What comes on a Philly Cheesesteak from Phildelphia? sliced beef, sauteed onions, cheese?

Where is the best place to eat one?

Believe it or not, genuine Philly cheese steaks are a la carte, ie you can choose whatever you prefer as long as it is sliced steak, cheese (whiz or sometimes cheddar), onions, italian peppers etc on an italian roll. They are normally eaten outdoors at Pat's, Gino's and other choice Philly neighborhood restaurants. They typically are 1200+ calories. Burp!

MisterNice

Sweet Willie asks:

"Where is the best place to eat one?"

As a New Yorker with many relatives in Philadelphia, I can attest to the fact that the answer to that question is a subject of much debate among true Philly junkfood addicts. Everybody has his favorite place, and almost all of them are very good.
I personally like Pat's in South Philly, although lately I have taken to going to another place on Oregon Avenue called Tony Luke's, partly because they have great sandwiches (after you've tried the cheesesteak, go next for the pork Italian) and partly because it's so convenient to both the Bridge from NJ and the hockey rink at the FU Center.
No matter what, it's hard to go wrong with a real Philly cheesesteak "fried and hot" (translation - with fried onions and hot peppers).

SweetWillie- This is a huge debate among Philadelphians (Where to get the best steak). Personally, I'm a big fan of Jim's Steaks on South Street. Also, Steak and Hoagie Works in the NE part of Philly makes one of the best.

What is in a steak? Anything you want. But yes, typically it's a slice or broken beef and cheese. I'm a big fan of the pizza steak- beef, sauce, and provolone cheese. Also, steaks come in chicken too. These are also equally delicious (chicken and american cheese). Try it with bacon for an added heart-attack.

Yes, these steaks are very high in calories- but worth it to eat once in awhile (not every day).

Pats!!!!

Sweet Willie, I grew up in downtown Philadelphia (only people outside Philadelphia--the suburbs--refer to it as Philly).

Here is the lowdown:

Jim's Steaks: A South Street establishment with good cheesesteaks when you are trying to find an "antibiotic" for the alcohol poisoning you have acquired from having too many margaritas at the Copa accross the street (hopefully you tried the "spanish fries" which are out of this world). You might want to try the "pizza steak" with provolone and leave the "purest" experience for Pat's or Geno's.

Pat's Steaks & Geno's: 9th & Passyunk Avenues. Accross the street from one another. It is a toss up here. I'd vote for Pat's only because I went to high school with Rick Olivieri, whose family started Pat's (by the way, Rick has his own establishment downtown at the Reading Terminal--Rick's Steaks).

You might want to consider driving to Atlantic City for the White House (Mississippi and Arctic Avenues, Atlantic City, 609-345-8599). It is the bread (something about the "salt" in the water) that makes this one TERRIFIC. There are offshoots of White House in Ventner and Margate that I can give you which are good, but not as good as the White House (try the tuna for the road!!!)

Dalessandro's in Roxborough is a great choice as well. It is ashame that "Lee's Hoagie's" on South Street had tax evasion problems in the early 90s because that was a classic. Ishkabibble's on South Street makes a mean "chicken cheesesteak". Ask for a "Gremlin" (Grape Juice and Lemonade) if you go there!!! Abner's in West Philly (at University of Pennsylvania) is okay, but only if you have swilling down the keg beer....

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tokiovd:
Sweet Willie, I grew up in downtown Philadelphia (only people outside Philadelphia--the suburbs--refer to it as Philly).</font>

"Downtown" Philadelphia??? Wouldn't that be "Center City"?


<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Abner's in West Philly (at University of Pennsylvania) is okay, but only if you have swilling down the keg beer....</font>

Have to disagree with that. Abner's was always pretty bad in my book. Even after plenty of keg beer. About the only thing it has going for it is price (but only when Penn hoops scores 100+ points in a home win, free steak with your ticket stub).

Around the Penn campus, some food trucks do decent cheesesteaks (Sophie's was among the better ones). For traditional cheesesteak joints (i.e. not mobile ones!) probably Lee's Hoagies at 41st/Walnut was about the best around the campus.


[This message has been edited by Herb687 (edited 02-21-2003).]

[This message has been edited by Herb687 (edited 02-21-2003).]

I lived in Philly for five years while going to school there, and as a unabashed junk food lover, I have to say that Philly is the junk food capital of the US, and the philly cheese steak is the king of junk food sandwiches.

I used to be a Jim's man, and I have tried Abners a few years back. I even sampled Geno's last year. But I have to say, the best steaks that I've had have been at Pat's. I know its the safe choice but I have to say, I have tried the rest and Pat's *is* the best.

Oh, and none of that solid cheese! Whiz all the way! And if you are a true glutton for punishment, buy two large cokes and try the hot sauce.

Let's revive the great Philadelphia cheesesteak debate. Any new opinions on the best cheesesteak in town?

Also while we're at it, why not also suggest the best spot for a hoagie? I'll nominate Rocco's hoagie stand in the Reading Terminal Market as one of my old favorites (although I haven't been there in a few years so I hope they are still in business)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sweet Willie:
What comes on a Philly Cheesesteak from Phildelphia? sliced beef, sauteed onions, cheese?

Where is the best place to eat one?</font>

Among the best places to eat one is "3000 Miles To Philadelphia Eat Here," in West LA on Lincoln Bl & Superba Aves. between Santa Monica and Marina Del Rey.

Tony Lukes (the original) at Oregon and something. Maybe 3rd or so.

Sometimes my fiancé and I get cheesesteak cravings so we hop in his car and drive down to Philly ONLY to get cheesesteak. After we're done, we drive back to Manhattan.

There is only one place which is truly the best: Pat's.

http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/

I'll be downtown Philadelphia at the Westin. Are any of the above 'walking' distance? Or should I eat lunch first, and then check into the hotel? http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

Is there anything healthy to eat for my wife? Or is healthy 'hold the cheese'. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif

Ack!

That thing is an MI in bread!

My left arm is tingling at the very thought!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dhammer53:
I'll be downtown Philadelphia at the Westin. Are any of the above 'walking' distance? Or should I eat lunch first, and then check into the hotel? http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif
</font>

Eat first http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/thumbsup.gif; it's not walking distance from Center City unless you want to go for one really long walk. South Philly is where Pat's is, and Dan, trust me...it's that good. Wait on line and when you get to the window, have your money ready (cash only) and just say "chee wit" (with onion----that is the best way!).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dhammer53:
Is there anything healthy to eat for my wife?</font>

No, not really. But you don't have cheesesteaks everyday---this is truly special. If she really cannot have cheesesteaks, she's better off waiting until after you check in. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dhammer53:
Is there anything healthy to eat for my wife? Or is healthy 'hold the cheese'. http://www.flyertalk.com/dining/ftdining_forum/biggrin.gif</font>

Philly cheese steaks are healthy. As proof, consider this historical fact:

".....Benjamin Franklin died in Philadelphia on April 17, 1790 at age 84......"

At that time his 84 year lifetime was about twice that of the general western population.

MisterNice

Tony Lukes (the original) at Oregon and something. Maybe 3rd or so.
For those who are interested in joining a fellow FT'er for a cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich, I'm going to be at this Tony Luke's location on July 5 around 6pm. See this thread for details, all are welcome: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=572711

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For those who are interested in joining a fellow FT'er for a cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich, I'm going to be at this Tony Luke's location on July 5 around 6pm. See this thread for details, all are welcome: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=572711

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I wish I could be there... I'm craving a real cheesesteak! I guess it's really time to plan a Philly road trip! :)

For those who are interested in joining a fellow FT'er for a cheesesteak and roast pork sandwich, I'm going to be at this Tony Luke's location on July 5 around 6pm. See this thread for details, all are welcome: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=572711

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So I finally made a trip to PHL to try some of PHL’s sandwiches, the legendary cheesesteaks and pork sandwiches.

I received a lot of suggestions via pm and here in this thread, thanks.

Due to time constraints I was only able to hit two spots: Tony Lukes (Oregon location), Pats King of Steaks. I know Geno’s is so close but after the grease sandwich at Pats I had no more appetite.

Tonly Lukes Experience:

Pork Sandwich Italian rocks: good bread, tender tender pork slices, with aged Provolone cheese and broccoli rabe. ^

Cheesesteak: good bread, tender slices of steak and ...!!! Cheese Whiz!!??!! I couldn’t imagine that the PHL cheesesteak whiz was the crappy yellow, no-flavor, crappy, nachos junk, crappy cheese but it was. STAY AWAY from the Whiz, incredibly gross stuff, American Cheese is almost just as bad.

Pat’s King of Steaks Experience:

PROVOLONE Cheesesteak wit (with onions). Nice sandwich but not great. Not really slices of meat but bits n chunks, sautéed onions helped. I don’t expect a sandwich like this to be grease free but this thing was dripping in grease, I’m guessing a cups worth, so much so, I didn’t finish the end of the sandwich where the grease had completely soaked the bread. :td:

My conclusions, the pork sandwich was great ^ and I look forward to trying out some of the other roast pork places mentioned.

I was disappointed, partly my fault, as I had elevated the PHL cheesesteak to a holy grail food item, it was good and I will for sure try some of the other places mentioned but I don’t think it will attain that high level of enjoyment I’m expecting.


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Whiz and little bits of steak is the way it's supposed to be :).

Slices of meat? What do you think all that clanging is for? :)

Tonly Lukes Experience:
...Cheesesteak: good bread, tender slices of steak and ...!!! Cheese Whiz!!??!! I couldn’t imagine that the PHL cheesesteak whiz was the crappy yellow, no-flavor, crappy, nachos junk, crappy cheese but it was. STAY AWAY from the Whiz, incredibly gross stuff, American Cheese is almost just as bad.
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Ugh. The spoils of being a novice. At Tony Luke's, you MUST follow the proper procedure,

"Sharp provolone, without."
translation, cheesesteak with sharp provolone, no onions.
if you don't specify your cheese, you'll get that glop they call Whiz. You MUST specify your cheese.
The ONLY thing worthwhile at Pat's is their ordering instructions
available here http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/order.htm
I still cannot comprehend why anyone would order anything at Pat's. What a dump.

Ugh. The spoils of being a novice..

:D No kidding, my enthusiasm came to a screeching halt w/the whiz junk!

At Tony Luke's, you MUST follow the proper procedure,

"Sharp provolone,....
The Sharp provolone is a wonderful cheese!! ^ ^

I noticed Pat's doesn't serve aged provolone, do any of the other places?

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I am pleased that I put Sweet Willie on the right track by suggesting to him that he try TL's Pork Italian, but I'm sorry that I forgot to tell him how to order the cheesesteak. There's always next time. That place is so near to the airport that he'll hit it again some day.

:D No kidding, my enthusiasm came to a screeching halt w/the whiz junk!


The Sharp provolone is a wonderful cheese!! ^ ^

I noticed Pat's doesn't serve aged provolone, do any of the other places?

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I believe Steve's in the Northeast does.
TLs actually has sharp and mild provolone, and they grate it into your bread (rubs tummy).
You'll get 'em next time, tiger :) I do believe they ship!

I still cannot comprehend why anyone would order anything at Pat's. What a dump.

Agree. I don't know anyone who goes there but the tourists. Of the well known places, I can only tolerate Jim's. Good quality, neat pictures on the wall, great location.

As with most anywhere, if one is after simply the best quality, I actually believe the best [fill in the blank] are in the mom and pop joints the locals favor. But then what would one have to brag about to their friends back home?

I believe Steve's in the Northeast does.
TLs actually has sharp and mild provolone, and they grate it into your bread (rubs tummy).
You'll get 'em next time, tiger :) I do believe they ship!

They ship???

They ship???Ewwwwww, not for me.

They ship???Actually I do seem to recall that the White House in AC really did ship some sandwiches to Bill Cosby when he was working in California.

I lived down there for quite a while and can vouch that there are some seriously good places. For some reason, AC is the only place in the whole world other than Philly where the bakers can produce a hoagie roll worthy of the name.

Ewwwwww, not for me.

I've been that desperate for real cheesesteaks at one point, that I've had friends order the meat and bread packaged separately, then I toss everything together when I get it. It keeps the bread from becoming soggy, and well, it works in a real pinch. I would guess that shippnig it would come in a similar manner.

Actually I do seem to recall that the White House in AC really did ship some sandwiches to Bill Cosby when he was working in California.

I lived down there for quite a while and can vouch that there are some seriously good places. For some reason, AC is the only place in the whole world other than Philly where the bakers can produce a hoagie roll worthy of the name.


I love the white house in AC.. it is a bit expensive, but worth it.. YUM!!! Grew up during my summers 3 blocks away and would love the cheesesteak!!! :D

Ahhh only 3 more weeks and in AC and Ocean City.. YuMMMM!

I'll be in Philly in early October for a convention. Can anyone recommend a place within walking distance of the convention center for a good cheesesteak, please? I was not impressed with the ones we had last time.

I'll be in Philly in early October for a convention. Can anyone recommend a place within walking distance of the convention center for a good cheesesteak, please? I was not impressed with the ones we had last time.


Rick's Philly Steaks in the Reading Terminal Market right underneath the Convention Center.

Bobi

My $.02 from this weekend in Philadelphia - http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6328186&postcount=18 - continuing a discussion of Pat's v. Geno's.

Truly an all around amazing city, my wife and I had a really great time. We will be back to try Rick's, Jim's, Tony Luke's and the rest.

Reading Terminal Market has lots of great places to eat, but let me suggest trying one of the street vendors. You get all the ambiance ( ;) ) of Market Street and you actually do get a good value. When I used to work downtown, once a week I'd get a chicken cheesesteak with hot peppers and mayo...which may explain why I take Vytorin every day. Add a bag of chips and a 20 oz soda. All for the low price of $4. (I'm sure prices have gone up since then.) Look for the crowd and take their lead.

I'm going to be driving through Philadelphia in about 12 hours and I'm of course going to buy some Cheesesteaks. I'm stopping by the Pat's/Geno's corner.

When I was there in June (which was my 2nd time), I decided that I liked the sandwiches at Pat's better. I find the people working there to be rude, though. My mother and I found Pat's cheesesteaks to be more tasty and we speculated that it might be because the meat was more shredded than at Geno's.