I’m sure you already know that Philadelphia is one of the top tourist sites to visit. Some say it’s for the great history behind every building and street, others believe it’s for the music and diversity since each neighborhood has its own special personality and subculture, and still others swear that Philadelphia has the best food scene out there. My team and I decided to embark on a search for one of the most well-known foods that Philadelphia speaks loud and proud for, and that restaurants fight over: cheesesteaks. And what better place to explore than Jim’s Steaks on South Street? *cue the “Best Cheesesteak In Philadelphia Debate”*
Vibes
When I tell you that Jim’s has the coolest decor and atmosphere, I’m not kidding. Seriously.
When You Think It's One Floor, But Have to Walk Up A Flight of Stairs
The Next Central Perk
Along with the seating, this is just a great place to meet up with your girl or guy friends and spend time with each other while eating delicious cheesesteaks and looking out the window to see all of South Street.
There is a rustic silver wall that is really great for pictures and adds to the amazing atmosphere.
Want Condiments?
We observed that while some people stick to just plain cheese and steak, other people load up on toppings such as onions, hot and sweet peppers, lettuce, tomato, mayo, really anything. You can get creative.
Werk Werk Werk
The workers aren’t just fast while they whip up these cheesesteaks in seconds (which almost seems like a competition if you ask me) but they are genuinely nice, and great at posing for photos as well! Something special about Jim’s is that you can’t really describe it. Yes, it’s a restaurant but is it really what you expect when you think of a typical restaurant? But it’s not exactly a food stand or food truck either. Yes, you can sit down to enjoy your cheesesteak, but a lot of people stand or eat them while they walk around Philly. Yet they have an inviting diner-esque wall right out front. Hmmm.
Out the Door, Around the Corner, Down the Block Line
Not only is Jim’s famous for their cheesesteaks, but they are also famous for their crazy, never-ending line. No matter what time it is, day or night, if you are able to walk right in and order then something is wrong.
Yas Gurl!
Lastly, this place is just perfect for photos. If you’re like me and always googling “instagrammable places” you can definitely cross this one off your list even if you don’t go for the food and solely for the pic.
Photographed by Caroline Gibson (C’ 20).
Apparel styling by Arya Akal (ENG ’20) and Ami Diane (C ’20).
Beauty styling by Judy Choi (C ’20) and Marina Gialnella (C’ 20).