Well, everybody knows that Philadelphia is known for their cheesesteaks, and that two of the most popular places to get one are located at an intersection called 9th and Passyunk in the city's South Philadelphia neighborhood. I really wanted to try Geno's, but the line there was very, very long. This is around 1pm on a Saturday afternoon.
Pat's is a Philly institution having been in the area since the 1930's. The Oliveri brothers are generally credited with the creation of the steak sandwich, and the restaurant is still family owned.
Like most dense neighborhoods in Philly, parking can be a challenge. If you can't snag a spot in front of Pat's, you can circle for a spot on one of the side streets. Most spots are unmetered.
There's two seating areas around the shack. When you go to order, you can go to one of two windows. The main window is for ordering your cheesesteaks, and the other is for ordering fries and drinks. Locals do order a certain way:
- "Wit" means with onions, "Wit-out" means no onions.
- They offer several different kinds of cheeses. Cheese Whiz is their most popular. They also offer Mozzarella, American, and Provolone. If you don't want cheese, just say Plain.
- They are cash only.
I ordered a Provolone Wit...and about $9 and two minutes later, here it is!
Pat's is a very touristy thing to do in Philly, but you might as well do it once, ya know? After eating at Pat's, I'd recommend taking a stroll up South 9th Street, home of one of the largest outdoor markets in the country.
Pat's King of Steaks
1237 East Passyunk Ave (at 9th and Wharton Streets)
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Website | Yelp Page
