Cheesesteak - The Hungry Nomad

The last Cheesesteak in Philly at Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop

Having started our year in Philadelphia with a cheesesteak, it was fitting that we end it with a cheesesteak. And not any old cheesesteak but arguably the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. This is how I ended up at Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop (formerly Chink’s Steaks). When former owner Sam ‘Chink’ Sherman passed away, Joe Groh took over the business yet kept the original name. Despite the reference to the original owner’s nickname, the shop’s name continued to cause controversy, resulting in the birth of Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop in 2013.

Located at 6030 Torresdale Avenue, Joe’s Steaks + Soda Shop, serves mouthwatering, fresh and tasty cheesesteaks alongside hot dogs, burgers and hot sausage sandwiches. All this can be washed down with a wide range of specialty and traditional milkshakes, sundaes, floats, egg creams and house-made sodas.

What’s even more exciting? Table-service! That’s right, Joe’s is one of the only places I’ve had a cheesesteak where you can get full service at the counter top or at the handful of booths lining the tiny shop.

Stepping into the shop I really felt like I stepped back in time to an old staple American burger and soda shop that I have only come to know about through old Hollywood classics. They have done a great job in maintaining the original look of the restaurant, from the ceiling all the way down to the floor. Seated at the bar, I got right down to business, ordering a house-made orange soda, cheese fries and cheesesteak. The cheesesteak made me change my mind about cheesesteaks. While the first experience we had entering the city last year was underwhelming this one made me realize why this sandwich has become such a staple food not only in Philadelphia but arguably the rest of the continent. It was surprisingly light and not greasy. It had just the right amount of tender pieces of meat covered with provolone, onions and mushrooms. Despite having finished off the plate of fries and cheese I managed to finish my cheesesteak and have room for dessert. To reward myself for finishing my plate, I ordered the Orange cream milkshake topped with whipping cream and candied orange peels.

Okay. Now I get it. Now I am a cheesesteak fan. And now I see why Craig LaBan named Joe’s the best cheesesteak and that my man, Anthony Bourdain made it a point to stop at Joe’s on his recent filming of the Layover. The cheesesteaks and friendly service is deserving of the praise.

Pat’s King of Steaks- Italian Market (Philadelphia, USA)

July 18, 2012 1 Comment

Two days on the road and we finally arrived in Philadelphia in the late evening. Hungry with nowhere to go we made the pilgrimage to Pat’s King of Steaks. Rumor has it that Pat’s and Genos are the two best cheese steak spots in Philadelphia. Then there are others that argue that they are the two most popular but by far not the best in town. At this point, I don’t know the difference. We parked the car and were instantly drawn like flies to the bright neon lights of Genos. It was ‘bright’. Too bright for my eyes with a long line up. Pat’s was across the street and seemed a little less crazy. So we headed to Pat’s.

We lined up. Ordered our cheese steak at the counter and moved on. You have the option of three different cheeses: American, cheez whiz or provolone cheese. I’m pretty sure I ordered mine with the American cheese.

The counter is made of glass which allows you to see exactly what goes on in their kitchen. A whole lot of stir fried beef, veggies and globs and globs of orange liquid cheese.

The staff are very friendly. Once we told them we had made the pilgrimage all the way from New Orleans they became extra attentive and told us what to order and how. Its a high paced environment and the photos reveal just that.

Once you pick up your sandwich you can order a drink and fries in another counter. There is a topping station with mustard, ketchup and hot peppers to stack your sandwich with.

The cheese steak was perfect. I have only had one cheese steak in my life and that was in Vancouver at the American Cheesesteak Co. The sandwich was packed with meat and topped off with American cheese. Then I personally added mustard, ketchup and hot peppers, stuffed it with some fries and took a big bite. Mmm so mouthwatering good. It is not the healthiest dining experience I have had and surely it is only a treat to be had once in a while given that each sandwich is packed with calories. I washed it down with some liquid sugar and took another bite. Four bites in and I was full. The Count was full. Our friend was full. Maybe they can offer half portions to Canadians like me? There are people from all walks of life at Pats and in the surrounding area. As I ate, a homeless boy dug through the trash making each bite a bit painful accompanied with a surge of guilt. Then as I took a guilty bite a boy beside me belched so loudly I almost felt sick to my stomach. I guess that is the charm of the place? Welcome to Philadelphia.

I had the same sentiments for the cheese steak as I had for the po-boy in New Orleans. I’m not a big fan. Of course I can appreciate a good sandwich and did think the cheese steak lived up to it’s name; however, on a personal note I cannot say I was won over. However, fear not as I will continue my cheese steak review in the Philly region so I can personally decide which is the best. So far Pat’s did not let us down. Perhaps Geno’s is next?!