You'll find this everywhere: Philadelphia cheesesteaks

Depending on who you talk to, the ultimate cheesesteak in Philadelphia might be at a nameless pizza shop, located in a Home Depot parking lot, or only served in the visitors’ clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park baseball stadium.

While other regions boast their signature dishes, in Philly, the cheesesteak represents our identity. It embodies who we are: a community that isn’t afraid to get a little messy.

The ongoing debate about the best cheesesteak often overshadows what truly makes the Philly cheesesteak unique: its accessibility and diversity. The best cheesesteak in Philly is simply the one you can get, and you can find one nearly everywhere. The cheesesteak from your neighborhood deli or food cart might be just as delicious as those from the city’s most renowned spots.

On South Street, you can discover both the tiny establishment that created the chicken cheesesteak and a respectable vegan option from one of the street's quirkiest bars. You might encounter an Indian variation in a South Philly strip mall, a halal version at a West Philly deli, or splurge US$140 for a wagyu beef and truffle cheesesteak, served with a half-bottle of champagne at Barclay Prime, one of the city’s top restaurants. Don’t fret, though: the average cheesesteak will only set you back $10 to $15. Steak isn’t even a necessity.

The origin story of the cheesesteak

Nearly a century ago, Pat Olivieri operated a hot dog stand near the Italian Market in South Philadelphia. One day, feeling bored with his usual lunch, Olivieri decided to get creative and grilled some chopped meat fresh from the butcher. He placed it inside an Italian roll and topped it with onions, never intending for anyone else to try his creation.

At that moment, a cab driver who regularly lunched at the stand arrived. Upon catching the enticing aroma of the new dish, he insisted Olivieri make him one. Forget the hot dogs, the cabbie declared, this is what you should be serving instead.

Thus, in 1930, Pat’s King of Steaks was born. Over time, cheese was incorporated into the recipe, and neither Pat nor anyone else ever looked back. The Olivieri family continues to operate Pat’s at 1237 E Passyunk Ave.

About thirty years after Olivieri’s lucky invention, Joey Vento launched a grill right across the street at the corner of 9th St and Passyunk Ave. His Geno’s Steaks quickly gained immense popularity, leading to an occasionally contentious yet mutually beneficial rivalry between the two establishments. Their neon and fluorescent signs light up the street 24/7, raising the perennial Philadelphia debate: Pat’s or Geno’s?

Cheesesteak in Times Square

For many Philadelphians, myself included, the response has often been neither. We often view that famous corner as a tourist trap, a stance that reveals the ignorance of a true cheesesteak lover. You wouldn’t find any genuine New Yorker willingly wandering around Times Square, would you?

However, that may be a bit unfair. It could be argued that Pat’s and Geno’s have become so overhyped that they’ve become underrated. Open 24/7, these twin icons shine brightest after you’ve just left a nearby venue.

These may not be the finest cheesesteaks available, but they are the go-to options when the bar closes or after you’ve just landed from a red-eye flight and can’t check into your hotel yet. They offer that unique Philadelphia experience of waiting in line under the warm glow of the window as the enticing scent of fried onions gets closer.

This isn’t just about the sandwiches; it’s about the experience. It’s the careful balancing act of placing your sandwich on a trash can when all the picnic tables are taken. Or it’s about enjoying your steak while watching a pickup soccer or basketball game at nearby Capitolo Park.

Which is superior: Pat’s or Geno’s?

Pat’s and Geno’s each have their quirks. Want fries? You’ll have to order those from a separate window. Planning to pay with a credit card? Both spots only accept cash. You might need to visit the ‘cheesesteak ATM’ just up the street.

So, who does it better? That’s really up to personal preference. The main distinction is that Pat’s chops the steak while Geno’s serves it flat. For the ultimate Philly taste test, grab one from each and head to Garage, a converted auto shop across Passyunk Ave that boasts the largest selection of canned beer in the city.

How to order the perfect Philly cheesesteak

You’ve approached the window. What’s next? Don’t let the local guy next to you, tossing around phrases like “Whiz wit,” throw you off.

Your first choice is the cheese. You have three main options: American, Cheez Whiz (a gooey yellow cheese), or provolone, an aged pasta filata cheese. American and Whiz are the most popular choices. At its best, American offers a creamy texture but sometimes doesn’t cover the meat fully. Whiz ensures your steak stays moist and can mask inferior or stringy meat, though some, like myself, find it a bit too much. Provolone may sound sophisticated but lacks the ideal meltiness.

The next major choice is whether to include onions, which are usually fried or caramelized. They add texture and that iconic aroma. To request onions, you’ll say your steak is ‘wit’ (with a Philly accent), while omitting them means you order it ‘widdout.’ So, if you want a steak with American cheese and no onions, you’d say, “One American, widdout.” For Whiz and onions, it’s “One Whiz, wit.”

Most other preferences, like chopped versus flat steak, depend on the specific shop. The rolls can vary too; some places use a soft, long roll, while others choose a crunchier, firmer option.

Classic cheesesteaks are beloved for a reason, but don’t let anyone dissuade you from trying variations like pizza steak, mushroom steak, a cheesesteak hoagie (Philly’s version of a submarine sandwich), or any other twist. A friend of mine swears by Geno’s Steak Milano, featuring fried tomatoes and oregano.

My go-to order is “American, wit,” and I favor spots that chop the steak, blend the cheese and onions on the grill, and serve it all on a hearty Italian roll. It’s a challenging combination to perfect, but when done right, the meat, cheese, and onions meld into a creamy delight. To me, this is the ultimate test of a steak place and the height of cheesesteak excellence.

Now it’s your turn

Pat’s and Geno’s set a solid standard, but if you're ready to step beyond Cheesesteak Times Square, here are the spots that elevate the humble cheesesteak into a dish deserving of high praise.

• John’s Roast Pork: Serving longshoremen and blue-collar workers since 1930 at the corner of Weccacoe and Snyder near the Delaware River, this spot began as a modest lunch shack. In 2002, the Philadelphia Inquirer launched a quest for the best cheesesteak in the area and landed on John’s. By 2006, the James Beard Foundation named it an American Classic, attracting crowds. After several expansions, it remains a lively establishment with its unique hours.

• Woodrow’s: A recent addition to South Street, this sandwich shop has transformed the cheesesteak experience with homemade truffle Whiz and cherry pepper mayo, offering something truly unique in the city.

• Angelo’s Pizzeria: This tiny takeout spot in Bella Vista operates on a cash-only basis but has become the city’s hottest destination. The freshly baked bread sets it apart—no surprise from a place also known for possibly having the best pizza and hoagies around.

• D’Alessandro’s: This Roxborough shop exudes an old-school charm with a dining counter where you can grab a classic soda or beer, a rarity among these establishments. It’s known for its American cheese and recently won the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Cheesesteak Bracket.

• Campo’s: Located just steps away from the Liberty Bell and Independence Mall in Old City, Campo’s retains a neighborhood deli feel and offers an authentic Philly experience despite its touristy locale.

• Donkey’s Place: Psst, the best cheesesteak in Philly might actually be just outside the city limits. According to Anthony Bourdain, this classic bar in Camden, New Jersey, serves its own unique take on the cheesesteak—with American cheese only—on a poppy-seeded Kaiser roll.

• Max’s Steaks: Featured in Creed, the Rocky sequel, this North Philly landmark is a must-visit. Bring a friend to help you tackle the two-foot long ‘whole’ and share the experience, as these are too messy to eat anywhere but the nearby Eagle Bar.

Global flavors

Unsurprisingly, Philadelphia’s vibrant neighborhoods each add their unique cultural twist to the classic.

• Little Sicily Pizza 2: This strip mall pizzeria features a ‘secret’ Indian menu that boasts a spicy cheesesteak made with a blend of hot peppers, cumin, cilantro, and mayo. For extra heat, pair it with a side of crispy masala fries.

• Gaul & Co Malt House: This local pub in the historically Polish Port Richmond area serves the ‘Wit or Witowski,’ a delightful mix of chopped kielbasa, caramelized onions, and American Cooper cheese sauce on a long roll.

• Saad’s Halal Restaurant: Known for its West Philly-style steaks, this University City favorite features rolls generously coated in mayonnaise and toasted for that perfect crunch.

• Mike’s BBQ: Philly’s top BBQ joint combines smoked brisket on a long roll with house-made Cooper Sharp Whiz and crispy fried onions.

Take it to go

After savoring a true Philly cheesesteak, you’ll find it hard to enjoy any of those generic sandwiches that restaurants across the country label as ‘Philly’ again. However, it’s not exactly feasible to tuck a few into your carry-on.

Good news: the mail-order experts at Gold Belly can ship from many of the spots mentioned here, including Pat’s, Geno’s, John’s Roast Pork, Campo’s, and Donkey’s Place.