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Cheese Steak
September 7, 2002

Jane and Michael Stern recently completed a dissertation on Philly cheese steak, the sandwich of thinly shaved grilled beef and onion that's topped with melted cheese and hot peppers and served on Italian bread. Believed to have been invented in 1930 in the City of Brotherly Love, some establishments offer extra-cost add-ons that could send the heartburn quotient into the stratosphere.

The Sterns narrowed down their findings to a short list of shops they think offer the best:

Pat's King of Steaks
1237 East Passyunk
Philadelphia, PA
215-468-1546

The reported site of the original cheese steak and the Sterns' top pick. You'll find Pat's smack in the middle of an Italian Market, and it's always open!

Lorenzo's
900 Christian Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-922-2540

Lorenzo's, which is actually a pizzeria, is Michael's No. 2 pick.

Geno's
1219 South 9th Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-389-0659

Across the street from Pat's King of Steaks.

Tony Luke's Old Philly Style Sandwiches
39 East Oregon Avenue
Philadelphia, PA
215-551-5725

With cars whizzing by on Interstate 95 overhead, and a small cramped space with uncomfortable counter seating inside, Tony Luke's isn't the place for relaxed dining. But the excellent sandwiches more than compensate for the setting.

Jim's
400 South Street
Philadelphia, PA
215-928-1911

As well as having good sandwiches, Jim's has a place for you to sit down to eat!

Back to Jane & Michael Stern


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