When in Philadelphia, one of the first orders of business should be seeking out the best place for a Philly cheesesteak, given the city's culinary claim to fame. The iconic sandwich, consisting of thinly sliced sautéed ribeye steak, melted cheese, and onions (often sautéed on the same griddle) between a hoagie roll, is a mainstay for locals and tourists alike. But where do you find the best of the best?
Philly is teeming with cheesesteak joints, some historic, others innovative. From Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, the iconic rivals at the corner of South 9th Street (B basin to the initiated), to lesser-known gems like max Brenner's or Jim's Steaks, choices abound. Yet, the "best" cheesesteak is a subjective matter, often driven by personal preference and local pride.
Classic Cheesesteaks: Icons of the Craft
When discussing the top places for a Philly cheesesteak, it's impossible to bypass the vaunted duopoly of Pat's and Geno's. Both institutions have been serving the sandwich since the 1960s, with each claiming the title of "best in Philadelphia" (and the world, according to their fans).
Pat's King of Steaks, established in 1930, is credited with inventing the cheesesteak. Their secret? A blend of cheese whiz and Camembert, the latter being a nod to French immigrants in nearby South Philadelphia. The routine at Pat's is as legendary as the sandwich. Customers shout orders into a tiny window, choosing their cheese and additional toppings.
Pat's King of Steaks
For purists, Pat's cheesesteak, dressed with griddled onions, represents the quintessential Philadelphia experience. The steak slices Cascade like a waterfall from the griddle onto the crispy roll, Their unique topping combination provides a depth of flavor unmatched by others.
Insider tip: Arrive early for lunch to miss the longest lines. And if you're not in a rush, enjoy your sandwich at the ample picnic tables behind the eatery with a side of curiosity as the block's ever-changing cast of characters passes by.
Geno's Steaks
Geno's, established in 1966, is the original rival and offers a near identical menu. Here, the focus is on the quality of the steak and the roll. They use top sirloin instead of ribeye, and their rolls are baked fresh daily. The secret cheese sauce is a closely-guarded family recipe, providing a signature tanginess.
Insider tip: Ask for "the works," a secret menu combination that includes all the usual toppings: grilled onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and a heaping of sautéed mushrooms (delivered under the counter, for free, but you have to know to ask).
Beyond the Basics: Gourmet Cheesesteaks
While Pat's and Geno's corner the classic cheesesteak market, newer establishments offer innovative takes on the classic sandwich.
Max Brenner's, an upscale resto-bar, introduces gourmet cheesesteaks, including their signature "Mac & Cheese Steak Pizzetta," with shredded steak, gooey mac n' cheese, and homemade marinara, all of which compellingly push the limits of the traditional cheesesteak.
Max Brenner's
For ambitious folk, the "Mac & Cheese Steak Pizzetta" is not to be missed. It's as hearty, indulgent, and incredibly tasty as it sounds. Yet, it's not the only creative dish on the menu - the "Chicken Parmesan Steak" with breaded chicken breast, marinara, and mozzarella turns cheesesteak norms upside down.
Insider tip: Wash down your gourmet cheesesteak with one of Max Brenner's indulgent chocolate milkshakes - a perfect sweet to savory balance.
Jim's Steaks
For a truly off-menu experience, venture to Jim's Steaks, which serves up perhaps the oddest cheesesteak creation: the "Gobbler," with Thanksgiving-style fillings like turkey, stuffing, crispy onions, cranberry sauce, and gravy. It's a divisive dish, loved by post-turkey meal enthusiasts andutterly disregarded by purists.
Insider tip: It's worth noting that Jim's, while not exclusively reserved for brave Thanksgiving leftovers enthusiasts, serves up traditional cheesesteaks that are no slouch either. Their soft, seeded rolls are a standout feature.
The best place for a Philly cheesesteak ultimately depends on your taste preferences. If classic is your game, Pat's and Geno's stand firm as Philadelphia institutions. But for those open to more unusual combinations, places like Max Brenner's or Jim's Steaks open up a whole new cheesesteak world. Whichever path you choose, one thing's for sure: a Philly cheesesteak is a must-try for any food lover visiting or living in the City of Brotherly Love.