Jims Steaks
| Address | 400 South Street (original); multiple locations |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | South Street (flagship) |
| Phone | (215) 928-1911 |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | Cheesesteaks |
| Price range | $ |
| Established | 1939 |
| Owner | Jim's Steaks Inc. |
| Hours | 10 AM - 1 AM (varies by location) |
Jim's Steaks is a Philadelphia cheesesteak restaurant chain operating out of 400 South Street in the Queen Village neighborhood. Since 1939, it's been consistently ranked among the city's top cheesesteak destinations. The lines down South Street on busy nights are legendary. What makes Jim's different is the Art Deco building itself and the chance to watch your steak sizzle through the front window. Over eight decades, it's become a genuine Philadelphia institution.[1]
History
Origins (1939)
Jim Colosimo started it all in 1939 on 62nd Street in West Philadelphia. What began as a single shop grew through word of mouth and quality meat. The neighborhood became fiercely loyal. Fresh ingredients and consistency were the foundation.
Early years:
- 1939: Original location opens in West Philadelphia
- Post-war growth established reputation
- Known for quality meat and fresh ingredients
- Developed loyal neighborhood following
South Street Location (1976)
1976 changed everything. The iconic South Street location opened in a former shoe store, one of those beautiful Art Deco buildings from the 1930s. Black and white exterior. Big windows. You could see the grill from the street, and that mattered. The neighborhood itself was coming back to life, and Jim's rode that wave perfectly, becoming the flagship store everyone talks about.
The building:
- Art Deco architecture from the 1930s
- Former shoe store converted to restaurant
- Distinctive black and white exterior
- Front window grill visible from street
Growth and Recognition
Expansion followed. National food media discovered them. Multiple locations popped up across Philadelphia. Rankings improved steadily.
Milestones:
- 1980s: South Street becomes legendary destination
- 1990s-2000s: Featured in national food media
- Multiple locations opened across Philadelphia
- Consistent rankings among top cheesesteak spots
2022 Fire and Rebuilding
On July 30, 2022, fire struck overnight. The historic building took serious damage. The community's response was immediate and overwhelming. Within days, they announced rebuilding plans.
The fire:
- July 30, 2022: Fire breaks out overnight
- Historic building severely damaged
- Massive community outpouring of support
- Rebuilding announced within days
Support came from everywhere. Fundraising efforts started. The commitment was real: restore the original character, keep the recipes exactly the same, let other locations carry on. But getting South Street back open mattered most. The fire showed something everyone already knew: Jim's isn't just a restaurant. It's part of what Philadelphia is.
Recovery:
- Community fundraising efforts
- Commitment to restore original character
- Other Jim's locations continued operating
- Reopening planned with original recipes preserved
The Cheesesteak
Jim's Signature
The cheesesteak itself sets Jim's apart. High-quality ribeye, thinly sliced with exact precision. Grilled fresh, chopped traditional Philadelphia style right on the flat-top. Cheese melts directly onto the meat. Transfer it to fresh Italian roll from a local bakery. Assemble with your toppings of choice.
The meat:
- High-quality ribeye: Premium cut
- Thinly sliced: Consistent thickness
- Grilled fresh: Cooked to order
- Chopped on the grill: Traditional Philadelphia style
The process:
- Meat grilled on flat-top
- Cheese melted directly on meat
- Transferred to fresh Italian roll
- Assembled with toppings
Cheese Options
- Cheez Whiz - The classic Philadelphia choice
- American cheese - Melts smooth and mild
- Provolone cheese - Gives it a sharper bite
What Sets Jim's Apart
They care about selection. Fresh rolls arrive daily. Service stays efficient even with a hundred people waiting. But mostly, you're watching it happen. That atmosphere, that experience, that's what separates Jim's from places cutting corners.
Distinctive elements:
- Consistent quality: Careful meat selection
- Fresh rolls: From local bakery
- Efficient service: Despite long lines
- Atmosphere: Watching your steak grilled
The South Street Experience
The Line
The line is part of the deal. It stretches down the block on weekend nights. Thirty minutes? Forty-five? Longer on busy Saturdays. It's not a flaw in the system. It's the system. Late-night crowds pile in after bars close. The line builds anticipation.
The Building
That Art Deco structure is impossible to ignore. 1930s details throughout. Black and white facade you can spot from a block away. Large windows so everyone outside can see the action at the grill. Neon signage adds the classic touch.
Features:
- 1930s architecture: Original details preserved
- Black and white facade: Distinctive appearance
- Large windows: Watch the grill action
- Neon signage: Classic look
Ordering
The system works because it's simple.
The flow: 1. Wait in line (moves steadily) 2. Watch steaks being grilled 3. Place order at counter 4. Pay and receive sandwich 5. Condiment station available
Menu
Cheesesteaks
The menu keeps it simple. Basic cheesesteak with your choice of cheese. Add fried onions if you want them. Pizza steak comes with marinara. Mushroom steak gets sautéed mushrooms. Nothing fancy. Nothing unnecessary.
Steak variations:
- Cheesesteak - With choice of cheese
- Cheesesteak with - Add fried onions
- Pizza steak - With marinara sauce
- Mushroom steak - With sautéed mushrooms
Other Items
- Cheese fries
- Regular fries
- Beverages
- Hoagies (some locations)
Focus matters. Jim's does cheesesteaks. Everything else is secondary.
Locations
South Street (Flagship)
400 South Street is where it all happens. Original atmosphere. Art Deco building. Open late. Both tourists and locals eat here, but locals know the score.
Features:
- Original character and atmosphere
- Art Deco building
- Late-night hours
- Tourist and local favorite
Other Locations
Northeast Philadelphia has its own Jim's, different vibe but same recipes. Additional locations across the city mean you don't always have to hit South Street. Quality stays consistent. Each serves its neighborhood.
Northeast Philadelphia:
- Different atmosphere
- Same recipes
- Local neighborhood focus
Additional locations:
- Serve the wider Philadelphia area
- Maintain quality standards
- Bring Jim's to more neighborhoods
The Cheesesteak Debate
Jim's vs. Pat's/Geno's
The argument never ends, really. Where does Jim's fit in the hierarchy? Many Philadelphians prefer it to Pat's or Geno's. That's not nothing. Better meat quality. More authentic neighborhood feel. The Art Deco building has no real competition. But Pat's and Geno's have their people. Quality varies day to day, hour to hour. Personal taste decides everything.
Jim's supporters argue:
- Better quality meat than tourist spots
- More authentic Philadelphia experience
- Art Deco atmosphere unmatched
- Local favorite over tourist destination
The reality:
- Many Philadelphians prefer Jim's to Pat's/Geno's
- Each restaurant has devoted fans
- Quality varies by day and time
- Personal preference ultimately decides
Where Jim's Fits
Not a tourist trap, despite being on South Street. Respected locally with genuine neighborhood support. It occupies a middle ground. Consistently ranked top 3-5 citywide, which tells you something.
- Not a tourist trap: Despite South Street location
- Respected locally: Strong neighborhood support
- Middle ground: Between tourist spots and hidden gems
- Consistently ranked: Among top 3-5 citywide
Cultural Impact
South Street Anchor
Jim's drives traffic to South Street. It's a late-night destination. Part of the neighborhood's character. Through all the changes South Street has seen, Jim's stayed.
Media Recognition
Travel Channel picked it up. Food Network featured it. National newspapers and magazines wrote about it. Videos of the line go viral on social media.
Celebrity Visitors
Politicians stop by on campaign trails. Athletes. Entertainers. Food critics. Travel show hosts. Nothing unusual for a place this established.
Tips for Visitors
Recommendations:
- Visit weekday lunch for shorter lines
- Late night for authentic atmosphere (and longer waits)
- Watch the grill while waiting, it's entertainment
- Have your order ready when you reach the counter
- Try Whiz wit for the classic experience
What to expect:
- Outdoor eating on South Street
- Casual, fast-paced service
- Cash moves faster (cards accepted)
- Messy eating, embrace it
See Also
References
- ↑ "Jim's Steaks". Jim's Steaks. Retrieved December 31, 2025