Jim's Steaks: More than a Restaurant...It's an Experience
The ongoing battle cooks on! Philadelphia has long been known for the Philly cheesesteak, but there still is not a clear cut winner as to who makes the best in the city. Everyone has their own opinion, and those opinions are engrained in the brains of those who hold them. There is no compromise. These opinions are the cause of much controversy and, at least in my family, have caused major debates.
It’s 11 o’clock pm on a Saturday and the Philadelphia Flyers game has just let out. The Flyers just beat their rivals and the city is starting to come alive with excitement. We walk out of the stadium and head for the subways which will take us into downtown. It is packed full of people and there is no need to hang onto the rails as the sheer volume of people crammed together will prevent everyone from falling over. People are singing and cheering as their excitement continues from the game. This is the time to go get a cheesesteak. People will head towards their favorite spot, and for my brother and I, that spot is Jim’s Steaks on South Street.
Jim’s Steaks has been around since 1976 and has been making a top-notch cheesesteak ever since. The cheesesteaks haven’t changed: cooked the same, and have the same great flavor as years ago. Every time I go I get a steak “whiz wit”. In other words...a steak with cheese whiz and onions. To the city of Philadelphia, this combination is known as the classic. The second I bite into the cheesesteak, I am satisfied!
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| The line to enter Jim's Steaks stretches outside and around the corner |
Jim’s provides much more than a fantastic cheesesteak though, and I realized recently why I love Jim’s so much. I love it partially for the amazing steak sandwich, but in reality, I love it for the experience it creates. Some of my favorite memories are taking the subway to South Street and then standing in line with everyone else who has just watched the game. There is excitement all around and everyone is extremely friendly. No one cares that they are going to have to stand in a half hour line that leads out the door and around the corner, because it is tradition. I treasure the time I have spent in line with my brother and his friends, the conversations we have had with strangers about Philadelphia sports teams, or teaching the out-of-towners how to properly order their steak before they have to order. The line waiting experience instills Philadelphia pride within me and makes me feel like I am a part of something special. It isn’t just a cheesesteak, it’s an experience!
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| Autographs line the walls of Jim's |
Once inside the restaurant, the atmosphere continues to enhance the experience and the memories which create utilitarian value. There isn’t a big difference between Jim's steak sandwich as compared to others in the city, but the space is small and filled with signatures and pictures of celebrities all over the walls. It creates a fun atmosphere to be in and I’m always wondering when the next celebrity will make an appearance.
So the next time you are in Philadelphia, I suggest finding your cheesesteak place so that you can enjoy the same value that Jim's brings me. But before you do...
Click on the link below to learn the art of ordering a cheesesteak!
