Philly meets Hollywood for one glorious, greasy afternoon this month when Pat’s King of Steaks (as in, the 95-year-old South Philly icon that invented the Philly cheesesteak) pops up at The Benjamin Hollywood for a one-day-only martini and cheesesteak happy hour. On Saturday, October 18, from 2 to 4pm, The Benjamin will swap its usual (incredible) burgers for a taste of East Coast nostalgia, complete with sizzling ribeye, melted cheese and a side of Hollywood glitz.
Frankie Olivieri, third-generation owner of Pat’s, will be flying in to sling his famous sandwiches alongside The Benjamin’s executive chef, Hannah Martin-Duarte (Mother Wolf). It’s a collaboration that marries two very different kinds of American institution: the no-frills, late-night corner joint that’s fueled generations of hungry Philadelphians, and the sleek, Art Deco-inspired haunt that’s become one of L.A.’s most popular new spots. Together, they’re serving up something deeply comforting and wildly indulgent.
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Each $85 reservation on Resy gets you a cheesesteak (your choice of cheese, onions optional), fries (with or without whiz), a martini or cocktail, and a limited-edition Pat’s x The Benjamin T-shirt, a souvenir worth wearing long after the grease stains have faded. For those who want to keep the feast going, The Benjamin’s full a la carte and beverage menus will also be available, offering the restaurant’s usual upscale riffs on classic American comfort food and its signature martini lineup.
It’s a natural match for The Benjamin, the debut restaurant from Ben Shenassafar of The Hundreds, along with partners Kate Burr and Jared Meisler. Since opening, The Benjamin has drawn a stylish crowd that appreciates the fine art of both a well-dressed table and a well-dressed cocktail. Upstairs, the newly opened Bar Benjamin expands the experience with creative concoctions from Chad Austin (Bootlegger Tiki), like the Persian-inspired Fesenjoon or the hazelnut-carrot-aquavit milk punch dubbed the Bad Bunny.
But for one delicious Saturday afternoon, all eyes and mouths will be on the cheesesteaks. Whether you’re a Philly expat longing for the taste of home or just an Angeleno looking to chase your martini with melted provolone, this collaboration promises the best of both worlds: the grit of South Philly, the glamour of Hollywood and a very good reason to skip lunch.