Best Philly Cheesesteaks.
The Philadelphia Cheesesteak
History of the Philly Cheesesteak
In 1930, Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor in South Philadelphia, decided to grill some beef from the butcher and put it on a hot dog bun. A passing cab driver smelled the delicious aroma and asked for one. The word spread fast through the cabbie grapevine, and soon Pat’s Steaks was born.
Pat’s brother Harry saw the potential and added cheese in the 1940s. The original cheese was provolone, but Cheese Whiz entered the scene in the 1950s and became a Philly staple. Pat’s and rival Geno’s (opened in 1966 across the street) have been battling for cheesesteak supremacy ever since.
Key rules of ordering: “Wit” = with onions, “Witout” = without. Cheese options: Whiz, American, or Provolone. Never ask for swiss. Never say “Philly cheesesteak” in Philly—just “cheesesteak.”
Top Cheesesteak Spots in Philadelphia (2025 Rankings)
Based on local polls, food critics, and real Philadelphians—not tourists on Yelp.
1. John’s Roast Pork
Location: Snyder Ave, South Philly
Winner of James Beard Award. Sharp provolone, perfect roll, greasy in the best way. Cash only. Closed weekends.
2. Dalessandro’s
Location: Roxborough
Chopped finer than most. Huge portions. The king of Cheese Whiz execution. Worth the drive.
3. Angelo’s
Location: South Philly (new location 2024)
Cooper Sharp cheese, seeded Carangi rolls, perfect grease ratio. Cash only, long lines worth it.
4. Pat’s King of Steaks
Location: 9th & Passyunk
The original. Open 24/7. Iconic neon. Tourists go here, but locals still respect it.
5. Geno’s Steaks
Location: Across from Pat’s
Bright orange palace of Whiz. Better than people say. Order properly or face Joey Vento’s ghost.
Honorable Mention: Jim’s South Street
Reopened in 2024 after fire. The line wraps around the block for a reason.
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