Twenty-three cheesesteaks were evaluated by five judges -- Richman, University of Pennsylvania physician Benjamin Abella, a former Philadelphia Magazine restaurant critic Maria Gallagher, Chicago Magazine restaurant critic Jeff Ruby, and Philadelphia sports broadcaster Ray Didinger.

[1] Serious Eats's founder Ed Levine and editor Niki Achitoff-Gray tried over 30 cheesesteaks in two days and said Sonny's was in their favorite four, which also included Dalessandro's Steaks, John's Roast Pork and Campo's.

[6] Arthur Etchells of Philadelphia magazine's food blog Foobooz agreed, ranking John's and Sonny's above Dalessandro's and Campo's.

[7] In 2017, U.S. News & World Report named Sonny's one of the top five cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, citing its proximity to Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell.

[8] In 2022, Tripadvisor recognized Sonny's as one of the best dining destinations in the United States as part of their Traveler's Choice Award series.