Pat's King of Steaks
Influencer Reviews1
Danny Kim
About
Pat's King of Steaks was founded in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, who is credited with inventing the original Philly cheesesteak. The shop began as a humble hot dog stand before Pat experimented with steak sandwiches, which quickly gained popularity. Today, Pat's remains a Philadelphia institution, run by the Olivieri family, and is recognized as the birthplace of the iconic cheesesteak.
The Visit
Pat's King of Steaks is considered the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak, and the visit here is about paying homage to the originators. The reviewer acknowledges its reputation as a tourist trap but insists it’s essential to try for historical context. The experience includes a behind-the-scenes look at the kitchen, learning about the original preparation, and tasting a cheesesteak that sets a solid benchmark for what the sandwich should be. While some locals dismiss it, Pat's offers a classic, old-school take.
What They Ate
Quotes
"This is it. This is where it was all invented right here in this building on this island."
"This is really solid. Like I know for a fact that this place gets a lot of flack when people call it a tourist trap. It's a really solid cheesesteak."
Our Reflection
Visiting Pat's King of Steaks is like stepping into the heart of Philadelphia's culinary history. The reverence for tradition is palpable, from the way the steak is sliced to the pride in being the originators. Despite its touristy reputation, the experience is about more than just the sandwich—it's about connecting with the roots of an American classic. The kitchen tour and stories from the owners add depth, making the cheesesteak taste even more meaningful. Pat's stands as a living testament to the power of food heritage, and tasting their cheesesteak is a rite of passage for any food lover exploring Philly.
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