As the New York Knicks face off against the Philadelphia 76ers in the playoffs, their long-standing rivalry spills over from the court to the dining scene in New York City.
Some dedicated Knicks supporters are going as far as to “ban” the famous Philadelphia cheesesteak, while others have thrown their hats in with the lesser-known chopped cheese, a favorite from local bodegas.
The debate over these two sandwiches has taken on a life of its own.
While both sandwiches share ingredients like meat, cheese, and onions, their similarities barely scratch the surface. For passionate fans, it’s all about pride and labeling their preferred version—almost like a cultural identity.
To deliberate this culinary rivalry, New York Post staffers gathered for a lunchtime face-off just as Game 3 between the Knicks and Sixers was about to kick off in Philadelphia.
Contestants:
Philadelphia Cheesesteak
First up was a contender from Danny & Cope’s, a busy East Village cheesesteak spot co-owned by actor Bradley Cooper and restaurateur Danny DiGianpietro. Priced at $21, the sandwich boasted thinly sliced ribeye, grilled onions, and Cooper Sharp cheese, all packed snugly in a seeded bun with optional sweet and hot peppers on the side.
The nearly foot-long sandwich arrived in a stylish take-out box and was cut into quarters for easy sharing. Eric Hegedus, a former Philadelphian, noted, “It’s a pretty solid sandwich,” but mentioned that sesame-seeded rolls aren’t traditional.
He felt the meat was slightly salty and missed the unique feel of waiting in line at an actual shop back home.
However, opinions varied. Benjamin Kost, from the lifestyle team, raved about the tender ribeye, while Alison Lux was pleasantly surprised, saying it exceeded her expectations in terms of flavor and texture.
New York Chopped Cheese
Next was the New York answer. The chopped cheese, costing a mere $8.50 from Hudge’s in East Harlem, contained ground beef, melted American cheese, onions, and was topped with lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and ketchup. Wrapped simply in parchment paper, it also came cut into quarters.
Immediate reactions were mixed. Photographer Tamara Beckwith likened it to a McDonald’s cheeseburger, sharing that the mix of American cheese and mayo felt nostalgic. Page Six’s Jacqueline Kozak noted that the warm veggies made for a “soggy experience.”
Even the Post’s food critic Steve Cuozzo found the sandwich difficult to unwrap but was pleasantly surprised by the taste, acknowledging that it was decent for its lower price point.
Despite some favorable reviews, many felt comparing the two was unfair. Shane Galvin pointed out that chopped cheese simply doesn’t hold the same prestige as a cheesesteak, characterizing it as “bready and flat,” with unappealing vegetables.
Winner
Ultimately, Danny & Coop’s cheesesteak emerged victorious among the team. It felt a bit skewed given the price difference, but one’s mood can really affect how they view food choices.
The chopped cheese might fit more into a late-night snack scenario, while the cheesesteak provided a premium experience. Some even likened the comparison to that of Wagyu beef against Hamburger Helper. One staff member mused about the potential for a hybrid sandwich.
By the tasting’s conclusion, even the most die-hard New Yorkers found themselves swayed by the cheesesteak’s charm.
In a surprising twist, Eric Hegedus went back for a second helping of Danny & Coop’s cheesesteak—quite the endorsement amidst his Philadelphia loyalty.
