What Pat's King of Steaks Is and Where to Find It

Pat's King of Steaks is a cheesesteak restaurant in Philadelphia that has been operating since 1930. It sits at the corner of 9th and Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, in a small brick building with a distinctive neon sign. The restaurant is open late — until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays — and operates as a walk-up counter with no indoor seating, only a standing counter along the window.

Pat's is one of two restaurants credited with inventing the Philadelphia cheesesteak, the other being Geno's Steaks, which opened in 1966 across the street. The two have operated as rivals for decades, and both draw long lines of locals and tourists, especially late at night. Pat's is the older establishment and claims to have created the sandwich first.

The restaurant does not take reservations and does not have a phone number for orders. You order at the window, pay cash or card, and receive your food within a few minutes. During peak hours — late evening and after midnight — the line can extend down the block.

Key Takeaways

  • Pat's has operated at 9th and Passyunk since 1930 and is credited as one of the birthplaces of the Philadelphia cheesesteak.
  • The restaurant is a walk-up counter with no seating, open until 1 a.m. most nights and 3 a.m. on weekends.
  • You order at the window and pay in cash or card; there are no phone orders or reservations.
  • The signature item is a cheesesteak with your choice of cheese, meat preparation, and toppings like onions and peppers.
  • Lines are longest after 10 p.m. and on weekend nights, but the counter moves quickly even when busy.

The Menu and How to Order

Pat's menu is short and focused. The main item is the cheesesteak — a long roll filled with thinly sliced steak and melted cheese. You choose your cheese (Provolone, American, or Whiz), whether you want onions (fried onions are standard), and any additional toppings like peppers or mushrooms. The restaurant also serves regular sandwiches like roast beef and Italian meats, plus fries and drinks.

When you step up to the window, the staff will ask you what you want in rapid succession. The traditional order format is to state your meat choice, then your cheese, then toppings — for example, "Steak with Whiz and onions." If you want no onions, you say "onions off." The staff move quickly and expect you to know what you want before you reach the window, so many first-time visitors study the menu board beforehand.

Prices vary slightly but a basic cheesesteak typically costs between $10 and $15, depending on the cheese and toppings you choose. A combo with fries and a drink runs a few dollars more. Pat's accepts both cash and card, though cash lines sometimes move slightly faster.

What Makes Pat's Different From Other Cheesesteak Shops

Pat's uses a specific style of preparation that has remained largely unchanged since the 1930s. The steak is chopped fine on a flat griddle, the cheese is added while the meat is still cooking, and the whole thing is served on a long roll. The texture and flavor depend heavily on the cheese choice — Whiz (a processed cheese product) creates a smooth, uniform coating, while Provolone gives a sharper taste and American cheese falls somewhere in between.

The no-frills counter format is part of the experience. There is no table service, no dining room, and no attempt to create a restaurant atmosphere. You eat standing at the counter or take your food to go. This setup has been the same for nearly a century and is considered part of what makes Pat's authentic to Philadelphia food culture.

Pat's also operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations or phone orders. This means you cannot call ahead or may provide a table. The wait time depends entirely on how busy the counter is when you arrive.

Hours, Location, and Parking

Pat's is located at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19147. It is open every day of the week. Hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The restaurant is closed only on Christmas Day.

Parking on the street near Pat's can be difficult, especially in the evening. The neighborhood has metered parking and residential permit zones. Many visitors use paid lots nearby or take a taxi or rideshare service, particularly if visiting late at night. Public transit (SEPTA bus routes) also serves the area.

The walk-up counter operates year-round, regardless of weather. In winter, the window remains open, though waiting outside in cold temperatures is part of the experience many visitors expect.

When to Visit and What to Expect

Pat's is busiest after 10 p.m., especially on Friday and Saturday nights. If you prefer a shorter wait, visit during lunch hours (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.) or early afternoon (2 p.m. to 5 p.m.). The line moves quickly even when long — most orders are filled within 5 to 10 minutes of reaching the window.

Late-night visitors should expect a mix of locals, tourists, and people leaving bars and clubs. The atmosphere is casual and sometimes rowdy, particularly after midnight on weekends. The counter staff are accustomed to high volume and move efficiently regardless of the crowd.

Pat's does not have restrooms available to customers. The restaurant is designed as a quick-service counter, not a destination for lingering. Most people eat their food standing at the window counter or take it elsewhere.

The Cheesesteak Rivalry With Geno's

Geno's Steaks opened in 1966 directly across the street from Pat's and has operated as a friendly but intense rival ever since. Both restaurants claim to have invented or perfected the Philadelphia cheesesteak, and both have become iconic Philadelphia destinations. The rivalry is part of the neighborhood's identity and a draw for visitors who want to try both and decide which they prefer.

The two restaurants have different styles. Pat's is older and more minimal in presentation. Geno's has more elaborate signage and a slightly larger counter area. Both serve high-quality cheesesteaks, and preference between them is largely a matter of personal taste and family loyalty — many Philadelphia families have strong opinions about which is better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order by phone or make a reservation?

No. Pat's operates as a walk-up counter only, with no phone line for orders and no reservations. You must arrive in person, order at the window, and wait your turn. This is by design and has been the format since the restaurant opened.

What is the best cheese to order on a cheesesteak?

That depends on your preference. Whiz is the most traditional and creates a smooth, creamy texture. Provolone is sharper and more flavorful. American cheese is a middle ground. Many locals have strong opinions, and trying different options is part of the experience.

Is Pat's cash only?

No, Pat's accepts both cash and card. However, cash lines sometimes move slightly faster because card transactions require a few extra seconds. Either payment method is accepted.

How long is the wait at Pat's?

Wait times vary. During slow hours (early afternoon), you might order within 5 minutes. During peak hours (after 10 p.m.), the line can be 30 minutes to an hour. The counter moves quickly even when busy, so the line typically moves faster than it appears.

Does Pat's have seating or restrooms?

No. Pat's is a walk-up counter with a standing counter along the window. There is no indoor seating, no dining room, and no restrooms. You eat standing at the counter or take your food elsewhere.