Philadelphia Is Having a Cheesesteak Renaissance
Philadelphia’s iconic cheesesteak is evolving, with new shops and creative takes giving the city’s signature sandwich fresh life.
The cheesesteak stands tall as an iconic symbol of Philadelphia, intertwining with the city’s rich history and culinary identity. Pat’s King of Steaks, established nearly a century ago, remains a cornerstone in this beloved sandwich tradition. David Wesolowski, a food blogger and host of Delicious City podcast, asserts that this classic remains vital, despite its tourist-centric reputation. "Pat's cheesesteak is the original," he explains, underscoring its indispensable role in the cheesesteak narrative.
A modern renaissance in cheesesteak offerings is underway, with a noticeable shift towards elevated versions, priced at around $20. This resurgence began with the introduction of Cooper Sharp cheese, a processed American cheese that has been a favorite among Philadelphians since the early 1900s. This cheese's popularity surged when Danny DiGiampietro incorporated it into his culinary creations.
"Danny is the originator of the cheesesteak renaissance," Wesolowski notes, highlighting how DiGiampietro's decision to bake his own bread and use high-quality ingredients revolutionized the cheesesteak landscape.
Angelo's Pizzeria, owned by Pino DiMeo, exemplifies this quality-driven approach. DiMeo emphasizes their commitment to fresh daily bread and freshly cut ribeye steak, which significantly elevates the cheesesteak experience. The success of Angelo's, coupled with the growing trend of adopting Cooper Sharp cheese, has sparked a wave of imitation, with many establishments striving to replicate its success.
Pat’s King of Steaks has adapted to this trend, offering multiple cheese options, including Cooper Sharp, alongside the traditional choices.
Gourmet cheesesteak shops like Del Rossi's Cheesesteak & Pizza Co. have also capitalized on this trend. Newly acquired and revamped in 2020, Del Rossi’s now serves its sandwiches on a seeded sourdough baguette, aligning with the elevated cheesesteak movement. This establishment, frequented by celebrities such as Mark Ruffalo and Benny Blanco, is among the city’s rising culinary stars.
Notably, John’s Roast Pork, a James Beard Award-winning cheesesteak shop established in 1930, continues to thrive, underscoring the enduring appeal of Philadelphia’s cheesesteaks. Despite enduring the test of time, the shop maintains its popularity, ranking among the top cheesesteak destinations in the city. Newsweek invites readers to participate in its Readers’ Choice Awards, offering a platform for the public to crown their favorite cheesesteak, showcasing Philadelphia’s enduring commitment to this beloved sandwich tradition.
Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
