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Chink's Steaks

Philadelphia's Geno's Steaks made national news last summer not because of its famous Cheez Whiz sandwiches, but because owner Joe Vento placed a sign in the take out window that read, "This is America: When ordering speak English." It wasn't too popular with the area's large immigrant community. But that's nothing compared to one Pennsylvania cheese steakery that's been willfully offending for more than 50 years. Chink's Steaks in Wissinoming was named for the original owner, Samuel Sherman, who had been given the nickname at the age of six because, according to his widow, "He had slanty eyes."

When its new owner bought the restaurant in 1999, he opted to keep the name. One offended resident went so far as to form an action group called PERIL—People for the Elimination of Racially Insensitive Language—which requested that Chink's be Shanghaied, despite its near-landmark status. Her protests went unheeded, however, and Chink's continues to be a popular spot for tourists, locals, and Orientals who want an authentic Philly cheese steak experience.