Pat's vs. Jim's: Superbowl of the Philly Cheesesteaks!

Courtesy: http://www.patskingofsteaks.com

VS

Courtesy: http://www.jimssteaks.com

Ok, so this Saturday a group of 8 of us took a pre-Super Bowl road trip to Philly, to get ourselves some cheesesteaks and wander South Street. Since there were a few Philly Cheesesteak virgins in the crowd, we decided to make it interesting: we decided we'd hit Pat's first, clear our palate by having a few drinks, and then hit Jim's on South Street. So, here's a little review on each, and our thoughts as to who the winner is!

First, Pat's King of Steaks: Pat's, located at its current location in South Philly for like 70-something years, is one of the 2 most well-known in the city (the other being Geno's, which is right across the street). What make's Pat's unique is the experience. For starters, you have to order your cheesesteak the "Philly way," which consists of barking 3 words or so at them, depending on what you want. They do not want to hear "umm, let me see..... I guess I'll get the..." They will send you right to the back of the line. You tell them "wit" or "witout" (to specify whether or not you want onions) and the type of cheese. If you don't specify the cheese they default to the standard Cheese Whiz. So if you want a regular cheesesteak without onions, you just yell "1 witout;" if you want one with onions and provalone you say "1 provy wit." And, make sure you have your money ready because they do not like watching you fumble through your wallet. Their not-so-friendliness makes you feel just like a South Philadelphian.

As for the cheesesteak, its about 6-8 inches, decently stuffed, and deliciously greasy. The locals tend to think they are more generous with the Whiz than their competition. Everyone enjoyed theirs for the most part. However we pretty much scarfed them down, as Pat's only has outdoor seating and it was in the low 30's in Philly. If they are busy, you will have trouble finding somewhere to sit, but they were surprisingly slow when we got there. Probably because of the cold. Parking is also a pain. However, while you're parked you can walk up to the famous 9th Street Market.

Now, for Jim's Steaks: From my observation and conversations with people, this seems to be regarded as the #3 place in town (with Pat's and Geno's fighting for #1). However, we tend to rate them a bit higher. Originally opened in the 1930's in North Philly, their most popular location is probably the one on South Street, which is where we went. Though the line doesnt move as fast as Pat's, it is well worth the wait. The cheesesteaks are longer - about 8-10 inches - and they have more fixin's if you so desire. They are also a little bit friendlier, although if you're like me, you'll get picked on for ordering the Yoohoo in a can ("you a big man, ain't you").

Everyone loved their steaks here. They are a little less greasy than Pat's, but do not lack in flavor. And again, they are a bit bigger. If you like the fried onions, they are generous with those as well. It was well worth the long wait (and subsequent parking tickets).

It is an indoor shop, although the line often goes out the door and around to 4th Street, so you wont be in the cold as long. They have indoor eating upstairs, but it is usually packed. But if you wait seats will usually open up. Beats eating in the cold. Parking is a little bit easier on South Street, but the "parking enforcement officials" are insane. If you've ever seen Parking Wars, you'll understand. The shop is also located on the eclectic and unique South Street, so after your cheesesteak you can walk the various shops and/or bars of South St/Society Hill.

So, if you haven't figured out already, our choice as the winner: JIM'S. It was the unanimous opinion that Jim's was just a much better cheasesteak. And you didn't have to eat it in the cold! Don't get me wrong though, we loved both of them; but we just thought Jim's had the edge in every aspect. Many of the locals disagree, but I think they're just afraid that if they don't say Pat's is the best, they're lose credibility as Philadelphians.  But that's just our opinion - we encourage you to take the trip to South Philly, try them all, and decide for yourself!

Also, we'd like to give an honorable mention to Happy Day's Bar on 2nd Street (or was it 3rd?). Former known as Kildare's, we have no idea if they have a cheesesteak or not, but the people who worked there were pretty cool, and it wasn't overpriced like some of those bars in the area!

Pat's King of Steaks:
Passyunk Avenue and Wharton Street
Phila, PA

Jim's Steaks:
South and 4th Streets
Phila, PA