Bite into history, quite literally, as you explore the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, where the Philly cheesesteak reigns supreme. This iconic sandwich has been a staple of the City of Brotherly Love for nearly a century, and every self-respecting food lover who visits must ask, "What's the best Philly steak sub in Philly?" While opinions may vary, the following two standouts consistently top the charts, each offering a unique take on this timeless classic.
Delve into the rich culinary legacy of Philadelphia, a city that's as famous for its Welcoming Committee as it is for its mouthwatering subs. To understand what makes the Philly cheesesteak a transcendent experience, one must first understand the fundamentals. At its core, a Philly cheesesteak is a savory symphony of thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, served on a hoagie roll. But it's the mastery of these seemingly simple elements that sets the best in class apart from the rest.
The Original: Pat's King of Steaks
No journey through Philadelphia's culinary landscape would be complete without paying homage to Pat's King of Steaks, the granddaddy of them all. Established in 1930, this legendary eatery has catered to generations of hunger pangs, from Secret Service agents protecting presidential candidates to everyday heroes seeking a taste of history.
Old-school charm pours from every inch of Pat's, from the worn Formica countertops to the worn-in menu. But the real magic happens on the griddle, where steak and onions are sautéed to triumphant perfection. The star of the show is the unctuous Whiz – a trademarked cheese sauce that took the humble cheesesteak from street food to stuff of urban legends. Order quick and dirty, or linger and soak in the cachet of being in the presence of greatness. Either way, you'll leave Pat's feeling like you've just inherited a tasty slice of Philadelphia's past.
The Whiz Experience
The signature sandwich at Pat's is as simple as its name: Whiz with. That's steak, onions, and Cheez Whiz served on a roll. The key here is the deceptively humble cheese sauce, which adds an unparalleled je ne sais quoi to the proceedings. The near-levitation effect it has on the steak and onions is nothing short of alchemy, making it arguably the most iconic version of the Philly cheesesteak.
But don't overlook the other contenders on Pat's extensive menu. For the more adventurous, the Pepper Whiz adds a kick, while the Breakfast features a fried egg for those who like their steak and eggs in one convenient package. And for the truly hungover (or daring), there's the Fattie, a monster creation featuring steak, onions, mushrooms, peppers, and cheese, all topped with a grilled Italian sausage. Trust us, you'll sleep like a baby after tackling that beast.
The Pat's Way: A Tale of Two Spreads
At Pat's, the art of the cheesesteak sandwich is a deeply personal affair. The now-famous "Pat's Way" involves slicing the roll in half, applying a generous and uniform spread of Whiz on the insides, then topping with perfectly cooked steak and onions. The result is a symphony of flavors and textures that's as visually stunning as it is delicious.
But the real fun is in the customization. While Pat's offers a pre-set menu, the truly intrepid can craft their own masterpiece, choosing from an astounding array of sirloin, ribeye, chicken, bacon, and even hot dogs (for the kids, perhaps). Toppings range from basic (sautéed mushrooms) to exotic (gjetost), with onions, peppers, and tomatoes rounding out the traditional line-up. The possibilities are endless, and the result is a Philly cheesesteak tailored to your discerning taste buds.
The Challenger: Geno's Steaks
Just across the street from Pat's sits its fiercest rival, Geno's Steaks, a family-owned institution that's been serving up fightin' words (and cheesesteaks) since 1966. While Pat's boasts meticulous uniformity, Geno's prides itself on its customer-driven, à la carte approach. Here, every cheesesteak is an opportunity for you to make your mark on history.
Geno's doesn't shy away from its reputation as the rowdy, tattooed uncle of Philly cheesesteak joints. Its walls are festooned with band merch, movie posters, and baseball caps, while customers scribble their names on the ceiling in marker. In a world where standardization is king, Geno's revels in its freewheeling individuality, making it a haven for those seeking a different kind of treasure from their Pennsylvania NetFlix experience.
The Geno's Experience: Rhapsody in Red
Geno's signature sandwich is a love letter to simplicity: steak, onions, and provolone melted just so. The secret, according to third-generation owner Geno Venti, is in the cooking technique. While Pat's slathers its Whiz on the roll, Geno's applies its cheese directly to the griddle, melting it to golden, bubbly perfection before ladling on the steak and onions.
The result is a cheesesteak that's every bit as delicious as Pat's, but with a different kind of je ne sais quoi. The provolone adds a more robust, tangy flavor that sets it apart from its Whiz-slathered cousin. And while some purists might scoff at the heresy, the fact remains that Geno's has been turning out killer cheesesteaks for over half a century. Who are we to argue with success?
The Old School vs. New School: A Tale of Two Cheeses
While Pat's and Geno's share a healthy rivalry, there's a deeper divide at play: the great Whiz vs. provolone debate. In one corner, you have Pat's, which has been evangelizing the merits of Cheez Whiz since 1930. In the other, Geno's, which has held the line for provolone since 1966. Both cheeses have their devotees, but the real question is: Which reigns supreme?
The answer, of course, is that they're both fantastic in their own way. Whiz offers a creamy, velvety melting point that's perfect for binding the steak and onions, while provolone adds a more robust, tangy flavor that holds its own against the meat. Ultimately, the "best" Philly cheesesteak is entirely a matter of personal preference – and that's what makes the cheesesteak such a magical dish. There's a version out there for everyone, just as there are two legendary places to find them in Philadelphia.
So, the next time you find yourself in the City of Brotherly Love, do yourself a favor and embark on a Philly cheesesteak crawl. Start at Pat's, then wander across the street to Geno's. Try them side-by-side, and let the delicious debate commence. After all, the only thing better than finding the best Philly steak sub in Philly is trying as many as possible. And who knows? You might just discover your own personal cheesesteak nirvana along the way.