Maryland is coming for Philly's cheesesteak crown

The big picture: Philly's cheesesteak legacy runs deep — and long (world-record long, per our Axios Philly colleagues). No debate there.

Yes, but: Philly is resting on its whiz-loaded laurels while Maryland's scrappier sandwich scene is evolving.

• Think Catonsville-born food truck 5th and Steaks — viral, destination-worthy (cue epic lines) and not touristy like some spots catering to the Liberty Bell crowd.

Speaking of: Geno's just opened a Baltimore outpost — only its second outside Philly. Expansion or… acknowledgment?

Whiz in: Philly is bound by tradition. When that means spray cheese, Maryland is fine spicing it up like Old Bay. Take:

• Cheesesteak & Co. (Elkridge): viral cheesesteak egg rolls and these meaty boyz
• MaGerk's (Baltimore): salami, crispy onions, no apologies
• Soko Butcher (Takoma Park): house-made whiz, quality ribeye, crowned a local cheesesteak king

The intrigue: Even Cooper Cheese — the cult-favorite "secret sauce" of many great cheesesteaks — tells Axios its Maryland business is booming.

🦀 The bottom line: Crab cakes — and now cheesesteaks — that's what Maryland does.