Let’s be honest: when it comes to sandwiches, Pennsylvania doesn’t mess around. From hoagies and roast pork to hot pastrami and beyond, the state has a proud and storied tradition of putting big flavors between two pieces of bread.
But in a state full of iconic bites, one sandwich shop has officially claimed the top spot — and if you haven’t made the trip yet, you’re seriously missing out.
According to LoveFood, the title of “Best Sandwich in Pennsylvania” goes to none other than Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia. That’s right — the birthplace of the legendary Philly cheesesteak is still holding strong as the go-to destination for the state’s most crave-worthy sandwich.
The Crowned King of Cheesesteaks
LoveFood’s list wasn’t based on trends or hype. They reviewed iconic dishes, regional legacy, and consistent customer satisfaction — and Pat’s came out on top. The site specifically highlighted the Philly Cheesesteak with beef steak slices, fried onions, green peppers, and provolone or Cheez Whiz, calling it:
“One of the most famous sandwiches in the whole country… said to have originated at Pat’s King of Steaks in the 1930s. The cheesesteaks at Pat’s remain unbeatable, making it the perfect spot to sample this legendary sandwich.”
It’s high praise — and completely deserved. Because at Pat’s, it’s not just about the sandwich. It’s about history, hustle, and a whole lot of flavor packed into every bite.
A Philly Staple Since the 1930s
Founded in 1930 by Pat Olivieri, Pat’s King of Steaks is widely credited with inventing the Philly cheesesteak. What started as a hot dog stand quickly turned into a neighborhood sensation when Pat threw some sliced beef on the grill with onions and stuck it in an Italian roll.
Word spread, and a tradition was born.
Over 90 years later, Pat’s remains a family-owned business, now operated by Pat’s descendants, who’ve kept the magic alive through generations of hungry fans. Tourists line up daily on East Passyunk Avenue and 9th Street, and locals still know how to “order it wit’ or wit’out” onions like pros.
What Makes Pat’s So Special?
There’s something about a cheesesteak from Pat’s that just hits different. Maybe it’s the ultra-thin slices of beef, griddled just right. Maybe it’s the crusty-yet-soft Italian rolls that hold everything together. Maybe it’s the unapologetically messy drizzle of Cheez Whiz that brings it all home.
Or maybe it’s just the fact that this is where it all began — the OG Philly cheesesteak, made the same way for nearly a century.
The no-frills, street-corner vibe adds to the charm. You don’t need reservations, a tie, or a waitstaff. You just need cash, a craving, and an appetite.
What the Fans Say
If you check out Google, you’ll find over 8,000 reviews and an average rating hovering near 4.5 stars. That’s no small feat for a place that’s been open for almost a century.
One reviewer wrote:
“It’s not just a sandwich — it’s a Philly rite of passage.”
Another longtime customer said:
“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. Now I bring my grandkids. The taste hasn’t changed — and that’s a good thing.”
A Symbol of Philly — And Pennsylvania
Pat’s isn’t just beloved in the city. It represents a piece of Pennsylvania’s culinary identity. In a world of trends and constantly evolving menus, Pat’s keeps things classic — and people love it for that.
It’s the kind of place you visit after an Eagles game, before a concert, or at 2 a.m. because you just need that one familiar bite to wrap up the night.
It’s been featured on countless food shows, praised by celebrities, and copied all over the country. But there’s still only one Pat’s.
What’s Next for the King of Steaks?
No big expansions. No wild menu changes. And honestly, we’re glad.
Pat’s seems perfectly content doing what it’s always done — serving up the original Philly cheesesteak, one sandwich at a time. If anything’s on the horizon, it’s just more people discovering what locals have known for decades.
Congrats to a Philly Legend
It’s no surprise to anyone in Pennsylvania that Pat’s would top a list like this. But recognition like this still matters. It tells the rest of the country what we already know: you want the best sandwich in Pennsylvania? You come to Philly. And you go to Pat’s.
What’s Your Favorite Cheesesteak Order?
Wit’ onions or wit’out? Provolone or Cheez Whiz?
Have a favorite Pat’s memory or late-night visit? Drop it in the comments — or tag someone who still hasn’t tried the original.
“This article was written by Kayla McFarland. AI tools were used lightly for grammar and formatting, but the ideas, words, and edits are all mine.”
