Other than Genos or Pats, what is the best cheesesteak place in the city or surrounding area.

Those two will always tie for first. However, because I lived just off 5th and South for a while in the 1980s, I tended to go to Jim's. I liked the atmosphere and thought the cheesesteaks were certainly authentic enough.

thanks

No Cheez Whiz!!!! Where the heck did that even get that idea? I grew up there and not once did I ever see Cheez Whiz, only "white american" cheese. Mmm...you'll do fine wherever you get one, you know.

All the best places serve whiz. You've been gone a long time.

Based on my last visit, there is no such thing as a good Philly Cheesesteak in Philadelphia. Geno's Pat's and Jim's were abysmal, at best. Undercooked cheap meat, on a stale roll with cold cheese wiz. The diner out near Valley Forge has a better cheesesteak than the drivel I found in South Philly.

If you are curious, the following is a link to a list of cheesesteak places in and around Philadelphia. http://www.bestcheesesteaks.com/cheesesteaks/pa.htm

The author of that site likes Leo's.

You're right, sunrise, it HAS been a long time. I guess I shouldn't complain. Just take my cheez whiz like a man. But even when I go back (and i do go back alot) nobody orders cheez whiz. And we go to noname places, and the bread is always melt in your mouth fresh. I'm gonna have to do a family poll and report back about the whiz...

This is an old thread but my wife and I are driving up to Philly for the day and want to try one or two places that are considered by locals to serve the best/most authentic Philly cheesesteak. My brother-in-law went to Geno's recently and he said it was not very good.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...k-318341-2.cfm

And yes, some people do order cheese whiz.

Just be prepared to wait in line if you go to Genos or Pats and parking is another story. Allow more time then you think it will take and be patient.

Tony Luke's!!!!
http://www.tonylukes.com/

And don't forget to visit the Reading Terminal, try to make sure it's a day when the Pennsylvania Dutch folks are open. In fact, I'd combine the two and pick up a cheesesteak at the terminal...

http://www.readingterminalmarket.org/

The best cheesesteak is at Jim's. And you must eat it wit Whiz.

LDLee - seriously, you are the only person I have ever heard to speak negatively of a Jim's steak.

You have to grow up with Pat's and Geno's to appreciate them.

I second Reading Terminal Market for lunch.

I never understand why people have to come to Philly to have a cheesesteak. I haven't had one in 15 years; I think they are gross and give me heartburn and gas.

I would rather go to Rouge and have a dry martini and some calamari.

Thin

We like to try food that is considered local. So, is Philly not really the place to get the best cheese-steak?

I always send out of towners to Jim's, the one at 4th and South; everyone has loved it. There are many other places that are also make a terrific cheesesteak, but Jim's location and style is the best for the entire experience. (If you go to Tony Luke's, get the roast pork sandwich.)

jedivader, I've tried what passes for cheesesteaks in other cities, and the ones in Philadelphia were definitely the best -- at least in my experience.

Agreed with GinnyJo on two fronts:

-I've eaten cheesesteaks at nine different places in Philadelphia, and agree that the best one I've had was at Jim's at 4th and South. And sorry to report, Pat's and Geno's were at the bottom of the list for me.

-a roast pork sandwich with aged provolone and greens is indeed a must. Haven't had a chance to get one at Tony Luke's or John's Roast Pork, but both are reportedly excellent spots to get one. Will vouch for the one at DiNic's in Reading Terminal Market, which was splendid.

Cries - I know cheese steaks are about a bazillion calories and have 1.5 days worth of your saturated fat intake. I rarely eat red meat, but I love a Jim's cheesesteak!