Philadelphia: home of the beloved Constitution, semi-admirable sports teams and the one and only Philly cheesesteak.
Growing up, cheesesteaks were always a quick, convenient meal before or after sports practices, a treat during a lazy night spent in the warm summer air, or a filling lunch around a table of friends.
My preferred cheesesteak included Steak-umms, of course, loaded on an Italian hoagie roll, swiped with a conservative amount of Miracle Whip, dressed with sliced tomatoes and provolone cheese. We never ate them often, but when we did, our stomachs never left the table hungry. Little did I know, in a world just a few short hours away from my own home, there was a cute little eatery called Pat's King of Steaks- and rightfully named as such. In my short 21 years of life, I only regret not becoming acquainted sooner.
Pat Olivieri (the king of steaks) is the originator and inventor of the steak sandwich we have all grown to love so much. Pat's King of Steaks has been a family-owned eatery since it opened in 1930. Story has it that one day, while working at his hotdog stand, Pat decided to have something different for lunch. He grilled fresh cut meat from the butcher, slabbed it on an Italian roll with some onions and had himself a feast. An inquisitive hotdog regular wanted to try Pat's new creation. From then forward, Pat's quaint hotdog stand morphed into one of Philadelphia's now famous cheesesteak shops.
Pat's isn't the only cheesesteak shop Philadelphians drool over, though. Spitefully glaring at Pat's royal crown sits Geno's cheesesteak shop right across the street. Geno's opened up in 1966 under a man named Joey Vento. Vento learned his steak grilling ways from working in his father's shop which led him to opening up his own. The shop, named after Joey's son, Geno, is now under Geno himself since his father passed away in 2011. The debate over who has the real best cheesesteak never seems to cease, but that doesn't stop lines of people accessorizing 9th and Passyunk 24/7.
Since my first and only authentic Philly cheesesteak experience took place at Pat's, I'm a little biased towards my favorite shop, but a foodie is always more than glad to broaden his/her horizons. Pat's rolls are fresh and everything but tough or gummy. Whether you choose wit-whiz or provolone, you won't be disappointed by the generous amount of cheese and bountiful toppings to choose from.
If you want to fit in like a true Philly native, though, know what you want and order quick. Shops like Pat's and Geno's are open all day long as they deal with lines of people longer than the hours they work. That being said, be quick, be smart, be prepared. Be sure to let the cheesesteak connoisseur know right away if you want wit (with) or wit-out (without) onions. Choose your cheese, or specialty cheesesteak, if you please, have your money handy, and move down the line. Ordering your sandwich fast opens the window of longer opportunity you'll have to enjoy it. From fresh rolls to juicy steak and flavorful toppings, you'll find yourself back in line for another no matter how stuffed you are.
If there's any question as to whether or not you should give Pat's your business, ask my picky-eater pup; he'll tell you all about it.
Pat's King of Steaks: a steak shop fit for a king.
