Jim's Steaks

07/25/08

One secret revealed - it's their BREAD that helps great steaks be even greater.

by ghaynes at Citysearch

Great steak sandwiches, and don't be put off by the hustle and bustle. Nobody ever explains that part of the Jim's cheesteak mystique is the bread they use, custom-baked for Jim's in South Philadelphia. The long lines that occasionally snake out the door onto South Street are, after all, people voting for this place -- and who clearly believe it's worth the wait. It IS. Funky decor. Go upstairs with your order and grab one of the tables by the front window and you can munch while watching the activities on South and 4th Streets. The staff can be brusque if you are first in line but don't know what you want, or if you don't have your money ready to pay after you they hand you the tray with your order on it. But they mean well - they're just really busy because this place, if you seek a great Philadelphia cheesesteak, is THE PLACE TO GET IT.

• Pros: Most likely the best cheesesteak available in Philadelphia or anywhere
• Cons: If hustle and bustle bothers you, try off-hour visit. The place is often packed but turnover is rapid and the food's worth it..

04/14/08

Jim's - THE WINNER!!!!

by Vincepapale at Citysearch

For 30 years I wanted to go to Philly & find the best Cheese Steak. Finally making it there this spring, myself and a coworker decided to visit the 3 most popular haunts in walking distance from our hotel downtown. We decided to hike to Geno's, Pat's and Jim's.

Geno's was first & we were so disappointed in the steak!!! It was dry - too much bread & it just had little flavor. The locals I asked told us & I must confirm that the price is way too much for what you get. I will say the meat was lean (& sliced), but I can get a better Philly in Denver, CO than at Geno's. My co-worker had the exact same impression.

I admire Geno's for their publicity of cops' causes, but I got to wonder if that is more for their own publicity than for the cops. This has nothing to do with the taste test (as I had already had my steak), but it was offensive none the less: Geno's will give out free bumper stickers (1 per customer the sign says), espousing their latest publicity on ordering in English. I saw a fellow in front of me get 5-10 of them. So I asked for 1. The employee turned & asked an old guy (I think it was Joey), if he had any stickers to give out - pointing to me. I guess I didn't look South Philly enough, cause he said "nah, we're out."

Very classy Joey!!! I'll just make sure that everyone knows my opinion of Geno's. Since I work in the travel industry, I'll make sure to tell folks where to steer clear in Philly.

As for the rest of the Steak trip - the next two were a quantum leap!

After Geno's we go across the street to Pat's. The employee greets us with a big smile & takes our order. Oh man - night & day! Pat's was HUGE! They piled it on & yes this is what I was expecting in a steak in SO Philly. Outstanding.

After some serious walking, I worked up enough room to venture to Jim's at South & 4th. While not as big as Pat's - it had a certain flavor that just beat out Pat's.

Locals say Gooey Louie's (huge & meaty) & Tony Luke's are the best.

• Pros: Awesome Steak (wit wiz), nice view (&scenery) of South St from upstairs, Beer!
• Cons: Slightly Rude Help, pricey for size (but worth it).

03/09/08

Wawa Has Better Sammiches

by Jerome99RIP at Citysearch

Don't listen to the people giving this place four or five stars. It's garbage and the people who work there are miserable. If I want to get yelled at by people serving me food I'll commit a crime and go to jail instead. Oh, the cheesesteaks that people rave about? A big, fat, meh.

• Pros: None
• Cons: Miserable employees, mediocre cheesesteaks.

12/17/07

Best Cheese-steaks in Philly

by welshrabbit at Citysearch

I've tried both Pat's and Geno's and Jim's beats them hands down, the cheese-steaks are that much better. Service is likely to be a bit brusque, but as far as I'm concerned that is understandable given the giant line and continuous stream of customers who trail through the place every night. There is a seating area upstairs which is pretty utilitarian but serviceable. Overall, Jim's definitely wins for deliciousness.

• Pros: Best Cheesesteak
• Cons: Long lines

10/15/07

Baaad service...ok cheese steak

by beeeebas at Citysearch

The cheese steak was good. But wt really bothered me was the service. It was a a big black guy cooking and treated me and my friend visiting from Europe like craap. His attitude overshadowed the whole experience. He was also cooking with no gloves and touching our food with his unclipped and dirty fingernails. All I know is that, its customers that keep that place open, they should at least be polite and grateful for that. BAAD service, think again before going.......

09/17/07

Hand's Down Winner!

by madmaxie at Citysearch

Had a taste off this summer between Pat's, Geno's, and Jim's, and Jim's won with 5 of the 7 votes. Jim's has the most flavor, best rolls, and best service of all three. And you can't beat the South Street scene. Viva la Jim's!!

• Pros: Taste, Service, Atmosphere
• Cons: DON'T GO AT LUNCHTIME (you'll starve to death before you can order), Cheesesteaks are not date food

07/24/07

The Best Philly Cheesesteak

by fish260 at Citysearch

Having grown up in South Philly, I have tasted nearly every cheesesteak in town. Hands down, Jim's on South Street is by far , THE BEST. I know, I know I'm suppose to say Pat's Steaks or Geno's. But, I feel that Jim's is ( so sorry Frankie) , not only the best quality steak, but also the least greasiest.

• Pros: The best tasting steak sandwich around
• Cons: hard to park

06/27/07

Very Disappointing

by jrmaly at Citysearch

Maybe I'm missing something, but my first taste of a Jim's cheesesteak was very disappointing. I'm no expert, but I've tasted Tony Luke's, Pat's, and Geno's, and this didn't come close. Tony Luke's will leave you wanting more. Jim's will leave you saying "That was OK, but I could have gone to (fill in the blank)." Maybe I was there on a bad night, because the service wasn't that rude, either. And as far as real Philly atmosphere, those other places have attitude. Jim's has tourists who don't know any better.

• Pros: Given the alternatives, none that I can think of. No wait, the rolls are really good.
• Cons: It's on South Street.

06/12/07

maybe not the best but at least real

by tony_ardmore at Citysearch

Yes, you can certainly find just as good or better at any number of corner places in the city. And you won't have to deal with the long lines or the lack of seating, But - at least they make a real steak sandwich, They chop and scramble the dhip steak so that you can eat it. (unlike the ridiculous Pat and Gino frauds).

I'm ashamed to say that they do offer cheese wiz. - their decline to the vulgar market.

But, all in all, for a tourist - this is a good bet. If, on the other hand, you are ventursome. go on your own to any corner joint in South Philly. Actually, you will do better and really see the neighborhood.

• Pros: real enough

06/01/07

mmmmm cheez whiz

by picklefeather at Citysearch

I recently went to Philadelphia and made it a mission to find my favorite cheesesteak. I went to 5 different places in a week and nothing came close to Jim's. I was blown away. Definitely the absolute best cheesesteak I've ever had. I made sure to get one last taste right before I left. What I liked better about it was that the beef seemed of better quality and was sliced thinner. The meat was also a lot juicier and more flavorful. The onions were also cooked just right. Some of the other places either barely cooked them or others cooked them until they were mush. I wouldn't change a thing about Jim's, except maybe I wish they were in NYC.

• Pros: best cheesesteak you'll ever have