The City of Brotherly Love is renowned for its delicious Philly cheesesteaks, a local delicacy that has captivated taste buds worldwide. With its tender slices of ribeye, sautéed onions, and choice of cheese, this iconic sandwich is a must-try for any food enthusiast. Philadelphia boasts an array of eateries serving up their own unique twist on this iconic dish, making it challenging to choose the best Philly steaks in the city. This guide will help you exploring the crème de la crème of Philly cheesesteaks.
One cannot discuss Philly cheesesteaks without mentioning the humble beginnings of this sandwich. Born in the early 1930s at Pat's King of Steaks, this iconic eatery remains a go-to spot for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience. But with numerous other establishments vying for your attention, let's delve into some of the best Philly steaks Philadelphia has to offer.
Pat's King of Steaks vs. Geno's Steaks
The rivalry between Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks is a Philadelphia institution, with both claiming the title of the best Philly cheesesteak. While Pat's is known for its crispy onions and dry cheesesteaks, Geno's offers a wider variety of cheeses and a permit to sit at the outdoor picnic tables. Both are worth a try to decide for yourself which side you're on in this contentious debate.
While these two competitors dominate the landscape, Philadelphia hides many gems eager to prove their mettle in the world of cheesesteaks. Here are two standout contenders that challenge the status quo:
Campo's Deli
Tucked away in South Philadelphia, Campo's Deli serves up some of the city's most mouthwatering Philly cheesesteaks. What sets Campo's apart is its use of thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked to perfection with a crispy edge. Their cheesesteaks come highly recommended with a side of their equally famous garlic fries.
Campo's embrace of traditional cooking methods, like preparing their steaks on a griddle, keeps their cheesesteaks juicy and full of flavor. The atmosphere is casual and inviting, making it an excellent spot for a laid-back meal with friends or family.
Steve's Prince of Steaks
Since opening in 1990, Steve's Prince of Steaks has been a local favorite, serving up massive and delicious Philly cheesesteaks. Their secret lies in the generous portions of steak, cooked on a griddle and paired with your choice of cheese and toppings. The Amoroso roll, a staple in Philadelphia, perfectly complements the hearty fillings.
Steve's Prince of Steaks offers a unique twist by including lettuce and tomatoes in their cheesesteaks, providing a refreshing crunch. This Chester silhouette gem is well-worth the trip, especially for those seeking a heartier-than-usual cheesesteak experience.
Anatomy of a Perfect Philly Cheesesteak
What makes a Philly cheesesteak truly exceptional? The answer lies in the balance of its components: the bread, the meat, the onions, and the cheese. The perfect roll, such as the Amoroso, should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold the heaping fillings. The ribeye should be thinly sliced and cooked until slightly crispy on the edges.
Onions are typically sautéed and mixed with the steak, but some places offer them on the side or extra crispy. As for the cheese, the most popular choices are Provolone, Cheez Whiz, and American. Some enthusiasts even prefer their cheesesteaks without cheese, rinsing the authentic "wit" experience. Regardless of your preferences, the ideal Philly cheesesteak offers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
Embarking on a Philly cheesesteak adventure is an exciting culinary journey filled with history, tradition, and divine taste. From the iconic rivalry between Pat's and Geno's to the hidden gems like Campo's Deli and Steve's Prince of Steaks, Philadelphia offers a smorgasbord of delicious options. So, grab a napkin, dig in, and uncover the best Philly steaks in the City of Brotherly Love.
