The mere mention of Philadelphia instantly brings to mind the city's iconic sandwich, the Philly cheesesteak. This culinary delight, a symphony of tender beef, melted cheese, and crisp vegetables, has a history as rich and diverse as the city itself. Finding the "best Philly steak in Philadelphia" can be a daunting task, given the numerous options that cater to a wide range of taste buds. However, we're here to navigate through the city's sandwich landscape to help you discover the crème de la crème of Philly cheesesteaks.
Philly cheesesteaks are not just food; they're a cultural phenomenon. From the humble streets of South Philly to the bustling Rittenhouse Square, each steak has a unique story to tell. So, buckle up as we embark on this gastronomic journey to uncover the best Philly steak in Philadelphia.
Iconic Establishments
No list of the best Philly steaks would be complete without mentioning the city's iconic establishments. These are the steakhouses that have been serving up their version of the city's favorite sandwich for decades, their reputations preceding them.
At the top of this list is Pat's King of Steaks. No visit to Philadelphia is complete without a stop at this world-famous diner. The appeal lies in its simple, no-frills approach. Thinly sliced ribeye, melted cheese, grilled onions, and a heaping serving of love go into every steak sandwich here. It's all about the basics done exceptionally well.
Pat's Signature Style
Pat's is famed for its 'Whiz wit' - a Philly cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions. The Whiz, a liquid cheese product, melts into the meat and onions, creating a savory, oozing delight. The 'wit' refers to the onions, cooked until they're soft and sweet. It's a classic combination that has stood the test of time.
Next door to Pat's is another iconic establishment, Geno's Steaks. While Pat's is known for its Whiz, Geno's is famous for its provolone cheese. The aged provolone gives Geno's steaks a sharper, more robust flavor. Their thinly sliced steak and grilled onions are cooked to perfection, providing a delightful contrast to the melt-in-your-mouth cheese.
Geno's Provolone Challenge
Geno's doesn't shy away from the competition. In fact, they embrace it. Their 'The works' challenge involves eating a Philly cheesesteak loaded with onions, peppers, mushrooms, and ketchup in under 5 minutes. It's a bold statement about the quality and quantity of their steaks.
Underrated Gems
While Pat's and Geno's are crowd-pleasers, there are many underrated gems scattered across the city, each offering a unique take on the Philly cheesesteak.
In South Philly, Jim's Steaks South Street is a hidden gem, serving up some of the best steaks in town. Their steak is thicker than most, and the cheese, a mix of American and provolone, adds a unique twist. The atmosphere is relaxed, making it a great spot to enjoy your steak at leisure.
Jim's Thick Cut Steak
Jim's thicker cut of steak is a game-changer. It gives the sandwich a heartier feel, making it a satisfying meal. The cheese blend adds a rich, creamy flavor that complements the beef perfectly. It's a different take on the classic Philly cheesesteak, but no less delicious.
Another underrated gem is The commissary, located in the Rittenhouse Square area. This upscale spot offers a modern take on the Philly cheesesteak. Theirs comes with truffled mushrooms, provolone, and caramelized onions. It's a gourmet twist on the classic, perfect for those who want to indulge in a more refined steak sandwich.
The Commissary's Gourmet Twist
The Commissary's cheesesteak is a delight for the senses. The truffled mushrooms add an earthy, savory note that elevates the dish. The provolone cheese and caramelized onions provide the classic flavor profile, while the presentation makes it a Instagram-worthy meal.
The evolution of the Philly cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak has evolved over the years, with new variations popping up throughout the city. From gourmet twists to vegetarian options, there's a Philly cheesesteak for everyone.
One of the most popular new variations is the Buffalo chicken cheesesteak. This hot, spicy twist on the classic was popularized by the Federal Donuts chain. It features fried chicken, melted blue cheese, and buffalo sauce. It's a far cry from the traditional steak sandwich, but just as delicious.
The Spicy Buffalo Twist
The Federal Donuts' buffalo chicken cheesesteak is a spicy, messy affair. The fried chicken adds a delightful crunch, while the blue cheese and buffalo sauce provide a punchy, tangy kick. It's a bold, flavorful take on the classic Philly cheesesteak.
For the vegetarians, The Other Philly offers a plant-based alternative. Their 'Beefy' Philly features house-made vegan beef, sautéed onions, and a choice of vegan Cheez Whiz or provolone. It's a testament to the fact that you don't need meat to create a delicious Philly cheesesteak.
The Plant-Based Alternative
The Other Philly's 'Beefy' Philly proves that a plant-based diet can still enjoy the joys of a Philly cheesesteak. The house-made vegan beef is surprisingly tender and flavorful, while the sautéed onions and cheese provide the classic creaminess. It's a guilt-free way to enjoy a Philly classic.
No matter how you like your Philly cheesesteak - traditional, gourmet, spicy, or plant-based - Philadelphia has something to offer. So, the next time you're in the City of Brotherly Love, embark on your own culinary adventure to find the best Philly steak. Who knows? You might just discover a new favorite in this city of sandwiches.