About Us

In the summer of 1976, my father and a business partner opened Jim's South St., bringing a iconic art-deco storefront and distinctive cheesesteak sandwich to a neighborhood on the cusp of a renaissance. Few could have predicted that the shop would become one of the most celebrated restaurants in Philadelphia. For nearly five decades we've been on a corner of what's known as the "Hippest Street in Town," serving up the finest cheesesteaks and hoagies from the heart of the city that made them famous. 

Zagat rated, five-time winner of Philadelphia Magazine's "Best of Philly," and countless "best of/favorite/people's choice" awards, Jim's South St. is your must-have cheesesteak when only the best will do. With over 200 years of combined cheesesteak-making experience, our staff will make you glad you stopped in every time you visit. 

Our commitment to unique art and architecture extends inside our shop too. After a massive 2022 fire tore though our block - shutting us down for nearly two years - we were incredibly fortunate to acquire the famed Eyes Gallery building next door at 402 South St. and expand our footprint. Embedded in the walls of 402, we discovered original artwork (some previously visible and others hidden for decades) that blew us away.  With the help of the artist himself and a talented team of preservationists, we were able to painstakingly restore, preserve and enlarge several of the earliest mixed-media mosaics of world-renowned Philadelphia-based artist, Isaiah Zagar (creator of the famed landmark, Philadelphia Magic Gardens).  The transformation of the space is incredible and the results will endure as one of our proudest endeavors.

Whether you're a local or conventioneer; touring the city's incredible history and museums or just passing through; you'll know you're getting the authentic Philly cheesesteak experience when you walk through our door. Ask anyone who has come in and  tasted our sandwiches: We're about as "Philly" as it gets.

Welcome back!

- Ken Silver, Second Generation Proprietor