From the Archives
A running collection of historic photos from Philadelphia's classic cheesesteak shops — storefronts, menus, ads, and the people who ran them. Click any photo to see it larger.
Since 1949 — a South Philly steak shop storefront.
Pat shows Sam Horowitz (left) and Joe Lorenzo how to load a sandwich.
A Route 23 trolley rolls past Milano’s Lunch.
Jim’s Steaks, South Street — since 1939.
The grill menu board.
A holiday ad for Pat’s King of Steaks.
Harry Olivieri with Bobby Rydell.
Notables of the cheesesteak world.
Herb Olivieri, “the prince himself.”
A vintage ad for Geno’s Steaks.
Pioneer & Originator of the Steak Sandwich.
Pat’s corner sign at Wharton Street.
Pat’s crew, sandwiches in hand.
Frank Olivieri on the celebrity crowd.
Bill Clinton visits Geno’s Steaks.
Bill Clinton, mid-bite at Pat’s.
A campaign-trail cheesesteak moment.
“My Daddy’s Steak Sandwiches...”
Billybob’s — home of the original chicken steak.
Mom’s, Bala Cynwyd — 1966.
Community Submissions
Historic photos shared by fellow cheesesteak fans, reviewed and added by the Museum.
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Share Your Own Piece of History
Have an old photo of a classic Philly cheesesteak shop, sign, menu, or memory? Share it here. Every submission is reviewed by the Museum before it appears publicly — it won’t be posted automatically.