An impromptu day trip to Philadelphia wouldn’t be complete without at least one sampling of a cheesesteak. But when there’s only time to try one place and you have to choose from the tons and tons of reviews and suggestions out there claiming who has “the best” cheesesteak in Philadelphia, well it’s hard to narrow it down to just one place. After reading and comparing multiple reviews describing the must-try cheesesteak in Philly and consulting some locals, I decided to go the less touristy route (avoiding the more out of the way lines at Geno’s and Pat’s) and take one local’s “you must go here!” suggestion. And I must say, I was not led astray.

The line for Jim’s Steaks on South Street was out the door when I arrived, but not quite around the corner yet. It moved relatively quickly, although the incredible meaty smells you’re ambushed with as soon as you pass through the doorway make it difficult to wait at all. You place your order directly with the guys behind the grill, and in true Phila style, I went with “one wiz wit” (one steak sandwich with cheese whiz and onions). These guys, of course, have the sandwich making process down to a science, slathering the cheese whiz (or provolone, depending upon which you chose), onto the bread, passing it over to the next guy who puts the bread face down over the perfectly cooked steak, and scoops it all up with a flat spatula, before topping the sandwich off with some fried onions.

After I paid, I proceeded to the upstairs seating area to quickly devour this meaty, cheesy goodness. Now, this is not a sandwich you eat with a fork and to truly enjoy the Philly cheesesteak you just have to pick up that wedge with your hands and dive right in, greasy steak juice drippings and all. Suffice it to say, it was fantastic. The steak was juicy and you could taste the cheese with every bite. Delicious and authentic Philly cheesesteak: mission completed.

Jim's Steaks Jim's Steaks Jim's Steaks

And, of course, a day trip to a new city must include some local beer tastings. I sampled a couple of brews. Trying to hold on to summer a little bit longer, I went with a wit and a pale ale.

Whirlwind Wit (Victory/Downingtown, PA) at Molly Molloy’s at Reading Terminal Market: a white beer with some hops to it, not too strong.

Troegs Pale Ale (Troegs/Hershey, PA) at Spruce Street Harbor Park: a light refreshing beer with a little bit of hops and a mildly fruity flavor.