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Cheesesteaks · Philadelphia

Jim's Steaks Menu 2026: Cheesesteaks, Options & What to Order

Jim's Steaks has been slinging cheesesteaks on South Street since 1939 — one of Philadelphia's most storied sandwich counters. Thinly sliced ribeye, grilled on a flat top, piled onto an Amoroso roll and finished with Cheez Whiz or provolone. Below: the full menu breakdown, how to order, what cheese to pick, and answers to the most common questions about this Philly institution.

Est. 1939South Street, PhiladelphiaCheez Whiz or provoloneAmoroso rollsWit or witout
Sample · $$

Signature items

Cheesesteak (Whiz wit)See menu
Cheesesteak (provolone)See menu
Chicken CheesesteakSee menu
Italian HoagieSee menu
Pizza SteakSee menu
Jump to: How to order Cheese guide Full menu Jim's vs. the competition Visiting tips FAQ
Quick answers

Most common questions about Jim's Steaks menu

The four things people most often look up about Jim's before their visit — answered in one glance.

Most popular order
Cheesesteak Whiz wit

Thinly sliced ribeye, Cheez Whiz, with onions — the canonical Philly cheesesteak order.

Best cheese pick
Cheez Whiz

The classic. Melts into the steak and coats every bite. Locals default to Whiz.

Lighter option
Chicken Cheesesteak

Grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced, with your choice of cheese on an Amoroso roll.

How to order fast
Know your order in line

Decide cheese (Whiz/provolone/American) and wit or witout BEFORE you reach the counter.

How to order

Ordering at Jim's Steaks: what to know before you step up

Jim's is a counter-service restaurant with a fast-moving line. The ordering process is simple but specific — knowing the protocol before you arrive saves time for you and the people behind you.

When you reach the counter: state your cheese first (Whiz, provolone, or American), then wit or witout (with or without onions), then the sandwich type. Example: "Whiz wit" or "provolone witout on a chicken steak." That's it.

You'll pay at the register, then pick up at the end of the grill counter. The operation is a well-oiled machine that has been running since 1939.

  • Step 1: Decide your cheese — Whiz, provolone, or American
  • Step 2: Decide wit (onions) or witout (no onions)
  • Step 3: Choose the sandwich — cheesesteak, chicken steak, hoagie, etc.
  • Step 4: Pay at the register, pick up at the grill end
  • Tip: Have your order ready before you reach the counter
  • Tip: Cash and cards accepted; ATM on-site
Cheese guide

Cheez Whiz vs. provolone vs. American at Jim's Steaks

The cheese is the single biggest flavor decision you make at Jim's. Here is what each option actually tastes like on the sandwich.

Most popular · The Philly classic

Cheez Whiz

The definitive Philly cheesesteak cheese. Warm, processed, intensely savory, and supremely melty — it coats every strand of ribeye. The sweetness balances the salt of the beef. First-timers and purists both default to Whiz. If you want the true Jim's experience, order Whiz wit.

Sharpest flavor · Traditional

Provolone

Aged provolone has a sharper, slightly tangy flavor that plays well against the rich ribeye. Less sweet than Whiz, with more cheese complexity. Provolone is the choice for people who find Cheez Whiz too processed. A legitimate and popular option at Jim's.

Mildest · Classic American

American

The mildest of the three — creamy, neutral, and very melty. American cheese lets the ribeye flavor lead without competing. Good for those who want cheese texture without a strong cheese taste. Less commonly ordered at Jim's than Whiz or provolone, but a solid option.

Most-ordered items

Most popular items at Jim's Steaks

Ranked by popularity based on ordering patterns and visitor accounts. Prices are not listed — see the note below.

  1. 1Cheesesteak Whiz WitThe default order for first-timers and regulars alike.
  2. 2Cheesesteak Provolone WitSharper cheese, same great steak.
  3. 3Chicken CheesesteakLighter, still satisfying.
  4. 4Cheesesteak HoagieFor those who want cold toppings on a hot steak.
  5. 5Pizza SteakA Philly sub-tradition — marinara adds a different dimension.
  6. 6Italian HoagieBest cold option at Jim's.
Menu at a glance

Jim's Steaks full menu breakdown

All menu categories with ingredient detail and ordering notes. Prices are not published online — confirm at the counter.

ItemKey ChoiceClassic Build
CheesesteakWhiz / provolone / AmericanRibeye, Cheez Whiz, wit onions on Amoroso roll
Cheesesteak HoagieCheese + toppingsRibeye, provolone, lettuce, tomato, mayo
Chicken CheesesteakWhiz / provolone / AmericanGrilled chicken, Cheez Whiz, wit or witout
Pizza SteakMarinara + cheeseRibeye, marinara sauce, melted cheese
Mushroom CheesesteakCheese + mushroomsRibeye, sauteed mushrooms, your choice of cheese
Pepper CheesesteakCheese + peppersRibeye, grilled green peppers, your choice of cheese
Italian HoagieCold cutsSalami, ham, capicola, provolone, LTO, oil & vinegar
What to order

Best ways to build your Jim's Steaks order

Six recommended builds, from the classic to variations worth trying.

Classic

Cheez Whiz Wit

The canonical Jim's order. Ribeye, Cheez Whiz, onions. Everything else is a variation.

Popular

Provolone Witout

Provolone cheese, no onions. The choice for those who want a sharper, more traditional cheese flavor.

Hearty

Mushroom Pepper Steak

Add both mushrooms and green peppers to your cheesesteak for a fuller, more complex bite.

Lighter

Chicken Cheesesteak

Grilled chicken instead of ribeye. Same Amoroso roll, same cheese options, lower fat.

Combo

Steak + Fries

The most common pairing: cheesesteak plus a side of fries. No combo pricing — ordered separately.

Cold side

Italian Hoagie

When the line is long and you want something cold: the Italian hoagie is a solid backup order.

Browse the menu

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The full menu

Jim's Steaks complete menu

Every item on the Jim's Steaks standard menu. Prices are not shown — see note below.

About prices. Jim's Steaks does not publish prices on their website or via public data sources. Prices are omitted from this page to avoid publishing inaccurate figures. Based on recent visitor reports, a standard cheesesteak runs approximately $12-$16, consistent with other top Philadelphia cheesesteak shops. Confirm current pricing at the register or by calling the restaurant directly.
How Jim's compares

Jim's Steaks vs. Pat's, Geno's and Tony Luke's

The four most famous Philly cheesesteak shops, compared on the details that matter to visitors.

CategoryJim's SteaksPat's King of SteaksGeno's SteaksTony Luke's
Founded1939193019661992
LocationSouth StreetPassyunk AvePassyunk AveOregon Ave
Cheese optionsWhiz/Prov/AmerWhiz/Prov/AmerWhiz/Prov/AmerWhiz/Prov/Amer
RollAmorosoAmorosoAmorosoAmoroso
AmbianceSouth St cornerOpen-air cornerOpen-air cornerOutdoor counter
Late nightYes (Fri/Sat 3AM)YesYesVaries

All four shops use Amoroso rolls and offer the same three cheese options. The real differences are location, ambiance, and subtle variations in meat preparation and grill technique. Jim's is often ranked highest for overall sandwich quality by food critics, though this remains a matter of fierce local debate.

Visiting tips

How to visit Jim's Steaks without the hassle

Timing

Go on a weekday lunch

Weekday lunches have the shortest waits — 10 to 20 minutes typically. Friday and Saturday nights bring the longest lines, sometimes 30 to 45 minutes. If you're in a hurry, avoid weekend evenings.

Ordering

Know your order before the counter

Decide cheese (Whiz, provolone, American) and onion preference (wit or witout) before you reach the front of the line. The system moves fast and indecision slows everyone behind you.

Payment

Cash or card both work

Jim's accepts cash and credit/debit cards. There is an ATM on-site. Confirm current policy before your visit as payment options can change.

Location

Corner of South and 4th

Jim's is at 400 South Street at the corner of South and 4th Streets in South Philadelphia. Street parking is available but competitive on weekends. The SEPTA Broad Street Line (Ellsworth-Federal stop) and bus routes serve the area.

Hours

Late night on weekends

Jim's typically stays open until 1 AM Sunday through Thursday and until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. It is one of the few top-tier cheesesteak shops open late night. Confirm current hours on jimssteaks.com.

First visit

Order the classic first

If it is your first visit, order a Cheesesteak Whiz Wit. Experience the benchmark before you experiment with provolone, chicken, or add-ons. The classic version is what Jim's is famous for.

About Jim's Steaks

A Philadelphia cheesesteak institution since 1939.

Jim's Steaks opened in 1939 and has been a fixture on South Street for decades. While Pat's King of Steaks (1930) holds the title of oldest cheesesteak shop, Jim's has built a reputation as one of the best — consistently cited by Philadelphia food critics, national publications, and visitors as a must-visit. The South Street location is famous for its line that wraps around the corner, its efficient counter operation, and the quality of its ribeye.

The sandwich is built the same way it has been for generations: thinly sliced ribeye, cooked on a flat-top griddle, piled onto an Amoroso roll from Philadelphia's most iconic bakery, finished with Cheez Whiz or provolone. Order wit or witout. That is it. No gimmicks, no seasonal specials — just one of America's great sandwiches done right.

1939Founded
South StLocation
85+Years open
3 AMFri/Sat close
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Common questions

Jim's Steaks — frequently asked questions

Quick answers to the questions people most commonly search before visiting Jim's Steaks on South Street.

Where is Jim's Steaks located?

The original and most famous Jim's Steaks is at 400 South Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147, at the corner of South and 4th Streets. It has been at this South Street location for decades and is open seven days a week. The line wraps around the corner on weekends — plan accordingly. Check jimssteaks.com for current hours.

What does 'wit or witout' mean at Jim's Steaks?

'Wit' means with onions; 'witout' means without onions. This is standard Philly cheesesteak ordering shorthand. When you reach the counter at Jim's, you'll be asked to specify your cheese (Cheez Whiz, provolone, or American) and whether you want it wit or witout. Hesitation slows the line — know your order before you step up.

What cheese should I get at Jim's Steaks?

The three choices are Cheez Whiz (the classic Philly option), provolone (sharper, more traditional Italian-American), and American (mild and melty). Purists order Whiz wit. Cheez Whiz is the most popular and is what Jim's is best known for — it melts into the steak and coats every bite. Provolone is a close second and slightly less sweet.

Is Jim's Steaks better than Pat's and Geno's?

This is one of Philadelphia's great ongoing debates. Jim's on South Street is generally considered one of the top three or four cheesesteak spots in the city, alongside Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks (both in South Philly's Italian Market area) and Tony Luke's. Jim's is known for its quality of meat, the Amoroso roll, and the South Street atmosphere. Many locals and food critics rank Jim's above Pat's and Geno's for overall sandwich quality, though all three are legitimate institutions.

How long is the wait at Jim's Steaks?

Waits at Jim's vary dramatically by day and time. On weekend afternoons and evenings — especially Friday and Saturday nights when South Street is busy — the line can stretch around the block and take 30–45 minutes. On weekday lunches it is typically 10–20 minutes. The line moves steadily once you're in it. Jim's uses an efficient ordering system: you'll be directed to a cashier, then to the grill line. Arriving before noon or after 9 PM generally means a shorter wait.

Does Jim's Steaks take credit cards?

Jim's Steaks accepts cash and credit/debit cards. There is an ATM on-site. Confirm current payment policy on jimssteaks.com or by calling the South Street location directly before your visit.

What are Jim's Steaks hours?

Jim's Steaks South Street is typically open Sunday through Thursday 10 AM to 1 AM and Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 3 AM, though hours can vary by season and event. Always confirm current hours on jimssteaks.com before visiting — especially on holidays.

Does Jim's Steaks deliver or ship?

Jim's Steaks is a counter-service restaurant and does not ship sandwiches. Delivery availability through third-party apps (DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub) varies by period and has been limited historically — check the apps for current availability at the South Street location. For the best experience, Jim's is meant to be eaten fresh off the grill.

How much does a cheesesteak at Jim's Steaks cost?

Jim's Steaks does not publish prices online and pricing changes periodically. As of recent visitor reports, a standard cheesesteak runs in the $12–$16 range depending on size and customization, consistent with other top-tier Philly cheesesteak shops. Confirm current prices at the register or call the restaurant directly. Do not rely on third-party price listings — they are frequently out of date.

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