An insider's guide to the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
Jim Pappas, known for the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, shares his top picks for enjoying the renowned sandwich in the city, ranging from the original Pat's King of Steaks to lesser-known spots like Café Carmela.
Philadelphia, famous as the birthplace of America and the fictional home of boxer Rocky Balboa, boasts numerous attractions such as its vibrant arts scene and world-class parks. However, in the City of Brotherly Love, satisfying hunger pangs often involves indulging in the iconic Philadelphia cheesesteak sandwich: thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and sautéed onions nestled within a lengthy hoagie roll.
According to local lore, Pat Olivieri, a Philadelphia restaurateur, crafted the steak-and-onion sandwich at his hot dog cart near the city's Italian Market in 1930. Olivieri later established Pat's King of Steaks, and as the story goes, manager Joe Lorenza introduced provolone cheese to the mix a decade later.
Though its origins may be debated, the popularity of the Philadelphia cheesesteak has led to countless eateries both within and around the city proudly serving their renditions of the beloved sandwich. Jim Pappas, renowned for his culinary explorations through the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, offers his expert recommendations on where to find the best versions of this iconic dish.
"People underestimate the variety of cheesesteaks," explains Pappas, whose affection for the cheesy hoagie began during his upbringing in Delaware, sparked by visits to the Claymont Steak Shop. "You've got the tourist spots, the local joints, and then there are the places run by chefs who grew up on cheesesteaks but have taken it to a more gourmet level. It's been an enjoyable journey exploring these variations."
Regarding the authenticity of Philadelphia cheesesteaks, Pappas notes that while sirloin (rump steak) was originally used, ribeye has become the preferred choice in recent years. Cheez Whiz was favored within the city due to its spreadable consistency, while American cheese was more common in suburban areas. However, Pappas mentions that nowadays, many places opt for Cooper sharp cheddar cheese.
Ultimately, what matters most is that the cheesesteak is simply delicious. Below are Pappas's top picks for cheesesteaks in his hometown of Philadelphia.
1. Best classic Philly cheesesteak experience: Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks
Pappas, while acknowledging the cliché, still recommends both Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks to visitors. Situated directly across from each other, their rivalry and close proximity have only heightened their popularity. According to Pappas, Geno's gained fame by setting up shop across from Pat's and is more enthusiastic about their rivalry. However, he notes that their cheesesteaks are quite similar and offer a very traditional experience.
For those seeking a blend of cheeses, Pappas suggests Steve's Prince of Steaks, which boasts four locations throughout the city. Mixing cheeses like American and provolone, they create a blend that complements the meat and rolls exceptionally well. Additionally, he recommends Tony and Nick's Steaks, a small spot in southeast Philadelphia known for its crispy rolls, lending a fresher feel to the sandwich.
Website: https://www.patskingofsteaks.com/
Address: 1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 468-1546
Instagram: @pats_king_of_steaks.
2. Best newcomer: Angelo's Pizzeria
Since its opening in January 2019, Angelo's Pizzeria has swiftly gained recognition, with lines rivaling those of long-established cheesesteak joints in the city.
Situated just a block away from Sarcone's Bakery, a renowned fifth-generation Italian bakery, Angelo's Pizzeria has deep roots in the neighborhood. Owner Danny DiGiampietro honed his skills as a baker at Sarcone's before marrying into the family and establishing himself as a proficient baker. At Angelo's, they take pride in crafting their own rolls, which Pappas asserts are superior in quality. Moreover, they use higher-quality meat for their traditional cheesesteak, a detail that hasn't gone unnoticed by patrons.
Pappas attests to the eatery's popularity, noting that people are willing to wait up to 40 minutes on Saturdays, eagerly anticipating their sandwich. Angelo's Pizzeria has even garnered attention from celebrities, with owner Danny DiGiampietro collaborating with Bradley Cooper on a food truck venture in New York City to coincide with the release of "Maestro."
Website: https://angelospizzeriasouthphiladelphia.com/
Address: 736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 922-0000
Instagram: @angelos_pizzeria_south_philly
3. Best locals-only spot: Café Carmela
For those seeking a more authentic local experience, venturing slightly beyond the city limits to eateries like Café Carmela, located about a 20-minute drive northeast of Philadelphia, is recommended.
According to Pappas, Café Carmela offers a distinct take on the cheesesteak, featuring a thicker cut of meat and a higher-quality, more flavorful roll, elevating the traditional sandwich experience. Just a short distance away, Dagwood's Pub has been a neighborhood fixture for 30 years, with a chef known for experimenting with innovative dishes like lobster and chips, seafood rigatoni, and Nashville chicken with hot honey calamari.
In the Olde Richmond neighborhood closer to the city center, Cook and Shaker is a cozy corner bar offering a sandwich and beer special. Pappas notes that while it maintains a traditional essence, the owner's culinary background brings unique elements like banana peppers and a special sauce to their cheesesteak.
In Philadelphia's Center City, McGillin's Olde Ale House, established in 1860 and the city's oldest continuously operating tavern, is a must-visit. Pappas praises its historic ambiance, complemented by a delicious roll and a well-balanced blend of meat, cheese, and onions in their cheesesteak.
Website: https://cafecarmelaphilly.com/
Address: 2859 Holme Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19152
Phone: (215) 821-2584
Instagram: @cafe_carmela
4. Best under-rated: Callahan's Grille and Woodrow's Sandwich Shop
Among the plethora of cheesesteak options available, some establishments like Callahan's Grille in South Philadelphia and Woodrow's Sandwich Shop on South Street haven't received the attention they deserve, according to Pappas.
Callahan's Grille, located beneath the South Street Bridge, is a popular spot among young patrons, often frequented by individuals who have just finished playing sports like volleyball, kickball, or soccer. Pappas describes it as a lively corner dive bar where the dense seeded roll serves as the perfect vessel for the well-balanced combination of meat, cheese, and onions.
Woodrow's Sandwich Shop, situated at the opposite end of South Street, offers a unique take on the cheesesteak that Pappas believes deserves more recognition. They use shaved ribeye and a blend of Cheez Whiz infused with truffles, freshly prepared daily, along with cherry pepper mayonnaise, showcasing attention to detail in each cheesesteak they craft.
Website: https://www.woodrowsandwich.com/
Address: 630 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Phone: (215) 470-3559
Instagram: @woodrowsandwich
5. Best different take on a cheesesteak: Gilben's Bakery
Gilben's Bakery, situated in Germantown, North Philadelphia, offers a distinctive take on the cheesesteak, courtesy of two Louisiana bakers infusing their own twist for a unique flavor experience.
Their specialty lies in a garlic bread roll reminiscent of those used for lobster rolls, according to Pappas. While requiring a specific mood and quick consumption, the result is a flavorful concoction with finely chopped meat and a hint of spice.
Pappas also highlights other innovative cheesesteak variations, such as Woodrow's Sandwich Shop's truffle-infused version, Steve Stein's Famous Deli's pastrami rendition, and the duck cheesesteak from Northeast Sandwich Company, catering to those seeking novel interpretations of the classic dish.
Website: https://gilbensbakery.com/
Address: 7405 Stenton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19150
Phone: (215) 298-0879
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gilbens_steaksandpoboys/
6. Best splurge: Barclay's Prime
For those seeking the epitome of indulgence, Barclay Prime offers a $140 cheesesteak crafted by owner Stephen Starr, a Philadelphia native. Handpicked, luxurious ingredients elevate this high-end rendition of the city's iconic dish, typically priced at $10. The sandwich features hand-cut wagyu beef, black truffle, foie gras, fried onions, and Cooper sharp cheddar cheese, all nestled within a freshly baked sesame roll.
Describing it as a top-tier steakhouse experience in Philadelphia, Pappas emphasizes Barclay Prime's attention to detail, including their custom-made roll and blend of three cheeses, served in thirds. The decadent sandwich boasts meat that simply melts in the mouth, elevating the cheesesteak to new heights. As an added touch, each order comes with half a bottle of champagne to complement the lavish meal.
Website: https://barclayprime.com/
Address: 237 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 732-7560
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barclayprime/?hl=en
7. Best outside of Philadelphia: Delco Steaks and Cockadoodle Dan's Wings & Steaks
Before departing Philadelphia, visitors craving one last cheesesteak should consider a stop at Delco Steaks, a local chain with locations west and south of the city. Pappas praises their commitment to sourcing locally and fostering community connections, noting the high quality of their meat based on his own experience.
To the east and north of Philadelphia, Cockadoodle Dan's Wings & Steaks offers a unique twist on the classic sandwich with their Pappas-approved creation, the Batman and Robin. This sandwich combines shredded chicken, sirloin steak, and Cooper sharp cheese, all blended with a secret sauce, alongside their renowned chicken wings.
Through countless discussions with fellow enthusiasts and experts about the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, Pappas acknowledges the significant role emotions play in shaping people's preferences. He emphasizes how individuals often associate their favorite cheesesteak joints with cherished memories, making their choices deeply personal and emotionally connected.
