SHAY'S
WAGYU BEEF AND FILET MIGNON
It’s not every day that a CPA opens a cheesesteak shop. But Jackee DiClaudio is no ordinary bean counter. In 2024, Jackee simply followed her heart, traded spreadsheets for spatulas, and founded Shay’s Steaks, which has quickly become one of the most delicious and high-quality cheesesteak spots in Philly.
And get this - Jackee’s husband, Scott DiClaudio, is a sitting Philadelphia judge, presiding over criminal cases in the Court of Common Pleas. When he’s not banging the gavel, Scott is easily Jackee’s most enthusiastic supporter.
Shay’s is a family affair in more ways than one. Scott grew up in South Philly, working at the luncheonette owned and run by his parents Jimmy and Sylvia “Shay” DiClaudio. Shay’s is named in honor of Sylvia, who was not merely a beloved matriarch but also a stunningly attractive woman.
Shay’s sits on the ground floor of Center City’s sleek Franklin Tower Residences (at 16th and Race Streets across from Friends Select). Jackee and Scott live directly upstairs. That’s called being hands-on, folks.
At Shay’s, quality is everything. Whether you go for beef or chicken in your sandwich, the meat there is always fresh, carefully sliced, seasoned to perfection, and grilled up with love. Nothing is ever frozen or defrosted.
Shay’s crown jewel is its Wagyu beef cheesesteak. Yes, you read that right – the legendary marbled beef so tender it practically weeps with joy when it hits the grill. The sandwich runs over $30, but hey, you only live once. The beef is cooked to perfection, then slathered with Cooper Sharp cheese and fried onions, and nestled into an outstanding seeded roll. A cheesesteak created by a queen and fit for a king.
For those on a budget, a filet mignon cheesesteak is also available.
And by the way…
Yelp! named Shay’s the #3 steak spot in America in 2024. Not just cheesesteak – steak. That means Shay’s beat out nearly every fancy chophouse and aged beef temple from coast to coast. Let that marinate for a minute.
The next time you are in Center City and in the mood for an absolutely incredible cheesesteak, make your way over to Shay’s. You will walk out with a smile on your face and a newfound respect for accountants.
SHAY'S STEAKS
200 North 16th Street (at Race Street)
(267) 804-7731
