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 with its flagship location at 400 South Street in the Queen Village neighborhood. Founded in 1939 in West Philadelphia, Jim's is consistently ranked among the top cheesesteak destinations in the city and is famous for the long lines that snake down South Street on busy nights. The distinctive Art Deco-style building and the experience of watching steaks grilled in the front window have made Jim's a Philadelphia institution for over eight decades.[1]
History
[edit | edit source]Origins (1939)
[edit | edit source]Jim Colosimo opened the original Jim's Steaks in 1939 on 62nd Street in West Philadelphia:
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)
[edit | edit source]The iconic South Street location opened in 1976:
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
The South Street location capitalized on the neighborhood's revival and became the flagship store.
Growth and Recognition
[edit | edit source]Jim's expanded and gained national recognition:
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
[edit | edit source]Tragedy struck in July 2022 when the South Street location was devastated by fire:
The fire:
- July 30, 2022: Fire breaks out overnight
- Historic building severely damaged
- Massive community outpouring of support
- Rebuilding announced within days
Recovery:
- Community fundraising efforts
- Commitment to restore original character
- Other Jim's locations continued operating
- Reopening planned with original recipes preserved
The fire highlighted Jim's importance to Philadelphia's cultural identity.
The Cheesesteak
[edit | edit source]Jim's Signature
[edit | edit source]Jim's cheesesteaks have distinct characteristics:
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
[edit | edit source]- Cheez Whiz - Classic Philadelphia choice
- American cheese - Melty and mild
- Provolone cheese - Sharper flavor
What Sets Jim's Apart
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]The Line
[edit | edit source]The South Street line is legendary:
- Lines often extend down the block
- Part of the authentic experience
- Late-night crowds after bar closing
- Weekend waits can exceed 30 minutes
The line contributes to anticipation and atmosphere.
The Building
[edit | edit source]The Art Deco building is iconic:
Features:
- 1930s architecture: Original details preserved
- Black and white facade: Distinctive appearance
- Large windows: Watch the grill action
- Neon signage: Classic look
Ordering
[edit | edit source]Jim's maintains efficient ordering:
The system: 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
[edit | edit source]Cheesesteaks
[edit | edit source]Steak variations:
- Cheesesteak - With choice of cheese
- Cheesesteak with - Add fried onions
- Pizza steak - With marinara sauce
- Mushroom steak - With sautéed mushrooms
Other Items
[edit | edit source]- Cheese fries
- Regular fries
- Beverages
- Hoagies (some locations)
The menu remains focused on what Jim's does best.
Locations
[edit | edit source]South Street (Flagship)
[edit | edit source]400 South Street
- Original character and atmosphere
- Art Deco building
- Late-night hours
- Tourist and local favorite
Other Locations
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]Jim's vs. Pat's/Geno's
[edit | edit source]In the cheesesteak hierarchy, Jim's holds a unique position:
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
[edit | edit source]- 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
[edit | edit source]South Street Anchor
[edit | edit source]Jim's has been central to South Street's identity:
- Draws visitors to the neighborhood
- Late-night destination
- Part of South Street's character
- Survived neighborhood changes
Media Recognition
[edit | edit source]Jim's has appeared in:
- Travel Channel food shows
- Food Network features
- National newspapers and magazines
- Social media (viral line videos)
Celebrity Visitors
[edit | edit source]Like other Philadelphia cheesesteak institutions:
- Politicians on campaign stops
- Athletes and entertainers
- Food critics and writers
- Travel show hosts
Tips for Visitors
[edit | edit source]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
[edit | edit source]References
[edit | edit source]- ↑ "Jim's Steaks". Jim's Steaks. Retrieved December 31, 2025