From Pat’s and Geno’s to Skinny Joey’s, South Philly has long defined the cheesesteak tradition. Between Pollock Street and Packer Avenue on Broad Street, Skinny Joey’s keeps that legacy alive — right in the neighborhood The Oakes Firm has proudly called home for five generations.
South Philly Flavor with History on Every Corner
Just off Broad Street — between Packer Avenue and Pollock Street — sits Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks, one of South Philly’s newest must-try spots. It’s tucked beside the gas station on the east side of Broad, just below the Walt Whitman Bridge overpass — a stretch of road that still feels like home to anyone who grew up in this part of the city.
The sandwiches here are the real deal — sizzling ribeye, soft rolls, grilled onions and cheese melted just right. On any given day, you’ll see cars parked on an angle from the underpass to Packer Avenue. There’s also parking at the gas station next door. They’ve even added tables, giving locals and visitors alike a place to sit, eat, and soak up that unmistakable South Philly rhythm.
Where the Cheesesteak Was Born
You can’t talk about Skinny Joey’s without tipping your hat to where it all began. Pat’s King of Steaks at 9th and Wharton served up the original cheesesteak that would define Philadelphia’s food identity. Across the street, Geno’s Steaks later became its colorful rival, creating the friendly feud that still draws both locals and tourists day and night.
For generations, ordering a cheesesteak in South Philly has come with its own language. Say “Cheese wit,” and everyone knows you mean with fried onions — a phrase as Philly as the Liberty Bell.
Memories from the Neighborhood
“My father, back in the 1940s, would walk from Broad and Shunk over to Pat’s with his buddies. Back then, Pat’s cheesesteaks were made on a loaf of Italian bread — and they cost a quarter. When I was a kid in the ’70s, my band, Fire & Ice, used to hit Pat’s and Geno’s around 3 a.m. after gigs at the nightclubs. The prices went up, the bread changed, but the atmosphere never did.
The Neighborhood — Packer Park and St. Richard’s Parish
Skinny Joey’s isn’t just another cheesesteak shop — it’s part of the heartbeat of South Philly. Nestled near Packer Park and tucked within St. Richard’s Parish at 18th and Bigler Streets, it sits right in a neighborhood where everyone knows each other’s names. This is the kind of place where locals don’t drive — they walk. After work or on a weekend afternoon, people stroll over with friends, grab a sandwich, and hang out under the glow of the shop’s red-and-white sign. You’ll see neighbors chatting at the tables, laughing with the staff, or catching up about the Eagles, the weather, and what’s new on Broad Street. The sense of community here runs deep — the same families who’ve been attending St. Richard’s for generations are the ones bringing their kids and grandkids to Skinny Joey’s today. It’s a reminder that in South Philadelphia, great food isn’t just about the flavor; it’s about the people you share it with. Skinny Joey’s captures that perfectly — a small shop that feels like home in a big city that never forgets its roots.
A Neighborhood Built on Food and Family
Packer Avenue on the east side was once the epicenter of Philadelphia’s food-distribution world. Decades ago, the area was filled with wholesalers — meats, fish, nuts, and produce — all packed along Packer Avenue, feeding the corner stores and restaurants that kept Philly running.
- Termini Brothers Bakery keeps tradition alive in Packer Park while its original 8th Street Italian Market location continues serving generations of loyal families. Their Italian cream cake is the absolute best! I have been getting this cake for over a half a century on my birthday.
- Pastificio remains a go-to for fresh pasta, imported cheeses, and classic Italian staples — the kind of store that feels like it’s been there forever.
- Pop’s Water Ice on Broad and Oregon still cools off summer nights. One of my favorite places…and still is today.
- The Philadium on Packer Avenue stays packed with neighbors who’ve known each other for decades.
- Chickie’s & Pete’s, which began up in Northeast Philly, has made its Packer Avenue location a pre- and post-game staple for every Phillies, Eagles, Sixers, or Flyers fan in town.
Skinny Joey’s: Carrying the Tradition Forward
Today, Skinny Joey’s Cheesesteaks is proudly carrying on that tradition — serving the same comfort, quality, and camaraderie that made the cheesesteak a South Philly institution in the first place. Its location at Broad and Pollock couldn’t be better for fans heading to or from the stadiums. Whether it’s before a concert, after an Eagles game, Phillies, Sixers, Flyers, or on a quiet weeknight, you’ll leave knowing you got something good.
Cheesesteaks, Fries, and More
While Skinny Joey’s has quickly earned its reputation for classic ribeye cheesesteaks, the menu goes far beyond the basics. The Chicken Cheesesteaks are slamming — thin-sliced chicken piled high on a soft roll, topped with your choice of melted American or provolone. And if you like a little heat, you can add long hots to just about any sandwich for that signature South Philly flavor. The Roast Pork with provolone, spinach or broccoli rabe is another standout — a true local favorite that’s juicy, garlicky, and finished off with sharp provolone that ties it all together. Alongside the sandwiches, Skinny Joey’s serves golden, crispy fries and cheese fries that come out piping hot and perfectly salted. Their onion rings are thick, crunchy, and addictive — the kind of side you find yourself ordering again next time. Add a soft drink and you’ve got the perfect South Philly combo meal, whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or a late-night bite. Everything is cooked fresh to order and served with genuine neighborhood pride — quick smiles, friendly conversation, and that unmistakable “welcome home” feeling that makes Skinny Joey’s a new South Philly classic.
Five Generations of South Philly Pride
For more than a century — since 1896 — the Oakes family has called South Philadelphia home. Five generations strong, we’ve watched neighborhoods grow, businesses thrive, and families build their futures right here. That same neighborhood loyalty and sense of community guides The Oakes Firm today — a Philadelphia personal-injury law firm helping people who have been hurt in accidents find justice and recovery.
At Philly Legal Connect, we highlight the people and places that make our city special. At The Oakes Firm, they help protect them. Whether you’re enjoying a cheesesteak at Skinny Joey’s or commuting through the Broad Street corridor, if you or a loved one is injured, you can get help. Get Connected or call 215-883-4412.
Disclaimer: The information provided by Philly Legal Connect is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. Reading this article or using the “Get Connected” link does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal assistance, please contact The Oakes Firm directly through the link above or by calling 215-883-4412.