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Pat's King of Steaks, Philadelphia, PA

Photo: Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Eat & DrinkIconicFoodie Favorite

Pat's King of Steaks

1237 E Passyunk Ave · Philadelphia, PA

Why you should go…

Pat and Harry Olivieri started here in 1930 with a hot dog stand, and the steak sandwich they tried out in 1933 grew into the Philadelphia cheesesteak. You order at the first window, saying whether you want onions and which cheese, then get fries and drinks at the second window. The stand is open around the clock and cash is king here. Rival Geno's Steaks sits directly across the intersection.

  • #cheesesteak
  • #philly cheesesteak
  • #south philadelphia
  • #late night food
  • #sandwich shop

Good to know

General eat & drink guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Go early or go late

    The simplest way around a wait at a popular room is to sit down before the rush or after it.

  • Reservations open on a schedule

    Where bookings are taken, tables tend to be released a set number of days in advance, often at a fixed hour.

  • Menus move with the season

    Treat any dish you read about online as a maybe, not a promise, especially anything local and seasonal.

  • Ask what the place is known for

    Staff will point you at the thing worth ordering faster than any list will.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Pat's King of Steaks, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Eat & Drink
    Iconic

    Geno's Steaks

    Under $25

    24/7 South Philly cheesesteak stand at the famous 9th and Passyunk corner, open since 1966.

    Right next doorMore like this

  • Shopping
    Foodie Favorite

    Italian Market

    Free

    Stroll South 9th Street past curbside produce stands, cheese shops, butchers, bakeries and cafes under metal awnings.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping

  • Attractions
    Iconic

    Philadelphia's Magic Gardens

    Under $25

    Isaiah Zagar's dazzling half-block mosaic labyrinth on South Street, tile, mirror, and bottle art covering every surface.

    0.6 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Eat & Drink
    Iconic

    Jim's South St.

    Under $25

    A South Street institution serving classic Philly cheesesteaks to lines that wrap the block.

    0.8 mi awayMore like this

  • Tours
    Date Night

    Spirit of Philadelphia

    $50+

    Skyline dinner cruises on the Delaware River with buffets, DJs, dancing, and front-row sunset views.

    1.1 mi awaySwitch it up: Tours

  • Eat & Drink
    Foodie Favorite

    Reading Terminal Market

    Free

    A century-plus-old market hall packed with roast pork sandwiches, Amish baked goods, and pure Philadelphia flavor.

    1.4 mi awayMore like this