Philly cheesesteaks are truly a way of life in Philadelphia, and if you’ve ever tasted an authentic Philly cheesesteak, it’s not difficult to see why. Philly cheesesteaks basically symbolize everything that makes Philadelphia unique — pride, authenticity, and an unapologetic passion for food.
If you’re planning on visiting Philadelphia (or even if you’ve lived here your whole life), finding and eating the perfect Philly cheesesteak is a rite of passage. Of course, this is no easy task because there are so many great Philly cheesesteak shops in Philadelphia.
We’re here to help make the process of finding the perfect Philly cheesesteak easier! Although there are plenty of options, when it comes to the best cheesesteak, you can’t go wrong with Tony Luke’s in South Philly. In this article, we’ll be talking about why Tony Luke’s is our top pick. Before that, though, let’s dive into the history of the Philly cheesesteak.
What is a Philly Cheesesteak, Anyway?
Basically, a Philly cheesesteak consists of thinly sliced rib-eye steak that’s cooked on a griddle, piled onto a fresh roll, and then topped with melted cheese. The most traditional choice for cheese is Cheez Whiz, though provolone and American cheese are also quite good. You can add sautéed onions if you like, or keep your sandwich plain.
The perfect Philly cheesesteak, unlike its imitators, will have a delicate balance of textures and flavors. The steak should be tender and delicious; the cheese should be gooey and perfectly distributed, and the roll should be soft yet sturdy enough to hold everything together. It might sound simple, but making the perfect Philly cheesesteak actually requires quite a bit of skill!
The History of the Philly Cheesesteak
The Philly cheesesteak has humble beginnings. It started in South Philadelphia in the 1930s when Pat Olivieri, a local hot dog vendor, decided to grill some thinly sliced beef for his lunch one day. A passing cab driver caught a whiff of the sizzling meat and asked for a sandwich — and, voila! The Philly cheesesteak was born.
Originally, the Philly cheesesteak didn’t include cheese. Cheese was later added as an experiment, and, naturally, people loved it. Over the years, the Philly cheesesteak grew from a local favorite into an international phenomenon. Despite its fame, however, the Philly cheesesteak has remained deeply tied to its Philadelphia roots.
Why Tony Luke’s Serves the Best Cheesesteaks in Philadelphia
There are many places to get a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia. That said, not all cheesesteaks in Philly are created equal. Philly locals can always tell when a Philly cheesesteak hasn’t been made quite right, which is why your Philly-based friend might turn their nose up at a mediocre cheesesteak (similar to how a New Yorker might refuse to eat mediocre pizza).
If the bread is soggy, for example, it’s a sure sign that a Philly cheesesteak isn’t authentic (or very good, for that matter). If you want a truly great Philly cheesesteak, you need to know where to look. Many of the really great places are somewhat hidden, which is why we’re here to help.
Tony Luke’s in South Philly is a particularly great place to get a cheesesteak. Here’s why:
High-Quality Ingredients
Tony Luke’s success largely has to do with the ingredients they use. Their cheesesteaks are made using 100% rib-eye beef (free from hormones, antibiotics, or artificial additives of course). Tony Luke’s rolls are also worth writing home about — they’re baked locally, and are sturdy enough to hold the contents of the sandwich.
And then, of course, there’s the cheese. At Tony Luke’s, you can choose to get Cheez Whiz or American cheese on your cheesesteak. Either way, it’s sure to be delicious because Tony Luke’s puts effort into making sure that the cheese on their sandwiches is properly melted and evenly distributed.
The Atmosphere and Experience
If you want a little South Philly attitude with your Philly cheesesteak, Tony Luke’s is the place for you! Part of what makes Tony Luke’s so special is the experience of visiting their shop. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d want in an authentic Philly cheesesteak shop — it’s an exciting experience for tourists and locals alike.
Whether you’re stopping by their original location in South Philly or are checking out one of their other shops, the staff will greet you with the kind of no-nonsense energy that defines Philly. Of course, if you don’t feel like going out, you can always get a Tony Luke’s frozen cheesesteak delivered to your door. Talk about convenience!
Convenient Frozen Cheesesteak Delivery Service
Can’t make it to Tony Luke’s in person? No problem. One of the things that makes Tony Luke’s stand out as a cheesesteak shop is their ability to bring their iconic cheesesteaks to your door — no matter where you are. Through their website, you can order their frozen signature cheesesteaks Philly-style, either for yourself or for a friend or family member.
These sandwiches are flash-frozen and then transported in temperature-controlled packaging, which means you can rest assured that they’ll arrive in perfect condition. Once you receive your frozen cheesesteak, all you need to do is put it in the oven for about 20 minutes.
If you’re looking for a unique Philly-themed gift to send to your Philly-based friend who’s been missing home, Tony Luke’s frozen cheesesteaks are a fantastic option! These sandwiches make a thoughtful and delicious gift for anyone who loves Philly cheesesteaks. They’re perfect for holidays, birthdays, corporate gifting, or any occasion, really.
Conclusion
When it comes to authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks, Tony Luke’s is the place to be. Their commitment to quality (and the fact that their sandwiches are always bursting with flavor) has solidified their place as one of the top Philly cheesesteak restaurants in Philadelphia.
Whether you’re stopping by their shop in South Philly on your lunch break or are thinking about ordering a frozen cheesesteak or three to enjoy at home, you won’t be disappointed. So, the next time you’re craving a taste of Philly, make sure to hit up Tony Luke’s!
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