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Pat's King of Steaks - Philadelphia, PA

Pat Olivieri invented the cheese steak in 1930. His family continues to operate his restaurant, and while connoisseurs enjoy debating the merits of the city’s many cheese steak sources (some operated by renegades from Pat’s own family), this joint’s shaved-beef-and-cheese sandwiches on serious Italian bread have stood for over half a century as the benchmark.
91% Approval Rating (58 votes)
5 - Overall: Worth driving from anyplace
Overall: Worth driving from anyplace

Must Eats

cheese steak ($5.00)

Written Reviews

rating
Michael Stern
Roadfood.com Editor
"Pat’s has no wine list, no silverware, and no maitre d’; but it has ambience galore. Observe the splattered hot sauce underfoot, the dropped and crushed French fries on the sidewalk. Listen to the rumble of trucks going past on their way to or from the Italian ..."   [Read More].

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Map & Directions

Yahoo Link
1237 E. Passyunk, Philadelphia, PA
215-468-1546

http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Breakfast, Lunch, Late Night
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:No
Alcohol Served:No
Outdoor Seating:No
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:Yes
A nice addition to the basic sandwich: mushrooms. Also, this one was made with provolone instead of Whiz. Extra peppers and hot sauce are available for customers to pile on.
"A nice addition to the basic sandwich: mushrooms. Also, this one was made with provolone instead of Whiz. Extra peppers and hot sauce are available for customers to pile on."
Michael Stern





The original Philadelphia cheese steak, an American classic
"The original Philadelphia cheese steak, an American classic"
Michael Stern


A look into the grill of the originator.
"A look into the grill of the originator."
Cormac


Heaps of steak and onions await assembly.
"Heaps of steak and onions await assembly. "
JBarry713


These instructions are no joke. Say your order correctly, or run the risk of ridicule from the counter men and experienced steak eaters waiting to order theirs. Note the photos on the ceiling. Like most Delaware Valley sandwich shops, Pat's primary form of decoration is 8x10s of celebs who love the place, family, and friends.
"These instructions are no joke. Say your order correctly, or run the risk of ridicule from the counter men and experienced steak eaters waiting to order theirs. Note the photos on the ceiling. Like most Delaware Valley sandwich shops, Pat's primary form of decoration is 8x10s of celebs who love the place, family, and friends."
Michael Stern


Finally at the front of the line and about to order.
"Finally at the front of the line and about to order."
JBarry713


This commemorative plaque, honoring the movie Rocky, filmed in the neighborhood, is on the sidewalk at Pat's. No one seems to mind dripping Cheez Whiz on it while they eat.
"This commemorative plaque, honoring the movie Rocky, filmed in the neighborhood, is on the sidewalk at Pat's. No one seems to mind dripping Cheez Whiz on it while they eat."
Michael Stern


Pat's is cheap-eats democracy in action. People arrive in private cars, limos, and taxis, on foot and in wheelchairs.
"Pat's is cheap-eats democracy in action. People arrive in private cars, limos, and taxis, on foot and in wheelchairs. "
Michael Stern


A Pat's cheesesteak with Whiz and onions.  This 2008 edition of a Pat's steak was particularly good.
"A Pat's cheesesteak with Whiz and onions. This 2008 edition of a Pat's steak was particularly good."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


A view through the steamy, splattered window shows a big pile of cooked, hacked beef.
"A view through the steamy, splattered window shows a big pile of cooked, hacked beef."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


The left side of the grill holds raw beef, thinly sliced and freshly laid on the hot surface.
"The left side of the grill holds raw beef, thinly sliced and freshly laid on the hot surface."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


Memorial Day '08 shows Pat's with a new sign.  Most customers are probably at the beach or barbecueing in their own backyards.
"Memorial Day '08 shows Pat's with a new sign. Most customers are probably at the beach or barbecueing in their own backyards."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


The Mural Arts Program was started in the 1980's as a way to combat graffiti.  Today there are over 2700 of these murals in Philadelphia.  We combined our cheesesteak expedition with a casual tour of some of these works of street art.  This mural is across the street from Pat's.  Done by artist Peter Pagast, it features portraits of South Philly musical legends Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Al Martino, Eddie Fisher, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, and Jerry Blavat.  For more info on the Mural Arts Program, see http://www.muralarts.org/.
"The Mural Arts Program was started in the 1980's as a way to combat graffiti. Today there are over 2700 of these murals in Philadelphia. We combined our cheesesteak expedition with a casual tour of some of these works of street art. This mural is across the street from Pat's. Done by artist Peter Pagast, it features portraits of South Philly musical legends Fabian, Bobby Rydell, Al Martino, Eddie Fisher, Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, and Jerry Blavat. For more info on the Mural Arts Program, see http://www.muralarts.org/."
Bruce Bilmes and Susan Boyle


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