I can't remember if I ever had a Philly-style Cheesesteak - it seems so simple, just grilled sliced steak and melty cheese in a roll, that I must have had some version sometime.
Well, I got my fill when I started dating my wife, Linda. She grew up a half hour away from Philadelphia (and went to the university), so I've tagged along on her visits home, and, of course, I immediately started scarfing down Philly Cheesesteaks.
This is a series on many of the Cheesesteaks I had the pleasure to know while visiting Pennsylvania. So, check back for more Cheesesteak reviews. I go from the lowly and cheapest Wawa Convenience Store/Gas Station $7.49 Cheesesteak to the Michelin Guide-listed $21 Cheesesteak from Del Rossi Cheesesteak & Pizza Company. And...it's all good!
First up is the Cheesesteak from the originator of the Beefsteak Sandwich on an Italian Roll.
Pat's King of Steaks came up with this classic sandwich in 1930. They also introduced Kraft Cheez Whiz on the Steak Sandwich in the 1950's. Read all about it here.
The Cheesesteak Sandwich is commonly known as a Philly Cheesesteak. Philadelphia, or Philly, has restaurants serving Cheesesteaks every few blocks. They are as common as a Los Angeles taco kiosk. Most Philly pizza joints have Cheesesteak on the menu, as well.
The steak is thin-sliced, grilled ribeye steak (my favorite cut of beef), and Pat's loads up the sandwich, and the thinly sliced beef hangs off the sides of the break roll in waves.
This steak is not finely chopped; you can grab hold and pull out a beef slice like it came out of a stacked deli sandwich.
The Cheesesteak Sandwich is huge and about 10 inches long. You will not leave hungry!
It's all about the Ribeye cut of beef at Pat's King of Steaks.
After 3/4 of a century making Cheesesteaks, Pat's King of Steaks has it down pat!
While I was recording footage at Pat's a chatty local named Anthony grabbed my attention. He worked at Pat's in the 1990's as a manager.
He was friendly and full of stories about working there, including Rocky Balboa, aka Sylvester Stallone, shoting a scene from the movie Rocky. Here's the plaque at Pat's, outside on the floor near the pickup window, where Rocky Balboa stood, and you can stand in the same spot cradling a Cheesesteak in your boxing gloves.
I asked what to order, and he said get the Wiz. That's what they're famous for", so I did.
Like liquid gold, Kraft Cheez Whiz is just Whiz; what can I say. Cheese Whiz is a cheese product, like gravy in an unnaturally bright yellow/orange hue, that has an American cheese pungent flavor. I like it fine.
Provolone cheese came first about a decade after the first Steak Sandwich. It is a mild white cheese. I think most prefer Provolone or Copper Sharp. You want a cheese that easily melts into the grilled steak.
Cooper Sharp processed cheese is similar to White Cheddar cheese. There are many toppings, including pizza sauce, grilled onions, and mushrooms.
They have typical sides like French Fries and Mozzarella Sticks, and some I've never heard of: Pizza Fries, anyone?
The bread roll is soft inside, and chewy on the outside. The bread roll is made by Aversa's Italian Bakery out of South New Jersy. The bread roll is sturdy enough to hold melting cheesy steak and any extra toppings you request.
There is a tongue-in-cheek sign listing how to order a Cheesesteak (see my video). The order taker asked if I wanted onions and that sounded good to me. They come chopped and grilled, always a tasty addition (no extra charge for grilled onions),
I asked the manager if I could enter the grilling station to document a sandwich being made. They were generous to let me film. The cooks know what they are doing - the sliced ribeye is grilled and seasoned just right, and the cheese plus toppings are abundant. They make quick work of the sandwich.
The molten Cheez Whiz is in a vat and smeared on the grilled steak sandwich just before serving.
There are plenty of red metal picnic tables all along the covered exterior of the building. I was there in the summer so no problem eating outside. I bet the Cheesesteak would taste extra good on a chilly and rainly Philly day.
If you want pickle relish or ketchup, look for the kiosk by the pickup window. That's where you get napkins, straws, and plastic utensils, too.
Don't forget to ask for the complimentary Pickled Cherry Peppers, and believe me, they are spicy hot! You'll need water or a soft drink to cool down.
It's quite the scene at Pat's King of Steaks with all the tourists and locals dropping by. Remember, you're in the city, so if you are driving, grab the first parking space you see.
There is only one Pat's King of Steaks, and they are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
99 thanks to Anthony, the cooks, and the manager at Pat's for letting this cheap$kate hang out!
Don't forget to check back here; I have more Cheesesteaks to share with you.
Pat's King of Steaks1237 E. Passyunk Avenue (at 9th & Wharton Streets)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Website: www.patskingofsteaks.com
