The Philly Cheesesteak Pilgrimage: A Quest for Greasy Glory (and Maybe Cheese Whiz)
Ah, the Philly cheesesteak. A symphonic melody of sizzling ribeye, a soft Amoroso roll playing the supporting role, and cheese that stretches like a toddler reaching for a cookie jar. But where, oh where, do you find the perfect cheesesteak in the cheesesteak capital of the world? Buckle up, my friends, because we're about to dive headfirst into this deliciously messy debate.
What is The Best Place To Get A Philly Cheesesteak In Philadelphia |
The Contenders: A Fistful of Cheesesteak Legends
Philadelphia is littered with cheesesteak royalty, each with their own passionate fanbase. Here's a rundown of the heavy hitters:
- Geno's Steaks vs. Pat's King of Steaks: This is the cheesesteak version of the Hatfield-McCoy feud. Both on South Street, both claim cheesesteak supremacy, both will likely have a line out the door. Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes and loosen your belt.
- Tony Luke's: They say they invented the cheesesteak (jury's still out), but there's no denying their steaks are legendary. Plus, their roast pork is a revelation.
- Jim's Steaks (South vs. West): It's a family affair! Jim's Steaks has two locations, both serving up classic cheesesteaks with a loyal following.
- Dalessandro's Steaks: This underdog is a favorite among locals, known for their juicy steaks and killer cheese whiz (yes, whiz lovers, there are dozens of you!).
The Great Debate: Whiz vs. Provolone? Wit or Without?
Here's where things get interesting. Cheesesteak purists will scoff at the idea of Cheese Whiz, but hey, to each their own! The "wit" vs. "without" debate refers to the presence of onions. Take your pick, but be warned: strong opinions abound.
QuickTip: Repetition reinforces learning.
Side note: Don't even think about asking for ketchup. You might get escorted out (with a delicious cheesesteak, hopefully).
The Verdict: It's All About You, Boo
The truth is, the best cheesesteak is the one that hits your taste buds just right. Maybe you crave a cheesesteak piled high with Cheez Whiz, or perhaps a classic provolone and onion combo is your jam. The beauty of the Philly cheesesteak adventure is the exploration!
Note: Skipping ahead? Don’t miss the middle sections.
Here's a bonus tip: Many cheesesteak joints offer a variety of sizes. Don't be afraid to go for the "wimpy" size if you're feeling peckish. These things are hearty!
FAQ: Cheesesteak Pilgrimage Edition
How to Order a Cheesesteak Like a Local: Speak in a gruff yet endearing tone. Point at what you want, and don't be shy about customizing.
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
How to Avoid Cheese Whiz on Your Perfect Provolone Masterpiece: Just say "provolone only" with quiet confidence.
How to Properly Dispose of Cheesesteak Wrappers: There will likely be a designated bin. If not, find the nearest trash can and dispose of it responsibly (because littering is not cheesesteak classy).
Tip: A slow, careful read can save re-reading later.
How to Pace Yourself During Your Cheesesteak Crawl: Cheesesteaks are dense. Share with a friend, or space them out over a few days.
How to Survive a Cheesesteak Coma (Optional): Take a walk around the city and soak up the Philly vibes. A cheesesteak coma is a beautiful thing, but moderation is key.