It has been several years since I went to Philadelphia. Though I am now healthier in my eating habits, I often daydream about Pat’s King of Steaks at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton and Passyunk Avenues in South Philly. I was a bit intimidated at the time of my visit and rehearsed the order in my head several times. After a 20 minute wait in line it was my turn. I am not sure what I said that day, but I know it wasn’t as well rehearsed as I had hoped. Despite my error they were nice and delivered a beautiful Italian roll filled with thinly sliced seared, rare rib-eye and smothered in Cheese Wiz. Yes that’s right, Kraft Cheese Wiz. I couldn’t believe it either; however, I had been told that is how a true Philly native eats their steak sandwich. Do I have any regrets? None. It tastes wonderful and now I can’t order a steak sandwich unless it is offered “wit wiz”. Fortunately in Seattle we have Tat’s Delicatessen in Pioneer Square. Two former Philadelphia natives run the place and they offer the “wiz” option just like Pat’s. Though a damn good sandwich, somehow it’s just not the same as sitting at the red metal tables surrounded by talk of the Phillies chances this year.
In South Philly you have several options with two of the most famous steak sandwich operations in the nation, Pat’s and Geno’s. I have not eaten at Geno’s, so I am unable to add my vote for the best steak sandwich on Passyunk. Let’s just say that if I make it back to Philadelphia I will be in line at Pat’s once again. JJ
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