I live in center city and personally feel that the neighborhood pizza shops usually serve a better cheesesteak than the over-hyped places that survive on their name more than their product. That being said, you can find much better food for reasonable prices than cheesesteaks. I enjoy the cultural aspects of the cuisine Philadelphia has to offer more than the staples...
of course, but I don't think many people in this crowd are hitting a BYO before a PJ show. The OP asked about cheesesteaks, not Steven Starr restaurants
True true. Even flow this is a great point, I would recommend a hundred places over a cheesesteak spot. A dollar can go a lot farther in Chinatown or an Indian buffet downtown. Ah, I hate that people associate cheesesteaks wif this town. Argh!
a lot of people say that it's for tourists and not the real deal.
Agreed that tourists end up there, but I think it became a tourist trap for a reason-- it's damn good. And I can't guarantee this, but I'd guess that Pat's is part of the reason why Philly is known for the cheesesteak. Pat's didn't pop-up as a "Philly Cheesesteak" place to cash in on the phenomena, Pat's was part of the reason why the phenomena happened in the first place.
All I can say is go there at about 2:30 am after having 6 or 7 beers and thank me later
9-28-96 Randall’s Island NY; 9-01-00 Camden NJ; 7-05-03 Camden NJ; 10-01-04 Reading PA; 10-03-05 Philly PA; 5-27-06 Camden NJ; 5-28-06 Camden NJ; 6-19-08 Camden NJ; 6-20-08 Camden NJ; 6-24-08 NYC NY; 8-7-08 EV Newark, NJ; 6-11-09 EV Philly PA; 6-12-09 EV Philly PA; 10-27-09 Philly PA; 10-28-09 Philly PA; 10-30-09 Philly PA; 10-31-09 Philly PA; 5-15-10 Hartford CT; 5-18-10 Newark NJ; 5-21-10 NYC NY; 6-21-11 EV NYC NY; 6-22-11 EV NYC NY; 6-25-11 EV Philly PA; 7-1-11 EV StL MS; 9-3-11 E Troy WI; 9-4-11 E Troy WI
first time in Philly so you know i need to get me a cheese steak...but i want a real one not no"tourist" crap!
Philly peeps chime in please!!
Pat's & Gino's are both fatty and full of gristle. I'm from South Jersey where we have Gaetano's. They give you GIANT cheesesteaks that are waaayyy better than Pat's, Gino's or Tony Luke's. The difference is that in the 'burbs they chop the meat much more finely and it's a bit higher quality. I used to go to Pat's with friends. You HAVE to get cheese fries and Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer. They are at the second window. Be ready or you'll get yelled at, taunted, teased, whatever they feel like doing at the moment
I now go to a veggie-friendly place called Gianna's Grille. It's right off of South Street (a tourist destination), at 507 S 6th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19147) (at Lombard). They have killer food and a giant menu
rock bands may come and rock bands may go...
but rock n roll will live forever! - ray davies
Johns roast pork has just been voted the best by a local sports radio station here that supposedly tried them all. I am partial to JIm's on South Street. But honestly, you will get a good one at any of the major places (just don't buy one at the spectrum).
gotta agree that Pat's and Geno's are very much for tourists... and those of us who are still up and stumbling about at 3am. Still, you're generally not disappointed with any cheese steak you get in the city.
Steaks on South (S.O.S.) has been consistently rated as having one of the best steaks in the city - they won NBC10's "best cheesesteak in Philly" contest not long ago. Located on 308 South Street
Here's the plan. All 5 night's in Philly, each evening dinner moment's, it will be a Philly Cheese Steak Experience. From 5 different fast food chains. Now the task to plan which 5 chain's will get consumed this October Pearl Jam Experience! hmm ...
can any of you guys who visit these places frequently see if you can solicit a gift card or 3? I have reached out to many of these named places trying to get us some gift cards for raffle prizes to our 3 Philly Spectrum Wishlist fund-raisers and no one has responded. Maybe in person with cash in your hand works better? PM me if you can help. Thanks!
EV
Tony Luke's is fuck'en awesome... It's a must every time I'm in the shit hole of a town..
1996: Randall's Island, NY - 2
2003: Uniondale, NY
2006: East Rutherford, NJ - 1
2008: NY, NY - 2
2009: Philadelphia, PA - 1,2,3
2010: NY, NY - 1,2
2013: Brooklyn, NY - 1,2
2016: Philadelphia, PA - 2
2016: Boston, MA - 1,2
2016: Chicago, IL - 1
EV
2008: NY, NY - 1,2
2009: Albany, NY - 1
2009: Philadelphia, PA - 2
Saratoga, NY 8.27.00, Boston, MA 9.29.04, Denver, CO 7.2.06 (with Tom Petty), The Spectrum 10.30.09, The Spectrum 10.31.09, Buffalo, NY 5.10.10, Newark, NJ 5.18.10, New York, NY 6.21.11 (EV Solo), Toronto, ON 9.11.11 (Neil Young Appearance!), Hamilton, ON 9.15.11, Fenway Park 8.5.16
Philadellphia Magazine named a place called "Wit or Witout" the best cheesesteak in Philly. Never heard of it, but they say it was voted #1. Anyone ever go there?
"I knew all the rules, but the rules did not know me. Guaranteed."
Forget who is the best...it's all subjective anyhow.
Just have a blast and hit up BOTH Geno's and Pat's and decided between the 2 for yourself. I'm sure there are better ones out there, but the uniqueness of 2 on the same corner that both claim to have invented it....good times. By the way, get the Wiz wit...I also tried it with provolone...but while it is very greasy, the wiz was definitely a better flavor. I couldn't believe it either.
is blue moon popular around there by any chance? it's my beer of choice.
Yeah, it's around. Philly's a highly driven micro-brew city so there will be PLENTY of awesome beers to try out as well. Oh, and John's Roast Pork is only open to 3 pm everyday, but dont worry it's totally worth. Also, the roast pork in this city closely rivals, and even surpasses, the cheesesteak.
If you have a car, head out to Victory Brewing Company...out by King of Prussia Mall I believe..well about 15 mintue drive from there in Downington maybe? Anyhow, it's a great regional brewpub with some great beers, especially if they have Hop Wallop on draft!!!! You'll thank me later.
I remember getting a really good one at the walk up stand diagonally across from Pat's. Just can't recall the name and that was at least 15 years ago, it may not even be there anymore.
======================================================================
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pine.
From Boston and did the tourist cheese steak tour when i was in Philly for the Ed solo shows in June. Thought the best, BY FAR, was Cosmi's Deli....Right around the corner from Pat's and Geno's. Pat's was really good too but Tony Luke's and Geno's were very disappointing
dream the dreams of other men, you will be no ones rival
I'd say Tony Luke's, Johns Roast Pork or Anna's (In Folsom about 15 minutes south of Philly)
See, I think that's bullshit. I htink you have to at least 1 of them and then try some of the others if you wanna see the difference. If you're a Philly local I can understand it since I assume you've already tried it, right?
is blue moon popular around there by any chance? it's my beer of choice.
Yeah, it's around. Philly's a highly driven micro-brew city so there will be PLENTY of awesome beers to try out as well. Oh, and John's Roast Pork is only open to 3 pm everyday, but dont worry it's totally worth. Also, the roast pork in this city closely rivals, and even surpasses, the cheesesteak.
If you have a car, head out to Victory Brewing Company...out by King of Prussia Mall I believe..well about 15 mintue drive from there in Downington maybe? Anyhow, it's a great regional brewpub with some great beers, especially if they have Hop Wallop on draft!!!! You'll thank me later.
Victory is amazing. it is in Downingtown (5 min from my house ) it is probably 30min from downtown philly. it is worth it if you are in town for all of the shows and have time. let me know if anyone would like to go, i'd be happy to meet up!
Victory is amazing. it is in Downingtown (5 min from my house ) it is probably 30min from downtown philly. it is worth it if you are in town for all of the shows and have time. let me know if anyone would like to go, i'd be happy to meet up!
If I was coming to Philly, I'd sure as hell meet you there. Great brewery. Very jealous of anyone that gets to live near any of the great local/regional microbreweries. Although, I might be a poor bastard if I did.
I was just about to say Dalessandro's, I've only been there once, but i do remember loving it. As for the tourist traps, I think Jim's has better steaks than Pat's and Gino's... Steve's is pretty good too...
I know that I was born and I know that Ill die.
The in between is mine. I am mine.
I agree that the steaks at John's Roast Pork and Dellasandro's taste slightly better, but in my opinion the experience of getting one at Pat's or Geno's is much better. They became "tourist traps" for a reason.
"They said ... timing was everything
made him ... want to be everywhere
there's a ... lot to be said for nowhere."
Comments
True true. Even flow this is a great point, I would recommend a hundred places over a cheesesteak spot. A dollar can go a lot farther in Chinatown or an Indian buffet downtown. Ah, I hate that people associate cheesesteaks wif this town. Argh!
Agreed that tourists end up there, but I think it became a tourist trap for a reason-- it's damn good. And I can't guarantee this, but I'd guess that Pat's is part of the reason why Philly is known for the cheesesteak. Pat's didn't pop-up as a "Philly Cheesesteak" place to cash in on the phenomena, Pat's was part of the reason why the phenomena happened in the first place.
All I can say is go there at about 2:30 am after having 6 or 7 beers and thank me later
This I can at least agree with, but the only place a cheesesteak is a "Philly cheesesteak" is outside of Philly.
Pat's & Gino's are both fatty and full of gristle. I'm from South Jersey where we have Gaetano's. They give you GIANT cheesesteaks that are waaayyy better than Pat's, Gino's or Tony Luke's. The difference is that in the 'burbs they chop the meat much more finely and it's a bit higher quality. I used to go to Pat's with friends. You HAVE to get cheese fries and Pennsylvania Dutch Birch Beer. They are at the second window. Be ready or you'll get yelled at, taunted, teased, whatever they feel like doing at the moment
I now go to a veggie-friendly place called Gianna's Grille. It's right off of South Street (a tourist destination), at 507 S 6th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (19147) (at Lombard). They have killer food and a giant menu
but rock n roll will live forever! - ray davies
have you tried Gruut? or maybe St. Bernardardus Wit?
Steaks on South (S.O.S.) has been consistently rated as having one of the best steaks in the city - they won NBC10's "best cheesesteak in Philly" contest not long ago. Located on 308 South Street
If you like whiz, whit they are very good.
Steve's Prince of Steaks
(215) 338-0985
7200 Bustleton Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19149 40.0456 -75.0607
:ugeek:
EV
2003: Uniondale, NY
2006: East Rutherford, NJ - 1
2008: NY, NY - 2
2009: Philadelphia, PA - 1,2,3
2010: NY, NY - 1,2
2013: Brooklyn, NY - 1,2
2016: Philadelphia, PA - 2
2016: Boston, MA - 1,2
2016: Chicago, IL - 1
EV
2008: NY, NY - 1,2
2009: Albany, NY - 1
2009: Philadelphia, PA - 2
My personal favorites are Campo's & Jim's.
for her to come home
eyes upon the horizon
in the dark before the
darkness leaves the dawn
1996 Merriweather, MD; 1998 Camden, NJ; 2000 Camden, NJ; 2003 Camden, NJ; 2005 Philly, PA; 2006 Camden, NJ(nights 1 & 2); 2006 Arnhem, NED; 2008 Camden, NJ(nights 1 & 2), Washington DC, MSG(night 2) 2009 Philly Spectrum Shows(nights 1,2,3,4) 2010 Hartford,CT and MSG(night 2)
ED Solo - 2008 Washington DC, 2009 Philly, PA(nights 1&2)*Met Eddie
but go for lunch as they stop making cheesesteaks at 2 I believe
Just have a blast and hit up BOTH Geno's and Pat's and decided between the 2 for yourself. I'm sure there are better ones out there, but the uniqueness of 2 on the same corner that both claim to have invented it....good times. By the way, get the Wiz wit...I also tried it with provolone...but while it is very greasy, the wiz was definitely a better flavor. I couldn't believe it either.
If you have a car, head out to Victory Brewing Company...out by King of Prussia Mall I believe..well about 15 mintue drive from there in Downington maybe? Anyhow, it's a great regional brewpub with some great beers, especially if they have Hop Wallop on draft!!!! You'll thank me later.
"What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal." Albert Pine.
I'd say Tony Luke's, Johns Roast Pork or Anna's (In Folsom about 15 minutes south of Philly)
Philly-8/28/98, 8/29/98, 9/1/00, 9/2/00, 4/28/03, 7/5/03, 7/6/03, 10/3/05, 5/27/06, 5/28/06, 6/19/08, 6/20/08, 10/27/09, 10/28/09, 10/30/09, 10/31/09, 10/21/13, 10/22/13, 4/28/16, 4/29/16
Jones Beach-8/25/00
PSU-5/3/03
Irvine-6/2/03
San Diego-6/5/03
Hershey-7/12/03
Reading-10/1/04
The Gorge-9/1/05
Vancouver-9/2/05
AC-9/30/05
E. Rutherford, NJ-6/1/06,6/3/06
Bonnaroo-6/14/08
VA Beach-6/17/08
MSG-5/20/10,5/21/10
Baltimore 10/27/13
See, I think that's bullshit. I htink you have to at least 1 of them and then try some of the others if you wanna see the difference. If you're a Philly local I can understand it since I assume you've already tried it, right?
Pat's and Geno's are for tourists. My personal favorite is Jim's on south street. there is a place to sit, the line moves fast, and it is the best
Victory is amazing. it is in Downingtown (5 min from my house ) it is probably 30min from downtown philly. it is worth it if you are in town for all of the shows and have time. let me know if anyone would like to go, i'd be happy to meet up!
If I was coming to Philly, I'd sure as hell meet you there. Great brewery. Very jealous of anyone that gets to live near any of the great local/regional microbreweries. Although, I might be a poor bastard if I did.
9/24/96 MD. 9/28/96 Randalls. 8/28-29/98 Camden. 9/8/98 NJ. 9/18/98 MD. 9/1-2/00 Camden. 9/4/00 MD. 4/28/03 Philly. 7/5-6/03 Camden. 9/30/05 AC.
10/3/05 Philly. 5/27-28/06 Camden. 6/23/06 Pitt. 6/19-20/08 Camden. 6/24/08 MSG. 8/7/08 EV Newark, NJ. 6/11-12/09 EV Philly, PA. 10/27-28-30-31/09 Philly, PA., 5/15/10 Hartford,5/17/10 Boston, 5/18/10 Newark, 5/20-21/10 MSG
WTF is wrong with you people?
The in between is mine. I am mine.
made him ... want to be everywhere
there's a ... lot to be said for nowhere."