This Georgia Eatery Serves Cheesesteaks Locals Say Are Unbeatable

When the craving for a true cheesesteak hits in Georgia, one name rises above the rest in conversations among locals and devoted food lovers.

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has earned a reputation that stretches well beyond its neighborhood, attracting visitors eager to taste what the buzz is all about. From the first sizzle on the grill to the final wrap, every sandwich is crafted with care, layering tender steak, melted cheese, and perfectly balanced toppings inside fresh bread.

The flavors feel bold yet comforting, capturing the spirit of a classic Philly style experience while adding its own signature touch. The energy inside is lively, fueled by loyal regulars and first time guests alike. Whether you are a cheesesteak purist or simply chasing your next unforgettable bite, this destination delivers satisfaction worth returning for.

1. Authentic Philly-Style Preparation

Big Dave’s doesn’t believe in shortcuts when it comes to crafting its signature cheesesteaks. At its location on 300 Marietta St NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, the restaurant stays true to traditional Philadelphia methods, starting with thinly sliced ribeye cooked on a sizzling flat top grill. The meat is seared at the perfect temperature, forming crispy edges while staying tender and juicy inside.

Onions caramelize beside the beef, releasing a rich sweetness that blends into every bite. Cheese is melted directly onto the hot steak, creating the smooth, gooey texture cheesesteak lovers expect. Guests can watch the entire process unfold from the counter, where the sounds and aromas build anticipation.

This dedication to authentic preparation and consistency is the foundation of what makes every sandwich at Big Dave’s so memorable.

2. Generous Portion Sizes

Nobody leaves Big Dave’s feeling hungry. The portions here are seriously impressive, with sandwiches that challenge even the heartiest appetites. You’ll get more meat, cheese, and toppings than you might expect, making every order feel like great value.

The standard cheesesteak comes loaded with ribeye that spills out from both ends of the roll. Cheese covers every visible surface, and the toppings add even more volume. Many first-time visitors are genuinely surprised when they see their order arrive.

Sharing becomes a viable option if you’re not extremely hungry, though most regulars prefer to tackle the whole thing themselves. The restaurant doesn’t believe in skimping on ingredients, which explains why so many customers post photos of their massive sandwiches online. This generosity has become part of Big Dave’s identity, turning casual diners into loyal fans who appreciate getting their money’s worth without sacrificing quality.

3. High-Quality Ribeye Beef

Quality starts with the right ingredients, and Big Dave’s sources premium ribeye for all their cheesesteaks. The marbling in ribeye provides natural flavor and tenderness that cheaper cuts simply can’t match. You can taste the difference in every bite.

The beef gets sliced fresh throughout the day, never sitting pre-cut for hours. This ensures maximum freshness and texture when it hits the grill. The fat content in ribeye melts during cooking, basting the meat from within and creating incredible juiciness.

Many cheesesteak places use lower-grade beef to save money, but Big Dave’s refuses to compromise. The restaurant believes that using the best beef available is non-negotiable for creating an authentic experience. When you compare their sandwiches to competitors using lesser cuts, the superior flavor and texture become immediately obvious, justifying why locals consider this place unbeatable.

4. Multiple Cheese Options

Cheese preference is personal, and Big Dave’s respects that by offering multiple options. You can choose from traditional Cheez Whiz, sharp provolone, or creamy American cheese. Each variety brings its own character to the sandwich.

Cheez Whiz provides that classic Philly experience with its smooth, pourable consistency that coats every piece of meat. Provolone adds a sharper, more sophisticated flavor that cheese enthusiasts appreciate. American cheese melts beautifully and offers a milder taste that lets the beef shine through.

The staff never judges your choice or pushes one option over another. Some customers even request a combination of cheeses for a custom flavor profile. This flexibility allows you to customize your experience based on your mood or preference.

Whether you’re a traditionalist or an experimenter, having these options means you can enjoy your cheesesteak exactly how you want it.

5. Fresh-Baked Hoagie Rolls

A great cheesesteak needs an equally great roll, and Big Dave’s takes bread seriously. The hoagie rolls arrive fresh from a local bakery daily, ensuring the perfect texture and flavor. Stale or low-quality bread can ruin an otherwise excellent sandwich.

These rolls have a slightly crispy exterior that holds up to all the juicy fillings without falling apart. The interior stays soft and pillowy, providing a pleasant contrast. The bread gets lightly toasted on the grill before assembly, adding another layer of texture.

The size of the rolls matches the generous portions of meat and cheese perfectly. They’re sturdy enough to contain everything without overwhelming the other flavors. Many customers comment that the bread quality here exceeds what they find at other cheesesteak spots.

This attention to the foundation of the sandwich demonstrates Big Dave’s commitment to excellence in every component.

6. Perfectly Caramelized Onions

Onions transform from sharp and pungent to sweet and savory when properly caramelized. Big Dave’s cooks their onions low and slow until they reach that perfect golden-brown color. The process takes patience, but the results are worth the wait.

The natural sugars in the onions concentrate and caramelize during cooking, creating deep, complex flavors. These aren’t the raw or barely cooked onions you might get elsewhere. The texture becomes soft and almost jammy, melting into the meat and cheese.

You can order your cheesesteak with or without onions, but most regulars insist they’re essential. The sweetness balances the richness of the beef and cheese beautifully. Some customers even request extra onions because they add so much to the overall experience.

The kitchen staff knows exactly how long to cook them for optimal flavor and texture.

7. Casual, Welcoming Atmosphere

Walking into Big Dave’s feels comfortable and unpretentious. The decor focuses on function over fancy design, with simple tables and counter seating. This isn’t a place trying to impress you with ambiance the food does all the talking.

The staff greets customers warmly, whether you’re a regular or visiting for the first time. There’s no pressure to order quickly or leave as soon as you finish eating. The casual vibe makes it perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.

You’ll see people from all walks of life enjoying their meals here. Construction workers sit next to business professionals, and everyone receives the same friendly service. The atmosphere encourages conversation, and you might find yourself chatting with strangers about how good the cheesesteaks are.

This down-to-earth environment makes the experience feel authentic and accessible to everyone.

8. Reasonable Prices

Great food doesn’t have to break the bank, and Big Dave’s proves this point consistently. The prices remain reasonable despite using premium ingredients and generous portions. You get exceptional value that’s hard to find elsewhere.

A fully loaded cheesesteak costs less than what you’d pay at many chain restaurants for inferior quality. The restaurant keeps overhead low and passes those savings to customers. There are no hidden fees or surprise charges when you get to the register.

Regular customers appreciate that the prices haven’t skyrocketed over time like so many other establishments. Students, families, and anyone watching their budget can enjoy a satisfying meal without guilt. The combination of quality, quantity, and affordability creates a winning formula.

When you factor in how much food you actually receive, the value becomes even more apparent, making Big Dave’s an economical choice for lunch or dinner.

9. Quick Service

Time matters when you’re hungry, and Big Dave’s respects that. The staff works efficiently to get your order ready without rushing the cooking process. Most sandwiches are ready within minutes of ordering.

The kitchen operates like a well-oiled machine during busy periods. Multiple staff members work together, each handling specific tasks to maximize speed. Despite the quick turnaround, quality never suffers.

You won’t spend your entire lunch break waiting for food here. The system balances speed with care, ensuring your cheesesteak gets made properly. Even during peak hours, the line moves steadily forward.

This efficiency makes Big Dave’s practical for people with limited time, like workers on lunch breaks or families with hungry kids. The restaurant understands that good service includes respecting your schedule while still delivering the delicious food you came for.

10. Customization Options

Your preferences matter at Big Dave’s, where customization is encouraged. Beyond choosing your cheese, you can add peppers, mushrooms, extra onions, or other toppings. The staff accommodates special requests without making you feel difficult.

Some customers order their meat extra crispy, while others prefer it juicier. You can adjust the amount of cheese or request it on the side. The kitchen handles modifications efficiently, treating each order as unique.

This flexibility means you can create your perfect cheesesteak rather than settling for a one-size-fits-all approach. Dietary restrictions or personal taste preferences all get respected. The restaurant’s willingness to customize shows they care more about your satisfaction than sticking rigidly to a formula.

Whether you want something simple or fully loaded with every available topping, Big Dave’s makes it happen without judgment or hassle.

11. Consistent Quality

Consistency separates good restaurants from great ones, and Big Dave’s delivers the same quality every single visit. You won’t get an amazing sandwich one day and a disappointing one the next. The standards remain high regardless of who’s working or how busy they are.

This reliability comes from proper training and clear procedures that every staff member follows. The recipes and techniques stay consistent, ensuring your favorite sandwich tastes the same each time. Regulars develop trust because they know exactly what to expect.

Many restaurants struggle with consistency as they grow or when different cooks are working. Big Dave’s has mastered this challenge through attention to detail and quality control. You can confidently recommend this place to friends knowing they’ll have the same positive experience you did.

This dependability builds the kind of loyal customer base that makes a restaurant truly successful.

12. Local Favorite Status

Recognition from locals means more than any fancy award or review. Big Dave’s has earned genuine local favorite status through years of excellent service and food. People who live nearby consider it a neighborhood treasure.

You’ll hear residents recommending this place to visitors and newcomers constantly. The restaurant appears on local discussion boards and social media groups whenever someone asks for cheesesteak recommendations. This organic word-of-mouth marketing proves the authentic quality.

Local businesses sometimes order catering from Big Dave’s for office lunches and events. The staff recognizes many customers by name and remembers their usual orders. This deep community connection goes beyond just serving food—it’s about being part of the neighborhood fabric.

When a restaurant achieves this level of local appreciation, you know they’re doing something special that resonates with people who have plenty of other options.

13. Satisfying for All Appetites

Whether you’re moderately hungry or absolutely starving, Big Dave’s has something that works. The standard sandwich satisfies most people completely, but smaller appetites can share or save half for later. The portions adapt to different needs.

Athletes and people with big appetites finally find a place that doesn’t leave them wanting more. The substantial servings provide the calories and protein needed to feel truly full. Meanwhile, the quality ensures that even lighter eaters enjoy every bite.

Kids can split a sandwich or order their own if they’re particularly hungry. The food appeals to various age groups and dietary preferences within reason. Nobody feels shortchanged or overwhelmed by the portions.

This versatility makes Big Dave’s suitable for diverse groups where people have different appetite levels, ensuring everyone leaves happy and satisfied after their meal.

14. Takeout-Friendly Packaging

Taking your cheesesteak to go works perfectly thanks to smart packaging. The sandwiches get wrapped securely in foil that keeps everything hot and contained. The wrapping prevents the juices from leaking while maintaining the structural integrity of the sandwich.

The foil also helps the bread stay crispy rather than getting soggy during transport. You can eat in your car, at home, or at the office without mess or disappointment. The packaging keeps the temperature stable for a reasonable amount of time.

Many customers order takeout for lunch at work or dinner at home. The sandwiches travel well and taste just as good when you unwrap them later. The restaurant understands that not everyone has time to dine in, so they’ve perfected the takeout experience.

This attention to packaging details shows they care about your meal quality regardless of where you eat it.

15. Friendly, Knowledgeable Staff

The people behind the counter make a real difference at Big Dave’s. They’re genuinely friendly rather than just going through the motions. New customers receive helpful guidance about menu options without feeling pressured.

The staff knows the menu inside and out and can answer questions about ingredients or preparation. They offer honest recommendations based on what people typically enjoy. Their enthusiasm for the food feels authentic because they truly believe in what they’re serving.

Even during rushes, the team maintains their positive attitude and patience. They treat every customer with respect regardless of how busy things get. This consistent friendliness creates a welcoming environment that enhances the overall experience.

Good food matters, but good people serving that food make the difference between a transaction and a memorable visit. The staff at Big Dave’s understands this completely and delivers both excellent service and excellent sandwiches.