Philadelphia is not just famous for its rich history and iconic landmarks but also for its mouth-watering culinary creations. Among the many iconic delights, the Philly Cheesesteak stands tall as a symbol of the city’s food scene. In this blog post, we’ll embark on a journey to explore the origins and cultural significance of this sandwich. And, most importantly, where to find the best Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia.
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What is a Philly Cheesesteak?
The Philly Cheesesteak, an emblem of Philadelphia’s culinary heritage, is far more than just a sandwich. At its core, it’s a harmonious blend of flavours and textures meticulously crafted to tantalise taste buds.
Imagine thinly sliced ribeye steak, expertly seasoned and cooked to perfection on a griddle. This succulent meat, juicy and flavourful, becomes the star ingredient of the sandwich.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. The steak, still sizzling from the grill, is generously topped with a choice of cheese — typically American, Provolone or Cheez Whiz. As the cheese melts, it envelops the steak like a creamy, gooey embrace. Undoubtedly, the molten cheese binds the entire sandwich together.
One of the more popular optional additions include sautéed onions adding a hint of sweetness and a satisfying crunch. This trio of steak, cheese and onions is then piled into a soft, fresh hoagie roll, providing the perfect vessel for this iconic street food.
Every bite of a Philly Cheesesteak is a symphony of flavours. Indeed, the juicy beef, the melted cheese and the caramelised onions all bounce playfully off each other.
Undoubtedly, it’s a portable feast and a comfort food classic that warms the soul and satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The birth of the Cheesesteak can be traced back to the 1930s with Pat’s King of Steaks. In fact, Pat’s claims the title of being the first-ever establishment to serve this delectable creation. Since then, it has become a staple in the Philadelphia food scene, evolving and diversifying while retaining its core flavours.
Over the decades, the Cheesesteak has become more than just a sandwich; it’s a cultural icon deeply rooted in the heart of Philadelphia.
Indeed, it represents the city’s blue-collar spirit and is an integral part of its culinary heritage, bringing locals and tourists together in a shared love for delicious simplicity.
Best 5 Places for a Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia
Now that we’ve covered the history of Philadelphia’s most iconic sandwich, let’s find out where you can find the best Cheesesteaks.
1. Pat’s King of Steaks
Nestled in the heart of South Philadelphia, Pat’s King of Steaks is not just a restaurant; it’s a piece of living history. Established in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, this legendary eatery holds the prestigious title of being the birthplace of the Philly Cheesesteak.
With its unassuming façade, Pat’s has become a pilgrimage site for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Philadelphia. The story of Pat’s King of Steaks is steeped in culinary lore. Legend has it that in the 1930s, Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to grill some thinly sliced beef on his hot dog grill.
A cab driver, intrigued by the aroma, asked for a steak sandwich instead of a hot dog. Thus, the Philly Cheesesteak was born. Word of this delicious creation spread like wildfire, and soon, Pat’s humble hot dog stand transformed into a mecca for Cheesesteak aficionados.
At Pat’s, the secret lies in the simplicity and the quality of their ingredients. They meticulously cut premium cuts of ribeye into paper-thin slices, ensuring tenderness and a quick, even cook on the grill.
The cheese, often the customer’s choice of American, Provolone or Cheez Whiz, is generously melted over the steak, enveloping it in a velvety, creamy layer.
Visiting Pat’s King of Steaks isn’t just about enjoying a meal; it’s a cultural experience, a chance to savour a slice of history served on a roll.
How to get there: 1237 E Passyunk Ave
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
2. Geno’s Steaks
Located across the street from its long-standing rival, Pat’s King of Steaks, you will find Geno’s Steaks. Established in 1966 by Joey Vento, this iconic establishment has become synonymous with bold flavours and quality ingredients.
Even though Pat’s invented the steak sandwich, Geno’s Steaks claims to have been the first to use cheese in their rolls. Joey Vento, inspired by the burgeoning popularity of the steak sandwich, set out to create his own version. With a passion for quality and a dedication to tradition, he transformed a modest sandwich stand into a Philadelphia institution.
Geno’s Steaks prides itself on using top-quality ingredients. Undeniably, the star of their show is the thinly sliced ribeye steak, which is expertly seasoned and grilled to perfection. The grill masters at Geno’s have mastered the art of achieving the ideal balance between tenderness and char, ensuring each bite is a symphony of flavours.
Moreover, Geno’s is renowned for its cheese, which generously blankets the steak. While purists can opt for the classic American or Provolone, Geno’s is particularly famous for its indulgent use of Cheez Whiz.
This unconventional choice has become a signature element of Geno’s Cheesesteak, setting it apart from the rest. The dedication to tradition and bold flavours make Geno’s Steaks a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Philly Cheesesteak experience.
How to get there: 1219 S 9th St
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
3. Jim’s Steaks (South Street)
Situated at 400 South St, Jim’s Steaks stands as a testament to the enduring allure of the Philly Cheesesteak. Since its inception, Jim’s has become synonymous with quality, consistency and a commitment to delivering an exceptional culinary experience.
Founded in 1939, Jim’s Steaks has a storied history that mirrors the evolution of the iconic Philly Cheesesteak itself. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a culinary landmark, Jim’s has continued to uphold its tradition of providing outstanding Cheesesteaks.
At Jim’s Steaks, the secret to their delectable sandwiches lies in the art of grilling. Indeed, they expertly season their thinly sliced ribeye steak and cook it to perfection on a well-seasoned griddle. As a result, each slice is equally infused with smoky, savoury flavours.
Furthermore, one of the defining features of Jim’s Cheesesteak is their perfectly grilled onions. These onions are sautéed to caramelised perfection, adding a subtle sweetness and a satisfying crunch to the sandwich.
The interplay between the tender, flavourful steak and the aromatic onions creates a delightful balance of tastes and textures.
Additionally, Jim’s offers a variety of cheese options, allowing customers to customise their sandwiches to their preference. Whether you opt for the classic American, the robust Provolone or the indulgent Cheez Whiz, each cheese choice creates a unique and memorable dining experience.
Following a devastating fire in July 2022, Jim’s Steaks is currently closed to repairs. Stay tuned for a reopening date.
How to get there: 400 South St
Opening hours: Temporarily closed for repairs (October 2023 update)
4. Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies
Next, head to Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies, a hidden treasure in the world of Philly Cheesesteaks. Since its establishment, this family-owned eatery has garnered a loyal following, captivating the taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
Dalessandro’s Steaks and Hoagies began its journey with a simple yet profound idea: to serve exceptional food with a focus on quality and taste. Over the years, this commitment to excellence has become the cornerstone of the establishment.
At Dalessandro’s, the key to their outstanding Cheesesteaks lies in the meticulous selection of ingredients. The steak, sourced from top-quality ribeye, is expertly sliced to ensure tenderness and flavour in every bite.
Another of the standout features of Dalessandro’s Cheesesteak is their dedication to generous portions. As a matter of fact, they generously load each sandwich with a hearty portion of steak, ensuring that every bite is meaty and satisfying.
The cheese, a crucial element of any great Cheesesteak, is melted to perfection, enveloping the steak in a velvety, creamy embrace. Dalessandro’s offers a variety of cheese options, allowing patrons to customise their sandwiches to their liking. Like the above Cheesesteaks, you can choose from American, Sharp Provolone or Cheese Whiz.
Finally, you can add optional toppings like roasted green peppers, mushrooms, pepperoni, lettuce and tomatoes.
How to get there: 600 Wendover St
Opening hours: 11 am – 10 pm (Friday and Saturday: 11 pm and Sunday: 9pm)
5. John’s Roast Pork
Established at 14 E Snyder Ave, John’s Roast Pork is a legendary name in the Philadelphia food scene. While the name emphasises roast pork, this unassuming eatery is also celebrated for its exceptional Philly Cheesesteaks.
For decades, John’s has been satisfying the appetites of locals and tourists alike with their mouth-watering sandwiches. At John’s Roast Pork, the focus is on simplicity and authenticity, ensuring that each element of their Cheesesteak is executed to perfection.
In the middle of their famous sandwich is the thinly sliced ribeye steak, renowned for its tenderness and rich flavour. At John’s, they grill their steak to perfection, allowing the natural juices and smoky flavours to shine through.
Moreover, John’s takes pride in their cheese selection. While American and Provolone are popular choices, what sets John’s apart is their meticulous attention to melting the cheese just right. The cheese is spread generously over the steak, creating a smooth, creamy layer that enhances the overall taste without overpowering the delicate flavours of the meat.
In every aspect, John’s Roast Pork exemplifies the essence of an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. From the premium ingredients to the expert grilling techniques and the friendly atmosphere, a visit to John’s is not just a meal. It’s a journey into the heart of Philadelphia’s culinary legacy.
How to get there: 14 E Snyder Ave
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (Tuesday to Saturday)
Can you find a good Philly Cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia?
Yes, you can find Philly Cheesesteaks outside of Philadelphia, both in other parts of the United States and internationally. Many restaurants, diners and even food trucks around the world serve their version of the iconic Philly Cheesesteak.
However, it’s important to note that the authenticity and quality of these Cheesesteaks can vary widely. And purists might argue that the truest experience can only be found in Philadelphia.
If you’re outside of Philadelphia and craving a Cheesesteak, it’s a good idea to check local reviews or ask for recommendations to find a place known for making a delicious and authentic version of this iconic sandwich.
Conclusion
In the heart of Philadelphia, the quest for the perfect Philly Cheesesteak is a culinary adventure worth undertaking. Each of these iconic establishments brings something unique to the table, showcasing the diversity and creativity that defines this beloved sandwich.
So, whether you’re a local craving a taste of home or a visitor eager to savour the city’s flavours, these renowned spots are sure to satisfy your cheesesteak cravings and leave you craving for more of Philly’s culinary delights.
Now, we want to hear from you. Whether you’re a local or a frequent visitor, what’s your favourite Cheesesteak in Philly? Drop us a comment below.
Jonah is a a hipster, eco-warrior and slow food afficionado. Coming from a scientific background, Jonah has a particular interest in cheese science. And yes, he loves a good cheese pun!
