Philly cheesesteak, a staple of Philadelphia's culinary scene, has captivated food enthusiasts worldwide. This iconic sandwich, a perfect balance of thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, mushrooms, and a choice of cheese, is a must-try when visiting the City of Brotherly Love. But with numerous eateries claiming to serve the 'best' Philly cheesesteak, navigating the scene can be daunting. We've compiled a list of famous Philly cheesesteak locations that consistently top the charts for their authentic taste, generous portions, and sizzling atmosphere.
Before diving into the best places to sink your teeth into a Philly cheesesteak, let's briefly explore the history and mythology surrounding this delicious sandwich. The origins of the Philly cheesesteak trace back to the 1930s, when Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, decided to improvise and create a steak sandwich. A taxi driver passing by loved the scent and asked for an order. Word spread, and the humble steak sandwich evolved into the Philly cheesesteak we know today, with its signature add-ons like Whiz - Cheez Whiz to be exact - and fried onions.
South Street's Iconic Stands
No Philly cheesesteak tour would be complete without visiting the bustling South Street. Here, you'll find two iconic stands that have been serving up the classic sandwich for decades.
Pat's King of Steaks
Founded in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, Pat's King of Steaks is the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak. After switching from hot dogs to steak sandwiches, Pat's has remained a constant on South Street, catering to both locals and tourists alike. Pat's uses thinly sliced ribeye steak, seasoned with a secret blend of spices, and offers a choice of Whiz, Provolone, or American cheese. Don't let the lines deter you; they move quickly, and the spectacle of watching the sandwiches being made on the flat grills is part of the experience.
Fun fact: Pat's is also famous for its feud with rival cheesesteak joint, Geno's Steaks, located just across the street. The feud has raged on for decades, adding another layer of intrigue to the cheesesteak scene.
Geno's Steaks
Geno Vadalma, the founder of Geno's Steaks, was a friend and employee of Pat Olivieri. In 1966, he opened his own cheesesteak stand opposite Pat's, kicking off a rivalry that has withstood the test of time. Geno's Steaks serves its cheesesteaks on a hoagie roll, unique among South Street's eateries, and offers a wide range of toppings, including mushrooms, green peppers, and grilled onions. The ordering process here is different too; patrons must place their orders on a sign listing the numerous combinations, adding another quirk to the cheesesteak experience.
North Philadelphia's Hidden Gems
While South Street grabs the headlines, North Philadelphia harbors its own cheesesteak treasures, less frequented by tourists but beloved by locals.
Jim's Steaks
First on our list is Jim's Steaks, a James Beard-recognized establishment with a history that dates back to 1938. Founded by Paul Ste Cymrura, Jim's is one of the few original cheesesteak stands still operating under its original name. Here, you'll find classic cheesesteaks made with thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed onions, and your choice of cheese. What sets Jim's apart is its dedication to preserving the traditional cheesesteak-making process, using only tried-and-true methods.
Max Brenner's
Max Brenner, an Australian chocolatier, might seem an unlikely candidate for serving the best Philly cheesesteak, but its North Philadelphia outpost has earned a reputation for its delightful take on the sandwich. Max Brenner's cheesesteak is made with shaved ribeye, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and Cheez Whiz on a crispy roll. The unique twist? It's topped with a sprinkle of homemade steak sauce and served with a side of fries. This fusion of Philly and Down Under flavors is a must-try for adventurous foodies.
In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Philadelphia, the Philly cheesesteak stands as a symbol of timeless tradition and evolution. From the well-known joints on South Street to the hidden gems in North Philadelphia, each spot offers a unique take on the iconic sandwich. Whether you're a first-timer or a self-proclaimed cheesesteak connoisseur, there's always a new flavor combination or historic establishment waiting to be discovered. So grab a napkin, unbuckle your belt, and sink your teeth into the succulent, cheesy goodness that is the Philly cheesesteak.
