Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, is famous for its Philly cheesesteak. This iconic sandwich is more than just a meal; it's a symbol of the city's rich culinary history and culture. With numerous claims to the title, finding the best Philly cheesesteak can be a daunting task. But fear not, food enthusiasts! We've navigated the city's diverse food scene to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best Philly cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
The debate around the best Philly cheesesteak often revolves around the essential components: the roll, the meat, the cheese, and the added extras. Some swear by the traditional provolone, while others prefer the creamier Cheez Whiz or the tangy American cheese. Adding sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms can elevate the sandwich, but it's the thinly sliced ribeye that truly sets it apart. Let's dive into the city's most coveted cheesesteaks.
Pat's King of Steaks vs. Geno's Steaks: The Ultimate Showdown
No discussion about the best Philly cheesesteak is complete without mentioning Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, the two most famous cheesesteak joints in the city. These neighboring rivals on South 9th Street have been battling it out for decades, each claiming to serve the authentic Philly cheesesteak.
The main difference lies in the cheese. Pat's uses Whiz, while Geno's prefers provolone. Both steaks are cooked on grills that have sizzled thousands of cheesesteaks before, giving them a unique charred flavor. The debate between Pat's and Geno's is as passionate as the Eagles versus the Cowboys rivalry, but both are worth a try.
Pat's King of Steaks: The Whiz ternary
Pat's has been a Philly institution since 1930, becoming famous for its Cheez Whiz-topped cheesesteaks. The fingertips of roll technique is a Pat's specialty, ensuring every bite is as crisp as the first. Add sautéed onions and mushrooms, and you've got a cheesesteak that's as delicious as it is iconic.
Fun fact: Pat's was the first to serve cheesesteaks on an Italian roll, a crucial element that sets the Philly cheesesteak apart from other sandwiches.
Geno's Steaks: Provolone prowess
Geno's, established in 1966, is famous for its provolone cheesesteaks. The beef is high-quality ribeye, sliced thin and cooked to perfection. The secret to Geno's cheesesteaks lies in the «Geno's steak sauce», a tangy, slightly spicy addition that complements the provolone perfectly.
Pro tip: Order «Geno's Special» to try their sauce and the works (onions, peppers, mushrooms, and Cheez Whiz).
Honorable Mentions: Hidden Gems and Unique Cheesesteaks
While Pat's and Geno's take the lion's share of the spotlight, there are plenty of other excellent options awaiting discovery. Here are two more must-try cheesesteaks:
Jim's Steaks: A South Street classic
Jim's Steaks, located on South Street, has been serving up cheesesteaks since 1939. This old-school joint does simple, classic cheesesteaks exceptionally well. The secret? Fresh ingredients, cooked on well-seasoned grills, and a commitment to keeping prices affordable.
Campo's Deli: Italian-infused flavors
Campo's Deli, located in South Philly, offers a twist on the traditional cheesesteak. Their «Trotto» sandwich swaps out the typical roll for focaccia, and adds shaved ribeye, rapini (a bitter green related to broccoli), and sharp provolone. It's a unique, delicious departure from the norm.
Final recommendation: Embrace your inner food explorer and make a crawl of the Philly cheesesteak scene. From the iconic rivalry on South 9th Street to the hidden gems and unique twists, each cheesesteak tells a story. Happy eating!