PHILADELPHIA, PA – Let’s clarify: Pat’s King of Steaks (1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA) is a Philadelphia institution. It’s a landmark, a tourist destination, and, yes, a place that serves cheesesteaks. Some dismiss it as a tourist trap, but I’m here to tell you that it’s not a bad cheesesteak. It’s not the best I’ve ever had, but it’s a solid, classic representation of the genre.
The Pat’s Experience: Pat’s is as much about the experience as the food. The 24/7 operation, the brightly lit stand, the (often) long lines, the ordering process (“Whiz wit,” anyone?) – it’s all part of the Philly cheesesteak ritual.
The Cheesesteak Breakdown:
- The Roll: Pat’s uses a traditional, non-seeded roll. I found it to be good – a solid foundation for the sandwich. It held up well and had a decent chew.
- The Meat: The meat was “pretty easy to eat,” meaning it was tender and well-cooked. I have no complaints.
- The Onions: The fried onions added good flavor, but I would have preferred them to be more evenly distributed throughout the steak. This is a common issue with cheesesteaks, which I look for in a top-tier contender.
- The Cheese: I went with the classic Cheez Whiz, as one does when at Pat’s. My only real gripe? Too much of it was on the wrapper and not the sandwich! This is a plea to Pat’s (and all cheesesteak places): find a way to get more of that glorious Cheese inside the cheesesteak!
Tourist Trap or Tradition?
Look, Pat’s is undeniably a tourist destination. You’ll see lines of people worldwide snapping photos and eagerly awaiting their cheesesteaks. But that doesn’t automatically make it a “trap.” It’s a piece of Philadelphia history, and the cheesesteak is a perfectly acceptable representation of the classic. It’s not the best cheesesteak in Philly (I’ve eaten over 1,000, remember!), but it’s far from the worst.
Overall:
Pat’s King of Steaks delivers a classic if somewhat messy, Philly cheesesteak experience. The roll is good, the meat is tender, and the onions add flavor. The Cheese, while tasty, needs better distribution. It’s a worthwhile stop for the experience and to say you’ve been there, but it’s not necessarily the pinnacle of cheesesteak perfection.
Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars (A solid, classic cheesesteak, with room for improvement in cheese distribution).
Recommendation:
Go to Pat’s for the experience, history, and a decent cheesesteak. But don’t be afraid to explore the many other cheesesteak options Philadelphia offers – you might find your new favorite!
Address:
Pat’s King of Steaks 1237 E Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA
Review – by Jim Pappas, Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
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