Can you get a good cheesesteak in Portland, Oregon? The answer is a resounding YES. If you are looking for the best cheesesteak in Portland, Oregon (and beyond), take a jaunt down a short alley off Southeast Division Street to the Moore Food & Co. cart.
I’m intentionally not using the phrase “Philly cheesesteak” after reading owner Tom Amick’s interview with Eater (Portland) where in quintessential Philadelphia directness, he advised: “The minute you see ‘Philly-style cheesesteak’ [on a menu], it’s not a f*cking cheesesteak.” The point is well taken.
Although, I can’t help but reference Philly. I’ve had cheesesteaks in Philadelphia over the years and whether you are team Geno’s, Pat’s, or Jim’s, the city has the highest density of good cheesesteak joints in the country, period. However, the price of a good cheesesteak in Philly is often the wait and trying to nab a table from the group that just got up before the more aggressive group behind you gets it.
At Moore Food & Co. you get the Philly level cheesesteaks from a Philly native without the Philadelphia wait! It’s truly an east [coast] meets west [coast] experience. You get to enjoy cheesesteak that a Northeasterner would approve of in a-walk-through-an alley to get there back of storefront outdoor (but mostly covered) seating area full of eclectic furnishings that is Portland-vibes all-the-way.
Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Moore Food & Co offers more than just cheesesteaks…and yes, before you ask: craft beer too. The alley is also home to Moore Coffee Co. which serves up coffee and pastries out of the back of a ’78 VW bus. I’ve fueled my morning walk with a coffee from them on more than one occasion.
Bottom line: The Alley is a must visit!
Visit Moore Alley
3576B SE Division Street., Portland, OR 97202
Moore Food & Co (Insta): https://www.instagram.com/moorefoodandcompany
Moore Coffee Co. (Insta): https://www.instagram.com/moorecoffee.co
Photos of Moore Alley
Note: I didn’t capture it well but there’s a surprisingly large amount of space in Moore Alley including a number of long community seating tables and “bar” seating along a back plant covered wall.
Gear Check
If you’re visiting Portland, OR from out of town any time of year other than summer, be sure to bring a rain jacket and waterproof/resistant boots (Blundstones are my go-to) or shoes.
