Cheesesteaks

The cheesesteak (or Philly cheesesteak) is Philadelphia's most famous culinary creation—a sandwich of thinly sliced beef and melted cheese served on a long Italian roll. Invented at Pat's King of Steaks in 1930 (with cheese added in the 1940s), the cheesesteak has become an international symbol of Philadelphia and a required stop for virtually every visitor to the city. The sandwich has inspired fierce debates about the best preparation, proper ordering etiquette, and authentic ingredients, all of which Philadelphians take extremely seriously. The cheesesteak is fundamental to Philadelphia's identity and culture.

History

Invention (1930)

Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in 1930:

The origin story:

• Pat operated a hot dog stand in South Philadelphia
• One day, grilled some sliced beef on a roll
• A cab driver noticed and asked for one
• Word spread; beef sandwiches became the specialty

Initially, there was no cheese—just meat and onions.

Adding Cheese (1940s)

Cheese was added to the sandwich in the 1940s:

Accounts vary:

• Some credit Pat's with adding provolone
• Others credit a manager at Pat's
• The addition transformed the sandwich
• "Cheesesteak" became the name

The Rise of Geno's (1966)

Joey Vento opened Geno's Steaks in 1966:

• Located directly across from Pat's
• Established the famous rivalry
• Competition drove excellence
• Both became destinations

National Fame

By the late 20th century, cheesesteaks achieved national recognition:

Milestones:

• Food media discovery
• Presidential campaign visits
• Films and television
• Global awareness

The Sandwich

Essential Components

The canonical cheesesteak:

The meat:

• Thinly sliced ribeye*** (or rib-eye)
• Grilled on a flat-top
• Chopped*** while cooking (Philadelphia style)
• Well-seasoned

The cheese:

• Cheez Whiz*** - The classic choice
• American cheese*** - Melty alternative
• Provolone*** - Traditional Italian option

The roll:

• Italian hoagie roll***
• Crusty outside, soft inside
• Fresh, not stale
• Properly sized to meat ratio

Optional toppings:

• Fried onions*** ("wit" = with, "witout" = without)
• Mushrooms
• Peppers
• Hot sauce

What It Is NOT

Common misconceptions:

• NOT with green peppers (that's a "pepper steak")
• NOT with lettuce and tomato (that's a steak hoagie)
• NOT with pizza sauce (that's a "pizza steak")
• NOT thin-sliced like roast beef
• NOT ground beef

The Cheese Debate

Cheez Whiz

The populist choice:

• Melts perfectly
• Integrated into sandwich
• Most "Philadelphia" option
• Invented after the sandwich, but canonical

American Cheese

The practical choice:

• Melty and mild
• Less controversial
• Works well with meat
• Common preference

Provolone

The traditional choice:

• Sharp, flavorful
• Italian heritage
• Doesn't melt as smoothly
• Preferred by some purists

The Real Answer

Personal preference rules:

• All three are acceptable
• Arguments are part of the experience
• Try all three to decide
• Local preference varies

Ordering Etiquette

The Language

At Pat's King of Steaks, Geno's Steaks, and traditional shops:

The system: 1. Specify cheese type 2. Say "wit" (with onions) or "witout" (without) 3. Example: "Whiz wit" = Cheez Whiz with onions 4. Have payment ready

Examples:

• "Whiz wit" - Cheez Whiz with onions
• "American witout" - American cheese, no onions
• "Provolone wit" - Provolone with onions

The Pressure

Be prepared:

• Lines move fast
• Know your order
• Don't hold up the line
• Payment ready
• Move aside after ordering

The Experience

The ordering pressure is part of the tradition:

• Not rudeness, efficiency
• Locals respect the system
• Tourists are expected to learn
• It's performance and ritual

Famous Cheesesteak Spots

The Big Two

Pat's King of Steaks:

• The original (1930)
• 9th and Passyunk
• Open 24 hours
• Chopped meat style

Geno's Steaks:

• Across the street (1966)
• Neon lights
• Slightly different prep
• Open 24 hours

Visiting both and comparing is traditional.

Other Top Spots

Jim's Steaks:

• South Street
• Art Deco building
• Long lines
• Highly regarded

John's Roast Pork:

• James Beard Award winner
• Many consider best in city
• Industrial location
• Limited hours

Dalessandro's Steaks:

• Roxborough neighborhood
• Generous portions
• Worth the trip
• Local favorite

Tony Luke's:

• South Philadelphia
• Also famous for roast pork
• Multiple locations
• Bobby Flay Throwdown

The Local Debate

Many Philadelphians prefer neighborhood spots:

• Less touristy
• Potentially better
• Personal favorites
• Regional variation

Pat's and Geno's are tourist destinations; locals have preferences.

The Pat's vs. Geno's Debate

The Rivalry

The Pat's vs. Geno's*** debate is legendary:

Pat's supporters say:

• The original
• Finer chopped meat
• Authentic tradition
• Less flashy

Geno's supporters say:

• Larger meat pieces
• Better flavor
• Neon atmosphere
• Superior technique

The Answer

Try both:

• They're across the street
• Get half at each
• Form your own opinion
• Join the debate

The Real Answer

Many Philadelphians:

• Prefer neither Pat's nor Geno's
• Consider them tourist spots
• Have their own neighborhood favorite
• Roll their eyes at the debate

Cultural Significance

Philadelphia Identity

The cheesesteak represents Philadelphia:

• Working-class heritage
• No pretension
• Messy, delicious, real
• Accessible to all

Political Ritual

Presidential candidates must eat cheesesteaks:

• Photo-op tradition
• Ordering mistakes are news
• John Kerry famously ordered Swiss cheese
• Locals judge authenticity

National Symbol

The cheesesteak is Philadelphia's:

• Ambassador food
• Global recognition
• Tourist requirement
• Export (imitated everywhere)

Eating a Cheesesteak

Technique

How to eat properly:

• Lean forward (it will drip)
• Don't let the meat fall out
• Napkins essential
• Accept the mess
• Two hands required

Common Mistakes

What tourists do wrong:

• Order in an indecisive manner
• Ask what's on it
• Request lettuce and tomato
• Take too long
• Try to eat neatly

The Best Cheesesteak =

The Eternal Question

"What's the best cheesesteak?" gets different answers:

Tourist answer: Pat's or Geno's Hip answer: Jim's Steaks Connoisseur answer: John's Roast Pork Neighborhood answer: "My corner spot"

The Truth

There is no single best:

• Personal preference matters
• Day-to-day variation exists
• Mood affects perception
• The debate is the point

See Also

• Pat's King of Steaks
• Geno's Steaks
• Jim's Steaks
• John's Roast Pork
• Tony Luke's
• Hoagies
• Philadelphia Food Culture

External Links

• Visit Philadelphia - Cheesesteaks