Pat's King Of Steaks In Philadelphia: A Taste Of History And The Iconic Cheesesteak

When you think of a true Philadelphia food experience, one place often comes to mind: Pat's King of Steaks. This spot, you know, it has been serving up its famous sandwiches for many years. It's a landmark, a place where locals and visitors gather to get a bite of something special. So, if you are planning a trip to the city, or just curious about this famous eatery, you really should know what makes it stand out.

Getting a cheesesteak at Pat's is more than just grabbing food; it is, in a way, a part of the city's story. People come here for the flavor, of course, but also for the atmosphere and the chance to be part of a long-standing tradition. It is a place where simple ingredients come together to make something truly memorable, and that is a big part of its charm.

This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia. We will talk about its history, what to expect when you visit, and how to get your hands on one of those legendary cheesesteaks. You will, as a matter of fact, find some good tips for your first visit, too.

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Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Steak
  • A Philadelphia Institution
  • What Makes Pat's Special?
• Your Visit to Pat's King of Steaks
  • Finding the Spot
  • The Ordering Process
  • Menu Choices and How to Order
  • The Experience at Pat's
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Why Pat's Is a Must-Try

The Story Behind the Steak

A Philadelphia Institution

Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia has a rather long history, going back to 1930. Pat Olivieri, the founder, started with a small hot dog stand. One day, he decided to try something different. He cooked some thinly sliced beef on his grill, put it on a bun, and, you know, made what many consider the very first cheesesteak. It was a simple idea, but it caught on quickly.

People loved this new sandwich. Word spread, and soon, his hot dog stand became a place known for this beef sandwich. Over the years, the business grew, and it became a true Philadelphia landmark. It is, basically, a family business, passed down through generations, still serving the same classic sandwich today.

The location at 9th Street and Passyunk Avenue, you see, has become famous. It is a corner that has seen countless people line up for a taste of history. This spot has, in some respects, become a symbol of Philadelphia's food culture, drawing visitors from all over the world.

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What Makes Pat's Special?

What makes a Pat's King of Steaks cheesesteak so special? Well, it is a combination of things. First, there is the beef. They use thinly sliced ribeye, cooked on a hot grill until it is just right. Then, you have the cheese. Many people pick Cheez Whiz for that classic, creamy texture, but you can also get provolone or American cheese. This is, in fact, a key choice for many.

The roll is also a big part of it. It has to be fresh, soft on the inside, but with a bit of chew on the outside to hold everything together. Pat's uses rolls from local bakeries, which, you know, really makes a difference. Add some grilled onions, or "wit" as they say, and you have a sandwich that is, arguably, a masterpiece of simple ingredients.

The atmosphere at Pat's is another thing. It is not a fancy place. It is an outdoor stand with picnic tables. You stand in line, you order quickly, and you eat your sandwich right there, often standing up or sitting on a simple bench. This whole experience, you know, adds to the charm. It is very much a no-frills, authentic experience, which is what many people really appreciate.

Your Visit to Pat's King of Steaks

Finding the Spot

Pat's King of Steaks is located at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19147. It sits on a well-known corner, right across from another famous cheesesteak spot. This location, as a matter of fact, is easy to find if you are using a map or GPS. It is in South Philadelphia, a lively part of the city.

Getting there is pretty straightforward. You can take public transport, like a bus, or a taxi. Parking in the area can be a bit tight, especially during busy times, so you might need to look around a little. But, you know, once you get close, the bright lights and the smell of grilling meat will, literally, guide you right there.

The area around Pat's is, in a way, a hub of activity. There are other shops and places to see nearby, so you can make a whole outing of your visit. It is a truly popular spot, and you will see people coming and going all the time.

The Ordering Process

Ordering at Pat's is, actually, a bit of a ritual. There is a specific way to do it, and knowing it beforehand can make your visit smoother. First, you need to know what you want before you get to the window. This is very important. They expect you to be ready to order right away.

You tell them your cheese choice first, then whether you want onions. For example, if you want Cheez Whiz with onions, you say "Whiz wit." If you want provolone without onions, you say "Provolone wit-out." It is, you know, a simple system, but it helps keep the line moving fast. People often practice what they will say before they get to the front.

You pay for your cheesesteak at one window, then move to another window for drinks and fries. Make sure you have cash, because Pat's is, typically, a cash-only establishment. This is a common question people have, and it is a good thing to remember before you go. Having your money ready will, basically, speed things up for everyone.

Menu Choices and How to Order

The main event at Pat's is, of course, the cheesesteak. You pick your cheese: Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone. Then, you decide if you want onions ("wit") or not ("wit-out"). That is the core of it. You can also get a regular steak sandwich without cheese, but most people come for the cheesesteak.

Beyond the cheesesteak, they offer other items. You can get hot dogs, hoagies, and fish cakes. Sides include french fries, which are, you know, a good addition to your sandwich. They also have a range of sodas and other drinks to go with your meal. It is a fairly simple menu, focused on what they do best.

So, to recap the ordering:

1. Decide your cheese: Whiz, American, or Provolone.
2. Decide on onions: "Wit" (with) or "Wit-out" (without).
3. Combine them: "Whiz wit," "Provolone wit-out," etc.
4. Have your cash ready.
5. Order quickly and clearly at the steak window.
6. Go to the next window for drinks and fries.

The Experience at Pat's

Eating at Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia is, in a way, a full sensory experience. The smell of grilling meat and onions fills the air. There is a lively buzz of people talking, ordering, and enjoying their food. You will see all kinds of people there, from families to tourists to construction workers, all sharing in the moment.

The seating is, basically, outdoor picnic tables. This means you are eating in the fresh air, right on the street corner. It is not a quiet, sit-down restaurant; it is a bustling, energetic place. This setup, you know, adds to the authentic street food vibe. It is very much about the food and the immediate enjoyment of it.

You might even see a line, especially at peak times, but it usually moves pretty fast. The staff are, generally, efficient and focused on getting orders out. This kind of quick service is, you know, part of the tradition. It is a place where you get your food fast and then find a spot to enjoy it, soaking in the surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

People often have questions about Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia. Here are some common ones, you know, that might help you plan your visit:

1. What's the difference between Pat's and Geno's?

Pat's and Geno's are, apparently, direct competitors, located right across the street from each other. They both serve cheesesteaks, but some people say there are slight differences in the meat preparation or the bread. Pat's tends to slice its beef a bit thinner before cooking, while Geno's might chop it a little more on the grill. It is, really, a matter of personal taste, and many people try both to decide their favorite. This rivalry, you know, is part of the fun of visiting the area.

2. How do you order a cheesesteak at Pat's?

Ordering at Pat's is, pretty much, a quick process. You need to know your order before you step up to the window. You say your cheese choice first, then whether you want onions. For example, "Whiz wit" means Cheez Whiz with onions. "Provolone wit-out" means provolone cheese without onions. Have your cash ready, as they are, typically, a cash-only spot. This helps keep the line moving, you know, for everyone.

3. Is Pat's King of Steaks cash only?

Yes, Pat's King of Steaks is, as a matter of fact, cash only. It is very important to remember this before you go. There are ATMs nearby if you forget, but it is best to come prepared with cash to avoid any delays. This traditional payment method is, you know, part of their long-standing way of doing business.

Why Pat's Is a Must-Try

Visiting Pat's King of Steaks in Philadelphia is, truly, an experience that goes beyond just eating a sandwich. It is about connecting with the city's food history. It is about standing where generations have stood, waiting for that classic taste. The simple fact that it has been around for so long, still doing what it does best, says a lot about its quality and appeal.

The atmosphere, the quick service, the specific way of ordering – all these things contribute to making Pat's a unique place. It is not just a meal; it is, in a way, a piece of Philadelphia. If you are looking for an authentic taste of the city, something that locals and visitors alike talk about, then Pat's is, honestly, a place you should check out.

So, the next time you find yourself in Philadelphia, consider making a stop at this famous corner. Grab a cheesesteak, take in the lively scene, and enjoy a piece of local tradition. You can learn more about the history of this iconic eatery and its impact on Philadelphia's food scene. This experience, you know, is one that many people remember long after their visit. You can also find more about cheesesteak culture on our site, and link to this page about Philadelphia's famous foods.

For more details on Pat's King of Steaks, you can visit their official website to get the most current information, you know, about their hours and offerings.