There are sandwiches, and then there are Philly cheesesteaks.
What makes the difference? It starts with the roll, followed by the steak, cheese, onions and that unmistakable combination when everything comes together in one bite.
This week, MidWeek Eats went in search of three Lake Norman restaurants that have earned a place in the cheesesteak conversation. Each brings something different to the table — Philadelphia tradition, Pennsylvania roots or years of Northeast influence.
Address: 9000 Hambright Road, Huntersville, NC 28078
Phone: 704-727-3655
Website: City Boy Pizza & Wings
One word got our attention immediately: Amoroso.
City Boy’s Original Philly combines chopped steak, grilled onions and melted white American cheese on genuine Amoroso bread.
For anyone familiar with Philadelphia cheesesteaks, that’s significant. Amoroso’s Philadelphia baking history dates to 1904, and its hearth-baked rolls have become closely associated with the city’s cheesesteaks and hoagies.
The roll isn’t simply something that holds a cheesesteak together. It needs enough structure to handle the meat, cheese and juices while remaining tender enough to become part of every bite.
City Boy keeps its Original Philly refreshingly straightforward: chopped steak, grilled onions and white American cheese.
It’s a casual neighborhood spot specializing in pizza, wings, cheesesteaks and other favorites. There’s also a Chicken Philly Supreme for those who prefer chicken to steak.
Try the Original Philly relatively simple the first time. Before piling on the extras, experience the steak, onions, cheese and Amoroso bread together. Then decide how you’d customize your next one.
Address: 119 Landings Drive, Suite 104, Mooresville, NC 28117
Phone: 980-444-3800
Moyer’s earns its place through reputation.
This family-run Lake Norman eatery has become particularly well known for its cheesesteaks, with both its traditional beef and chicken versions developing loyal followings.
The Moyer family also brought restaurant experience from Pennsylvania’s Pocono region to Lake Norman, adding a little Pennsylvania heritage to the story.
But ultimately, geography doesn’t make a great cheesesteak. The sandwich does — and Moyer’s has built a strong local reputation for making a good one.
Moyer’s has the comfortable feel of a neighborhood sandwich shop where the food takes center stage. Along with cheesesteaks, the menu includes burgers, Reubens, Italian sausage sandwiches and other casual favorites.
Both the beef and chicken cheesesteaks deserve attention here.
Check Moyer’s current operating hours before making the trip. And if you’re visiting with another cheesesteak fan, here’s an idea: order a beef cheesesteak and a chicken cheesesteak, split both, and conduct your own taste test.
Address: 19400 Jetton Road, Suite 201, Cornelius, NC 28031
Phone: 704-896-2928
Website: Brooklyn South Pizzeria
Brooklyn South brings something different to our three: more than 25 years of Lake Norman history combined with Northeast roots.
Opened in Cornelius in 1998 by a Long Island, New York family, Brooklyn South set out to bring New York-style pizza and Italian-American favorites to Lake Norman. It remains family-owned today.
Among those Northeast favorites are both a Philly Cheesesteak and Chicken Cheesesteak.
Brooklyn South is a neighborhood pizzeria with pizza by the slice, calzones, stromboli, pasta, heroes and plenty of Italian-American favorites.
Its cheesesteak takes a somewhat different approach from the stripped-down South Philadelphia version, incorporating mushrooms and onions with cheese. There’s also the more elaborate Brooklyn Philly for those looking for something beyond the traditional sandwich.
Brooklyn South is particularly useful when everyone in your group isn’t craving the same thing. One person can satisfy a cheesesteak craving while everyone else explores pizza, pasta, stromboli and the rest of the extensive menu.
City Boy brings the Amoroso roll and a straightforward combination of steak, grilled onions and white American cheese.
Moyer’s brings Pennsylvania restaurant roots and a Lake Norman reputation built in part around its beef and chicken cheesesteaks.
Brooklyn South brings decades of Lake Norman history, Northeast roots and its own interpretation of the Philadelphia classic.
We’re not declaring a winner.
Instead, we’re giving you three places to start your own Lake Norman cheesesteak investigation.
You can debate the steak. You can debate the cheese. You can certainly debate “wit” or “witout.”
But never underestimate the roll.
Lake Norman cheesesteak fans, now it’s your turn.
Who makes a Philly cheesesteak around Lake Norman that belongs on our list?
Tell us the restaurant and what makes its cheesesteak special — and, if you know, tell us what kind of roll and cheese they use.
We may just have to try it for a future MidWeek Eats.
Experience Living Lake Norman.
