It’s the unofficial official food of Philadelphia. The cheesesteak. Not the “steak and cheese” or the “Philly cheesesteak”, you’re in Philly, so there’s no reason to be redundant about it. It’s a cheesesteak. Nothing more, nothing less. It is Philly comfort food at its finest and there are countless places around the Delaware Valley who serve the sandwich, some much better than others. The sandwich itself is basic: sliced or chopped rib-eye steak with a choice of cheese (usually American, provolone, or whiz) topped with your choice of vegetables, such as mushrooms, onions, or peppers. Out-of-towners always state that they want an authentic cheesesteak while in town, and they’re usually pretty happy with what is consumed. However, most of us in the area have grown up with cheesesteaks. Leading us to ponder the question: are cheesesteaks overrated?
Yes, cheesesteaks are overrated.
It might seem treasonous to respond to the cheesesteak question with this answer, but it’s really not that outrageous of a concept. The cheesesteak itself is very simple and costs about 7-8 dollars at most places. If one explores the Philly food scene a little bit, there are plenty of amazing sandwiches that can be bought for the same price. Examples include the Italian roast pork at John’s Roast Pork in South Philly, the “chicken cutlet Italiano” at Shank’s Pier 40, and Italian style sandwiches at George’s in the Italian Market, or pretty much anything Paesano’s serves at their two locations in Fishtown and Italian Market.
Taken in that context, yes, the cheesesteak is overrated because these places are providing rich flavors for the same price, and they’re somewhat hidden gems. The cheesesteak is watered down. Every place serves them, and the places that the tourists associate with what an authentic cheesesteak should taste like (Pats/Geno’s) are not that good. Philadelphians don’t and shouldn’t care what a tourist thinks about a popular food in the city, but when you really think about it, there isn’t much that distinguishes an excellent cheesesteak place from a decent cheesesteak place.
You drawlin’! Cheesesteaks aren’t overrated.
Whaddya crazy? No way are cheesesteaks overrated. Philadelphia is a city with amazing food, and while there are artisan sandwiches that exist and are delicious, the cheesesteak is pure Philadelphia: greasy, simple, lovable, and occasionally bad for you. Some particular cheesesteak places will be overrated, but the most well-known places for a food any city is known for is usually like that (e.g. Arthur Bryant’s BBQ in Kansas City). Philly has plenty of places, such as John’s Roast Pork or Chink’s Steaks that put themselves above the competition by doing things like using freshly baked rolls, higher quality meat, or are really good at mixing in the cheese throughout the sandwich. The fact that there are places to specifically go for a great cheesesteak means they’re not.
If you want proof that cheesesteaks are not overrated, try to get one anywhere but Philly. They always screw it up. And unless the person making them has roots in the Delaware Valley and access to good rolls, you know you’re going to be eating a mushy pile of garbage. The construction of a good cheesesteak is a delicate matter. You need a good, sturdy Italian roll that won’t get soggy, a good quality meat that is not too tough, and a cheese that is good, but won’t overpower the flavor of the steak. Is it an artisan sandwich like they serve at Paesano’s? No, but it’s not supposed to be. Cheesesteaks are simple and delicious, just the way Philadelphians like them.
Your turn
I’ve outlined both sides of the argument. Now it’s your turn. Do you think cheesesteaks are overrated? Feel free to answer within the post, reply to the post, leave your vote via ask box, or leave a comment on the post.
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