This spot is the only place where The famous Philly Cheese Steak was born. Pat's King of Steaks was founded by Pat Olivieri in 1930. Pat had a modest hotdog stand at the base of the famous Italian Market in South Philadelphia. One day he sent for some chopped meat from the butcher shop. He cooked the meat on his hot dog grill, placed the meat onto an Italian roll, and dressed it with some onions. Just as he went to take a bite, a cab driver who ate a hot dog everyday asked what he had there. Pat said that it was his lunch. The cabbie insisted that Pat make him one. The cabbie took one bite and said to Pat, "Hey.....forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these." The steak sandwich was born. As the years passed, both employees and customers alike demanded change....cheese was added. So there you go, the history of this place, many places imitate, but Pat's is King...
new maps
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Oh here's the website - http://www.patskingofsteaks.com/
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Oh, and if you want the BEST Hoagie on the planet, you must visit DiCostanza's, the inventor of the hoagie - yes, the inventor. If coming from I-95 North, or South, you want to get off the 452 SOUTH exit, between Chester and Chichester exits. Its about 100 yards down after you get off - I mean the BEST HOAGIES EVER!!!
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I must say tom, Dicostanza's Hoagies are the best - it is the birthplace, how could it not be - the meat is sliced super thin and piled on the best rolls ever!
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Society Hill Pizza
If you’re in the mood for a scrumptious chicken cheese steak, you won’t find it at Pat’s or Geno’s. My favorite place to enjoy one is Society Hill Pizza at Broad and South. Italian food made with Greek flair. No matter how long I go without stopping in, the counter woman always remembers my face and my order, chicken cheese steak with mayo, green peppers, and fried onions. So good.—Milkman
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Reb's Market
This little store in the heart of West Philadelphia sells their delicious full size hoagies for $1.50 every Wednesday. From 10 til 8 you can stop in there at 39th and Wallace and enjoy an awesome hoagie made by loving church women. The sandwiches aren't that much more expensive any other day they are open.--Milkman
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I think I have been there - it was a little dangerous getting there, but the deal was decent - Dicostanza's is the best hoagie you will ever have though, I must agree. Its around 5 bucks, but is the BEST!
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I am personally not a fan of Geno's or Pat's. I think they are both over-rated, but if I want a cheese steak from a touristy Philadelphia cheese steak vendor I would go to Tony Luc's at Front and Oregon. This place has a bigger menu, cheaper prices, and you won't have to wait in that ungodly long Geno's or Pat's line.--PG
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There is a small place right under the El in at Frankford and Lehigh where you can get one pound cheese steaks. I have only been there once but I left there satisfied. The steak was delicious, and these guy's also make hoagies and chicken cheese steaks too.
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Milkman, I must say you are a daring eater - I know exactly where the place is. Unless you have been around the block, I wouldnt recommend for any easy scare people going there - The drug trade is high about 3 blocks down and to the left...
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Not that I am a drug dealer or anything, you can just see whats going on in that neighborhood - hookers, junkies, and the occasional police...
I see everyone adding there
I see everyone adding there 2 cents so here is mine - jim's steaks, the fater of pat's is just as good if not better - and DiCostanzas is the best sandwhich anywhere - I don't care if its going up against that 100 dollar steak from NYC - its gonna beat IT!
Pats steaks rule! Wiz wit!
Pats steaks rule! Wiz wit!