No visit to Philadelphia is complete without sampling its most famous culinary creation: the cheesesteak. But how did this beloved sandwich come to symbolise the City of Brotherly Love?
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The story begins in the early 1930s with Pat and Harry Olivieri, Italian-American brothers who ran a modest hot dog stand near South Philadelphia’s bustling Italian Market. One day, craving something different for lunch, Pat thinly sliced some beef, grilled it with onions, and tucked it into a fresh Italian roll. The irresistible aroma caught the attention of a passing cab driver, who asked to try the new creation. He was so impressed he urged the brothers to start selling it to their customers.
Word spread quickly, and soon the Olivieris’ new steak sandwich was in high demand. The brothers opened Pat’s King of Steaks, which still stands proudly today as a Philadelphia institution. Originally, the sandwich featured just steak and onions - cheese wasn’t yet part of the recipe.
The cheesy twist arrived in the late 1940s or early 1950s thanks to Pat’s manager, "Cocky Joe" Lorenza. He experimented by adding provolone cheese, giving rise to the classic Philadelphia cheesesteak we know today and the rest is history. Nowadays, hungry patrons can select from provolone, American cheese, or the famously gooey Cheez Whiz.
While Pat’s King of Steaks remains legendary, Philadelphia boasts numerous spots worth seeking out. Rival Geno’s Steaks, directly opposite Pat’s, offers friendly competition and bright neon lights – a real Instagram moment. Jim’s Steaks on South Street, or John's Roast Pork in South Philly are all beloved by locals and offer authentic tastes of Philly.
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The cheesesteak’s origins are deeply rooted in Philadelphia’s Italian-American community, and its popularity has turned it into a beloved icon of the city’s lively food culture. More than just a meal, the Philadelphia cheesesteak is a delicious connection to nearly a century of tradition.
Next time you’re in Philadelphia, join the queue, chat with locals, and bite into history with a cheesesteak – experiencing firsthand why this sandwich remains a timeless symbol of the city.
Posted by: Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau
Posted on: 14/07/2025