Welcome to Philadelphia, the undisputed home of the cheesesteak. For any first-time visitor, a pilgrimage to get an authentic steak sandwich is a top priority. But in a city with hundreds of options, where do you begin? Guidebooks and TV shows will inevitably point you toward a few famous, brightly lit corners, creating a magnetic pull for tourists worldwide.
These places are more than just restaurants; they are destinations, experiences, and, yes, often “tourist traps.” This doesn’t mean the food is necessarily bad, but it does mean the hype, the lines, and the story are as much a part of the meal as the steak and cheese. If you want to experience the cheesesteak spots everyone talks about, here is your essential guide to the three best tourist traps in Philadelphia.
1 & 2. The Kings of Passyunk: Pat’s & Geno’s
You cannot discuss cheesesteak tourism without starting at the neon-drenched intersection of 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Here, facing off in eternal rivalry, are the two most famous names in the game:
- Pat’s King of Steaks: The originator. This is where, in 1930, Pat Olivieri is credited with inventing the steak sandwich. Eating here is about tasting a piece of history.
- Geno’s Steaks: The flashy challenger across the street, arriving in 1966. Geno’s is known for its bright lights and for serving its steak in whole slices rather than chopped.
Why They Are the Ultimate Traps: This intersection is the epicenter of cheesesteak tourism. The experience is defined by long lines of visitors, a specific and often intimidating ordering etiquette (“Whiz wit?”), and a fast-paced, get-your-food-and-go system. For many locals, the quality of the steaks can be inconsistent compared to neighborhood favorites, and you’re paying for the name and the location.
Why You Should Go Anyway: A visit to Pat’s and Geno’s is a Philadelphia rite of passage. It’s about the spectacle. It’s about standing at that iconic corner, picking a side, and participating in a decades-long culinary debate. Our advice: go with a friend, get one from each, and decide for yourself which camp you belong to. It’s a fun, memorable experience, even if it isn’t the absolute best steak you’ll ever eat.
3. The Modern Notoriety Trap: Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks
The third spot on our list isn’t a trap because of its age, but because of its modern notoriety.
- Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks: Opened in recent years at 3020 S. Broad Street, this spot is owned by the infamous and charismatic former mob boss, “Skinny Joey” Merlino.
Why It’s a Trap (of a Different Kind): While Pat’s and Geno’s draw crowds for their history, Skinny Joey’s draws them for its story. People flock here not just for the food, but for the unique, “only in Philly” experience of eating at a cheesesteak joint run by such a well-known local figure. The draw is the owner’s colorful past and the “insider” feeling of being part of his new, legitimate venture. His popular podcast, “The Skinny with Joey Merlino,” further fuels the destination’s appeal.
Why It’s Worth It: Unlike some tourist spots where the food is an afterthought, the cheesesteak at Skinny Joey’s is genuinely very good. They use thinly sliced ribeye and serve it on a custom roll from the respected Aversa’s Bakery. Here, you get both a great story and a quality sandwich, making it arguably the most satisfying “trap” on the list.
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