10 Spots for Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks Preview

Access this tour for free

Experience this tour for free. Available through our app.

Download or access the app

iOS Android Web
1

John's Roast Pork

John's Roast Pork is a roast pork and cheesesteak eatery that was founded in 1930 at its original location on East Snyder Avenue in Philadelphia. The eatery is considered a favorite among South Philadelphia locals and has gained mainstream recognition for its roast pork and cheesesteaks.John's Roast Pork was established in 1930 and is currently being run by John Bucci Jr., the family's third generation. The restaurant is known for its short hours opened from 6:45 AM to 3:00 PM. In 2013, it expanded to serving after hours at Mick Daniel's Saloon two blocks away.Before Phillip Morris sales manager John "Butch" Gleason died, he requested to be buried with a sandwich from John's Roast Pork.AwardsJohn's roast pork sandwich and sharp provolone cheesesteaks were featured in the championship finale of the Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in America and has been described by food critic Andrew Zimmern as well-seasoned to the secret Bucci family recipe and deboned “right on premises”.The establishment was designated as an “American Classic” for roast pork by the James Beard Foundation in 2006.In 2014, Niki Achitoff-Gray of Serious Eats considered John's Roast Pork, the best classic roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia as well as acknowledging them for their cheesesteaks.

2

Tony Luke's

Tony Luke's is a Cheesesteak restaurant that was founded in 1990 by Tony Luke, Jr. at its original location on 39 East Oregon Avenue in Philadelphia. The franchise has since expanded, with 16 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, one location each in Delaware and Florida, and two locations in Bahrain.AwardsIn 1998 GQ magazine cited Tony Luke's as one of the Golden Dishes for the year.

3

Pat's King of Steaks

Hours24/7AboutPat's King of Steaks (also known as Pat's Steaks) is a Philadelphia restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks, and located at the intersection of South 9th Street, Wharton Street and East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, directly across the street from rival Geno's Steaks.Pat's King of Steaks was founded by Pat and Harry Olivieri in 1930, when they opened a hot dog stall at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue. The brothers are generally credited as the 1933 co-creators of the Philly Cheesesteak.In 1933, as the family relates the story, the brothers were working their stand when they decided to try something different for lunch. Pat Olivieri sent Harry Olivieri to the market for some inexpensive steak. The brothers thinly sliced the steak, then grilled it along with some chopped onions. The aroma attracted a cabdriver who was a regular customer; he asked to try the dish which the brothers called a steak sandwich. Pat sold him the sandwich for ten cents.Soon afterwards, at the advice of the aforementioned cabdriver, the brothers started selling steak sandwiches instead of hot dogs. By 1940, they had saved enough to rent space to open a restaurant at the same spot where they had their stand. The two brothers worked at the restaurant for 15 to 18 hours a day for the next few decades while the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Harry worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard during World War II before returning to the restaurant.

4

Geno's Steaks

THE STORY OF GENO’S STEAKSGeno’s Steaks was started by Joey Vento back in 1966. He figured that if he was going to sell cheesesteaks, it needed to be where they were already eating them – at the “X” shaped intersection of 9th & Passyunk in South Philadelphia. Joey learned the ropes of the cheesesteak business from his father who, in the early 1940′s, opened a steak shop named “Jim’s Steaks” across the street from where Geno’s now stands. In 1966, Joey started “Geno’s” with 2 boxes of steaks, some hot dogs, and $6.00 in his pocket.His competitors predicted the doors would close within 6 months and as a twist of fate, there was already a “Joe’s Steaks.” In Joey’s attempt to come up with a new name, he noticed a broken door in the back of his store on which a neighborhood boy by the name of “GINO” had painted his name. Joey liked the name but at that time there was already a food chain by that name. Joey simply changed the “I” to an “E” and proceeded to name his steak shop Geno’s Steaks. In 1971, when his son was born, Joey and his wife Eileen decided to name him after their business.Geno Vento worked alongside his father from the age of 17 until Joey’s passing in 2011. Geno continues to work hard everyday to make his father proud and continue the cheesesteak legacy.The ingredients are simple and never greasy – thinly sliced rib-eye steak, melted cheese, oven-fresh baked bread and delicately grilled onions. Awaiting your piping hot sandwich on the counter outside are ketchup, mustard, and relish.

5

Jim's Steaks South St.

THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE! In the summer of 1976, my father and a business partner opened Jim's Steaks South St., bringing a unique art-deco storefront and an even more distinctive cheesesteak to a neighborhood in the midst of a renaissance. Few would have predicted that over the course of nearly four decades the shop would become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Philadelphia. You'll find us on what's known as the "Hippest Street in Town," serving up the finest cheesesteaks and hoagies from the heart of the city that made them famous. Five-time winner of Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly" award and Zagat rated, Jim's is your 'must-have' cheesesteak when only the BEST will do. With well over 200 years of cheesesteak-making knowhow, our staff will make you glad you stopped in each and every time you visit. Whether you're a Philly native or a conventioneer, touring the city's incredible history and museums or just passing through, you'll know you're getting the real Philly cheesesteak experience when you walk through our door. Ask anyone who has tasted our sandwiches! We can't wait to show you how it's done. Our best,Ken SilverSecond Generation Proprietor Jim's Steaks South St.

6

Campo's Deli

Ambrose and Rose Campo probably never imagined that the little grocery store they based their lives on in 1947 would still be here more than 50 years later--successful, growing, and continuing the traditions and values on which their future flourished.Campo's Philly Favorites come straight from their legacy--of quality, family, neighborhood, hard work and devotion, and of the one ingredient crucial to their success and ours: Personal service. It's kept our customers coming back since we, the next generation, took over in 1975.We grew up in the food and deli business, and we learned that the most important thing we can do is to put the customer first. We work hard to give you that extra special attention you deserve, we pay close attention to the details--and the results are exceptional.When Mike says, "That's not just a sandwich, that's someone's meal! Make it great!", it comes from his heart. Our business is more than just hoagies, steaks and sandwiches. It's personal--and it shows.So when you order any of the extra special foods we make here in our Philadelphia kitchen, you'll discover that, just like Ambrose and Rose, we don't let anything leave without a little love in it.

7

McNally's Tavern

A Short Account of Our Long HistoryEstablished in 1921 by Rose McNally hard by the Route 23 Trolley turnout on the highest hill in Philadelphia. McNally'sQuick Lunch was intended to simply provide a warm & hospitable respite to PRT trolley operators including her husband Hugh working the world's longest trolley line. Word of her simple but delicious fare quickly spread and soon Rose had plenty of customers. Today you'll find her great-granddaughters, Anne & Meg, just across the tracks, offering the same fresh meals and generous hospitality in the same identical building Rose & Hugh purchased in 1927 to accomodate their growing business. This Philadelphia landmark is located at 8634 Germantown Avenue in the city's Chestnut Hill neighborhood,across from the old trolley turn. Look for the whitewashed building with cedar shakes over the wide green door and a welcome bench under a single coach light; when it's lit you're in luck. Inside you'll find a simple family-friendly pub. Dark, quiet and SMOKE-FREE since 1998. A perfect setting to savor your pint of Guinness along with a cup of today's soup, a hearty sandwich and Meg's incredible homemade desserts.Soups, salads, sandwiches and simple platters have been the mainstays now for 86 years. View the full current menu to the right. There's also a Daily Special that includes a cup of soup and a soft beverage; could be a wrap of fresh baked turkey or a meatloaf & mashers plate, maybe even an enchilada. See this month's Daily Specials just below the tapped keg to your right. Soups are scratch-made and there's a new choice each day. Expect Prime Rib with mashers every Monday night, tavern-made crab cakes & authentic Snapper soup every Friday and, of course, McNally's famous Chicken Corn Chowder each and every Saturday.LUNCH & DINNER DAILYMONDAY-SATURDAY 11:00 - 11:00 OPEN SUNDAYS Noon - 8:00p215-247-9736PICK UP & TAKE OUT

8

Dalessandro's Steaks

Call ahead for fast pick-up!215-482-5407We serve a wide assortment of domestic and imported beers and gourmet soda along with the best sandwiches in Philadelphia.Fresh cut rib eye sliced daily!Store Hours:Monday to Saturday 11 am to MidnightNow open Sunday 11 to 9600 Wendover St. Philadelphia, PA 19128

9

Steve's Prince of Steaks

News & PressSteve’s Prince of Steaks getting ready downtownSteve's Prince of Steaks, founded three decades ago in a corner store near Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philly, is coming downtown. Crown JewelGrowing up in northeast Philadelphia, Steve Iliescu has always known the value of a good cheesesteak and its importance in the cultural scene of this city. As a boy, Iliescu made trips to Center City to get the beloved sandwich at the likes of Pat’s and Geno’s, sparking what would become a lifelong passion.Philly Edge FoodKing-sized steaksBest of Philly 2007If Steve's Prince of Steaks had a South Philly Location, there would no longer be a Pat's-vs.-Geno's feud, because both would, quite possibly, be run out of town.Best of Philly 1992In these health-conscious times, people sometimes act like they're too good to chow down on a Philly cheese-steak — that elemental ooze of protein, fat and onions on a roll — but it's funny how vehemently everyone defends their own personal best.

10

Shank's Original Pier 40

In 1962, when Shank and Evelyn Perri opened their luncheonette in South Philly’s Italian Market, they had no idea their establishment would become a Philadelphia icon. They called the place, simply, Shank & Evelyn’s and dedicated themselves to serving the best Classic Philly Sandwiches. All marketing was done the old school way - by word of mouth. Politicians came. Sports stars came. Show biz personalities came. They rubbed elbows with locals as they savored the Shank’s signature sandwiches. All thought of Shank’s as THE place to go when they were craving for the Original Taste of Philly. And nobody ever left hungry. With black and white checkerboard tile walls and neon lights that evoke the hearty, homey eateries of the 1950s and 1960s, the new Shank’s carries on the original legacy started 50 years ago. Shank’s continues to serve award winning Philly Cheesesteaks, Chicken Cutlets with Broccoli Rabe and Sharp Provolone, Old School Italian Hoagies and other Italian delicacies. Withstanding the test of time, Shank’s truly is the Original Taste of Philly. There is no secret to Shank’s success: “We use the finest ingredients and freshest bread to create the best Classic Philly Sandwiches. There is South Philly passion and pride behind every handmade Shank’s sandwich. Shank’s makes every sandwich with love. We take pride in offering high quality products with exceptional service to our customers.

10 Spots for Authentic Philly Cheesesteaks
10 Stops