Located in West Philadelphia, Jim's Steaks has been serving the area's finest steak sandwich since 1939.
The menu is simple: steaks, Italian sausage, burgers, and hoagies. This 62nd Street location recently introduced chicken cheesesteaks to the menu but let's be frank. The majority of customers come for a Jim's Steak, which you can have with one of three cheeses: provolone, American, or Whiz. Jim's fried onions are known throughout the city of Philadelphia as being the best.
Bottled beer is served as well and chips, no fries. The dining area is like any other classic Philadelphia steak shop: there's a counter, and there are stools but they are rarely used. This is Philadelphia, where you stand.
On the counter, and not on the menu, is Jim's Mud Sauce. The Mud is a blend of spices, oil, and peppers cooked into a sauce that goes well with a Jim's steak. The Mud is hot and the heat can vary between visits so do not be fooled by a lack of heat on a previous visit. As hot as the mud is, it is trumped by flavor as it spreads across your palate. The Mud can be addictive to those who like a little heat.
Lastly, I want to pay special attention to a few factors that make Jim's West Philadelphia the finest steak shop. One is a grill that has been in operation since the 1940's. There is no substitute for an over-60-year-old seasoned grill cooking Philadelphia's finest steak sandwich! The surface of the grill is a series of dents and grooves from six decades of use. It also has several hot spots where your steak can be turned upside down so as to slightly crisp the roll; just ask the cook.
Two: consistency, due to the number of longtime employees at Jim's West Philly, many with a decade or more of service, some with as many as three decades of service. This is evident after taking your first bite. There will be no snot-face kid running this grill and preparing your food. Lastly, Jim's uses only quality meat sliced fresh each and every day.
70 years of cooking Philadelphia's finest steak alone should be enough for one to seek out Jim's 62nd Street. However, if my review can help in the slightest then you are welcome.
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