Steve’s Prince of Steaks is coming to Wildwood this summer

Yet another iconic Philadelphia name is making its way to the Wildwoods.

Steve’s Prince of Steaks, a Northeast Philly staple for over 40 years, is setting up shop at New Jersey & Juniper Avenues, taking over the former home of Classic Sandwiches. This will mark the famous cheesesteak “princedom’s” first expansion outside of the Philadelphia area and it’s fourth location, overall. It’s arrival will also continue an interesting trend of favorites from the City of Brotherly Love that have expanded or moved to the Wildwoods in recent years, including Steak ‘Em Up in 2019, Antney’s Grub in 2020 (with second spot also coming this year), Barry’s Buns in 2021 and Santucci’s Original Square Pizza in 2022. Steve’s Prince of Steaks Wildwood will feature windows for ordering and pick-up (expected to be open late) with outdoor seating on the Juniper Avenue side of the building. Cheesesteaks are, of course, the institution’s claim to fame (“thinly sliced, sautéed rib-eye beef and melted cheese on a long, crusty roll”), but each of its locations serves up a menu of options, including sandwiches, burgers, fries and sides.

Concept renderings echo Steve’s existing stores with a catchy Wildwood-style flair, previewing signature signage and elements of checkerboard and chrome. While an opening date has not yet been set, a Steve’s representative told Wildwood 365 that they are aiming to be up and running in mid- to late-June. According to its official website, Steve’s Prince of Steaks was founded by Steven Iliescu in 1980. His original - and still existing - location is at the corner of Bustleton & St. Vincent in Northeast Philly. After years of perfecting his product and building a fanbase of “loyal subjects,” Iliescu opened his second location, at Comly Road & Roosevelt Blvd. (Far Northeast), in 1999; this would be followed by a third store in Langhorne (Bucks County), the first Steve’s expansion outside of the city, in 2006. Steve’s Prince of Steaks has scored numerous honors over the years, including being voted “Best Cheesesteak” by Philadelphia Magazine in 1992 and 2007; it was also named “Best of Citysearch” in 2005 and 2007, and “Best of Bucks” in 2007 and 2008.