Berks County has no shortage of places to get a cheesesteak – Philly-style, Berks County style, and everything in between – but that doesn’t mean there’s not room for more.
In July 2026, Boyertown got a brand new cheesesteak shop with the opening of The Philly Jawn Cheesesteak.
Philly Jawn is from the family behind Peppe’s Pizza and Grill in nearby Gilbertsville. While you can get a cheesesteak at Peppe’s, the two restaurants are very different.
First, Philly Jawn doesn’t offer pizza or pasta. It’s strictly cheesesteaks and sandwiches with an assortment of appetizers and sides. Second, Philly Jawn also houses a full Italian deli and market with meats, cheeses and assorted imported foods.
I made my first visit to Philly Jawn on a weekday in mid-August. It was around 11:30 when I arrived, and the restaurant was already busy. A family was spread across a pair of two-seat tables out front while inside there was a line to order and a handful of others waiting for their food.
There is no seating for dine-in, just a row of about a half dozen chairs in a narrow hallway for those waiting. I ordered at the counter and grabbed the last seat while I watched customers coming and going.
It took a little more than 10 minutes for them to call my name and hand me my cheesesteak.
I ordered the namesake Philly Jawn which comes with fried onions and Cooper sharp cheese – my favorite toppings – on a seeded roll.
The ribeye was cooked well and the onions added little hits of flavor throughout. I know there are debates on seeded versus non-seeded rolls, but I liked the seeded roll here. It held up pretty well despite being over-stuffed with steak.
It wasn’t my favorite cheesesteak I’ve had, but it was good, and I would go again.
The sandwich comes in 12” or 24” inch options so even the small was too much for me to handle, but at least I knew going in that I would have leftovers for the next day. That meant that I got two meals for the $16.75 price tag.
The biggest downside for me is the lack of seating. Because I don’t live in Boyertown, I’m limited to the row of two-seater tables outside or takeout. But the sandwich was wrapped well so I think it should travel well.
I look forward to trying more of what The Philly Jawn Cheesesteak has to offer. I’ll be sure to bring an appetite – and maybe a friend or two – next time.
BCE Rating
Food: Good
Service: Very Good
Ambiance: Good
Price: $$
The Philly Jawn Cheesesteak
159 S. Reading Avenue
Boyertown, PA 19512
