Philadelphia, PA
- The Philadelphia Cheesesteak, almost everyone is in agreement that the cheesesteak, was first conceived by Pat Olivieri in 1930, and consists of thinly sliced beef together with a crusty on the outside and soft on the inside long-roll.
Then again the option concerning the cheese - Provolone, American or Cheez Whiz - can be a question of heated debate. As well as the preference of just where to get the best one. The generations-old fight between Pat’s King of Steaks and their competitor Geno’s Steaks attracts countless touristy eaters to South 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue for a taste-of to pick a side. Pat's vs. Geno's Philly's Cheesesteak Debate
However, Philly natives favor such establishments as Tony Luke’s, Steve’s Prince of Steaks, Joe's Steaks + Soda Shop, John’s Roast Pork, Dalessandro’s Steaks, as well as Jim's Steaks who draw their own hordes of dedicated local fans.
Then again, luxury versions of the city’s simple sandwich can be found at restaurants like The Continental Restaurant & Martini Bar along with its sister restaurant The Continental Mid-town, which serve up cheesesteak eggrolls featuring a spicy Sriracha ketchup dip. Or Bing Bing Dim Sum stuffs classic bao buns using nontraditional shredded ribeye and onions along with melted cheddar.
Rittenhouse Square’s Barclay Prime, however, takes it to a whole new level with an extravagant $120 wagyu ribeye, truffle cheese and also foie gras concoction which is served along with a half-bottle of Champagne.
With regard to vegans and vegetarians, fashionable meatless modifications of the traditional sandwich can be found at Blackbird Pizzeria, Royal Tavern, V Street and HipCityVeg, a local fast-casual chain.
So, wherever you choose to indulge your taste buds know that this classic local treat eaten in Philly is something you will not find anywhere else in the world or as tasty.
