“You comin’ to the fight?”
If you’re a Rocky fan, you already know—Pat’s King of Steaks is more than just a place to grab a cheesesteak. This South Philly institution has been slinging sandwiches since 1930, but in 1976, it became a must-visit spot for Rocky diehards.
The Rocky Connection at Pat’s
In the original Rocky, Tony Gazzo—the loan shark with a soft spot for Balboa—takes him to Pat’s for a bite to eat. While the scene is quick, it cemented Pat’s place in Rocky history. Today, if you visit, you’ll see a plaque in the sidewalk marking the exact spot where Sylvester Stallone stood while filming on November 21, 1975.
Want the full experience? Order up a Philly cheesesteak Rocky-style, stand where Stallone did, and soak in the energy of this legendary joint. If Rocky were still running these streets, he’d have to dig a little deeper into his pockets—a classic Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s now costs $16.
Yo, What’s in a Philly Cheesesteak?
A true Philly cheesesteak is as simple as it is addictive. The classic version consists of:
- Thinly sliced ribeye steak, cooked on a flat-top grill
- Your choice of Cheese Whiz, provolone, or American cheese
- A long, soft hoagie roll that soaks up all the juicy goodness
- Optional grilled onions for an extra layer of flavor
Philadelphia loves its cheesesteaks because they’re quick, hearty, and packed with flavor—perfect fuel for the city’s blue-collar roots.
Visiting Pat’s King of Steaks
Pat’s is still going strong today, serving up thousands of sandwiches daily. Be prepared for long lines—especially since it sits across the street from its famous competitor, Geno’s Steaks. Parking here can be a challenge, so bring some patience or be ready to circle the block a few times.
Rocky vs. Creed: Who’s Got the Best Philly Cheesesteak?
Pat’s might have the Rocky legacy, but in Creed, Adonis got his Philly cheesesteak fix at Max’s Steaks in North Philly. Want to see how the two compare? Check out our guide to the Max’s Steaks Creed filming location and decide for yourself which spot serves up the real champ of cheesesteaks.
