Pat's The Original Philly Cheesesteaks

Pat's has long been considered Philly's premier cheese steak restaurant since 1930.  Pat Olivieri started the business with a small hot dog stand near South Philadelphia's Italian Market. One day he sent for some chopped meat from a butcher shop and cooked it on his grill before placing the cooked slices inside an Italian roll with some dressing before offering to sell to passersby at his stand. One such passerby recommended Pat sell these instead: an ordinary cab driver saw his sandwich and said to Pat: 'Forget about selling dogs - try selling these instead."

Since then, the cheesesteak has become synonymous with Philly Cheesesteaks, and we're immensely proud to have been at its source. Now a worldwide sensation, people travel far and wide to taste what inspired this incredible sandwich!

Joey Vento opened Geno's just across from Pat's in 1966, and the two shops remain competitors today in producing delicious sandwiches.

Frankie Olivieri, Pat's great-nephew, has dedicated his life to Pat's and maintaining its high-standing reputation. Though he might not say they offer the best cheesesteak in town, Frankie insists his shop holds on to their original recipe and offers it exclusively.