Collegeville Italian Bakery Hits No. 4 on Philly Cheesesteak List

According to the Philadelphia Business Journal, cheesesteak lovers no longer need  to travel the Schuylkill Expressway to get their hands on a top-notch sandwich; in Perkiomen Valley, customers only need to cross the Perkiomen Creek for the fourth-best cheesesteak in the region at the Collegeville Italian Bakery.

According to the publication, which surveyed cheesesteaks from Lancaster County to Atlantic City, the Collegeville Italian Bakery is the top-rated suburban spot on the “Tastiest Cheesesteak” list.

Only Jake’s Sandwich Board, Philly Steak and Gyro and Joe’s Steaks and Soda Shop beat out the West Ridge Pike restaurant, which is new to the list this year.

Collegeville Italian Bakery topped Pudge’s Steaks and Hoagies of Blue Bell, which was won the coveted top spot last year, and the bakery blew by traditional staples such as Tony Luke’s, Pat’s and Geno’s which came in at eight, 14 and 15, respectively.

The list was developed between April 23 and May 6, when Philadelphia Business Journal readers completed an online survey to nominate their top choices for best cheesesteak.

“Perfect blend of juicy beef, cheeses and spices and the rolls are made on the premises,” said one Collegeville Italian Bakery reviewer.  “Fantastic!”

According to the list, the process range from $6.50 to $8, and can include provolone, Whiz, fried onions, sweet pepper, tomato, mushrooms, pickles and sauce.

According to Collegeville Italian Bakery co-owner Steve Carcarey, it's the quality of the cheesesteak components that landed the business on the list.

"We only use fresh, not frozen, meat. We use USDA Prime! It's a bonus that we bake our rolls right on site," Carcarey said.

“We are so humbled and excited to announce that we have been ranked fourth in the Philadelphia Business Journal's Home of the Best Tasting Philly Cheesesteaks competition,” according to a statement from the business. “What an honor for a little mom and pop Italian bakery!”