Pat's King of Steaks — Restaurant in Philadelphia

While I've been to Philly a few times before and had cheesesteaks, this is the first time I've tried one from the two biggest names in the city. I chose Pat's to try first as they're the older of the two. Geno's, you're next.

ATMOSPHERE: We must've stepped on dog poop because we luckily found parking right across the street from the restaurant. As we pulled in, I saw the line that spilled out onto the street. I was thinking hell no, forget it. But you know what? The line moves pretty darn quick, so just do it! Hordes of cars kept coming and coming with the line at Pat's and Geno's taking turns ebbing and flowing. Everyone entertained themselves while waiting to get to the ordering window, especially in selfies with the neon biz sign. Once you near the ordering window is when you'll see the menu and "how to order" signs. The first window handles strictly sandwich orders. If you want sides or drinks, you order and pay again at the second window. Picnic table-style seating wraps around the fluorescent-lit covered lanai. There are no restrooms or place to wash your hands. Napkin dispensers are readily available to mop up the messy job at hand.

MENU: Steak sandwiches in 13 varieties, roast pork, hot dog, fish cake, fries in 4 varieties. Water, soda, coffee, tea, cocoa.

3-STEP ORDERING: It's beneficial to know what you want by the time you get to the window as things move swiftly. Step 1: Choose your sandwich. Step 2: Say "wit" AKA "with" if you want grilled onions in your sandwich. Step 3: Order your cheese type (cheese whiz is the liquid stuff, provolone or American).

FOOD: Mushroom Cheese Steak - $11.04 I got mine wit (onions) and cheese whiz. The odd price is so that the total rounds up to an even amount with tax. No time to deal with change here. Does it live up to the hype? I say, sure. I'm not a cheesesteak aficionado but I thought it was good. The bread was soft, the rough-chopped steak tender and flavorful with the liquid cheese adding more savory notes and the fresh mushrooms a nice earthy flavor. It's quite a large sandwich, probably close to a footlong but I finished it! Had I taken time to read the menu better, I would've ordered the sandwich with peppers too.

SERVICE: It was a chaotic, comical mess but in an organized way LOL. I've never paid for and received food so quick in my life, literally within 20 seconds. The guy taking orders was cool, even double checking that I really wanted onions and mushrooms on my sandwich. I added on sodas but was told it's ordered at the next window. Wham, bam, thank you ma'am!

TIPS: Cash only.

Open 24/7.

OVERALL: It's something you should experience when visiting Philadelphia. It may not be the best cheese steak around but these guys are legends in...

Pat's King of Steaks, an iconic institution in Philadelphia, is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic taste of the city's famous cheesesteaks. Located at the corner of 9th and Wharton Streets, Pat's has been serving up its signature sandwiches since 1930, earning a reputation as one of the original creators of the Philadelphia cheesesteak.

The atmosphere at Pat's is casual and bustling, with a no-frills, straightforward setup that lets the food take center stage. The outdoor ordering windows and picnic-style seating contribute to the lively, urban vibe, making it a quintessential Philly experience.

The menu at Pat's is straightforward, focusing primarily on the classic cheesesteak. You can order your cheesesteak "wit" or "wit-out" onions, and choose from a variety of cheeses, including the popular Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American. The bread is a crucial component, and Pat's uses fresh, locally sourced rolls that are soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to the generous fillings.

The cheesesteak itself is a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor. The thinly sliced ribeye steak is cooked to perfection, tender and juicy, and packed with savory goodness. When combined with melted cheese and grilled onions, the result is a deliciously messy, flavorful sandwich that hits all the right notes. The balance of textures and flavors is what makes Pat's cheesesteak a standout, providing a satisfying and indulgent meal.

Service at Pat's is efficient and to-the-point, reflecting the fast-paced environment. The staff are experienced and handle the constant flow of customers with speed and precision. It’s important to know your order and how to ask for it before reaching the counter, as the lines can move quickly, especially during peak times.

Pricing at Pat's is reasonable, considering the generous portions and the iconic status of the establishment. It’s a great value for an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak experience.

🥪Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia delivers on its reputation, offering a classic, delicious cheesesteak in a vibrant, no-nonsense setting. Whether you're a local or a tourist, a visit to Pat's is a rite of passage that provides a genuine taste of Philly's...

Here's a revised version of your review, aiming for more engaging language and a clearer flow: Pat's King of Steaks: Checking the Box in the City of Brotherly Love During a recent trip to Philadelphia for a soccer match, I couldn't resist the urge to experience one of the city's most legendary culinary creations: the Philly cheesesteak. Faced with the classic dilemma of Pat's or Geno's, it felt like a coin flip – both establishments boast a long history and similar reputations. I opted for Pat's, eager to see what the fuss was all about. Food and Drink: A Disappointing Bite (Rating: 2/5) Frankly, this was the most letdown aspect of my visit. If the cheesesteak of the early 1900s tasted like this, then consider me a thoroughly modern eater! The bread was cold, the meat was room temperature, and the only hint of warmth came from the cheese wiz. For all the anticipation I had, I honestly don't think this cheesesteak was worth a special detour. The only real upside is that I can now officially say, "I've been to Pat's." Atmosphere: Simple and Classic (Rating 4/5) No complaints here. The outdoor setup with benches and tables felt simple, classic, and perfectly fitting for a historic cheesesteak joint. It was exactly what I expected. Service: A Step Back in Time (Rating 4/5) Pat's is famous not just for its cheesesteaks, but also for its distinctive ordering process and no-nonsense service. I actually enjoyed this aspect. It was fun to step back in time, place my order, grab my food, and find a spot to eat, all in a bustling, old-school environment. Overall: A Tourist Checkbox In summary, if you're like me and simply looking to check off a bucket-list item, then a visit to Pat's won't do any harm. However, don't go in expecting a burst of flavor or a culinary revelation. It's a tourist spot, pure and simple. With my rating systems, the lowest gets the final score, hence I am rating...