Philadelphia, PA—Are you searching for the ultimate Philadelphia frankenfood? Look no further; it's The Philly Taco, a combination of a Philly cheesesteak and a slice of Pizza. The combo gets its origins on South Street, where foodies of all kinds head over to Jim's Steaks and Lorenzo's Pizza for their steaks and Pizza. Just wrap your Jim's steak in your Lorenzo slice, and you've just made The Philly Taco or South Street Sushi.
Philadelphia is a city built on profound culinary traditions, from slow-roasted pork and sharp provolone to the endless, highly debated nuances of the perfect cheesesteak. But beneath the surface of reputable regional cuisine lies a chaotic, grease-stained rite of passage reserved for the bold, the incredibly hungry, and the late-night South Street wanderers.
It is known by a few names: The Philly Taco, South Street Sushi, or simply, The Lorenzo's and Jim's Challenge.
Whatever you call it, this legendary, unholy alliance of two South Street staples is a heavy-hitting heavyweight of local food lore. Here is a breakdown of what it takes to conquer Philadelphia's most notorious DIY menu hack.
The Anatomy of the Beast
The Philly Taco is not something you can order off a menu. It requires footwork, timing, and a basic understanding of structural engineering. The concept is beautifully simple yet gastronomically overwhelming: a massive slice of plain cheese Pizza wrapped securely around a whole, fully loaded cheesesteak.
To execute it authentically, you must visit two specific institutions located blocks apart:
1. The Wrapper: Lorenzo and Sons Pizza Lorenzo's is famous for one thing: comically oversized, cheese-heavy slices that hang well off the edges of two paper plates. They don't do toppings or delicate crusts. What they do provide is a massive, pliable, and structurally sound foundation. The sheer surface area of a Lorenzo's slice is the only thing in the city capable of swaddling a full 9-inch sandwich.
2. The Filling: Jim's South Street. Just down the block sits Jim's, an Art Deco cornerstone of the Philly cheesesteak scene. Known for its finely chopped, grill-steamed ribeye and a famously long queue that wraps around the corner of 4th and South. For the true Philly Taco experience, the standard order is a classic "Whiz Wit"—steak, sweet caramelized onions, and a heavy ladle of melted Cheez Whiz, all packed into a fresh Amoroso roll.
The Assembly Process
Securing the ingredients is only half the battle; the assembly is where amateur eaters often falter. Because you are dealing with two highly volatile, temperature-sensitive items, speed is critical.
- Step 1: The Procurement: The order of operations is vital. Grab the cheesesteak first. A wrapped Jim's steak holds its heat well in its foil wrapper. Then head to Lorenzo's for a Pizza slice, so the cheese is still molten and the dough is still flexible.
- Step 2: The Unveiling: Find a nearby bench, a sturdy trash can lid, or the trunk of a car. Lay the Lorenzo's slice perfectly flat.
- Step 3: The Placement: Unwrap the cheesesteak and place it horizontally across the widest part of the Pizza slice.
- Step 4: The Fold: Carefully lift the edges of the Pizza slice and fold them over the top of the roll, pressing slightly to let the Pizza cheese fuse with the roll. Roll it tight.
The Experience
Eating "South Street Sushi" is not a delicate affair. The first bite yields a chaotic crunch of Pizza crust giving way to the soft, savory interior of the roll, followed immediately by a rush of chopped steak, onions, Whiz, and tomato sauce.
It is heavy, salty, intensely rich, and physically demanding to consume in one sitting. It is the ultimate collision of late-night cravings, packing well over a day's worth of calories into a single, handheld torpedo of pure Philadelphia grit.
A True Local Milestone
While it may not win any James Beard awards, the Philly Taco remains a beloved, borderline-mythical challenge in the local food scene. It is a testament to the city's unapologetic love for comfort food and the unique, kinetic energy of South Street. Whether you are aiming to eat your way through the city's legendary sandwiches or just looking for the ultimate late-night badge of honor, The Lorenzo's and Jim's Challenge is waiting. Just remember to bring plenty of napkins.
