Philly’s Signature Sandwiches: Cheesesteaks, Hoagies & Roast Pork

A History & Love Story Between A Proud City & Its Delicious Inventions

Here in Philly, cheesesteaks, hoagies and roast pork sandwiches are civic icons, tourist draws, cultural obsessions—and, most importantly, beloved meals. A visit to the city would be incomplete without a dive into the distinct, no-forks-required specialties that make this “America’s Best Sandwich City,” as Saveur magazine recently declared. Here’s the lowdown on the holy trio of between-bread Philadelphia:

Cheesesteak:
What Is It?
A cheesesteak—always one word!—consists of a long, crusty roll filled with thin-sliced, freshly sautéed ribeye beef and melted cheese. The art of cheesesteak preparation lies in the balance of flavors, textures and what is often referred to as the “drip” factor. For many fans, the definitive “cheese” of choice is Cheez Whiz^®, but American and provolone have long established themselves as accepted alternatives. Other common toppings include sautéed onions, cooked mushrooms, ketchup, and hot or sweet peppers.

The History
The origin of the cheesesteak dates back to 1930, when during one fateful lunch hour, South Philly hot dog vendor Pat Olivieri slapped some beef from the butcher on his grill. A cabbie driving by sniffed something delicious, leaned out his window and requested his own. It didn’t take long for news of the creation to spread—taxi drivers came to Olivieri demanding their own steak sandwiches. Soon after, the vendor opened a permanent shop on 9^th Street and Passyunk Avenue, Pat’s King of Steaks, to sell his invention to the masses. Pat’s grills now sizzle 24 hours a day. So do those of Geno’s Steaks, the rival across the street that opened in 1966, whose late owner claims to have first added cheese to the sandwich. For more than half a century, Pat’s and Geno’s have waged a (mostly) friendly competition, with visitors often ordering from both shops to see which they deem the winner.

Where To Eat One
Nearly every pizza or sandwich shop on any corner of every neighborhood in the city serves up the workaday delicacy. Here are a few notable spots in Center City and beyond, but first a lesson on ordering. Those who crave a cheesesteak must first consider two critical questions: What kind of cheese? Onions or no onions? Those who want Cheez Whiz and onions, ask for a “Whiz Wit.” Those who want provolone without onions, ask for a “Provolone Witout.”

Philly’s Signature Sandwiches: Cheesesteaks, Hoagies & Roast Pork — Everyone agrees that the cheesesteak, invented by Pat Olivieri in 1930, requires thinly sliced beef and a crusty roll, but the choice between provolone, American and Cheez Whiz is a matter of great debate, as is the best place to eat the famed sandwich. Pictured on the left is a steak topped with Cheez Whiz and onions—known as a “Whiz Wit” to locals—from Tony Luke’s in South Philly. Pictured on right, Campo’s has been serving up top-rated Philly cheesesteaks and hoagies to the hungry masses in Philadelphia’s Historic District for nearly 60 years.

Cosmi’s Deli has the look of a corner market—and the cheesesteak cred of a champion. Hoagies are no small shakes here either.1501 S. 8^th Street, (215) 468-6093, cosmideli.com
Dalessandro’s lays claim to the hearts and stomachs of Roxborough and Manayunk residents with its signature steak, chopped much finer than many of its South Philly compatriots. 600 Wendover Street, (215) 482-5407, dalessandros.com
Geno’s Steaks, across the street from the oldest cheesesteak joint in town,is a formidable, fluorescent-lit competitor that’s gone roll-for-roll with Pat’s for a half century. 9^th Street & Passyunk Avenue, (215) 389-0659, genosteaks.com
Jim’s Steaks has multiple locations, from the circa-1939 West Philly original to an outpost in Delaware County. But it’s the intoxicating smell of fried onions wafting from the South Street outpost (which is owned separately) that draws the most attention. 400 South Street, (267) 519-9253; 431 N. 62^nd Street, (215) 747-6617; 469 Baltimore Pike, Springfield, (610) 444-8400, jimssteaks.com
Pat’s King of Steaks, the undisputed birthplace and home of the cheesesteak, is still owned and operated by the Olivieri family.9^thStreet & Passyunk Avenue, (215) 468-1546, patskingofsteaks.com
Steve’s Prince of Steaks calls Northeast Philly home with two locations, but also serves its regal sandwiches—and famous American cheese sauce—in Center City and the suburbs. 7200 Bustleton Avenue, (215) 338-0985; 2711 Comly Road, (215) 677-8020; 41 S. 16^th Street, (215) 972-6090; 1617 E. Lincoln Highway, Langhorne, (215) 943-4640, stevesprinceofsteaks.com
Tony Luke’s approaches world cheesesteak domination, with franchises from South Philly (the original) to Bahrain. 39 E. Oregon Avenue. (215) 551-5725, tonylukes.com

VISIT PHILADELPHIA^® is our name and our mission. As the region’s official tourism marketing agency, we build Greater Philadelphia’s image, drive visitation and boost the economy.

On Greater Philadelphia’s official visitor website and blog, visitphilly.com and uwishunu.com, visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, interactive maps and detailed visitor information make the sites effective trip-planning tools. Along with Visit Philly social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into the Independence Visitor Center for additional information and tickets.