Jim’s Steaks
Several Locations in Philadelphia
400 South Street, PA (Location visited)
Question: what dish/food is Philadelphia known for? Oh, yeah, cheesesteak! And, being in Philly, there was no way I would not stop to get some. The question was… Where? The initial thought was Pat’s King of Steaks or Geno’s Steaks – the two best known cheesesteak places, from an out-of-town person’s perspective. Unfortunately, we could only go to *one* due to timing (this is despite Pat’s and Geno’s are kitty corner). So, we had to ask, what is the perspective from somebody from Philly? After checking with some of the work colleagues, the conclusion was none! Actually, the suggestion in general was anywhere but Pat’s and Geno’s, as they are more “touristy”. In the end, after the arguments died down (sort of), a viable in-between, acceptable place was Jim’s Steaks.
At around 6:00 p.m., the dining room was full and there were more people queueing for their sandwiches. That’s always a good sign. We had to wait for a while because some of the components of the sandwich was still being cooked, namely the onions. But, after 5 minutes, it was a go. I ordered one with Cheese Whiz and this is what I got:
Not really noticeable from the first picture but the actual dining room is upstairs. As mentioned previously, it was packed full. Fortunately, a table just finished and that’s where we were seated. And eating time! After the first bite, I think I understand why people like this sandwich. It is a simple sandwich: thinly slices of beef cooked on a griddle, with some sauteed onions and the cheese of your choice. However, it keeps its juices (despite some water was splashed during the cooking time), which, after soaking the bed, makes a really tasty mess.
Oddly, as soon as we finished, the place was empty. Not sure if it was because we came at an odd time or what but, I don’t mind. I found what I was looking for: the why this sandwich is famous. Of course, since I had it from a single place, I can’t do any comparison. Next time, I guess? ^o^
The dining room is decoration with lots of pictures and autographs. Interesting in its own ways.
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“Cheese of your choice”, and you went with Cheeze Whiz?!?!? Really?
I must say, it doesn’t look all that impressive, but then again I didn’t taste it…
shokutsu, cheese of your choice as in provolone, some other cheese I don’t remember and Cheeze Whiz. Oh, c’mon, this is not supposed to be fine dining!
Agreed, it does not look that great but, then again, visuals do not correlate to tastiness.
I remember my first encounter with a philly cheese steak sandwich as a kid when the family was traveling through Pennsylvania and it was delicious. This one doesn’t look as sloppy as I thought it would though.
I read a lot about the Pat’s/Geno’s argument, so it’s great that you ate elsewhere. Check out this link with Martha Stewart comparing Pat’s and Geno’s;
http://www.philly.com/philly/video/081107_pc_stewart.html
Oooh, now you are making things worse, provolone is one of my favorite cheeses!
Raidar, thanks for the link. It was funny in its own ways, hehehehe.
shokutsu, oh, I give up…
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