OLD CITY. What started as a small mom-n-pop grocery back in the 1940s has evolved into one of the signature places on Market to enjoy a Philly Cheesesteak. Is it the best in town? You be the judge. Just know that you're not going to find to find a friendlier place to enjoy the city's signature sandwich. If grilled rib-eye topped with provolone and onions doesn't strike your fancy, don't fret: They also serve up great hoagies and even a few vegetarian options.

SOUTH PHILLY. One of many places billed as Philly's "Best," Geno's certainly has its fair share of devotees on the south side of town. Begun in 1966 by fella named Joe Vento, this 24/7, take-out-only joint has the art of serving cheesesteaks down to a science. That is to say, at the first window, order your sandwich. Without prompting, indicate American, provolone or Cheese Whiz and whether or not you want onions. Pay, pick up your order, and move down to the next window for a drink. And just in case you're curious, you really shouldn't leave town without trying the Cheese Whiz variety.

SOUTH STREET. It's best to know your P's and Q's before visiting this South Street cheesesteaker, where the grillmen take their choice top round very seriously. At Jim's, all steaks come with onions (that's just how they come, simple as that); subsequent "extras" range from "Whiz" and provolone to roasted bell peppers and mushrooms. Hoagies, soups, salads and even a few breakfast items round out the menu. Even if you're not in Philly, you can still enjoy a bite from Jim's ­ They'll send a sandwich wherever FedEx delivers in the US.

ST. JOSEPH'S. Home of the "Belly Filler," Larry's has been doing top-notch eats since 1956 ­ You might say that they've just about perfected the art. From hoagies to grinders, all of their creations are guaranteed fresh and flavorful for up to 10 hours. And while you can go for any of a number of ingredients (ham, meatball, tuna, turkey), if this is your first time, it's probably best to stick with a tried-and-true steak and onion smothered in American cheese. Seafood, Stromboli, pizzas and wings are also available if, for some reason, you have something other than sandwiches on your mind.

SOUTH PHILLY. The self-proclaimed "King of Steaks," Pat Olivieri started out with a hotdog stand on the lower end of the Italian Market back in the 30s. As the story goes, one afternoon he decided to try something a tad different and grilled up some chopped steak, placed it on an Italian roll and topped it all with onions, creating the world's first-ever Philly Cheesesteak. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Pat's remains an Olivieri Family tradition, and their legendary sandwiches have been enjoyed by everybody from city cops to Larry King to Senator John McCain.