Pats King of Steaks
| Address | 1237 East Passyunk Avenue |
|---|---|
| Map | View on Google Maps |
| Neighborhood | Passyunk Square |
| Phone | (215) 468-1546 |
| Website | Official site |
| Cuisine | Cheesesteaks |
| Price range | $ |
| Established | 1930 |
| Owner | Frank Olivieri |
| Hours | 24 hours, 7 days a week |
Pat's King of Steaks is a cheesesteak restaurant located at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, widely credited as the birthplace of the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Founded in 1930 by Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, Pat's has been serving cheesesteaks at the same triangular intersection for over 90 years. The restaurant operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, drawing locals and tourists alike to its outdoor counter for one of Philadelphia's most iconic foods.[1]
Pat's remains a family-owned business, now operated by Frank Olivieri, and occupies its original location at the famous intersection of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue. Directly across the street sits Geno's Steaks, Pat's longtime rival, making this corner one of the most famous food destinations in America.
History
Founding
Pat's King of Steaks was founded in 1930 when brothers Pat Olivieri (1907-1974) and Harry Olivieri (1916-2006) opened a hot dog stand at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia.
Invention of the Cheesesteak
Yes, according to the widely accepted account, Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in 1930. The story, passed down through the Olivieri family, describes how the sandwich came about by accident:[2]
One day, Pat decided to prepare something different for his own lunch. He had the local butcher send over some chopped beef, which he grilled on his hot dog flat-top and placed on an Italian roll with grilled onions. Before Pat could take a bite, a cab driver who regularly bought hot dogs from the stand asked what he was eating.
The cabbie insisted that Pat make one for him. After tasting it, the driver reportedly told Pat: "Hey, forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these!" Pat sold the sandwich for ten cents—the equivalent of about $2.43 today.
Word spread quickly among Philadelphia's taxi drivers and working-class customers. The steak sandwich became more popular than hot dogs, and Pat's King of Steaks was born.
Addition of Cheese
The original sandwich was served without cheese—just steak and onions on an Italian roll. Cheese was added later, creating what we now call the "cheesesteak."
According to Pat's son, Herb Olivieri, cheese was first added to the sandwich in 1951 by a manager named "Cocky Joe" Lorenza at a Ridge Avenue location. Some family members claim provolone was the original cheese, while others credit American cheese. Cheez Whiz was added as an option in the 1950s after its commercial introduction and became extremely popular.[3]
Current Ownership
Pat's King of Steaks is currently owned and operated by Frank Olivieri, a member of the Olivieri family who has been working at Pat's since he was 11 years old. The restaurant remains entirely family-owned and has never franchised or opened additional locations.
Frank has continued the family tradition, maintaining the original recipes and ordering system that have made Pat's famous for generations.
How to Order
Ordering System
Pat's is famous for its efficient, no-nonsense ordering system. Customers are expected to know what they want, have their money ready, and order quickly. Here's how it works:
Step 1: Choose Your Cheese
- Whiz - Cheez Whiz (the most popular choice)
- Provolone - Provolone cheese
- American - American cheese
- Cooper Sharp - Cooper Sharp American cheese
- Plain - No cheese
Step 2: Specify Onions
- Wit - With fried onions
- Wit-out - Without fried onions
Step 3: Order Quickly Combine your choices into a quick phrase. Have your money ready.
Examples:
- "One whiz wit" = One cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions
- "Two provolone wit-out" = Two cheesesteaks with provolone, no onions
- "One American wit" = One cheesesteak with American cheese and onions
"Wit" and "Wit-out"
Wit is Philadelphia slang for "with," specifically meaning with fried onions. Wit-out (or "witout") means "without" fried onions. This shorthand allows customers to order quickly and efficiently.
The onions at Pat's are grilled on the same flat-top as the steak, caramelized and mixed with the chopped beef before being placed on the roll. They add sweetness and moisture to the sandwich.
Cheese Options
Pat's offers five cheese options:[4]
| Cheese | Description |
|---|---|
| Cheez Whiz | Processed cheese product, creamy and orange; most popular choice |
| Provolone | Sliced provolone cheese, traditional Italian choice |
| American | Sliced American cheese |
| Cooper Sharp | Premium American-style cheese, slightly tangy |
| Plain | No cheese |
Cheez Whiz became the signature cheese at Pat's and remains the most requested option, though traditionalists often prefer provolone.
Menu
Pat's menu is simple and focused:
Steaks
- Steak (plain, no cheese)
- Cheesesteak
- Extra Cheesesteak (larger portion)
- Pizza Steak (with marinara sauce)
- Mushroom Steak/Cheesesteak
- Pepper Steak/Cheesesteak
- Mushroom Pepper Steak/Cheesesteak
Other Items
- Roast Pork sandwich
- Hot Dog / Large Hot Dog
- Fish Cake (Small/Large)
- French Fries / Cheese Fries
Drinks
- Soda
- Bottled Water
The cheesesteak remains the star, prepared the same way it has been for over 90 years.
Hours and Location
Hours of Operation
Yes, Pat's King of Steaks is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The restaurant never closes, making it a popular destination for late-night and early-morning cheesesteak cravings.
Peak hours tend to be:
- Friday and Saturday nights (especially after 11 PM)
- Weekend afternoons
- Game days when Philadelphia sports teams play
For shorter lines, visit weekday mornings or early afternoons.
Address and Directions
Pat's King of Steaks is located at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia.
The restaurant sits at the famous triangular intersection where 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue meet. This iconic corner is shared with Pat's rival, Geno's Steaks, located directly across the intersection.
Address: 1237 East Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19147
Getting There:
- SEPTA Broad Street Line (The B): Oregon Station (6 blocks)
- SEPTA Bus Routes: 29, 45 serve nearby streets
- Parking: Limited street parking; best to visit during off-peak hours
Pat's vs. Geno's
The Rivalry
The Pat's vs. Geno's debate has divided Philadelphians for decades. Both restaurants sit at the same intersection, separated by less than 100 feet, and both serve cheesesteaks 24 hours a day. The choice often comes down to personal preference.
Pat's King of Steaks
- Founded: 1930
- Claim to fame: Birthplace of the cheesesteak
- Atmosphere: No-frills, utilitarian
- Meat: Finely chopped, well-mixed with cheese
Geno's Steaks
- Founded: 1966
- Claim to fame: Iconic neon exterior
- Atmosphere: Flashy neon signage
- Meat: Sliced rather than chopped
Key Differences
While both serve authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, there are notable differences:
Meat Preparation
- Pat's: Finely chopped beef mixed together on the grill
- Geno's: Thinly sliced beef, kept in distinct strips
Cheese Distribution
- Pat's: Cheese melted throughout the chopped meat
- Geno's: Cheese melted on top of sliced meat
Bread
- Both use Amoroso rolls, but preparation differs slightly
Atmosphere
- Pat's: Plain exterior with minimal signage
- Geno's: Famous for elaborate neon lights
Many locals recommend trying both and deciding for yourself. The two restaurants make it easy—you can literally walk across the street between bites.
Ordering Tips
For the best Pat's experience:
1. Know your order before reaching the window - Decide on cheese and onions in advance 2. Have cash or card ready - Keep the line moving 3. Be decisive - "One whiz wit" gets you served faster than "Um, let me think..." 4. Eat standing - There are no tables; find a spot along the outdoor counters 5. Bring napkins - It's a messy sandwich, by design 6. Visit late night - For the authentic South Philly experience
Cultural Impact
Pat's King of Steaks has become a pilgrimage site for cheesesteak lovers worldwide. The restaurant has been featured in countless television shows, movies, and food publications. Celebrity visitors have included presidents, athletes, and Hollywood stars, many of whose photos adorn the walls.
The shop's influence extends beyond Philadelphia—the cheesesteak has become one of America's most beloved sandwiches, and Pat's creation helped put Philadelphia on the culinary map.
See Also
References
- ↑ "History". Pat's King of Steaks. Retrieved December 22, 2025
- ↑ "Pat's King of Steaks". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025
- ↑ "Frank Olivieri shares his family's secrets about their famous cheesesteak". 6ABC. Retrieved December 22, 2025
- ↑ "Pat's King of Steaks". Wikipedia. Retrieved December 22, 2025