Cheesesteaks / Sonny’s Famous Steaks vs. Campo’s Deli

Philadelphia’s hometown delicacy is the Philly cheesesteak – a warm sandwich made of grilled, thinly sliced beef (often rib-eye), fried onions, and melted cheese, served on a white hoagie roll. Of course, here, it’s just called a cheesesteak, and they’re so ubiquitous, you don’t even have to say the sandwich’s name when ordering. If you want to sound like a real local, just say “Whiz wit.” That loosely translates to “One cheesesteak with onions and Cheez Whiz, please.” Yes, that Cheez Whiz, the kind that comes in a spray can. People swear by it, including the sandwich’s supposed inventor, Pat Oliveri.

So the story goes, Pat and his brother owned a hot dog stand in the 1930s. One day, they were experimenting and made a sandwich using grilled steak and onions. A cab driver happened to stop by, liked what he smelled, and ordered one for himself. Pat sold it to him for ten cents. The cab driver liked it so much, he told the brothers to quit making hotdogs and start selling the sandwiches. They decided to take his advice, at least partly, and added it to the menu. The sandwiches got so popular Pat was able to open his own restaurant, called Pat’s King of Steaks. Pat’s nephew credits a manager called “Cocky Joe” with putting provolone on the sandwich in the 1940s. Presumably, that was the beginning of the “cheesesteak” as we now know it.

Pat’s King of Steaks is still open located near the Italian Market, in South Philadelphia. However, two of Philly’s favorite cheesesteak shops are located right here, in the historic Old City neighborhood.

Stop by Campo’s Deli or Sonny’s Famous Steaks. They’re almost across the street from one another, and they couldn’t be more different. Campo’s Deli, at 214 Market Street, was founded in the late 1940s as a grocery and luncheonette. It’s since become an institution, complete with its own brand of bottled water. The walls are covered in memorabilia, and the line is often out the door. Contrast that with Sonny’s Famous Steaks, just steps away at 228 Market Street. Sonny’s was opened more recently and takes a more minimalist approach, with a retro vibe, open interior, and a few chrome-rimed, communal tables. Sonny’s is the new kid on the block, and rumor has it they’re giving Campo’s a run for their money.

Try one – or both – and then when you’re ready to walk it all off, head east on Market Street.

Photo “Sonny’s” by cwPhotography is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo “Campo’s” by Brian Omura is licensed under CC BY 2.0

Photo “Campo’s” by Filipe Fortes is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0