So you ask me where to go to get a Philadelphia cheesesteak. You think it is a simple question with a simple answer, but you will find that you are very, very wrong. As an outsider coming and living on the Main Line, I can see how important cheesesteaks are to the people of this city -- it is equal parts civic symbol, tourist attraction, and cultural obsession. It is a similar relationship to Chicago and deep-dish pizza, or New York and bagels. Philly people may not know crap about bagels, but they know their cheesesteaks. It is only natural, whether you are a visitor or new resident, that you strive to understand the culture of the cheesesteak. However, in order to comprehend why this food item is so important to this city, you need to try every kind of cheesesteak available to you. Put your loose pants on, grab your bib, and come with a hearty appetite. Welcome to Philadelphia.

Pat’s and Geno’s Challenge.

Since you might as well start with the best, head to South Philly to experience Pat’s King of Steaks and Geno’s Steaks. Right across the street from one another, Pat’s and Geno’s offer competing cheesesteaks that lead the cheesesteak culture, thus creating the Pat’s and Geno’s challenge in which locals and tourists must order both cheesesteaks. Currently, Pat’s is ranked right above Geno’s in the Philadelphia cheesesteak ranking, however, every person has a favorite.

Typically, in order to do the Pat’s and Geno’s challenge, you need another person or a very large stomach. If you decide to share the cheesesteaks, one person should get a Geno’s and one person should get a Pat’s. Or you may decide you are capable of eating two whole cheesesteaks on your own. True cheesesteak champions would eat one of each, but sharing is an excellent way to enjoy this cheesesteak culture with a friend or loved one. Once both places have been tried, the participant(s) of the Pat’s and Geno’s challenge must make the ultimate decision: is Pat’s truly the King of Steaks, or is Geno’s deserving of the crown?

The Artsy Cheesesteak.

Located on South Street along with dozens of artsy and sexually explicit stores lies Jim’s Steaks. Although Jim’s does not particularly fit in with it’s surroundings, it demonstrates that even in the most interesting and artsy parts of town, there is a staple of Philadelphia cheesesteak culture; a unifying force of this diverse city. The best part about Jim’s is that the indoor seating above the store allows for people to grab their steak, and then sit above and watch the colorful people of South Street stroll by.

Out of town favorites.

Just outside of Philadelphia, in the small city of Conshohocken, there is another incredible place to get cheesesteaks. Pudge’s is a hole in the wall, yet one of many out of town favorites that has cheesesteaks that can easily compete with the big wigs like Pat’s and Geno’s. If one finds themselves outside of Philadelphia with a craving for meat and cheese, Pudge’s is the place to go. Although it does not have the same experience and atmosphere that the other eateries offer, Pudge’s cheesesteaks are low key incredible. I would highly recommended for anyone who does not want to wait in a line or drive into the city!

Clearly there are many options for one to indulge in the cheesesteak culture of Philadelphia. This culture is special because it captures the heart of Philly. When a Flyers game is going on, people flock to their favorite cheesesteak place. When the Phillies are playing, people opt for cheesesteaks as opposed to the traditional hot dog at baseball games. In extreme cases, cheesesteaks are after school snacks. Now that you have hopefully sampled cheesesteaks from in and out of the city, maybe you have a better understanding of what makes Philadelphia tick. The skills you pick up here must also be applied to other cities. Enjoy that slice of deep dish pizza in Chicago, wolf down that bowl of gumbo in New Orleans, and bite into that New York bagel. Love the food available to you in whatever city you find yourself in. Your tummy will thank you.