PHILADELPHIA - Every now and then on this cheesesteak journey, you walk into a place that's about so much more than just the sandwich. That's exactly what happened on my visit for cheesesteak #1241 at the legendary Smokey Joe's, right on the University of Pennsylvania campus.
Let me tell you, don’t I wish I were a Penn man. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt like I was in a time capsule. The history just hangs in the air. I could almost picture myself wearing a big muskrat jacket after a sporting competition, chugging a beer with my classmates, and singing old Penn songs after a big win over Yale. It’s one of those spots where the walls have a million stories to tell, and you feel like you're a part of the tradition just by being there.
Now, onto the cheesesteak. It was served in a unique "cheesesteak cup," a presentation that certainly got my attention. I have to say, the academia crowd around me didn't seem too impressed with this modern take, but I'm here for the adventure. As for the steak itself? I'll let the pictures from my visit speak for that part of the story.
The real highlight of the visit for me, though, came at the bar. The bartender took a look at me and said, "Hey, you're the trophy guy!" It's always a fun moment to be recognized on this quest.
So, here's my official cheer from the visit: Hail to the trophy guy! Hail victory! Go, fight, win!
My final verdict? Smokey Joe's is an absolute must-visit, but you're not just going for the cheesesteak. You're going for the history, the atmosphere, and to soak in a piece of authentic University of Pennsylvania culture. It’s a fantastic experience.
A Review by Jim Pappas, The Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure
