The debate over the best cheesesteak in Philly might be as iconic as the sandwich itself. This classic combination of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and adornments like onions and peppers has been a staple in the City of Brotherly Love for over a century. But with countless shops touting their unique spin, where can one find the actual best cheesesteak in Philly?
The quest for the ultimate cheesesteak is a deeply personal one, influenced by preferences for provolone or Cheez Whiz, the crispness of the roll, and the ratios of steak to toppings. Despite this, some Philly cheesesteak institutions consistently rise above the rest, offering a balance of tradition, innovation, and unmatched flavor.
Iconic Cheesesteak Joints
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, both located in South Philadelphia, have been locked in a friendly rivalry since the 1960s. Their cheesesteaks are among the most famous in the world, with Pat's preferred Italian roll and Geno's more traditional crisp roll. The classic, no-frills experience at these iconic joints is a Philadelphia rite of passage.
Another classic spot is Jim's Steaks on South Street. Known for its thick-cut steak and offering both traditional and Italian rolls, Jim's Steaks has been serving up cheesesteaks since 1938, giving it a rich history almost as long as Pat's and Geno's combined.
Cheesesteak Styles
The classic Philly cheesesteak starts with thinly sliced ribeye, topped with melted cheese and sautéed onions, all stuffed into a soft, crusty roll. But variations abound, from adding jalapenos and mushrooms to going full-on vegetarian with a fungi or veggie cheesesteak.
Pizzerias and pizza chiefs are also getting in on the action, offering their unique takes on the cheesesteak, with variations like cheesesteak pizza sticks featuring crispy steak, melted cheese, and peppers rolled up in pizza dough.
Under-the-Radar Gems
While the iconic joints above rightly hog the spotlight, no best cheesesteak in Philly list would be complete without mention of some local secrets. Spatafora's in South Philadelphia offers a unique approach, using homemade rolls and a secret seasoning blend. DaBruzzi's in Northern Liberties serves up a hearty, full-flavored cheesesteak with a rich, beefy taste.
For something truly different, check out hard-core cheesesteak fans' favorite — the "Tony Luke Jr." from Tony Luke's Cheesesteaks. It's loaded with sausage and peppers, making for a hearty and distinctively Philly sandwich.
The Cheesesteak Art
Behind every great cheesesteak is a skilled cheesesteak "chemist." These culinary masters have perfected their craft, making every cut, season, and flip count. Watching them work is a mesmerizing dance of skill and precision, a true art form.
Unique to Philly, the cheesesteak art extends beyond the chefs to the patrons. Ordering a cheesesteak involves a particular language, from specifying the cheese (provolone, American, dogs' nites—yes, that's a thing) to adding or subtracting toppings, and even requesting the ever-popular "Whiz wit" (Cheez Whiz with onions, for the uninitiated).
From bustling city streets to quiet neighborhood corners, the best cheesesteak in Philly is a deeply personal and profoundly Philadelphia experience. So, grab a paper apron, settle in for a line at your favorite shop, and embrace the delightful chaos. After all, the quest for the perfect cheesesteak is half the fun. Who knows? You might just stumble upon your new favorite while exploring the city's diverse and delicious cheesesteak landscape.
