The iconic cheesesteak was invented on the streets of South Philadelphia in the 1930s by an Italian hot dog vendor named Pat Olivieri. The simple construction — grilled steak and melted cheese on a hoagie roll — made it an instant favorite that’s evolved into an enduring classic.
Although the appeal of the cheesesteak knows no borders, D.C. is close enough to Philly to embrace this historic dish. Recently, as sandwiches have become a popular play for restaurants adapting to COVID-related restrictions, cheesesteaks seem to be popping up at “ghost kitchens” and other restaurants around town, even taking on vegan forms. Boundary Stone, the Philly-friendly bar in Bloomingdale, will go into hibernation mode November 25, but it’s also known for its cheesesteak.
Here are 13 varieties to sample right now. Fair warning: purists will not sign off on every one of these.
A number of D.C. area restaurants have resumed dine-in service. The level of service offered is indicated on each map point. However, this should not be taken as endorsement for dining in, as there are still safety concerns. The Washington Post is tracking coronavirus cases and deaths in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. More information can be found at coronavirus.dc.gov. Studies indicate that there is a lower exposure risk when outdoors, but the level of risk involved with patio dining is contingent on restaurants following strict social distancing and other safety guidelines.
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