In the heart of Philadelphia, where the city's culinary legacy is as rich as its history, the humble Philly cheesesteak reigns supreme. This iconic sandwich, born in the early 20th century, has become a symbol of Philly's culture, a must-try for locals and tourists alike. But with countless establishments claiming to serve the best, it can be daunting to find the authentic, mouth-watering cheesesteak that truly defines Philadelphia.
So, what sets apart a genuinely great Philly cheesesteak from the rest? The answer lies in a combination of fresh ingredients, traditional preparation methods, and a dash of local charm. Let's delve into the city's best-kept secrets, exploring the actual best Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, one delicious bite at a time.
The Art of the Steak: Quality and Preparation
The foundation of a perfect Philly cheesesteak is, undoubtedly, the steak. A true Philadelphia cheesesteak uses thinly sliced ribeye or top round, never chopped, always shaved. The steak should be cooked quickly on a high heat, allowing it to sear but remain tender and juicy, not dry and crumbly.
Equally important is the type of cheese. Though the Philly cheesesteak's origin story credits Provolone, it's the iconic Whiz (a processed cheese spread) that's now synonymous with the sandwich. Whether you choose the authentic American cheese spread, classic Provolone, or something more gourmet, the cheese should bind the sandwich together without drowning out the steak's flavor.
Bread: The Unsung Hero
A fluffy, sesame-seeded hoagie roll is the unsung hero, rocking this sandwich power trio. The roll should be sturdy enough to hold everything together yet soft and smooth on the inside, providing the perfect texture balance. The best shops toast their rolls lightly to add a subtle crunch and enhance the overall dining experience.
Additional toppings, like sautéed onions and mushrooms, add depth of flavor. Peppers,-consommé gravy, or ketchup can also make an appearance, but remember, less is often more in maintaining the sandwich's harmony.
The Cheesesteak Scene: Established Greats and Hidden Gems
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, both landmark institutions since the 1930s, are Must-trys for any cheesesteak pilgrim. The eternal "Pat's vs. Geno's" debate divides Philadelphia, and both shops deserve a visit for their unique takes on the classic sandwich. But beyond these familiar names, Philadelphia boasts a thriving, diverse cheesesteak scene.
Hidden gems like Dalessandro's Steaks in Roxborough, or the food cart phenomenon "Rick's Steaks," serve up truly outstanding versions of the city's signature sandwich. Meanwhile, innovative newcomers like "Theре CheeseSteak Shop" in Fairmount or "Cheesesteak Gourmet" in Graduate Hospital redefine Philly's cheesesteak expectations with gourmet ingredients and unique twists.
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Specialty Cheesesteaks
While the classic Philly cheesesteak remains a gold standard, local eateries continue to push the envelope with creative variations. From the "pizzasteak" — a cheesesteak topped with pizza toppings — to the "scraphappy" — which includes scrapple, a Pennsylvania Dutch specialty made from pig parts — no idea is too wild for Philadelphia's cheesesteak creativity.
Vegetarian and vegan cheesesteaks, once an anomaly, are now a common sight. Restaurants like "V Street" and "Blackbird Pizzeria" offer plant-based versions that rival their meaty counterparts in taste and texture. Even Foletti Family Meats, an iconic local butcher shop, now sells vegetarian "chesteaks."
Philly Cheesesteak By the Numbers: A Local's Perspective
In a 2019 Philadelphia Inquirer poll, locals crowned Dalessandro's the city's best cheesesteak. But when it comes to rankings, personal preference reigns supreme. Here's a breakdown of Philly residents' favorite cheesesteak attributes, straight from the source:
- Best Bread: Jim's Steaks – South Street and Pat's King of Steaks (tie)
- Best Meat: Pat's King of Steaks
- Best Cheese: Tony Luke's
- Best Overall: Dalessandro's Steaks
Experience the Magic: Craving a Philly Cheesesteak?
For the true taste of Philadelphia, follow these steps: Start with a crispy roll, add thinly sliced, perfectly cooked steak, top with your cheese of choice, and finish with a dusting of sautéed onions and peppers. Season with love, serve with confidence, and never let your cheesesteak sit unattended — because in Philly, nothing's more heartbreaking than a cold cheesesteak.
Embarking on a cheesesteak journey in Philadelphia is more than just sampling sandwiches; it's an exploration of the city's history, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit. From traditional favorites like Pat's and Geno's to hidden gems and innovative newcomers, Philadelphia's cheesesteak scene offers a sandwich for every palate and preference. So dig in, make your own comparisons, and decide what truly makes the actual best Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia. After all, the only wrong answer is turning down a second cheesesteak — because in Philly, there's always room for one more.