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John's Roast Pork ★ 4.8
John's Roast Pork in Philadelphia is the 1930 South Philly counter at Snyder and Weccacoe, James Beard America's Classic 2006 with the city's defining roast.
OrderRoast pork sandwich, cheesesteak
Thin-shaved rib-eye on a long Amoroso roll, griddled with chopped onions and finished with melted Cheez Whiz, American or provolone. The South Philly sandwich that travelled the world.
The cheesesteak was invented in 1930 at 9th and Wharton in South Philly. Pat Olivieri, a hot-dog vendor, threw a handful of thin-shaved beef on his grill, slid it into an Italian roll and sold the result to a taxi driver. Cheez Whiz was added in the 1950s. Geno's Steaks opened directly across Passyunk Avenue in 1966 and the two-vendor rivalry has run uninterrupted ever since. John's Roast Pork on Snyder, open since 1930, runs a parallel claim to the city's best version. Ordering is its own language: one-Whiz-wit means one cheesesteak with Whiz and onions, one-Whiz-witout means without onions. American and provolone are accepted answers. Ketchup is not.
4 editor picks for Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, ranked by editorial score. All Philadelphia signature dishes · Philly cheesesteak across every city.
Pat's King of Steaks ★ 4.5
Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia is the 1930 founder of the cheesesteak at 9th and Passyunk, where Pat Olivieri ladled chopped steak onto a hot-dog roll.
OrderPhilly cheesesteak
Geno's Steaks ★ 4.4
Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia is the 1966 Joe Vento cheesesteak corner across Passyunk from Pat's, the orange-and-neon South Philly rival half.
OrderPhilly cheesesteak
Jim's Steaks South Street ★ 4.4
Jim's Steaks South Street in Philadelphia is the 1976 South Street counter that reopened May 2024 after the 2022 fire, expanded into the next-door Eyes.
OrderPhilly cheesesteak
Learn to cook it, or eat it with a guide
Philly cheesesteak makes more sense with someone from Philadelphia explaining it. These are the classes and tours we have checked, with booking links.
Taste Philly cheesesteak with a local in Philadelphia
This dish
Guided tour · 2h 30m
Philadelphia: Flavors of Philly Guided Foodie Tour
Discover Philly's most popular food favorites on a guided foodie walking tour. Get a taste of the city's history and culture as you chow down on favorite local dishes.
from$68 Check dates
This dish
Guided tour · 2.5 hours
Philadelphia: Best of Philly Food Tour
Philadelphia is a city rich in culture and cuisine. Join us on this walking tour where you’ll indulge in both the classic eats and undiscovered delights of Center City...
from$59 Check dates
Guided tour · 45 minutes
Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market Walking Tour
Explore the Reading Terminal Market of Philadelphia on a walking tour. Learn about the market's history, hear stories of some of the family-owned merchants, and choose...
from$30 Check dates