Pat’s King of Steaks in South Philadelphia is the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak, having invented the now world-famous sandwich in 1930. This no-frills, open-air counter serves thinly sliced beef with melted cheese and onions on a fresh roll, ordered in the traditional local lingo and eaten standing at the counter. Facing its long-time rival Geno’s across the street, it is a Philadelphia institution and an essential, deliciously authentic stop for anyone wanting to taste the city’s most iconic dish where it all began.