Where to Go for an Authentic Philly Cheesesteak

There are few things better than the greasy, delicious goodness of an authentic Philly cheesesteak. True connoisseurs of the drippy, cheesy bit of heaven understand that it starts with the right roll: crusty on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, the better to absorb the sumptuous drippiness. Next, the perfect cheese. You can’t use some high-brow artisan cheese. Only Cheez Whiz will do. Let’s not forget that tender shredded steak diced with grilled onions. It’s a party of flavors and textures and true Philadelphians know mayonnaise, tomato, and lettuce aren’t invited.

If you’re tasting this deliciousness for the first time, know that you’re stepping into a rivalry of epic proportions — Geno’s or Pats. If you’re looking for an authentic Philly cheesesteak experience, you can’t try just one of these hot spots. You must visit them all and then decide what team you’re on. If this is your first time, you need to know two things: the ambiance of the restaurant doesn’t matter, and Philadelphians are pretty impatient, so don’t take a long time deciding on that order.

Tony Luke’s

It’s not all about Geno’s or Pat’s. This south Philly institution is tucked next to an underpass for I-95. You won’t find indoor dining, and the staff gives everyone a hard time, but the food is worth it. If you love it, you could own a Tony Luke’s franchise. 39 E. Oregon Avenue. (215) 551-5725.

Pat’s King of Steaks

Pat’s started it all as a tiny market stall at the Italian Market, and now it’s a Philly institution. Pat’s steaks are more like an Italian beef sandwich with bigger slices and less dicing. Have some fun and tell them Geno sent you.  9th Street & Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-1546.

Dalessandro’s Steaks

While most of the cheesesteak joints are in south Philly, this one’s in Roxborough. Still, it makes the list because of the gooey drip factor of their sandwiches. A cheesesteak is not about your finest cuts of meat or aged cheeses. It’s the goo that makes it awesome, and Dalessandro’s does that perfectly. 600 Wendover Street, (215) 482-5407.

John’s Roast Pork

John’s dices up their steaks and smothers them in cheese. But there are two things that set their sandwiches apart from the others — their bread and the type of cheese. They use a sesame seed roll and provolone. The purists won’t go for it, but it’s a tasty sandwich nonetheless. 14 Snyder Avenue, (215) 463-1951.

Geno’s Steaks

Putting the long-standing rivalry aside, the signage at Geno’s alone is something to see, and it’s right across the street from Pat’s. Like Pat’s, Geno’s doesn’t dice their beef as much as Dalessandro’s. Geno’s and Pat’s are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for whenever you need your fix. 1219 S. 9th Street, (215) 389-0659.

In order to appreciate a Philly cheesesteak, you must visit more than one restaurant. The rolls, the chop of the meat, and the cheese provide subtle differences. You’ll need to taste them all to decide on your favorite and you’ll love every second.

Image by pizano13, used under CCO 1.0

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