Bushra Griffith
The Philly cheesesteak is a sandwich that originated in Philadelphia in the early 20th century. It traditionally consists of thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye), onions, and cheese, served on a hoagie roll. The cheese is typically Cheez Whiz, a cheddar-style cheese sauce, or provolone, with white American as another alternative. The sandwich can also include toppings like peppers, mushrooms, and ketchup. There are several famous cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia, including Pat's, Geno's, Dalessandro's Steaks, and Chubby's Steaks, each with its own take on the classic sandwich.
Where to get a real Philly cheesesteak
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Philadelphia, PA |
| Shops | Pat's, Jim's, Tony Luke's, Geno's, John's, Steve's, Roxborough’s Dalessandro’s Steaks, Chubby’s Steaks, Joe's, Angelos, Curlys, Cafe Carmela |
| Ingredients | Beef, cheese, bread, onions, peppers, mushrooms, mayo, ketchup, seasoning |
| Cheese options | Provolone, Cheez Whiz, American, Velveeta |
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What You'll Learn
Dalessandro's vs Chubby's
Dalessandro's and Chubby's are two cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that sit across Henry Avenue from each other. While Dalessandro's opened in 1960, Chubby's is a relative newcomer, having opened in 1987. Both shops have their own dedicated followings, and their rivalry is considered one of the biggest in the city.
Dalessandro's is a mom-and-pop shop that has been voted the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The shop has a unique atmosphere, with a crowded, busy, and noisy ambience. They are known for their fresh ingredients, with produce, bakery, and meat deliveries arriving throughout the day. Their cheesesteaks are made with finely chopped meat, allowing the cheese to mix in with the meat and the grilled onions, creating a perfect blend of flavours. The meat is piled high on the grill and moved to the hot part of the grill when an order is placed, with cheese melted into the meat. They also offer chicken steaks, gourmet sodas, and a wide selection of domestic and imported beers.
Chubby's, on the other hand, has a full bar, allowing customers to enjoy a drink while they wait for their order. Their steaks are coarser and chopped differently from Dalessandro's, resulting in a different texture and appearance. The meat has a flavour of its own, and the cheese melts into the sandwich. The onions are truly caramelized, adding a unique sweetness to the sandwich.
While both shops have their own unique characteristics, some people prefer Dalessandro's for its stronger flavour, juicier meat, and balanced cheese distribution. The cheese being mixed in with the meat is considered a key advantage for Dalessandro's. However, others may prefer Chubby's for its sweeter onions, distinct flavouring in the meat, and the overall cheesesteak experience. Ultimately, the choice between Dalessandro's and Chubby's depends on individual preferences for flavour, texture, and atmosphere.
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Pat's vs Geno's
Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks are two iconic steak shops in Philadelphia, sitting across the street from each other. Pat's was founded in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, who is credited as the creator of the cheesesteak. Geno's, on the other hand, was founded in 1966 by Joey Vento and is known for its bright neon lights. Both shops have been rivals for many years, with tourists flocking to them and locals debating their preferences.
While some people consider Pat's and Geno's to be tourist traps with overpriced and mediocre food, others acknowledge that they are very good. Pat's is known for its thinly sliced steak, which is typical of authentic steaks in Philadelphia. The thin slices of meat are grilled, resulting in a moist and tender texture. On the other hand, Geno's differentiates itself by cooking thicker cubes or strips of steak, which are then chopped on the grill.
Despite their rivalry, the two shops have more similarities than differences. They have been seen socializing together, living in the same building, and collaborating on projects. They use the same cheese and onions, and in the past, they even used the same bread. Pat's now uses Aversa bread, while Geno's uses Liscio's.
When it comes to choosing between the two, it seems that Pat's has a slight edge over Geno's among those who have expressed a preference. Some people prefer Pat's because of their thin slices of steak, while others appreciate the convenience and speed of their service. However, it's important to note that most true Philadelphians are likely to name another place as their favorite for the best cheesesteak in the city.
In conclusion, while Pat's and Geno's are famous for their cheesesteaks and have become symbols of Philadelphia, there are other shops in the city that locals prefer. The rivalry between the two may be exaggerated, as they share many similarities and even collaborate behind the scenes. Ultimately, the choice between Pat's and Geno's may come down to personal preferences for steak preparation and convenience.
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John's Roast Pork
While John's Roast Pork is well-known for its cheesesteaks, reviews for its roast pork sandwich are more mixed. Some customers have expressed disappointment, finding the sandwich mediocre or not worth the hype. Others have noted that the quality of the sandwich may depend on the timing of the visit, as the meat can get soggy if not eaten immediately. It is recommended to dine in or get takeout and eat the sandwich as soon as it is made to fully enjoy the experience.
Overall, John's Roast Pork is a must-try for cheesesteak enthusiasts, but opinions vary on their roast pork sandwich. Visitors are encouraged to form their judgments and decide if the sandwich lives up to its reputation.
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Steve's Prince of Steaks
Steve's takes their cheese steak consumption seriously and understands that ordering one can be a personal experience. When you order, you'll need to answer two critical questions: what kind of cheese you want and if you want any toppings.
If you can't make it to Philadelphia, don't worry! You can try making your own Philly cheese steak at home. The classic sandwich is made with thinly sliced steak, onions, bell peppers, cheese, and bread. The key to a great Philly cheese steak is using tender, well-marbled steak and melting the cheese directly into the cooked steak to hold the meat together.
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Joe's on Girard
Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop, located at 1 W Girard Ave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the place to go for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience. With a long history in the city, Joe's has perfected the art of the cheesesteak sandwich.
The classic Philly cheesesteak is a simple yet mouthwatering combination of tender, thinly sliced steak, sautéed onions, and melted cheese, all piled into a soft hoagie roll. Joe's takes this classic to the next level with their carefully sourced ingredients and expert preparation.
The steak at Joe's is the star of the show. They use only the finest ribeye or top round, thinly shaved and slowly browned in its own juices to perfection on a well-seasoned flat-top grill, locking in all the juicy flavours. The onions are carefully sautéed until they reach the perfect level of caramelization, adding a touch of sweetness to the sandwich.
Now, let's talk about the cheese. Joe's offers a variety of cheese options to satisfy any cheese lover's dream. You can choose from the classic provolone, which adds a sharp, tangy flavour to the sandwich, or go for the creamy, nacho-like Cheez Whiz that brings a whole new level of decadence. But why choose when you can have both? That's right; Joe's offers a combination of provolone and Cheez Whiz for the ultimate cheesy experience.
Finally, we can't forget the bread. Joe's uses a soft yet sturdy hoagie roll that can stand up to the juicy fillings. This ensures that you get a perfect bite every time, with none of the sogginess that can sometimes plague lesser cheesesteaks.
So, if you're looking for a real Philly cheesesteak, Joe's on Girard is the place to be. With their passion for perfection, they'll serve you a sandwich that's not just a meal but an experience that embodies the spirit of Philadelphia.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several places in Philadelphia that are known for their Philly cheese steaks. These include Pat's, Jim's, Tony Luke's, Geno's, John's, Steve's, Roxborough’s Dalessandro’s Steaks, and Chubby’s Steaks.
A traditional Philly cheese steak consists of thinly sliced steak (usually ribeye or top round), onions, and cheese. The cheese is typically Cheez Whiz, provolone, or white American.
To make a Philly cheese steak, thinly slice a steak and cook it on a griddle or in a pan. Add onions and optionally, peppers. Finally, add cheese and serve on a roll.
