Philadelphia is synonymous with cheesesteaks, and it’s said that no one does them better than the City of Brotherly Love. A good cheesesteak is an art form, with the perfect balance of thinly sliced meat, melted cheese, and crusty bread. While there are countless places in Philadelphia to get a good one, two stand out as the most famous.
Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks face off across the street from each other in South Philadelphia. The rivalry between the two has been going on for over half a century and has become one of the city’s most enduring traditions. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what sets Pat’s and Geno’s apart and why they’ve become such Philadelphia institutions.
How the Philly Cheesesteak Became an Iconic Dish
The Philly Cheesesteak has become an iconic dish of Philadelphia. It is a sandwich made from thinly sliced beef steak, melted cheese, and served on a long roll. The dish is believed to have originated in the 1930s and was first made by Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor.
The sandwich was so tasty that it soon caught on and became a popular dish among the locals. Today, the Philly Cheesesteak is a staple food in Philadelphia and is famous worldwide. It has become a symbol of the city and attracts foodies from all over the world who come to experience the authentic taste of a Philly Cheesesteak. Its popularity has led to the establishment of a number of shops that serve this iconic dish, and two of the most famous places to grab a Philly Cheesesteak are Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks.
The History of Pat’s and Geno’s: Two Rival Cheesesteak Institutions
Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks are two famous cheesesteak places located in Philadelphia. These two restaurants are located across the street from one another, and they have a long-standing rivalry over who makes the best cheesesteak in Philly.
Pat’s King of Steaks is the oldest of the two, having been established in 1930. The founder, Pat Olivieri, was a hot dog vendor who decided to try something new by putting some beef on the grill. He added some cheese and onions and served it on a roll, and the cheesesteak was born. Geno’s Steaks, on the other hand, was opened by Joe Vento in 1966 to offer customers an alternative to Pat’s. Today, both places are popular with tourists and locals alike, and the rivalry between them shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
The Anatomy of a Perfect Philly Cheesesteak: Meat, Cheese, Bread and Sauce
A Philly cheesesteak is more than just a sandwich; it’s an iconic part of the culture in Philadelphia that has been around for over 80 years. To make the perfect cheesesteak, there are four essential components: meat, cheese, bread, and sauce.
Firstly, the meat should be thinly sliced ribeye or top round that is cooked on a flat-top grill until it is tender and juicy. The cheese is typically either provolone or Cheez Whiz and is melted on top of the meat. The bread should be a fresh, soft hoagie roll that is slightly toasted to add extra texture. Finally, sauce options typically include ketchup, mustard, and hot pepper relish, but traditionalists prefer a mixture of fried onions and a little bit of grease from the meat for the perfect flavor and juiciness. When all of these elements are combined, they create an unforgettable taste that has made the Philly cheesesteak famous worldwide.
Insider Tips for Ordering and Eating a Cheesesteak like a Local
Ordering and eating a cheesesteak is an experience that every foodie must have in Philly. But, if you want to do it like a local, there are some insider tips that you need to know. Firstly, decide whether you want your cheesesteak with or without onions. Locals usually order it with, and they call it “Wit” (short for “with onions”).
Next, choose your cheese wisely. Traditionally, Philly cheesesteaks are made with Cheez Whiz or provolone cheese. While Cheez Whiz is more popular among locals, provolone is a close second. Lastly, don’t forget to ask for your cheesesteak “whiz wit” or “provi wit” to get your order right. And remember, locals never use ketchup on their cheesesteaks. Instead, they prefer hot sauce or banana peppers for some added heat. Follow these insider tips, and you’ll enjoy your cheesesteak like a true Philly native.
Beyond Pat’s and Geno’s: Exploring Philly’s Lesser Known Cheesesteak Gems
While Pat’s and Geno’s may be the most famous cheesesteak places in Philadelphia, there are several lesser-known options worth exploring. For a unique spin on the classic cheesesteak, head to Ishkabibble’s on South Street. This casual spot offers a variety of cheesesteak options, including a vegetarian version made with seitan.
Another hidden gem is Dalessandro’s in Roxborough. This family-run joint has been serving up delicious cheesesteaks since the 1950s and is a favorite among locals. While they may not have the same level of fame as Pat’s and Geno’s, these lesser-known cheesesteak places offer their own unique flavor and atmosphere that is worth checking out.
The Vegan Cheesesteak Revolution: Where to Find the Best Vegan Versions in Philly
While Philly is known for its classic cheesesteak sandwiches, the city has also seen the rise of vegan cheesesteak options. These plant-based versions of the famous snack have become increasingly popular with vegans and non-vegans alike. Not only are they cruelty-free, but they also offer unique flavor profiles that go beyond the traditional Philly cheesesteak.
For those interested in trying vegan cheesesteaks, some of the best places in Philly include Wiz Kid, Blackbird Pizza, and HipCityVeg. Each of these establishments offers its twist on the vegan cheesesteak, with ingredients like seitan, vegan cheese, and vegetables. Whether you’re a die-hard meat lover or a vegan who wants to experience Philly culture, these vegan cheesesteaks are worth a try.
The Future of Philly’s Cheesesteak Culture: What’s Next for this Beloved Dish?
The Philly cheesesteak is a beloved dish that has been a staple in the city for over 80 years. As the city continues to grow and evolve, so does its food scene. It’s no surprise that the future of Philly’s cheesesteak culture is a pressing topic for many locals and tourists alike.
While traditional cheesesteak spots like Pat’s and Geno’s will always be popular, new and innovative takes on the classic dish are emerging. From vegan cheesesteaks to fusion versions that incorporate international flavors, there is no shortage of creativity in the Philly cheesesteak world. As the city adjusts to changing tastes and dietary preferences, it’s exciting to see how the cheesesteak will be reinvented and revolutionized in the years to come. Nonetheless, it’s unlikely that any trends will overshadow what the city is known for: the classic Philly cheesesteak.
Verdict
Without a doubt, the cheesesteak is the one food item that comes to mind when someone mentions Philadelphia. It is one of the city’s most beloved dishes and draws tourists from all over the world eager to get a taste of the famous Philly cheesesteak.
After exploring the two famous cheesesteak places in Philly, Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks, it’s clear that both are worthy contenders for the title. While each has its own unique selling point, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Whichever one you choose, you’re guaranteed a delicious and authentic Philly cheesesteak experience that you won’t soon forget.