When it comes to iconic sandwiches, few cities can rival Philadelphia's rich culinary history. Chief among them is the Philly Cheesesteak, a legendary concoction of thinly sliced steak, melted cheese, and onions, all nestled within a crusty roll. But with so many interpretations vying for top billing, finding the best Philly steak beef sandwich can be a daunting task. We've navigated the city's diverse food landscape to bring you this comprehensive review of the top contenders.
In this pursuit, we're not just looking for the most Instagram-worthy presentations or gimmicky toppings. We're after the sandwich that captures the essence of this Philadelphia staple: The right balance of flavors, the perfect texture, and that je ne sais quoi that keeps locals and tourists alike coming back for more. Let's embark on this delicious journey, shall we?
The Contenders
The Philly cheesesteak scene is an eclectic mix of established institutions and innovative newcomers. To provide a well-rounded review, we've considered everything from classic favorites to creative interpretations. Here are our top picks.
Before we dive into each contender, let's briefly explore the history and variety of this iconic sandwich, and the different cheese options that set one Philly cheesesteak apart from another.
A Brief History and Variety
The origins of the Philly cheesesteak date back to the early 20th century, with Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks commonly cited as the first purveyors. The classic sandwich consists of thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak, cooked on a griddle with onions, and served on a long Italian roll. The cheese, traditionally Provolone or Cheez Whiz, is a point of contention among enthusiasts, with some swearing by the unctuous, processed cheese spread, while others prefer the more refined taste of melted Provolone.
Over the years, though, Philadelphians have embraced creativity, leading to an explosion of variations. From the mac and cheese-topped 'Gobbler' at Max Brenner to the 'Bourbon Steak' with bourbon-soaked beef at New Wave Cafe, these innovative creations push the boundaries of what defines a Philly cheesesteak.
Cheese Options: Provolone vs. Whiz
Choosing between Provolone and Cheez Whiz is a deeply personal decision, with passionate devotees on both sides. Provolone offers a milder, nuttier flavor that pairs well with the beef and onions, while Whiz provides a richer, more indulgent mouthfeel. Some prefer the tang of American or Mozzarella; others venture into the realm of Gorgonzola or blue cheese. Ultimately, the best Philly cheesesteak is the one that hits your unique taste button.
But enough about theory; let's dive into the practical tasting. Here are our top candidates for the best Philly steak beef sandwiches in the city.
Our Picks for the Best Philly Steak Beef Sandwiches
In selecting our top picks, we considered factors such as meat quality, cheese-to-beef ratio, roll freshness, and overall balance of flavors. Here, in no particular order, are the Philly cheesesteaks that impressed our taste buds the most.
Pat's King of Steaks
No comprehensive review of Philly cheesesteaks would be complete without mentioning South Philly's ultra-competitive siblings, Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks. Both are institutions, but we give the edge to Pat's for its superior meat quality and more generous cheese portion. Pat's uses thinly sliced ribeye, cooked in small batches to maintain tenderness, and their Cheez Whiz-blanketed sandwiches offer a true taste of Philadelphia history.
While the order-then-wait experience might test your patience, it's a rite of passage for any Philly food enthusiast. Don't forget to try their onion rings; they're aslegendary as the steaks.
Geno's Steaks
Geno's, with its iconic neon sign and bustling corner, is an essential pit stop for any Philly cheesesteak crawl. Their meat is exceptionally well-seasoned, and the choice of Mack's (a local favorite) long Italian rolls adds an extra layer of authenticity. The cheese-to-beef ratio is spot-on, and while some find their slices slightly thicker than traditional Philly steak, it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment.
As for the notoriety of their arrogant attitude? It's all part of the experience. But rest assured, you'll leave with a full stomach and plenty of bragging rights.
These two titans aren't the only players on the scene, though. Some newer contenders are staking their claim with top-notch ingredients and innovative techniques.
Max Brenner Chocolate Bar
Nowhere else in Philly will you find a cheesesteak quite like Max Brenner's. Here, they take the classic sandwich and give it a luxury treatment, starting with dry-aged, center-cut strip steak. It's sliced thin, cooked to perfection, and folded into a crispy-crusted Italian roll with melted Provolone. The 'Gobbler' version also adds a creamy mac and cheese blend, catapulting it into indulgent territory.
With its novel approach to a traditional dish, Max Brenner proves that there's always room for innovation in this fiercely competitive sandwich scene.
New Wave Cafe
New Wave Cafe offers a unique cheesesteak experience, wedding fresh, locally-sourced ingredients with creative flair. Their thick-cut fries and creamy, bacon-infused blue cheese spread are standout accompaniments, but the star of the show is their bourbon-infused 'Bourbon Steak' cheesesteak. The beef is marinated in bourbon before being seared on a hot cast iron skillet, imparting a smoky, sweet depth that sets it apart from more traditional counterparts.
Their corner spot in the Reading Terminal Market allows visitors to sample these sandwiches alongside other Philly classics. It's a utopia for food loving tourists!
And there you have it - our picks for the best Philly steak beef sandwiches in the city. Each offers a unique take on this iconic dish, proving that there's more than one way to craft the perfect Philly cheesesteak.
As you explore the city's culinary landscape, remember that the best Philly steak beef sandwich is a deeply personal choice. So, grab a napkin - it's time to dive in and find your favorite. Just keep in mind; the only thing more satisfying than biting into that first juicy mouthful is knowing you did it in the City of Brotherly Love.