In 2001, three Lower Merion High School seniors teamed up with Inquirer restaurant critic Craig LaBan to determine the “ultimate cheesesteak.” As documented in my book A History of Philadelphia Sandwiches, this was the event that put John’s Roast Pork on the map and opened up many eyes to the idea that great cheesesteaks don’t just come from the corner of 9th and Wharton, and that roast pork sandwiches are as important as cheesesteaks in this region.
Those who have an Inquirer subscription can view the full results here, but here’s an overview of the scoring:
5 (Best) – Cheesesteak Paradise
John’s Roast Pork, Snyder Avenue and Weccacoe Street, Philadelphia.
4 – Worth Busting the Diet
Tony Luke’s Old Philly Style Sandwiches, 39 E. Oregon Ave., Philadelphia.
Chink’s Steaks, 6030 Torresdale Ave., Philadelphia.
McNally’s H & J Tavern, 8634 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia.
3 – Will Satisfy the Craving
Geno’s Steaks, 1219 S. Ninth St., Philadelphia.
Sonny’s Famous Steaks, 216 Market St., Philadelphia.
Chick’s Deli of Cherry Hill, 906 Township Lane, Cherry Hill.
White House Sub Shop, Mississippi and Arctic Avenues, Atlantic City.
Real Pizza, 100 N. Narberth Ave., Narberth.
Donkey’s Place, 1223 Haddon Ave., Camden.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks, 2711 Comly Rd., Philadelphia.
Abner’s, 38th and Chestnut Streets, Philadelphia.
Grilladelphia, 2330 Aramingo Ave., Philadelphia.
2 – If You Had To
Mama’s Pizzeria, 426 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd.
Rick’s Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, 12th and Arch Streets,
Lenny’s Italian Deli, Ninth and Fayette Streets, Conshohocken.
Dalessandro’s, Henry Avenue and Walnut Lane, Philadelphia.
Jim’s Steaks, 431 N. 62d St., Philadelphia.
Jim’s Steaks, 400 South St., Philadelphia.
1 – Save the Calories
Pat’s King of Steaks, 1237 E. Passyunk Ave.
Campo’s, 214 Market St., Philadelphia.
Ishkabibble’s Eatery, 337 South St., Philadelphia.
Larry’s Famous Steaks, 2459 N. 54th St., Philadelphia.
Image via John’s Roast Pork / Goldbelly