Best cheese steak in Philly?

In the past it has been a hot topic of conversation regarding where to get the best Philly-style cheese steak in Louisville... I am NOT bringing that topic up again (because we ALL remember that Danny Mac's ROCKS!).

I am off to Philadelphia this coming weekend and I am in search of the best place to have the REAL DEAL! This is my first visit to the city of brotherly love and I know some of you have insider info. I certainly don't want to waste a huge amount of calories on anything less than the best, so please post your favorite spot. Thanks!!!

Looks like just about everything you need to know is right here:

No American sandwich is more iconic than the Philly Cheesesteak. Invented in 1930, the cheesesteak is a sandwich of legendary proportions, steeped in rivalry, controversy and mouth-watering self-indulgence. When Tony Luke Junior opened Tony Luke's in 1992, everyone thought he had no chance to survive against the three kings of cheesesteaks: Pat's, Gino's and Jim's. But in 1994, Tony's steaks were ranked "Best of Philly" by Philadelphia Magazine, thus placing him and his deliciously decadent sandwich atop the coveted Philly Cheesesteak throne. In this episode, Tony Luke Jr.'s having a blowout bash for all of his customers. He doesn't know that Bobby's rolling into town to Throwdown against the Cheesesteak King. Will it be Bobby's sliced sirloin or Tony's aged rib eye that will reign supreme?

After spending 2 summers in Philly I would have to say go to either Pats, which started making them in 1939, or Geno's which is right across the street. Stand outside and rub elbows with locals and celebs and get the full Philly experience. The added bonus of visiting one of these institutions is you will have an opportunity to walk the 9th Street Market - an experience in itself.

Enjoy

It is very important that you order your sandwich correctly and quickly or you will be told to go to the back of the line.

Pat's King of Steaks. When you order just say "steak", sandwich is understood. If you want cheese and onions say "steak, cheese with" and if you want it loaded with the good stuff say "steak, cheese with and take the guts out." that way they remove the inside of the roll so peppers can be laid in. One of my work buds wife is a South Philly native and she passed that tidbit to me on my first visit to Philly. She also passed on the advice to try to not act like a tourist in South Philly, either.

It's not 'cheese with,' it's 'cheese wit.'

Pat's is great. The proper eating method is over the sidewalk, standing at a 45 degree angle, holding the sandwich out so you don't drip everything on yourself.

Dalessandro's in Roxborough (that's the Roxborough neighborhood in the north/northwest of Philly). Chubby's, across the street, is also good.

Yum, yum!

And while you're there, go to the Ridge Diner on Ridge Ave in Roxborough; a great east-coast-greasy-spoon-delicious-food-dirt-cheap diner.

It's not 'cheese with,' it's 'cheese wit.'

Pat's is great. The proper eating method is over the sidewalk, standing at a 45 degree angle, holding the sandwich out so you don't drip everything on yourself.

Cheese wit: That cheese may be gouda but this one is feta.

Having grown up in Philly and sampled cheesesteaks all over town my favorite place is Jim's Steaks on the corner of 4th and South Sts. A cheesesteak with fried onions and cheese whiz. The atmosphere of this place is classic with great people watching.

....AS I waited in Pat s line a few years ago, I watched a long limo drive up...

In a beautifully clad grey uniform was an immaculate chaffeur....his BLACK boots were polished to the hilt AS THE VISOR ON HIS CAP... He picked up "SEVEN DOZEN steaks to go".....

I asked who he was and was told the Chairman s Driver...".Frank Sinatra was in town and he and his friends ate a lot of steaks!"

Next, I asked what kind of cheese was the most popular and I was told CHEESE WHIZ !

jjg jR

I being a true lover of "Real" Philly steaks have found it hard to find the real deal outside of Philly. But on a recent trip to Hero's in J-Town I was extremely pleased with their Philly which was oozing cheese (and flavor!!) .