cheese combinations, and the speed and friendliness of service. The experience leaves most visitors wanting to return.
Here’s what no one tells you: Joey Merlino reportedly walks the floor personally and checks on guests. That’s not a detail you expect at a cheesesteak shop. Reviewers commend the efficient ordering system, the clean environment, and the overall atmosphere. One TikTok food reviewer put it simply: ‘The hype is real.’
What Customers Praise Most:
- Gristle-free, superbly seasoned ribeye chopped to perfect consistency
- Aversa’s Bakery custom roll, crispy exterior, proper structure
- Cooper Sharp and American cheese options praised over standard Whiz
- Fast service and efficient line management despite high volume
- Owner Joey Merlino personally visits tables
- Clean bathrooms and comfortable dining environment
Does Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteak Actually Taste Good?
Yes. Skinny Joey’s cheesesteak delivers an authentic, well-built South Philly sandwich that most reviewers confirm lives up to the hype: tender ribeye, melted cheese, fried onions, and a custom Aversa roll that holds everything together without going soggy.
CrossingBroad’s reviewer was direct: ‘The cheesesteak was absolutely on point: tender steak, perfectly melted cheese, and a roll that held everything together without getting soggy. Every bite had a perfect ratio.’ PhillyBite called it ‘a South Philly knockout’ and confirmed they’d return. That’s two independent sources saying the same thing.
Is the Ribeye Cheesesteak Worth Ordering?
Yes. The ribeye cheesesteak at Skinny Joey’s is the core product and the one reviewers recommend first. The Crossing Broad review described it as ‘gristle-free, superbly seasoned, and chopped JUST RIGHT,’ with the Aversa roll providing the structural foundation that standard shops can’t match.
Cheese selection shapes the experience significantly. Here’s why: Cooper Sharp and American are the most praised options, delivering a richer, more complex melt than standard Provolone or Whiz. The TikTok food account ‘Godfather of Meat’ called the combination of Cooper Sharp, fried onions, and Aversa roll ‘balanced, rich, and just right.’
Cheese Options and Their Profiles:
| Cheese | Profile | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Whiz | Classic, salty, creamy | Traditional Philly purists |
| American | Mild, smooth melt | Balanced everyday build |
| Provolone / Cooper Sharp | Sharper, more complex | Reviewers’ most praised pick |
Is the Chicken Cheesesteak Worth Trying?
The Chicken Cheesesteak at Skinny Joey’s is praised by multiple reviewers as ‘DELICIOUS,’ with the build of New Yorker cheese, American cheese, long hots, and sautéed spinach on a seeded roll highlighted as a standout option for those who skip the ribeye.
But consistency is the risk. One TripAdvisor reviewer reported receiving ‘dry and hard chicken’ on their visit. At $16, the standard Chicken Cheesesteak is $2 less than the ribeye. The Buffalo Chicken variant at $18 (hot sauce, American cheese, and blue cheese crumbles) adds a premium tier to the chicken lineup worth exploring on a return visit.
How Does Skinny Joey’s Compare to Other Philly Cheesesteaks?
Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks differentiates itself from the classic tourist institutions through custom Aversa’s Bakery rolls, fresh ribeye cooked daily, a full indoor dining room with beer garden seating, and a broader menu beyond just the cheesesteak. These are elements the legacy walk-up windows don’t offer.
Think of it this way: Pat’s and Geno’s are cash-only windows at a street corner. Skinny Joey’s is a full restaurant with a beer garden, 20+ TVs, and a sides menu. Same product category, completely different dining experience. Food media has noted the custom Aversa roll and fresh ribeye preparation create a product that rivals and often exceeds the legacy spots in quality per bite.
Is Skinny Joey’s Better Than Pat’s and Geno’s?
Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are cash-only, walk-up window institutions at 9th and Passyunk with no indoor seating, no beer garden, and no sides menu. Skinny Joey’s offers a full dining experience at 3020 S. Broad at a premium price point.
On ingredient quality, Skinny Joey’s custom Aversa roll and fresh daily ribeye are a genuine step up from what legacy spots serve. The comparison isn’t really about ‘better.’ It’s about preference: tradition and nostalgia at Pat’s and Geno’s, or a newer full-service model at Skinny Joey’s. Both deliver authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, shaped by different definitions.
Is Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteak Worth the Wait?
For most visitors, yes. Lines at Skinny Joey’s can reach two hours on peak game days, but the shop’s efficient ordering system keeps traffic moving steadily, and multiple reviewers confirm the product justifies the wait. The Aversa roll alone was called ‘the best I’ve ever had’ by a TikTok food reviewer.
The shop handles high volume better than most single-concept cheesesteak shops. TripAdvisor reviewers describe ‘a good system to get you sandwiches and drinks pretty quickly.’ Short answer: go on a non-game day and the wait drops significantly. DoorDash delivery is available for those who prefer to skip the line entirely.
Is Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Legit?
Yes. Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is a legitimate, operating South Philadelphia restaurant with verified ingredient sourcing from Aversa’s Italian Bakery and Esposito’s, covered by NBC10 Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and CrossingBroad as a genuine South Philly food destination.
In fact, the 4.4/5 TripAdvisor rating across 11 reviews and #498 ranking of 4,910 Philadelphia restaurants confirms it. The ingredient partnerships with Aversa’s and Esposito’s (both established South Philly suppliers with decades of local credibility) give the operation neighborhood authenticity beyond the founder’s celebrity name.
Is Skinny Joey’s an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak Shop?
Yes. Skinny Joey’s is built on South Philadelphia roots. the founder is a South Philly native, the rolls come from Aversa’s Italian Bakery, the roast pork is sourced from Esposito’s, and the location sits in the heart of South Philly rather than in a tourist corridor or food hall setting.
And here’s the part most people miss: Merlino brands the shop with South Philly identity at every level. The building exterior features his portrait. The podcast ties into the brand. The ‘We Can Go Anywhere’ merch line references his personal story. CrossingBroad described the experience as ‘more than just food. It’s a Philadelphia dining experience.’
Should You Try Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks?
Yes. Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks delivers a strong, authentic South Philly cheesesteak built on premium ingredients: fresh ribeye, custom Aversa rolls, and fast service. The majority of reviewers from PhillyBite, CrossingBroad, TikTok, and TripAdvisor confirming the sandwich lives up to its reputation.
The shop is open daily 11 AM to 11 PM (midnight on Fridays and Saturdays). The hours make it accessible for lunch, dinner, or post-game visits. Visiting outside peak game-day hours reduces wait times significantly. And if you’re not near the stadiums, DoorDash delivery is available from the 3020 S. Broad location.
Is Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks Worth It?
Yes. At $18 for a ribeye cheesesteak built on a custom Aversa’s Bakery roll with fresh-daily thin-sliced ribeye, three cheese options, and fried onions, Skinny Joey’s delivers strong value compared to comparable Philadelphia cheesesteak establishments in the $14 to $20 range.
The indoor beer garden with 20+ TVs, full sides menu, and roast pork option make it a complete dining destination rather than a quick-order window. Bottom line: if you’re near the South Philly sports complex and want a premium cheesesteak experience with a full dining room, Skinny Joey’s is the clearest choice in that neighborhood.