Ah, Philadelphia - a city that's as rich in history and culture as it is in culinary delights. But if there's one dish that puts Philly on the global gastronomic map, it's the cheesesteak. This humble sandwich, with its humble origins, has become a symbol of the city's identity, and seeking out the best Philly cheesesteak is on the bucket list of anyone who's anyone.
So, what makes a Philly cheesesteak a Philly cheesesteak? And perhaps more importantly, what makes one the best? The answers, as it turns out, are as varied and debated as the city's sports teams. It's all about the perfect harmony of thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed onions, and melted cheese on a toasted hoagie roll, served either "wit" or "witout" onions. But don't just take our word for it. Let's dive into what makes some of Philly's contenders stand out from the crowd.
Established Favorites
You can't talk about Philly cheesesteaks without mentioning the heavy hitters, the OGs that have been serving up their signature sandwiches for decades. These places are institutions, and for good reason.
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks, both located in South Philadelphia, have been locked in a friendly rivalry since 1930 and 1966 respectively. Their popularity has turned the intersection of 9th and Passyunk Avenue into a tourist hotspot. The debate between whether Pat's "Whiz wit" or Geno's "Geno's Whiz" is better is a Philadelphia classic, and every food lover owes it to themselves to try both and make up their own mind.
Pat's King of Steaks
Pat's claim to fame is their bomb-like, creamy cheese sauce, known as "Whiz." Their steak is thinly sliced and well-seasoned, and the onions are cooked to perfection. The key, according to many, is the way they slice the steak and move it around the griddle with their spatula.
Pro tip: While their classic "Whiz wit" is a crowd-pleaser, don't shy away from trying their homewrecker - the added mushrooms take their cheesesteak game to another level.
Geno's Steaks
Geno's is known for its bold, tangy steak sauce that balanced out the rich cheese. Their steak is thinner than Pat's, which some prefer for its tender texture. Also setting Geno's apart is their policy of not allowing peppers - a point of contention for some but respected by many.
Fun fact: If you're feeling extra adventurous, ask about their "P Toulouse" option, a secret menu item that's a fan favorite among locals.
Modern Contenders
While the old guard is certainly worth visiting, Philly's cheesesteak scene is far fromstatic. A new wave of restaurants is challenging the status quo with innovative twists on the classic sandwich.
Take, for instance, Dalessandro's Steak Shop, which has been serving up their version of the cheesesteak since 1960. Their secret? Thick slices of steak, caramelized onions, and a blend of American and provolone cheeses that sets them apart from the pack.
Steve's Prince of Steaks
This spot, run by a former Pat's employee, offers a different take on Philly's most iconic export. Their steak is a compromise between Pat's and Geno's - a little thicker than Pat's but not as thick as Geno's. The real star, though, is their unique cheese blend, which many describe as velvety and extra flavorful.
What's more, Steve's follows the "serial" method of cooking, allowing better caramelization for the onions. The result? An umami-rich experience that'll make your taste buds tango.
Hard Rock Cafe Philly
Fun fact - the HR Cafe in Philly is one of the few international chains that offers a cheesesteak. But fear not, this isn't just a marketing gimmick. Their Philly Cheesesteak, made with shaved ribeye, sautéed onions, peppers, and a blend of American and Swiss cheeses, is a solid contender.
Moreover, their gigantic rock 'n' roll memorabilia collection will have you belting out "You may be right, I may be crazy" while you enjoy your meal.
At the end of the day, what makes the best Philly cheesesteak is ultimately a matter of personal preference. But one thing's for sure - the journey to discover Philadelphia's cheesesteak history is as delicious as it is fun. So go on, grab a sandwich, and let the debate begin!