The Best Philly Cheesesteak: A Culinary Journey

Depending on whom you ask, the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia is usually at that hidden pizza shop without a phone number, in a Home Depot parking lot, or simply available in the visitors’ clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium.

Other regions may have their signature dishes, but in Philly, the cheesesteak is our civic identity. It reflects who we are: a people unafraid to roll up our sleeves and embrace a delicious mess.

The endless debate about who does it best often obscures what makes the Philly cheesesteak special: its ubiquity and variety. Philly’s best cheesesteak is the one you can find readily, and you can get one almost anywhere. The cheesesteak from your local deli or lunch cart is likely just as remarkable as those from famed establishments.

On South Street, you can discover a small spot that invented the chicken cheesesteak, as well as a decent vegan version from one of the street’s most eclectic bars. You might stumble upon an Indian twist in a South Philly strip mall, find halal options at a West Philly deli, or even indulge in an extravagant wagyu beef and truffle cheesesteak served with champagne at one of the city’s finest restaurants. Don’t worry, though: the average cheesesteak will only set you back $10 to $15. Steak itself isn’t even a necessity.

History of the Cheesesteak

Almost 100 years ago, Pat Olivieri operated a hot dog stand near the Italian Market in South Philadelphia. Bored with his typical lunch, Olivieri decided to get creative one day and tossed some chopped meat onto the grill. He then stuffed it into an Italian roll with some onions on top, never intending to share this creation.

However, when a cab driver, accustomed to dining at Olivieri’s stand, caught a whiff of the new delicacy, he insisted that Olivieri serve him a sandwich. Forget the hot dogs, the cabbie declared; this was what he should be selling.

Thus, Pat’s King of Steaks was established in 1930. As time passed, cheese became an essential component, and neither Pat nor anyone else looked back. The Olivieri family still runs Pat’s today.

Thirty years after Olivieri’s fortuitous discovery, Joey Vento embarked on a similar journey and opened a grill directly across the street at the corner of 9th St and Passyunk Ave. His establishment, Geno’s Steaks, quickly gained popularity, resulting in an ongoing rivalry that has illuminated the street and posed the eternal Philadelphia question: Pat’s or Geno’s?

Cheesesteak Times Square

For many Philadelphians, the answer has often been neither. Some view the iconic corner as a tourist trap, yet that perception may be somewhat unfair. Pat’s and Geno’s have become so widely known that they’re paradoxically underrated; open 24/7, these establishments shine when you’re leaving a nearby venue.

While they may not be the best cheesesteaks available, they are definitely the ones you often get when the bar closes, or when you arrive at your hotel after a long journey. They provide a quintessential Philadelphia experience, from waiting in line to basking in the aroma of fried onions as your order approaches.

This experience goes beyond just the taste; it’s about the challenge of balancing your sandwich atop a trash can when all the picnic tables are occupied, or taking your cheesesteak to enjoy during a pickup game at Capitolo Park.

Which is Better: Pat’s or Geno’s?

Each establishment has its quirks. If you’re craving fries, you’ll order those at a separate window, and for credit card users, both joints only accept cash, which may require a visit to the nearby ‘cheesesteak ATM.’

So, who does it better? The answer varies based on personal taste. The main difference lies in preparation: Pat’s serves chopped steak, while Geno’s keeps it flat. To truly experience the glory of Philadelphia, sampling from both is a great option.

How to Order the Perfect Philly Cheesesteak

You’ve approached the counter. What’s next? Don’t let the local lingo intimidate you.

Your first decision is about the cheese. Typically, you’ll find three main options: American, Cheez Whiz, or provolone. American cheese and Whiz are the favorites. American may provide a creamy experience but sometimes lacks that all-important coverage of the meat, whereas Whiz ensures your steak never feels dry. However, some find it a bit overwhelming. Provolone sounds upscale but often doesn’t melt as well.

The next choice revolves around onions, traditionally fried or caramelized, which provide texture and a signature aroma. To have onions included, you say ‘wit,’ but skip them, and you’re ordering ‘widdout.’ For example, if you want a steak with American cheese and no onions, you’d say, “One American, widdout.” If you prefer Whiz and onions, it’s simply “One Whiz, wit.”

Other factors may depend on the shop’s style, including the type of roll used—some opt for a soft, long roll, while others choose a crunchier variant.

Classic cheesesteaks earn their reputation for a reason, but do not hesitate to explore variations like pizza steak or mushroom steak. A friend of mine swears by the Steak Milano from Geno’s, which comes with fried tomatoes and oregano.

My personal go-to is “American, wit,” ideally from a place that chops the steak and stirs the cheese and onions on the grill. The perfect execution leads to a creamy blend of meat, cheese, and onions and represents the pinnacle of cheesesteak perfection.

International Flavor

Philly’s vibrant neighborhoods add their own cultural twist to the classic cheesesteak, introducing innovative flavors and combinations.

• Little Sicily Pizza 2: A strip mall pizzeria that offers an Indian menu, featuring a spicy cheesesteak combined with hot peppers, cumin, and cilantro.

• Gaul & Co Malt House: Located in historically Polish Port Richmond, this local pub serves its unique ‘Wit or Witowski’ that features chopped kielbasa and caramelized onions.

• Saad’s Halal Restaurant: This University City spot presents West Philly-style steaks with mayonnaise and a perfectly toasted roll.

• Mike’s BBQ: Renowned for its smoked brisket, Mike’s serves it on a long roll with house-made cheese and fried onions.

Take It with You

Once you’ve experienced an authentic Philly cheesesteak, you won’t want to settle for the imitations found elsewhere in the country. However, transporting a sandwich home isn’t feasible.

Fortunately, many acclaimed establishments offer shipping options. Consider opting for delicious cheesesteaks delivered straight to your door, preserving that unmistakable Philly flavor even from afar.