Super Bowl food fight: Philly cheesesteak vs. KC barbecue
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The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles meet for the second time in three years in the Super Bowl. Photo: Peter Casey/Getty Images
Super Bowl LIX will feature a matchup of two teams that went a combined 29-5 during the regular season and a rematch of the 2023 Super Bowl.
The intrigue: When the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs meet Sunday in New Orleans, it'll also be a culinary war at play: which city's staple food is better the Philly cheesesteak or KC barbecue.
State of play: We decided to test it out with each version of the food in Salt Lake City.
- There are no stats needed here (maybe the calorie count) or wins and losses to compare, just putting our trusted taste buds to the test.
The cheesesteak
We tried Moochie's which claims to have "authentic Philly cheesesteaks" and Gaetano's sub shop.
Ross' thought bubble: Moochie's definitely nailed the authenticity with the melted American cheese but I preferred the flavor and provolone on the sub from Gaetano's.
- Gaetano's tomatoes were ... unique, though.
Erin's thought bubble: I liked that Moochie's cooked the meat with the peppers (Gaetano's serves them on the side) — but both were worthy of the meat sweats.
Kim's thought bubble: As an American cheese hater, Gaetano's was the clear winner for me. However, I did prefer Moochie's bun and shaved beef infused with peppers.
KC BBQ
We leaned on Pat's BBQ, where we ordered the brisket, baked beans and potato salad.
Erin's thought bubble: I ❤️ Pat's ribs, but we bypassed them because they're "St. Louis style" — and folks in KC will brook no confusion between the two.
- Yes, but: KC barbecue is known for including an array of cuts and meats, so just mix and match from the menu, which also includes pulled pork and chicken (not to mention Philly cheese steak sandwiches).
Ross' thought bubble: Pat's baked beans and cornbread were fantastic. The array of sauces helped with the brisket. Though it wasn't authentic Kansas City, it might be as close as you can get in SLC.
Kim's thought bubble: Pat's sides, particularly their cornbread, were the stars of the show for me.
Nod to New Orleans
While at Pat's we couldn't pass up on the beignets. The Super Bowl is being played in New Orleans after all.
Ross' thought bubble, seconded by Erin: Moist, decadent and surprising. Would for sure order again.
Kim's thought bubble: The yeasty beignets topped with powdered sugar made for the perfect bite.
How it works
All three eateries offer party packages for Super Bowl Sunday.
- Or just go to Pat's, where the menu has something from all three cities!