Philadelphia, PA - The original home of the cheesesteak, Pat's King of Steaks, has been owned and operated by the Olivieri family for over 87 years. A 24-hour shop, Pat's shuts down for only 48 hours each year: Thanksgiving and Christmas. 1237 E. Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-1546, patskingofsteaks.com
Pat's claim to fame is that its founder, Pat Olivieri, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat's has grown from a little stand at the southern end of South Philly's Italian Market to one of the most famous cheesesteak shops in the world, albeit still in the exact location (and still the only location).
Countless celebrities, politicians, musicians, and athletes flock to Pat's anytime they're in Philadelphia. And if you want to taste a famous Philly cheesesteak, it's easy to see why.
Pat's is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but no matter where you go, you will always find someone ahead of you in line. However, 'there’s no need to worry as the line always moves fast. - VISIT PHILLY
South Philadelphia Cheesesteak Guide
—Cheesesteaks are a civic icon, a tourist draw, and a cultural obsession in Philly. Although they are often imitated around the world, they are rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia. Here are a few of the best South Philly cheesesteak locations.
Genos Steaks—It may be across the street from the oldest cheesesteak joint in town, but Geno's Steaks is a formidable competitor that has been going roll-for-roll with Pat's for more than 50 years. The key to success for the 24/7 spot? Quality thinly sliced rib-eye steak for maximum juiciness, the freshest onions, and house-made bread. 1219 S. 9th Street, (215) 389-0659, genosteaks.com
Center City Philadelphia's Cheesesteak Guide—Cheesesteaks are a civic icon, a tourist draw, and a cultural obsession in Philadelphia. Although they are often imitated around the world, they are rarely duplicated successfully outside of Philadelphia. Here is PhillyBite's and Visit Philly's List of top center-city cheesesteak locations.
The Philly Taco, South Street Sushi, The Lorenzo's, and Jim's Challenge - Are you searching for the ultimate Philadelphia frankenfood? Look no further; it's The Philly Taco—a combination of a Philly cheesesteak and a slice of pizza. The combo begins on South Street, where foodies of all kinds head over to both Jim's Steaks and Lorenzo's Pizza for their steaks and pizza. Just wrap your Jim's steak in your Lorenzo slice, and you just made The Philly Taco or South Street Sushi.
The Best of Philadelphia's Ginormous Foods - Are you searching for enormous foods in Philly? How about The Whale, a 14-pound bagel leviathan brimming with smoked salmon and whitefish salad at Spread Bagelry, or the 9-pound superhero sandwich, a pile-up of bacon, pork, and cheese at Jake's Sandwich Board? Finish things off with the Car 23, a trolley-shaped loaf of French toast stuffed with berries and cream cheese at the Trolley Car Diner.
Gooey Looie's - With a name like Gooey Looie's, the kitchen isn't going to skimp on meat. The Pennsport deli plumps up its sandwiches with a beyond-generous helping of steak and cheese that demands many napkins—and sometimes utensils. 231 McClellan Street, (215) 334-7668, gooeylooies.com
