Philadelphia is the home of a number of iconic foods, none quite as beloved as the Philly cheesesteak. With so many restaurants claiming to have “the best” version of this classic sandwich, it can be difficult to decide where to go if you’re looking for an authentic taste experience.
To help you out in we’ve assembled some of our favorite spots around town where both tourists and locals enjoy great-tasting sandwiches made with quality ingredients.
1. Cosmi's Deli your quest for the perfect cheesesteak
Founded back in 1932, this corner store in South Philly has been serving up delicious cheesesteaks for almost a century. The sandwiches are made with fresh-sliced ribeye steak and served on a long roll. You can customize your order by adding sautéed onions, mushrooms, peppers, or any other toppings you prefer. The hoagies and pork sandwiches are also popular at Cosmi's. If you're feeling adventurous, try the Sicilian Steak, a classic cheesesteak with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. You can also pick up specialty Italian groceries and snacks at Cosmi's.
2. Gooey Looie's
Located inside a Pennsport Grocery Store, Gooey Looie's is a Cheesesteak joint specializing in more than just cheesesteaks. The Steak Deluxe is the restaurant's signature sandwich and it comes with beefsteak, fried onions, cheese sauce, and mayo. If you're feeling extra hungry, try their Super Deluxe which includes bacon, mushrooms, and banana peppers. Other menu items include burgers, sandwiches, hoagies, and Philly-style chicken fingers.
3. John's Roast Pork
John's Roast Pork has been a Philadelphia institution for over a hundred years. While they are famous for their roast pork sandwiches, they also serve up some of the city’s best cheesesteaks. John's uses fresh-cut ribeye steak and adds sautéed onions and sharp provolone cheese to make their signature sandwich. The steak is cooked on the grill right in front of you and then added to a long roll. Be sure to order some cheese fries too- they are the perfect side dish. For an extra kick, you can try their Spicy Cheesesteak which includes jalapenos and hot sauce.
4. Pat's King of Steaks
You won't find a more iconic spot in Philly to enjoy a great cheesesteak. Pat's King of Steaks has been around for decades and their sandwiches are beloved by locals and tourists alike. Pat’s uses thinly sliced ribeye steak cooked to perfection on the griddle, topped with melted cheese, grilled onions, mushrooms, or any other topping you want. The sandwiches are served on an Italian roll for a classic taste experience.
You can also order up some delicious cheesesteak fries, which are crinkle-cut fries topped with melted cheese, steak, and your choice of toppings. Even better, Pat's is open 24 hours a day, so you can enjoy one of their delicious sandwiches no matter what time it is.
5. Try a Home Recipe
Not everyone can make it to Philadelphia to try a real cheesesteak, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the flavor at home. If you want to give it a shot, there are plenty of recipes available online for making your own Philly-style sandwich.
Be sure to use quality ingredients like fresh ribeye steak and sharp provolone cheese for the authentic Philly flavor. You can also customize your sandwich with any toppings you prefer, like mushrooms, peppers, onions, and more. You can find Philly cheesesteak recipes and videos on the internet. For the true Philly experience, make sure to get an Italian roll from your local bakery.
Philly cheesesteak is a classic American dish that offers a delicious combination of steak, cheese, and flavor. Whether you’re visiting Philadelphia or staying at home, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this iconic sandwich. From classic spots like Pat's King of Steaks to creative takes on the dish at Gooey Looie's and John's Roast Pork, you can experience the flavors of Philadelphia no matter where you are.
For more details, you can visit https://unpeeledjournal.com/how-to-make-philly-cheesesteak-recipe
