# Who knows about Philadelphia cheesesteaks? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 27, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455 "2011-07-27T02:38:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/81 "2011-07-28T21:20:51Z")
> [@](#): > > And now, I will tell you: Philadelphia water has been through an average of seven toilets before it pours out your faucet. How do they manage so few? Most places in the world, the water’s been through hundreds or thousands of toilets. You might be able to get the number down to a few dozen in, say, the middle of Yellowstone, but then you’ve got to deal with all the sulfur compounds. > [@](#): > > Sidebar: I haven’t eaten one for 31 years, but the best sandwich I’ve ever eaten (often) was called a Hot Jewish from the Wurst House on Baltimore Avenue, West Philadelphia. Giant hoagie roll, piles of hot, fatty corned beef, roast beef, Russian dressing, kraut and provolone How does a sandwich containing both meat and dairy end up called a “Hot Jewish”? ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/82 "2011-07-28T21:22:27Z")
Well, it’s not called a “Hot Kosher” or a “Hot Orthodox.” ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/83 "2011-07-28T22:30:26Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > How do they manage so few? Most places in the world, the water’s been through hundreds or thousands of toilets. You might be able to get the number down to a few dozen in, say, the middle of Yellowstone, but then you’ve got to deal with all the sulfur compounds."? I understood it to mean seven toilets between the treatment plant and your faucet; before treatment, more, I’m sure. 😃 Surely, you’ve noticed the yellow tinge to the Amoroso rolls, no? > [@Chronos](#): > > How does a sandwich containing both meat and dairy end up called a “Hot Jewish”? When they are made by hot Italian Catholics in teeshirts too tight to contain their corpulent bellies, go figure. ---
**Author:** ![mac\_bolan00](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b3f665/32.png) [@mac\_bolan00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mac_bolan00)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/84 "2011-07-29T04:20:56Z")
> [@Labrador\_Deceiver](#): > > He said salami slicer, which is usually found in the deli dept. I’m not even sure if I’ve seen a deli slicer in the butcher’s section. at the meat section usually. i had the deli man do just the tuna, not the ribeye. yahdah-yahdah. point’s been made. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2011, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/85 "2011-07-29T04:43:11Z")
> [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > Dude, I don’t think anybody would take something like that seriously. Philadelphia cream cheese on a steak would be absolutely vile. Sauted onions and giardinera peppers? It would work. But we are being parochial. Cooked beef, especially with some garlic, can be tasty. Especially note that almost of all of us are guys (a tip o’ the hat to Ms Robyn, for instance) and millennia of experience has shown that we really aren’t that picky. Meat? Cheese? Bread? Other shit our wives don’t use? We’re there. Wife will be at work. As will most daughters. I have a couple bucks that I don’t need for gas. Sounds like an experiment, hot vs Cheez Whiz. She long ago learned to hide the evidence from her mother. ETA: But it’s nearly August and the only way I can consume enough salt is with PB and hot giardinera on toast. Otherwise my electrolytes go down and I begin to shake. I mean, I could eat salt or Gatorade, but I want to enjoy it. ---
**Author:** ![Rocketeer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocketeer/32/4437_2.png) [@Rocketeer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rocketeer)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2011, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/86 "2011-07-29T15:10:02Z")
Got to reading this thread, and last night I sliced up a ribeye steak, sauteed some onions (and green peppers for Mrs. R), and had “provo, wid”. Delicious, although probably inauthentic for any number of reasons 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tibby](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tibby/32/17030_2.png) [@Tibby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tibby)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2011, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/87 "2011-07-30T12:34:39Z")
> [@Rocketeer](#): > > Got to reading this thread, and last night I sliced up a ribeye steak, sauteed some onions (and green peppers for Mrs. R), and had “provo, wid”. Delicious, although probably inauthentic for any number of reasons 😃 Well if it ended up looking anything like [this](http://blog.wellsfargo.com/wachovia/images/031009-Cheesesteak_large.jpg), you might be forgiven. If not, you gotta say three Hail Mary’s and eat few pretzels like [deese here](http://www.thewalkmagazine.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/DSC_0137.jpg) from a place like [dis](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.phillyhistory.org/PhotoArchive/MediaStream.ashx%3FSC%3D2%26ImageId%3D57061&imgrefurl=http://www.phillyhistory.org/blog/archive/2007/08/09/soft-pretzels.aspx&usg=__P2eFcGfc2LK75eiQxCB_0mb02iw=&h=415&w=600&sz=43&hl=en&start=0&sig2=3gENn8mPQsuJSkgl82FdUA&zoom=1&tbnid=9eR9zLzcXfhoDM:&tbnh=110&tbnw=148&ei=oe4zTvXKH82SgQe09NTkDA&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsoft%2Bpretzel%2Bvendor%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DX%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1006%26bih%3D544%26tbs%3Disz:m%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=123&vpy=117&dur=2091&hovh=187&hovw=270&tx=125&ty=92&page=1&ndsp=15&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:0). And, not, my good fellow, a monstrosity like [this](http://hereandthere.us/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/auntieannesmakeyourownpretzelcinnamon.jpg), from an establishment like [that](http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://shanghaiist.com/attachments/sarahcschneider/image-20080807-hfxgcvkdop1vj6l0bar0_t_h480.JPG.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://shanghaiist.com/2010/06/09/auntie_annes_comes_to_shanghai_pret.php&usg=__KCSE54yvisLzOMG39TTSp100qsU=&h=480&w=640&sz=48&hl=en&start=0&sig2=hrTAKbFs9R6fJYkEOPUZbw&zoom=1&tbnid=_98qhPxmiguiNM:&tbnh=153&tbnw=201&ei=nfAzTuTYMovEgAe52Z2pCQ&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dantie%2Bannes%2Bprezel%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1006%26bih%3D544%26tbs%3Disz:m%26tbm%3Disch&um=1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=331&vpy=236&dur=498&hovh=194&hovw=259&tx=119&ty=122&page=1&ndsp=8&ved=1t:429,r:5,s:0). ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2011, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/88 "2011-07-30T19:22:58Z")
[QUOTE=drop zone] But we are being parochial. Cooked beef, especially with some garlic, can be tasty. Especially note that almost of all of us are guys (a tip o’ the hat to Ms Robyn, for instance) and millennia of experience has shown that we really aren’t that picky. Meat? Cheese? Bread? [/quote] I’ve been told that my taste in food is “masculine”, but I’m not sure what that means. Lately, though, I’ve been enjoying cheesesteak on green salad instead of a roll. It’s still really tasty, and I don’t feel like I’m missing the bread all that much. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/f07891/32.png) [@Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Plastic_Ninja)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2011, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/89 "2011-07-31T06:54:39Z")
I’m pleased that what’s being described to me is not unlike what I get at Texadelphia here in Austin. I do believe that the meat is cooked a bit, onions and the mushrooms I request are sauteed a little bit away, all on a big flat griddle. The mushrooms and onions are added, the provolone is put on, and then the bread is nestled on top. The whole thing cooks for a while before it’s flipped over and onto the foil and paper wrap and handed to me still piping hot. Anyone know whether what we get there is about right? ---
**Author:** ![Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e36b37/32.png) [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2011, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/90 "2011-07-31T07:00:26Z")
> [@Little\_Plastic\_Ninja](#): > > I’m pleased that what’s being described to me is not unlike what I get at Texadelphia here in Austin. I do believe that the meat is cooked a bit, onions and the mushrooms I request are sauteed a little bit away, all on a big flat griddle. The mushrooms and onions are added, the provolone is put on, and then the bread is nestled on top. The whole thing cooks for a while before it’s flipped over and onto the foil and paper wrap and handed to me still piping hot. Anyone know whether what we get there is about right? That’s the basics of how I do it at work, so yes, it’s pretty close. The big difference between what you’re eating and what we have up here is the rolls. The rolls really do make a difference. The rolls you find at a mom-and-pop pizza shop simply do not compare. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2011, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/91 "2011-07-31T15:28:27Z")
My favorite has always been Dallesandro’s, but I grew up in the Roxborough section of Philly so I’m biased. But it’s a great steak. Chubby’s is right across the street and right down the street is Fiesta. A triumvirate of excellent cheesesteak sources, all within shouting distance on Henry Avenue. Whatever you do, don’t wander a couple of blocks away to Murphy’s and order the pizza. It tastes exactly the way you’d expect pizza to taste at a place called Murphy’s. And I played football for the Ivy Ridge Panthers on Arrow Field right across from Dally’s, so it has that historical significance too, if you’re looking for even more reason. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![WPA-Guy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a6a055/32.png) [@WPA-Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WPA-Guy)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2011, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/92 "2011-08-02T23:36:41Z")
If you’re coming to Philly for cheesesteaks, you may want to try another great Pennsylvania city’s cheesesteak. Check out the #2 seller at Primanti Bros in the Strip District in Pittsburgh. [http://www.primantibrothers.com/index.html](http://www.primantibrothers.com/index.html) A Pittsburgh cheesesteak is made with two slices of italian bread, a real piece of steak, topped with a handfull of french fries, some coleslaw, and a slice of tomato. When I lived in Philly, I was partial to Rick’s Steaks in the Reading Terminal. Apparently that location closed and moved to Liberty Place. Rick Oliveri is the grandson of Pat Oliveri (inventor of the cheesesteak). [http://www.rickssteaks.com/](http://www.rickssteaks.com/) Pittsburgh \<=\> Philly, only 5 hours apart. ---
**Author:** ![Cliffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 2:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/93 "2011-08-03T02:11:29Z")
For me, as a tourist, the experience is always part of the charm. Pat’s & Geno’s may not be the greatest cheesesteaks going, but they’re the places that get the press. If I live there it’d be another matter, but I know places in Georgetown where I can get a fantastic cheesesteak. When I’m in Philly, taste isn’t the only consideration. As such, the corner of 9th and Passyunk is the place for me. And despite Vento’s abhorrent personality and politics, I give the edge to Geno’s. –Cliffy ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [August 4, 2011, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/94 "2011-08-04T18:31:18Z")
My $.02 - if Cheese Whiz makes it better, it wasn’t very good to start with. Provolone is the way to go. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2011, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/95 "2011-08-13T16:29:55Z")
So, whatta ya know - as it turns out, a supposedly authentic Philly cheesteak joint just opened up here in Michigan. They even use Amorosa rolls. Would someone in-the-know please scope out this website and give me your impressions re authenticity?: [Joey’s Famous Philly Cheeseteaks](http://www.joeysfamousphilly.com/menu.html) [Menu](http://www.joeysfamousphilly.com/menu.pdf) mmm ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2011, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/96 "2011-08-13T16:50:04Z")
The pictures on the left show many steak-like sandwiches with things on them which would never be found on any steak. That said, one of the pictures does look like a proper, non-embellished cheesesteak, so maybe they _can_ get it right. ---
**Author:** ![Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mean_mr.mustard/32/3865_2.png) [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2011, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/97 "2011-08-13T17:53:23Z")
> [@Chronos](#): > > The pictures on the left show many steak-like sandwiches with things on them which would never be found on any steak. That said, one of the pictures does look like a proper, non-embellished cheesesteak, so maybe they _can_ get it right. Yeah, I should have guided you toward this selection (found right in the middle of the menu): > [@](#): > > Yo! Joey’s Famous Philly Cheesesteak Wiz Wit’ > The official taste of Philly! > Grilled rib-eye steak, fried onions on an Amaroso roll smothered in Cheez Wiz! mmm ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2011, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/98 "2011-08-13T21:05:54Z")
For some reason, when I hear it called a “Philadelphia”, rather than a “Philly” cheesesteak, I get the feeling that I should be seeing it made with _cream_ cheese, rather than Cheez Whiz. It strikes me the same as it would if somebody said Bob Denver got his start on _The Many Loves of Doberman Gillis_. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![bouv](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bc8723/32.png) [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/99 "2011-08-14T02:38:38Z")
> [@zombywoof](#): > > Not a cheesesteak, but try a Roast Pork sandwich w/Greens from DiNic’s in the Reading Terminal Market. This man speaks the truth. I was in Philly for work a few months ago and this is what I got, after seeing it on Man Vs. Food and deciding that it looked better than a regular cheesesteak (which I’ve had on previous trips to Philly.) I was right…holy shit, the combo of slow roasted, herbed pork loin, lots of hunks of sharp provalone, and the greens (I got the rabe,) was sublime. ---
**Author:** ![ministryman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f6c823/32.png) [@ministryman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ministryman)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2011, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455/100 "2011-08-15T13:42:15Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#): > > I’ll be traveling to Philadelphia next month. High on my list is to enjoy an authentic Philly Cheesesteak. > > I know there is Pat’s and Geno’s. I know there’s provolone and Whiz. > > But that’s about all I know. So guide me, Cheesesteak experts. If I have time to grab just one… > > Pat’s or Geno’s? > > Provolone or Whiz? > > Toppings? > > Remember, I want the authentic sandwich. > > Thanks, > mmm From a Cali Doper who has been to both places (in one night AND the Explorer’s Den by LaSalle University…love me some cheesesteaks!), Pat’s or Geno’s - It’s a toss-up. Provolone or Whiz? Get both. Whiz is nasty (IMHO), but you only live once. Toppings? Onion and Bell Peppers. I’m drooling…dammit… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-knows-about-philadelphia-cheesesteaks/590455.md?page=6)