Talk about a loaded question… Why don’t you just ask which is better, New England clam chowder or Manhattan.
AO

Pats in sout’ philly! jims tastes better, but ya just have to have the original.

Tony Lucs,best; followed by Jim’s, by far. I know that most people on TV talk about Pat’s or Gino’s, but I’m not a fan of the “wiz” or the steaks there. Or, even better, find a small place in South Philly that is off of the beaten path. You can find a few good places in the Italian Market (9th street is a place to start, around Christian- I forget the exact block, but if you drive or walk around the area there, you’ll find the market- just look for the stands out on the street- you can’t miss it. As far as smaller shops not offering the extras, or not using wiz, the LARGE majority of people that would order a cheesesteak on a friday night WOULD NOT go to the big places, nor even THINK of asking for wiz. That’s just fou tourists!

Also, most places more than 15 miles out of the city do not get it right- the rolls are all wrong! If you can get a place that uses Matera’s rolls, do it! The traditional roll of Phila steaks are Amoroso’s, but they are really squishy. And if it isn’t in the city, or just outside, and they say Phila Cheesesteaks, beware. I once saw a “Philly style” cheesesteak advertised in a restaurant using top round, with au ju, sauted onions, portabella mushrooms and swiss cheese on- of all things- sourdough bread! (This was in New York state. It made me sad. The locals thought this was the way it was supposed to be!)

Talk about a loaded question… but personally I prefer Ishkabibbles on South St.
There might only be enough stools for 5 customers inside but they make a hell of a cheesesteak.

For the traditional cheesesteak, Geno’s at 9th & Passyunk is a bit better than Pat’s next door, and Tony Luke’s on Oregon is just as good, but really you’re asking the wrong question.

It’s a shame that Philly is known worldwide for its cheesesteaks-which are decadent and filling, but not particularly interesting tasting- because there’s a much better sandwich indigenous to Philadelphia (and nearly impossible to get anywhere else): the roast pork Italian.

The roast pork is sliced and slow-cooked for hours in its own juices, then loaded onto a S. Philly roll (probably Amoroso’s). Sharp provolone and greens cooked in garlic (either spinach or broccoli rabe, which is better) are slathered on top. The result, when done well, is IMHO the best of all possible sandwiches, and a huge reason why I live in South Philly.

Tony Luke’s roast pork Italian is pretty much impossible to beat, although George’s in the Italian Market and Dinic’s at Reading Terminal are right up there in perfection.

Note that these sandwiches are very juicy, and need to be eaten quickly, before the bread gets soggy. Don’t get it to go!

Chubby’s in Roxborough. Pat’s and Geno’s are scuh typical answers. I used to eat there all the time, but go to Chubby’s on Hnery Avenue. Best Cheesesteaks ever.