Downtown’s Pioneer Courthouse Square has been called Portland’s “living room,” and while the surrounding neighborhood has experienced some dramatic changes in the last 25 years, the Block food cart remains as reliable as a favorite armchair. With the smallest of menus — three sandwiches and two burgers — the Block eliminates workday decision fatigue, focusing on its simple-but-lovingly-prepared sandwiches. The best of the bunch is the cheesesteak: a chewy hoagie roll overflowing with seasoned beef and a generous bounty of grilled onions, mushrooms, and peppers. The small here is hearty, and two adults could easily split the large.

The doctor at this popular Hawthorne Asylum cart is no traditionalist, offering cheesesteak prescriptions featuring lamb and chicken, along with the classic shaved beef. Swiss cheese is an option alongside the orthodox provolone and Cheez Whiz. And diners can skip the hoagie entirely and go for a poutine-style “cheesesteak on fries.” Regardless of alterations, these cheesesteaks go heavy on the meat and cheese, making Dr. Philly an ideal dinner before a night out at the nearby bars.

Offering a decidedly West Coast “Philly,” Broadway’s Taste Tickler is a destination sandwich spot with a huge menu and a tiny indoor dining space. The Tickler’s steak is sautéed in garlic and soy sauce, then topped with house-made teriyaki sauce — perhaps unforgivable sins near the Delaware River but a winning combo a stone’s throw from the Willamette. Expect lines at lunch time. Taste Tickler is open daily.

Owner Tom Amick may cringe at patrons asking for a “Philly” cheesesteak, but Pennsylvania transplants in Rip City flock to the unconventional food cart oasis off Southeast Division for confidently grilled sliced steak on soft, slightly sweet Amoroso’s rolls. Cheese options include American, provolone, Swiss, or Cheez Whiz. Grab a Northwest beer or cider on tap from the main cart, or an espresso drink at the adjoining coffee stand owned by Amick’s son-in-law. The eclectic dining space is covered but open air, with an occasional wood fire burning on colder days.

Cheesesteaks are, etymologically at least, the least vegan menu item in existence. Is it truly possible to parallel the protein and fat heavy textures, the richly flavorful sliced steak, and the decadent melted cheese in an entirely plant-based way? Rose City Park’s Buddy’s Steaks leaps over that bar with a vegan sandwich that goes toe-to-toe on depth of flavor, making it a tempting option even for non-vegans with an active day ahead. On hot days, don’t skip the water ice, a Philadelphia delicacy even harder to find out west.

Thatchers’ outdoor signage boldly claiming it serves “the best cheesesteak in town” might be hyperbole, but it may just offer the best cheesesteak in a neighborhood sports bar. Thin-sliced steak is grilled with onions and then bestowed a blanket of melted white American cheese, all piled on in a traditional Amoroso’s roll. Montavilla denizens looking to catch a Blazers game with a cold one and a cheesesteak, look no further. And for fans of early morning international sports, Thatcher’s is now open at 9 a.m. daily.

Closing at 4 a.m. seven days a week, Master Philly Cheesesteak has cornered the market on late, late night comfort food in East Portland. Serving sleepy bargoers, lunching third shifters, and mood-altered munchers, Master Philly could be excused for merely delivering adequacy. It’s a pleasant surprise to first-timers then that this food cart on the outskirts of Portland proper grills up such remarkably tender and well-seasoned meat in its classic cheesesteaks (yes, with Cheez Whiz). And while heretical, the lamb cheesesteak might be even better — and the vegan Philly is top notch, as well.

This east Vancouver strip mall staple is entering its third decade on the strength of its commitment to quality ingredients, simply and reliably prepared. The first place in the region to use Philly’s famous Amoroso’s rolls for its cheesesteaks, Philly Bilmos offers classic cheesesteaks, as well as loaded (with mushrooms and peppers), pizza (with pizza sauce and parm), or “the Bilmo” (with lettuce and tomatoes). While primarily a lunch spot, Bilmos is open until 8 p.m. for those looking to grab a quick dinner on the commute home.