Philadelphia, PA

There’s only one place to get a Cheesesteak. Philadelphia. Sure, other cities claim to have them. They even try to call them “Philly steaks”, but don’t be fooled. It’s just not the same. Okay, maybe there’s some bias here, but for good reason. There’s no doubt, Cheesesteaks are a big deal to this city. Steak sandwiches first originated here in Philly, in 1930. Credit for invention is attributed to Pat Oliveri (of Pat’s King of Steaks where 9th street crosses Wharton & Passyunk Ave), and Joe Vento (of Geno’s at the intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue) claims to be the first to add cheese.

And that’s when the great debate began that still continues today. Though Pat’s and Geno’s may be the big names, theres many other favorites on the rise. Whenever I past Jim’s on south street, there’s a line out front wrapping around the corner down 4th street. And I’m pretty sure every diner in the city has “cheesesteak” on the menu.

But just for fun, let’s have a little vote. They all claim to be the best in the city but who’s your favorite for the greesy, cheesy deliciousness that is the Philly Cheesesteak? Pat’s, Geno’s or one of the many others all around Philadelphia? Submit your votes by comment or email me at meg.hine@451press.net. I’ll post the final tallies at the end of the week.

And a side note…The Reading Terminal Market is in danger of losing its staple steak stop, Rick’s Steaks. Rick Oliveri faces eviction after 25 years because the Market management refuses to offer a new lease. But Rick has other plan’s than to just sit back and let them replace his restaurant with Tony Luke’s. The Market planned rally in support of Rick’s Steaks with t-shirts saying, Front: “Save Rick’s Steaks, Save Reading Termianal Market” and back: “Who’s Next?” Other terminal shop owners are now concerned that the evictions won’t end with Rick’s. (Article in the Metro)

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