The longtime battle continues on who really makes the best Philly cheesesteak. Here’s a quick guide to help you pick the best place in Philly to order yours “wit” or “witout” (those are not spelling errors – it’s the Philly way!).
The two most famous cheesesteak places are, without a doubt, Geno’s Steaks and Pat’s King of Steaks. They are located directly across the street from each other and typically have long lines out the doors year-round. Be prepared to wait in line at both establishments.
Pat’s King of Steaks
1237 E Passyunk Ave.
(Their Web site is classic South Philly – not too pretty to look at but you gotta love it regardless!) According to Wikipedia, Philadelphians Pat and Harry Olivieri are often credited with inventing the cheesesteak by serving chopped-up steak on hoagie rolls in the early 1930s. Their first stand was near South Philadelphia’s Italian Market. They became so popular that Pat opened up his own cheesesteak restaurant in 1930 at its current location. They are opened 24 hours a day seven days a week, but they are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, reopening on New Year’s Day because everyone has to have a great Philly cheesesteak while watching the Mummers Parade. That’s another huge Philly tradition you must see at least once in your lifetime.
Geno’s Steaks
1219 South Ninth St.
Geno’s Steaks was started by Joe Vento back in 1966. Instead of opening in new location, he decided the best place to sell his Philly cheesesteaks was directly across from Pat’s. Geno’s is open 24 hours a day seven days a week. There is no indoor dining, but there are tables under canopies.
A brief warning: Be sure to get the ordering process down correctly. At some of the stands you need to make your order concise and clear – no fooling around or even asking questions. Commonly, the correct way to order a cheesesteak is with or without cheese and with or without onions. A “Whiz, wit” would mean a cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz. Check the menus posted outside for the complete instructions.
When it comes to eating great cheesteaks, both Geno’s and Pat’s offer the classic cheesesteak atmosphere and it’s almost sacrilegious not to stop by for a taste. Sadly, they are not actually considered the best-tasting cheesestreaks in town. So, who has the best?
Jim’s Steaks
Click here for locations
A Philadelphia tradition since 1939, Jim’s steaks has been serving the finest-quality steaks and hoagies in Philadelphia for more than 60 years. This longtime favorite spot still sits on its original location at 431 North 62nd St. in West Philadelphia. In 1976, Jim’s Steaks expanded to 400 South St. in Center City Philadelphia, and now has multiple locations throughout the city. Jim’s does something extra for everyone who is yearning for a warm, soft, delicious cheesesteak: They ship their famous steaks anywhere in the U.S. overnight. Often at Jim’s, like Pat’s and Geno’s, the trail of customers begins at the door and ends around the street corner – so again, be prepared to wait at times. Also, if you are a new visitor it can be confusing to figure out where to sit. After paying at the register go directly to the back of the restaurant, turn left and head up the stairs. The seats aren’t glamorous but at least you get to sit down inside rather than eat out in the heat, cold, rain or snow. Be sure to check out all the articles and awards lining the walls in this eatery.
But who was voted the very best in 2007 by Philadelphia Magazine? It was Steve’s Prince of Steaks.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks
7200 Bustleton Ave. (215) 338-0985
2711 Comly Road (215) 677-8020
1617 East Lincoln Highway in Langhorne (215) 943-4640
Compared to the grand daddy steak houses, Steve’s is the young buck. Founded by Steven Iliescu in 1980, his first store opened on Bustleton and St. Vincent in Northeast Philadelphia, where he saw his dream of becoming “The Prince” turn into a reality. In 1992, Steve’s Prince of Steaks was voted “Best Cheesesteak” by Philadelphia Magazine in its Best of Philly issue. And last year, his steaks were voted once again the very best in town.
Make-Your-Own Philly Cheesesteaks
If you’re visiting Philly for any reason be sure to get to one of these spots for a truly memorable experience. But if you want to make them at home, here are some tips to get you started.
Most cheesesteak lovers agree that you must have the perfect roll and hands down that’s a roll from Amoroso’s. They have set the benchmark for the ultimate roll. If you really want to make it “Philly authentic,” you must use them. Here’s a link to their national locator.
Up next, the meat. Most shop owners prefer top round, top sirloin or rib eye. Be sure to get a nice cut and slice it thin. Many steak shops make the mistake of serving meat that’s too heavily chopped. Remember: The thinner, the better! And make sure you cook it thoroughly, until the meat is nicely brown on the inside – you don’t see any rare cheesesteaks in Philly.
Toppings are the next consideration. The best known is Cheez Whiz drizzled on thick, but provolone is considered the best cheese to use. Many shops use a number of different toppings including pizza sauce, onions, peppers and more. Get creative with your toppings but purests say it’s best to only eat it with cheese or onions or both.
Even this list isn’t complete and certainly it’s very debatable. But the most important thing is to grab a place in line, somewhere in the City of Brotherly Love, and bite into a long-standing and wonderful Philly tradition.
