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{{#seo:
|title=Pat's King of Steaks - Birthplace of the Philadelphia Cheesesteak
|description=Complete guide to Pat's King of Steaks, the original cheesesteak shop founded in 1930. How to order, menu, hours, history of Pat Olivieri, and the Pat's vs Geno's debate.
|keywords=Pat's King of Steaks, original cheesesteak Philadelphia, Pat Olivieri cheesesteak inventor, South Philly cheesesteak, Passyunk Avenue cheesesteak, how to order Philly cheesesteak, wit or witout cheesesteak
|type=Restaurant
|schema_faq={"@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[
  {"@type":"Question","name":"When was Pat's King of Steaks founded?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Pat's King of Steaks was founded in 1930 when brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri opened a hot dog stand at 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"Did Pat's King of Steaks invent the cheesesteak?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in 1930. He grilled chopped beef for himself; a cab driver tried it and told him to sell these instead of hot dogs. The original had no cheese—that was added in 1951."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"Who owns Pat's King of Steaks now?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Frank Olivieri, a family member who has worked there since age 11, owns and operates Pat's. It remains entirely family-owned and has never franchised or opened additional locations."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"How do you order at Pat's King of Steaks?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"State cheese first (Whiz, provolone, American, Cooper Sharp, or plain), then 'wit' (with onions) or 'wit-out' (without). Example: 'One whiz wit' = one cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions. Have money ready."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"What does 'wit' and 'wit-out' mean?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"'Wit' means with fried onions; 'wit-out' means without. It's Philadelphia shorthand for ordering quickly. The onions are caramelized on the flat-top with the meat."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"What kind of cheese does Pat's use?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Pat's offers Cheez Whiz (most popular), provolone (traditional), American, Cooper Sharp (premium, slightly tangy), or plain (no cheese). Cheez Whiz became the signature choice."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"Is Pat's King of Steaks open 24 hours?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes, Pat's is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Peak hours are Friday/Saturday nights after 11 PM, weekend afternoons, and game days. Weekday mornings have shorter lines."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"Where is Pat's King of Steaks located?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"1237 East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia's Passyunk Square neighborhood, at the triangular intersection where 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue meet. Geno's is directly across the street."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"Is Pat's or Geno's better?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Personal preference. Pat's (1930) invented the cheesesteak, has finely chopped meat mixed with cheese. Geno's (1966) has flashy neon and sliced meat. Many recommend trying both—they're across the street from each other."}},
  {"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between Pat's and Geno's cheesesteaks?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Pat's: finely chopped beef mixed on grill, cheese melted throughout. Geno's: thinly sliced beef in distinct strips, cheese on top. Both use Amoroso rolls. Pat's is no-frills; Geno's has elaborate neon."}}
]}
}}
{{Infobox Restaurant
{{Infobox Restaurant
| name = Pat's King of Steaks
| name = Pat's King of Steaks
Line 37: Line 19:
}}
}}


'''Pat's King of Steaks''' is a [[cheesesteak]] restaurant located at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in [[South Philadelphia]], widely credited as the birthplace of the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Founded in 1930 by Italian-American brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, Pat's has been serving cheesesteaks at the same triangular intersection for over 90 years. The restaurant operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, drawing locals and tourists alike to its outdoor counter for one of Philadelphia's most iconic foods.<ref name="pats-history">{{cite web |url=https://www.patskingofsteaks.com/history |title=History |publisher=Pat's King of Steaks |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>
'''Pat's King of Steaks''' is a [[cheesesteak]] restaurant at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in [[South Philadelphia]]. It's widely credited as the birthplace of the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Pat and Harry Olivieri, Italian-American brothers, founded it in 1930, and it's been serving cheesesteaks at the same triangular intersection for over 90 years. The place runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, pulling in locals and tourists alike for one of Philadelphia's most iconic foods.<ref name="pats-history">{{cite web |url=https://www.patskingofsteaks.com/history |title=History |publisher=Pat's King of Steaks |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>


Pat's remains a family-owned business, now operated by Frank Olivieri, and occupies its original location at the famous intersection of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue. Directly across the street sits Geno's Steaks, Pat's longtime rival, making this corner one of the most famous food destinations in America.
Still family-owned, Pat's is now run by Frank Olivieri. It occupies the original spot at the intersection of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue. Across the street sits Geno's Steaks, Pat's longtime rival. This corner is one of America's most famous food destinations.


== History ==
== History ==
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=== Founding ===
=== Founding ===


Pat's King of Steaks was founded in '''1930''' when brothers Pat Olivieri (1907-1974) and Harry Olivieri (1916-2006) opened a hot dog stand at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia.
'''1930''' marks the year Pat and Harry Olivieri opened their hot dog stand at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Pat lived from 1907 to 1974, while Harry lived from 1916 to 2006.


=== Invention of the Cheesesteak ===
=== Invention of the Cheesesteak ===


'''Yes''', according to the widely accepted account, Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in 1930. The story, passed down through the Olivieri family, describes how the sandwich came about by accident:<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/food-drink/pats-king-of-steaks/ |title=Pat's King of Steaks |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>
Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in 1930, according to the widely accepted story. The Olivieri family passed down the account of how it happened more or less by accident:<ref name="visitphilly">{{cite web |url=https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/food-drink/pats-king-of-steaks/ |title=Pat's King of Steaks |publisher=Visit Philadelphia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>


One day, Pat decided to prepare something different for his own lunch. He had the local butcher send over some chopped beef, which he grilled on his hot dog flat-top and placed on an Italian roll with grilled onions. Before Pat could take a bite, a cab driver who regularly bought hot dogs from the stand asked what he was eating.
One day, Pat decided to make something different for lunch. He ordered chopped beef from the local butcher. He grilled it on his hot dog flat-top and threw it on an Italian roll with grilled onions. Before he could eat it, a cab driver who regularly bought hot dogs from the stand spotted him and asked what he was eating.


The cabbie insisted that Pat make one for him. After tasting it, the driver reportedly told Pat: "Hey, forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these!" Pat sold the sandwich for ten cents—the equivalent of about $2.43 today.
The driver wanted one for himself. After taking a bite, he supposedly told Pat: "Hey, forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these!" Pat charged him ten cents, which works out to roughly $2.43 in today's money.


Word spread quickly among Philadelphia's taxi drivers and working-class customers. The steak sandwich became more popular than hot dogs, and Pat's King of Steaks was born.
Word spread fast among Philadelphia's taxi drivers and working-class customers. The steak sandwich beat out hot dogs in popularity. Pat's King of Steaks was born.


=== Addition of Cheese ===
=== Addition of Cheese ===


The original sandwich was served without cheese—just steak and onions on an Italian roll. Cheese was added later, creating what we now call the "cheesesteak."
The original didn't have cheese. Just steak and onions on an Italian roll.


According to Pat's son, Herb Olivieri, cheese was first added to the sandwich in '''1951''' by a manager named "Cocky Joe" Lorenza at a Ridge Avenue location. Some family members claim provolone was the original cheese, while others credit American cheese. Cheez Whiz was added as an option in the 1950s after its commercial introduction and became extremely popular.<ref name="6abc">{{cite web |url=https://6abc.com/post/pats-king-of-steaks-philly-cheesesteak-the-dish-pat-olivieri/13946858/ |title=Frank Olivieri shares his family's secrets about their famous cheesesteak |publisher=6ABC |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>
Cheese came later, creating what we call the "cheesesteak" today. According to Pat's son Herb Olivieri, a manager named "Cocky Joe" Lorenza first added cheese at a Ridge Avenue location in '''1951'''. Some family members say provolone was the original; others credit American cheese. After Cheez Whiz hit the market in the 1950s, it became an option and exploded in popularity.<ref name="6abc">{{cite web |url=https://6abc.com/post/pats-king-of-steaks-philly-cheesesteak-the-dish-pat-olivieri/13946858/ |title=Frank Olivieri shares his family's secrets about their famous cheesesteak |publisher=6ABC |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>


=== Current Ownership ===
=== Current Ownership ===


Pat's King of Steaks is currently owned and operated by '''Frank Olivieri''', a member of the Olivieri family who has been working at Pat's since he was 11 years old. The restaurant remains entirely family-owned and has never franchised or opened additional locations.
'''Frank Olivieri''' currently owns and operates Pat's King of Steaks. He started working there at age 11 and never left. The restaurant's still entirely family-owned with no franchises or branch locations. He's kept the original recipes and ordering system that made Pat's legendary for generations intact.
 
Frank has continued the family tradition, maintaining the original recipes and ordering system that have made Pat's famous for generations.


== How to Order ==
== How to Order ==
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=== Ordering System ===
=== Ordering System ===


Pat's is famous for its efficient, no-nonsense ordering system. Customers are expected to know what they want, have their money ready, and order quickly. Here's how it works:
The ordering system at Pat's is famous for its speed and efficiency. You need to know what you want, have your money out, and say it fast. Here's how it breaks down:


'''Step 1: Choose Your Cheese'''
'''Step 1: Choose Your Cheese'''
* '''Whiz''' - Cheez Whiz (the most popular choice)
* '''Whiz''' - Cheez Whiz (most popular)
* '''Provolone''' - Provolone cheese
* '''Provolone''' - Provolone cheese
* '''American''' - American cheese
* '''American''' - American cheese
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'''Step 3: Order Quickly'''
'''Step 3: Order Quickly'''
Combine your choices into a quick phrase. Have your money ready.
Combine your choices into one quick phrase. Have your money ready.


'''Examples:'''
'''Examples:'''
* "One whiz wit" = One cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions
* "One whiz wit" means one cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions
* "Two provolone wit-out" = Two cheesesteaks with provolone, no onions
* "Two provolone wit-out" gets you two cheesesteaks with provolone, no onions
* "One American wit" = One cheesesteak with American cheese and onions
* "One American wit" is one cheesesteak with American cheese and onions


=== "Wit" and "Wit-out" ===
=== "Wit" and "Wit-out" ===


'''Wit''' is Philadelphia slang for "with," specifically meaning with fried onions. '''Wit-out''' (or "witout") means "without" fried onions. This shorthand allows customers to order quickly and efficiently.
'''Wit''' is Philadelphia slang for "with." Here it means with fried onions specifically. '''Wit-out''' (sometimes "witout") means "without" fried onions. This shorthand lets customers order fast and efficiently. The onions get grilled on the same flat-top as the steak, caramelized and mixed with the chopped beef before landing on the roll. They add sweetness and moisture to the whole thing.
 
The onions at Pat's are grilled on the same flat-top as the steak, caramelized and mixed with the chopped beef before being placed on the roll. They add sweetness and moisture to the sandwich.


=== Cheese Options ===
=== Cheese Options ===


Pat's offers five cheese options:<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat's_King_of_Steaks |title=Pat's King of Steaks |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>
Five cheese options are available at Pat's:<ref name="wikipedia">{{cite web |url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat's_King_of_Steaks |title=Pat's King of Steaks |publisher=Wikipedia |access-date=December 22, 2025}}</ref>


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
Line 118: Line 96:
|}
|}


Cheez Whiz became the signature cheese at Pat's and remains the most requested option, though traditionalists often prefer provolone.
Cheez Whiz is the signature cheese and remains most requested. Traditionalists usually go for provolone instead.


== Menu ==
== Menu ==


Pat's menu is simple and focused:
Pat's keeps things simple and focused:


'''Steaks'''
'''Steaks'''
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* Bottled Water
* Bottled Water


The cheesesteak remains the star, prepared the same way it has been for over 90 years.
The cheesesteak's the star. They've been making it the same way for over 90 years.


== Hours and Location ==
== Hours and Location ==
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=== Hours of Operation ===
=== Hours of Operation ===


'''Yes''', Pat's King of Steaks is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The restaurant never closes, making it a popular destination for late-night and early-morning cheesesteak cravings.
Pat's King of Steaks operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It never closes, making it a go-to spot for late-night and early-morning cheesesteak cravings.


Peak hours tend to be:
Peak times tend to be:
* Friday and Saturday nights (especially after 11 PM)
* Friday and Saturday nights (especially after 11 PM)
* Weekend afternoons
* Weekend afternoons
* Game days when Philadelphia sports teams play
* Game days when Philadelphia sports teams play


For shorter lines, visit weekday mornings or early afternoons.
Want shorter lines? Go on weekday mornings or early afternoons.


=== Address and Directions ===
=== Address and Directions ===


Pat's King of Steaks is located at '''1237 East Passyunk Avenue''' in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of [[South Philadelphia]].
Pat's sits at '''1237 East Passyunk Avenue''' in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of [[South Philadelphia]].


The restaurant sits at the famous triangular intersection where 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue meet. This iconic corner is shared with Pat's rival, Geno's Steaks, located directly across the intersection.
The location's the famous triangular intersection where 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue meet. Geno's Steaks, Pat's rival, sits directly across the intersection.


'''Address:'''
'''Address:'''
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* '''[[SEPTA]] Broad Street Line (The B):''' Oregon Station (6 blocks)
* '''[[SEPTA]] Broad Street Line (The B):''' Oregon Station (6 blocks)
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 29, 45 serve nearby streets
* '''SEPTA Bus Routes:''' 29, 45 serve nearby streets
* '''Parking:''' Limited street parking; best to visit during off-peak hours
* '''Parking:''' Limited street parking; off-peak hours work best


== Pat's vs. Geno's ==
== Pat's vs. Geno's ==
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=== The Rivalry ===
=== The Rivalry ===


The Pat's vs. Geno's debate has divided Philadelphians for decades. Both restaurants sit at the same intersection, separated by less than 100 feet, and both serve cheesesteaks 24 hours a day. The choice often comes down to personal preference.
Philadelphians have argued about Pat's versus Geno's for decades. Both sit at the same intersection, less than 100 feet apart, serving cheesesteaks around the clock. It often comes down to taste.


'''Pat's King of Steaks'''
'''Pat's King of Steaks'''
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=== Key Differences ===
=== Key Differences ===


While both serve authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, there are notable differences:
Both serve authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, but they differ in important ways:


'''Meat Preparation'''
'''Meat Preparation'''
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'''Bread'''
'''Bread'''
* Both use Amoroso rolls, but preparation differs slightly
* Both use Amoroso rolls with slight preparation differences


'''Atmosphere'''
'''Atmosphere'''
* Pat's: Plain exterior with minimal signage
* Pat's: Plain exterior, minimal signage
* Geno's: Famous for elaborate neon lights
* Geno's: Famous for elaborate neon lights


Many locals recommend trying both and deciding for yourself. The two restaurants make it easy—you can literally walk across the street between bites.
Try both and decide for yourself. Many locals recommend this. You can literally walk across the street between bites.


== Ordering Tips ==
== Ordering Tips ==


For the best Pat's experience:
Get the most out of Pat's with these tips:


1. '''Know your order before reaching the window''' - Decide on cheese and onions in advance
1. '''Know your order before reaching the window''' - Lock in your cheese and onions choice ahead of time
2. '''Have cash or card ready''' - Keep the line moving
2. '''Have cash or card ready''' - Keep the line moving
3. '''Be decisive''' - "One whiz wit" gets you served faster than "Um, let me think..."
3. '''Be decisive''' - "One whiz wit" gets you served faster than hemming and hawing
4. '''Eat standing''' - There are no tables; find a spot along the outdoor counters
4. '''Eat standing''' - There are no tables; find a spot along the outdoor counters
5. '''Bring napkins''' - It's a messy sandwich, by design
5. '''Bring napkins''' - It's a messy sandwich by design
6. '''Visit late night''' - For the authentic South Philly experience
6. '''Visit late night''' - You'll get the authentic South Philly experience


== Cultural Impact ==
== Cultural Impact ==


Pat's King of Steaks has become a pilgrimage site for cheesesteak lovers worldwide. The restaurant has been featured in countless television shows, movies, and food publications. Celebrity visitors have included presidents, athletes, and Hollywood stars, many of whose photos adorn the walls.
Pat's King of Steaks has become a pilgrimage site for cheesesteak lovers from everywhere. TV shows, movies, and food publications have all featured it. Presidents, athletes, and Hollywood stars have visited, and their photos line the walls.


The shop's influence extends beyond Philadelphia—the cheesesteak has become one of America's most beloved sandwiches, and Pat's creation helped put Philadelphia on the culinary map.
Its influence stretches far beyond Philadelphia. The cheesesteak became one of America's beloved sandwiches. Pat's creation helped put Philadelphia on the culinary map.


== See Also ==
== See Also ==
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* [https://www.patskingofsteaks.com Pat's King of Steaks Official Website]
* [https://www.patskingofsteaks.com Pat's King of Steaks Official Website]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/food-drink/pats-king-of-steaks/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
* [https://www.visitphilly.com/things-to-do/food-drink/pats-king-of-steaks/ Visit Philadelphia Guide]
{{#seo:
|title=Pat's King of Steaks - Birthplace of the Philadelphia Cheesesteak
|description=Complete guide to Pat's King of Steaks, the original cheesesteak shop founded in 1930. How to order, menu, hours, history of Pat Olivieri, and the Pat's vs Geno's debate.
|keywords=Pat's King of Steaks, original cheesesteak Philadelphia, Pat Olivieri cheesesteak inventor, South Philly cheesesteak, Passyunk Avenue cheesesteak, how to order Philly cheesesteak, wit or witout cheesesteak
|type=Article
}}


[[Category:Restaurants]]
[[Category:Restaurants]]

Latest revision as of 22:45, 23 April 2026

Pat's King of Steaks
Address1237 East Passyunk Avenue
MapView on Google Maps
NeighborhoodPassyunk Square
Phone(215) 468-1546
WebsiteOfficial site
CuisineCheesesteaks
Price range$
Established1930
OwnerFrank Olivieri
Hours24 hours, 7 days a week
Pat's King of SteaksCheesesteaks$(215) 468-15461237 East Passyunk AvenuePhiladelphiaPAUS

Pat's King of Steaks is a cheesesteak restaurant at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. It's widely credited as the birthplace of the Philadelphia cheesesteak. Pat and Harry Olivieri, Italian-American brothers, founded it in 1930, and it's been serving cheesesteaks at the same triangular intersection for over 90 years. The place runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, pulling in locals and tourists alike for one of Philadelphia's most iconic foods.[1]

Still family-owned, Pat's is now run by Frank Olivieri. It occupies the original spot at the intersection of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue. Across the street sits Geno's Steaks, Pat's longtime rival. This corner is one of America's most famous food destinations.

History

Founding

1930 marks the year Pat and Harry Olivieri opened their hot dog stand at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia. Pat lived from 1907 to 1974, while Harry lived from 1916 to 2006.

Invention of the Cheesesteak

Pat Olivieri invented the cheesesteak in 1930, according to the widely accepted story. The Olivieri family passed down the account of how it happened more or less by accident:[2]

One day, Pat decided to make something different for lunch. He ordered chopped beef from the local butcher. He grilled it on his hot dog flat-top and threw it on an Italian roll with grilled onions. Before he could eat it, a cab driver who regularly bought hot dogs from the stand spotted him and asked what he was eating.

The driver wanted one for himself. After taking a bite, he supposedly told Pat: "Hey, forget 'bout those hot dogs, you should sell these!" Pat charged him ten cents, which works out to roughly $2.43 in today's money.

Word spread fast among Philadelphia's taxi drivers and working-class customers. The steak sandwich beat out hot dogs in popularity. Pat's King of Steaks was born.

Addition of Cheese

The original didn't have cheese. Just steak and onions on an Italian roll.

Cheese came later, creating what we call the "cheesesteak" today. According to Pat's son Herb Olivieri, a manager named "Cocky Joe" Lorenza first added cheese at a Ridge Avenue location in 1951. Some family members say provolone was the original; others credit American cheese. After Cheez Whiz hit the market in the 1950s, it became an option and exploded in popularity.[3]

Current Ownership

Frank Olivieri currently owns and operates Pat's King of Steaks. He started working there at age 11 and never left. The restaurant's still entirely family-owned with no franchises or branch locations. He's kept the original recipes and ordering system that made Pat's legendary for generations intact.

How to Order

Ordering System

The ordering system at Pat's is famous for its speed and efficiency. You need to know what you want, have your money out, and say it fast. Here's how it breaks down:

Step 1: Choose Your Cheese

  • Whiz - Cheez Whiz (most popular)
  • Provolone - Provolone cheese
  • American - American cheese
  • Cooper Sharp - Cooper Sharp American cheese
  • Plain - No cheese

Step 2: Specify Onions

  • Wit - With fried onions
  • Wit-out - Without fried onions

Step 3: Order Quickly Combine your choices into one quick phrase. Have your money ready.

Examples:

  • "One whiz wit" means one cheesesteak with Cheez Whiz and onions
  • "Two provolone wit-out" gets you two cheesesteaks with provolone, no onions
  • "One American wit" is one cheesesteak with American cheese and onions

"Wit" and "Wit-out"

Wit is Philadelphia slang for "with." Here it means with fried onions specifically. Wit-out (sometimes "witout") means "without" fried onions. This shorthand lets customers order fast and efficiently. The onions get grilled on the same flat-top as the steak, caramelized and mixed with the chopped beef before landing on the roll. They add sweetness and moisture to the whole thing.

Cheese Options

Five cheese options are available at Pat's:[4]

Cheese Description
Cheez Whiz Processed cheese product, creamy and orange; most popular choice
Provolone Sliced provolone cheese, traditional Italian choice
American Sliced American cheese
Cooper Sharp Premium American-style cheese, slightly tangy
Plain No cheese

Cheez Whiz is the signature cheese and remains most requested. Traditionalists usually go for provolone instead.

Menu

Pat's keeps things simple and focused:

Steaks

  • Steak (plain, no cheese)
  • Cheesesteak
  • Extra Cheesesteak (larger portion)
  • Pizza Steak (with marinara sauce)
  • Mushroom Steak/Cheesesteak
  • Pepper Steak/Cheesesteak
  • Mushroom Pepper Steak/Cheesesteak

Other Items

  • Roast Pork sandwich
  • Hot Dog / Large Hot Dog
  • Fish Cake (Small/Large)
  • French Fries / Cheese Fries

Drinks

  • Soda
  • Bottled Water

The cheesesteak's the star. They've been making it the same way for over 90 years.

Hours and Location

Hours of Operation

Pat's King of Steaks operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It never closes, making it a go-to spot for late-night and early-morning cheesesteak cravings.

Peak times tend to be:

  • Friday and Saturday nights (especially after 11 PM)
  • Weekend afternoons
  • Game days when Philadelphia sports teams play

Want shorter lines? Go on weekday mornings or early afternoons.

Address and Directions

Pat's sits at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue in the Passyunk Square neighborhood of South Philadelphia.

The location's the famous triangular intersection where 9th Street, Wharton Street, and East Passyunk Avenue meet. Geno's Steaks, Pat's rival, sits directly across the intersection.

Address: 1237 East Passyunk Avenue Philadelphia, PA 19147

Getting There:

  • SEPTA Broad Street Line (The B): Oregon Station (6 blocks)
  • SEPTA Bus Routes: 29, 45 serve nearby streets
  • Parking: Limited street parking; off-peak hours work best

Pat's vs. Geno's

The Rivalry

Philadelphians have argued about Pat's versus Geno's for decades. Both sit at the same intersection, less than 100 feet apart, serving cheesesteaks around the clock. It often comes down to taste.

Pat's King of Steaks

  • Founded: 1930
  • Claim to fame: Birthplace of the cheesesteak
  • Atmosphere: No-frills, utilitarian
  • Meat: Finely chopped, well-mixed with cheese

Geno's Steaks

  • Founded: 1966
  • Claim to fame: Iconic neon exterior
  • Atmosphere: Flashy neon signage
  • Meat: Sliced rather than chopped

Key Differences

Both serve authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, but they differ in important ways:

Meat Preparation

  • Pat's: Finely chopped beef mixed together on the grill
  • Geno's: Thinly sliced beef, kept in distinct strips

Cheese Distribution

  • Pat's: Cheese melted throughout the chopped meat
  • Geno's: Cheese melted on top of sliced meat

Bread

  • Both use Amoroso rolls with slight preparation differences

Atmosphere

  • Pat's: Plain exterior, minimal signage
  • Geno's: Famous for elaborate neon lights

Try both and decide for yourself. Many locals recommend this. You can literally walk across the street between bites.

Ordering Tips

Get the most out of Pat's with these tips:

1. Know your order before reaching the window - Lock in your cheese and onions choice ahead of time 2. Have cash or card ready - Keep the line moving 3. Be decisive - "One whiz wit" gets you served faster than hemming and hawing 4. Eat standing - There are no tables; find a spot along the outdoor counters 5. Bring napkins - It's a messy sandwich by design 6. Visit late night - You'll get the authentic South Philly experience

Cultural Impact

Pat's King of Steaks has become a pilgrimage site for cheesesteak lovers from everywhere. TV shows, movies, and food publications have all featured it. Presidents, athletes, and Hollywood stars have visited, and their photos line the walls.

Its influence stretches far beyond Philadelphia. The cheesesteak became one of America's beloved sandwiches. Pat's creation helped put Philadelphia on the culinary map.

See Also

References

  1. ↑ "History". Pat's King of Steaks. Retrieved December 22, 2025
  2. ↑ "Pat's King of Steaks". Visit Philadelphia. Retrieved December 22, 2025
  3. ↑ "Frank Olivieri shares his family's secrets about their famous cheesesteak". 6ABC. Retrieved December 22, 2025
  4. ↑ "Pat's King of Steaks". Wikipedia. Retrieved December 22, 2025

External Links

Retrieved from "https://philadelphia.wiki/index.php?title=Pats_King_of_Steaks&oldid=5379"