Hip Trips with Cheldin:

The Philly Cheesesteak

Philadelphia is home to one legendary sandwich that has visitors, residents and celebrities chiming in on the classic debate – who has the best cheesesteak in town? I decided to do my own taste test at a few famous cheesesteak spots, and I am still undecided!  Each place has its own “it” factor.

Ishkabibble’s  337 South Street (3rd and South Streets)

My first stop was Ishkabibble’s. Don’t let the size of this place fool you. Ishkabibble’s has created a loyal following of those who swear by their flavorful cheesesteaks. Whether you prefer steak, chicken or veggie, Ishkabibble’s has the perfect sandwich for you.

Any of these sandwiches can be paired with Ishkabibble’s one-of-a-kind Gremlin drink.  What’s a Gremlin, you ask?  This insider favorite is a combination of grape juice and lemonade. Check out what hip hop artist, B.o.B. had to say about Ishkabibble’s Gremlin here.

Jim’s Steaks  4th and South Streets

My next stop was Jim’s Steaks, a true Philadelphia landmark. I found Jim’s Steaks to be the most energetic of the bunch with lines of guests wrapping around its front entrance and lively employees catering to their every need. Whether you prefer American or Provolone cheese, fried onions or hot peppers, ketchup or hot sauce with your cheesesteak – there are almost no limits to what the crew at Jim’s Steaks can serve up. 

Geno’s Steaks  9th Street and Passyunk Avenue

A steak shop like no other, Geno’s Steaks has created memories for many Philadelphians and has become a rite of passage for those who visit the city in search of the perfect Philadelphia cheesesteak.

I am a huge fan of the Geno’s Steaks cheese fries. Nothing is better than pairing an authentic Philly cheesesteak with a hot order of cheese fries. I can’t stop by Geno’s Steaks without ordering one (or two) serving(s) of cheese fries.

I grab my steak and fries and make my way under the orange neon lights to begin my feast. With no apologies, I dig in – saving the napkin for last, because taking a break between bites would simply be a waste of time.

Pat’s King of Steaks 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue

Pat’s King of Steaks is where I truly became a Philadelphian, because I ate my very first cheesesteak here.  

My first trip to Pat’s: I had no idea that there was such a science to ordering a steak sandwich, but I quickly caught on and was ready for the challenge.   I reached the front of the line and with no hesitation, I shouted, “Whiz wit!” – meaning Cheese Whiz with fried onions. I had done it.  I correctly ordered an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak from Pat’s, and I have been hooked ever since.

Tony Luke’s Old Philly Style Sandwiches  39 East Oregon Avenue

I lived in Philadelphia for about 5 years before I ever visited Tony Luke’s. I was banking on a swinging through and grabbing my standard “Whiz wit,” but I was astonished at what I found at Tony Luke’s.

The options were endless. I thought that I mastered the art of cheesesteaks in Philly, but Tony Luke’s exposed me to a new world of flavors and options.

These legendary places have me completely convinced that Philly is the place for an unforgettable cheesesteak.

As a Philly 360° Insider, I have spoken with some pretty big names in the entertainment industry who have visited our city –  and they all mention the Philadelphia cheesesteak as one of their favorite things about Philly.  Watch the videos below to see what the celebs, including B.o.B., Yolanda Adams, and ?uestlove had to say about Philly cheesesteaks in their interviews!

Want to do your own taste test?  Don’t limit yourself to just these five places.  Philly is full of delicious cheesesteak eateries. 

Here are some other top picks:

Dalessandro’s  Steaks and Hoagies - 600 Wendover Street

John’s Roast Pork - 14 Snyder Avenue

Campos Deli - 214 Market Street

There are also some higher-end cheesesteaks available:

Continental - 138 Market Street

Four Seasons’ Swann Lounge - 1 Logan Square

Barclay Prime - 237 South 18th Street