Philadelphia's ribeye sandwich: shaved thin, Cheez Whiz on top, soft Amoroso roll. Pat's and Geno's have faced each other across the same South Philly intersection since 1930.
About Cheesesteak
Philadelphia's most iconic sandwich: thinly shaved ribeye (the meat must be frozen briefly to slice thin enough) cooked on a flat-top griddle and topped with Cheez Whiz (the canonical choice), provolone or American cheese in a soft, hinge-cut Amoroso roll; Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks face each other across an intersection in South Philly and have been arguing about the definitive version since 1930.
Philadelphia's Sandwich
The cheesesteak is Philadelphia's defining sandwich: thinly shaved ribeye cooked on a flat-top griddle, topped with cheese and piled into a soft roll. It is fast, messy, working-class food, eaten on the go. Few dishes are as tied to a single American city.
“The cheesesteak is Philadelphia's defining sandwich: thinly shaved ribeye cooked on a flat-top griddle, topped with cheese and piled into a soft roll.”
The Meat and Roll
The beef is sliced very thin, often partly frozen first to get it paper-thin, then chopped on the griddle as it cooks. The roll matters too: a soft, sturdy local Amoroso-style hoagie roll that holds the juicy meat without falling apart. Standard bread does not have the right crumb for the job.
The Cheese Debate
The choice of cheese is a real Philadelphia argument. Cheez Whiz, the processed cheese sauce, is the traditional and best-known option, coating the meat in a way real cheese cannot; provolone is the sharper alternative, and American the middle ground. Ordering correctly, naming the cheese and whether onions are wanted, is part of the ritual.
Pat's and Geno's
The two most famous purveyors face each other across a South Philadelphia intersection and have argued over the definitive cheesesteak for the better part of a century. The shorthand ordering, such as Whiz wit for Cheez Whiz with onions, is expected and rewarded with smooth service. The roll, the shaved meat and the cheese together make it the most specific of American regional sandwiches.
What to Expect
At Pat's or Geno's, ordering occurs at the window: "Whiz wit" signals Cheez Whiz with onions. Stating it in the proper order prompts a smooth service, while the line behind may reveal staff irritation.
Why Try It
The Philly cheesesteak is the most specific regional American sandwich, the roll, the shaved meat and the Cheez Whiz are all locally essential.
Insider Tips
- Order 'Whiz wit' (Cheez Whiz with onions) at Pat's or Geno's for the traditional version.
- The Amoroso roll is specifically baked for cheesesteak, standard hoagie rolls don't have the right crumb structure.
- Jim's Steaks on South Street is the third essential address.
