When I was in Chicago, I was in search of the best pho (see Pho Paradise Found: Asia on Argyle, Chicago). When I was in Chicago, I was also in search of the best deep-dish pizza (see The World’s Best Pizza: Chicago Deep Dish Edition). I overindulged on both of these foods because they are my favorites.
When I was in Philly, I had to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak. The problem is that I’ve never been a big fan of the sandwich. It’s cheese, low-grade beef, and onions. How great can it be? Before offending the city of brotherly love, I thought I owed it to them to try as many cheesesteaks as possible.
I started with Cleavers, a joint next to where I was staying, the Hyatt Centric. I went with the basic: Kraft cheese, steak, and onions. It was good, but I wouldn’t pay $18 again for it.
TPOL’s TIP: Cleavers is located at 108 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103.
After my epic run up the Rocky steps (see The Best Experience in Philadelphia & Worldwide) and a visit to Independence Square (see Guns & Butter: Philadelphia Travel Guide), my heart told me that it was ready for my second sandwich. 3.1 miles later, I arrived on foot at Geno’s.
My friend from Philly said it was a tourist trap, a sentiment echoed by the bartender at my hotel and other Philadelphians I asked for recommendations. There is a distinction between a tourist trap and a tourist attraction.
$18 must be the market rate for steak and cheese. For the same price as Cleavers, I ordered a cheesesteak with onions and copper cheese.
Neither the destination nor the journey was worth the trek.
Full, I was determined to try one more cheese steak. This time, I was going to order it with what I thought was the missing link—mushrooms.
Unfortunately, Google gave me incorrect directions to Skinny Joey’s, a recommendation by another local. Since I was thus far unimpressed with the cheesesteak concept, I gave up on the cheesesteak mission.
TPOL’s Tip: This is the correct address: 3020 S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19145
If I had to rank the two, I would go with Cleavers because of the sesame bread. But if I never have either again, that would be fine as well.
TPOL’s Trivia: I later found out that sesame is a ‘no,no’ in the traditional world of cheesesteak, further reinforcing that I am not the one to ask about what makes a good cheesesteak.
TPOL’s Tip: Yet another local recommended Angelo’s. Unfortunately, they were closed.
Geno’s/Pat’s is a tourist destination and I think something everyone should do once – I mean, all the presidential candidates do.
I think it’s one of those things where everybody’s got their place they go… sort of like BBQ in Atlanta or pizza in Connecticut. I’ve always been a fan of Sonny’s Steaks on Market St (between about 2nd and 3rd). My family in Philadelphia considers that their go-to.
I prefer provolone, but just “whiz with” meaning cheez-whiz and onions is the way to go.
You’re on a tear with positivity. What about the video? The song is called cat jazz.
Haha, I have my moments.
I watched the video originally without sound because I didn’t have my headphones connected and I was in the Admirals Club… and I’m not a douche who plays stuff out loud. It may be the CLT Admirals Club and resemble a subway station, but it ain’t no MARTA.
But I have listened now and the song oddly works well.
Good. Those people should be slapped. But we can’t do that anymore. https://thepointsoflife.boardingarea.com/an-american-douche-in-tokyo-lounge/
The sound is everything in all the videos! I spend more time than I will admit picking the right one and lining it up.
Watch them all here with audio: https://www.youtube.com/@thepointsoflife/