Need some assistance for making a lunch stop in Philly

[PSUSignore]

I'll be flying into Philly the weekend of the OSU game. I'm bringing a friend that has never been there before, so we plan to make at least a brief stop for food on our way in (Thurs noon) and on the way out (Sun 8 PM). If we manage to get to Philly early enough on Sunday, maybe we'll also add a stop at 1-2 quick historical sites.

One food stop needs to be a cheesesteak, I was thinking either Jim's or Steve's (is the Center City location the best one?). The other stop will likely be Reading Terminal Market, most likely Dinic's but there are lots of options there.

Which would be easier to manage driving to from a traffic and parking perspective on Thursday vs. Sunday? I'd be driving either from the airport or from State College (coming in from I-76). One idea I had is possibly taking the train from the airport to lunch, then back again before getting the rental car. I had a similar thought for the return... dropping the car off at the airport and then using the train to get around to avoid city traffic.

I know there are garages near the Terminal Market and if you validate your parking it can be free short term. I have no idea as to the parking situation by Steve's or Jim's. Fortunately neither stop will be during a weekday rush hour so that's good, but we could get some weekend tourist crowds on Sunday, and worker's lunch crowds on Thursday. I also noticed that Jim's is much closer to the tourist attractions so if we are early enough on Sunday Jim's might win by default so we can walk around the area before heading to the airport.

Thoughts? Appreciate the help from those of you more familiar with the area.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

I'll be flying into Philly the weekend of the OSU game. I'm bringing a friend that has never been there before, so we plan to make at least a brief stop for food on our way in (Thurs noon) and on the way out (Sun 8 PM). If we manage to get to Philly early enough on Sunday, maybe we'll also add a stop at 1-2 quick historical sites.

One food stop needs to be a cheesesteak, I was thinking either Jim's or Steve's (is the Center City location the best one?). The other stop will likely be Reading Terminal Market, most likely Dinic's but there are lots of options there.

Which would be easier to manage driving to from a traffic and parking perspective on Thursday vs. Sunday? I'd be driving either from the airport or from State College (coming in from I-76). One idea I had is possibly taking the train from the airport to lunch, then back again before getting the rental car. I had a similar thought for the return... dropping the car off at the airport and then using the train to get around to avoid city traffic.

I know there are garages near the Terminal Market and if you validate your parking it can be free short term. I have no idea as to the parking situation by Steve's or Jim's. Fortunately neither stop will be during a weekday rush hour so that's good, but we could get some weekend tourist crowds on Sunday, and worker's lunch crowds on Thursday. I also noticed that Jim's is much closer to the tourist attractions so if we are early enough on Sunday Jim's might win by default so we can walk around the area before heading to the airport.

Thoughts? Appreciate the help from those of you more familiar with the area.

Dinic’s (reading terminal in general) would be my choice. And Jim’s may appear more convenient to Olde city/Independence mall on a map, but it’s not.

Steve’s? It may exist but...

 

[artsandletters]

I'll be flying into Philly the weekend of the OSU game. I'm bringing a friend that has never been there before, so we plan to make at least a brief stop for food on our way in (Thurs noon) and on the way out (Sun 8 PM). If we manage to get to Philly early enough on Sunday, maybe we'll also add a stop at 1-2 quick historical sites.

One food stop needs to be a cheesesteak, I was thinking either Jim's or Steve's (is the Center City location the best one?). The other stop will likely be Reading Terminal Market, most likely Dinic's but there are lots of options there.

Which would be easier to manage driving to from a traffic and parking perspective on Thursday vs. Sunday? I'd be driving either from the airport or from State College (coming in from I-76). One idea I had is possibly taking the train from the airport to lunch, then back again before getting the rental car. I had a similar thought for the return... dropping the car off at the airport and then using the train to get around to avoid city traffic.

I know there are garages near the Terminal Market and if you validate your parking it can be free short term. I have no idea as to the parking situation by Steve's or Jim's. Fortunately neither stop will be during a weekday rush hour so that's good, but we could get some weekend tourist crowds on Sunday, and worker's lunch crowds on Thursday. I also noticed that Jim's is much closer to the tourist attractions so if we are early enough on Sunday Jim's might win by default so we can walk around the area before heading to the airport.

Thoughts? Appreciate the help from those of you more familiar with the area.

The train would cost ten bucks each way and drop you at the 30th St. Station. From there your ticket is good for the train into center city, 16th and Market, I think (though you may be able to take it further, closer to Reading Terminal but I forget). Seems like a lot of trouble and added expense.

I’d get the rental, take 95N and get off at Oregon Ave. (forget which exit though Tom might recall or take Delaware Ave to Oregon and make a left to T Luke’s) and go to Tony Luke’s which is almost under 95. Everything is great there. Do the chesesteak, then drive to the Reading Terminal and do DiNic’s.

 

[artsandletters]

Dinic’s (reading terminal in general) would be my choice. And Jim’s may appear more convenient to Olde city/Independence mall on a map, but it’s not.

Steve’s? It may exist but...

Jim’s is at 4th and South, about eight blocks from Independence Hall. It’s actually a nice, easy walk.

 

[Mr. Potter]

I'll be flying into Philly the weekend of the OSU game. I'm bringing a friend that has never been there before, so we plan to make at least a brief stop for food on our way in (Thurs noon) and on the way out (Sun 8 PM). If we manage to get to Philly early enough on Sunday, maybe we'll also add a stop at 1-2 quick historical sites.

One food stop needs to be a cheesesteak, I was thinking either Jim's or Steve's (is the Center City location the best one?). The other stop will likely be Reading Terminal Market, most likely Dinic's but there are lots of options there.

Which would be easier to manage driving to from a traffic and parking perspective on Thursday vs. Sunday? I'd be driving either from the airport or from State College (coming in from I-76). One idea I had is possibly taking the train from the airport to lunch, then back again before getting the rental car. I had a similar thought for the return... dropping the car off at the airport and then using the train to get around to avoid city traffic.

I know there are garages near the Terminal Market and if you validate your parking it can be free short term. I have no idea as to the parking situation by Steve's or Jim's. Fortunately neither stop will be during a weekday rush hour so that's good, but we could get some weekend tourist crowds on Sunday, and worker's lunch crowds on Thursday. I also noticed that Jim's is much closer to the tourist attractions so if we are early enough on Sunday Jim's might win by default so we can walk around the area before heading to the airport.

Thoughts? Appreciate the help from those of you more familiar with the area.

Steve's 16th Chestnut, no brainer, you'll be a subject for life.

 

[PSUSignore]

The train would cost ten bucks each way and drop you at the 30th St. Station. From there your ticket is good for the train into center city, 16th and Market, I think (though you may be able to take it further, closer to Reading Terminal but I forget). Seems like a lot of trouble and added expense.

I agree it's likely a lot of hassle and expense. It would only be worth it if traffic is really bad and the train saves time over driving and parking. We'll have a pretty limited time in the city, looking to maximize it. Just stopping for lunch shouldn't be too bad, but if we do get out of PSU early enough on Sunday it'd be nice to tour some things on Sunday afternoon before flying out.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

Jim’s is at 4th and South, about eight blocks from Independence Hall. It’s actually a nice, easy walk.

Right. It is probably a nicer walk if it’s a nice day. Certainly nicer sidewalk experience if you don’t like crowds, which th OP doesn’t seem to be prioritizing.

12th and filbert (furthest point) is easy from highway, about 6-7 walking with more parking garages and wider streets. He can pick his poison, but RT has more food options and IMO is more interesting. When I was younger, I regularly chose Jim’s. From the airport... maybe I’d choose Jim’s. From 95, not too bad. From 76, that’s a long haul on narrow south.

Again, choice of poison.

 

[anon_1eeb2b426hv3y]

I agree it's likely a lot of hassle and expense. It would only be worth it if traffic is really bad and the train saves time over driving and parking. We'll have a pretty limited time in the city, looking to maximize it. Just stopping for lunch shouldn't be too bad, but if we do get out of PSU early enough on Sunday it'd be nice to tour some things on Sunday afternoon before flying out.

Sunday would be better. But it’s hard to press out early on Sunday to hit Philly before a flight. Tends to make for a tiring day.

 

[PSUSignore]

Just to clarify, I'd be doing one stop on Thursday for lunch only, then high tailing it to PSU. I'll be doing another stop on Sunday on the way back that will likely include lunch, tourism and dinner before going to the airport.

I'm trying to figure out which day I'll do Dinic's, and which day I'll do a cheesesteak. Both will be on the agenda. The variable is that on Sunday I might have extra time to tour the city, so the preferred option would be to do something for food that is also in walking distance of the Independence Mall area. Jim's appears to be about a mile walk, totally doable for us. Dinic's looks like it's a bit closer at 0.6 miles.

My main concerns are quick and easy access on Thursday so I can get to PSU quickly. Proximity from eating spots to tourist spots for Sunday, crowds and long lines at popular dining spots either day (more because we have limited time, not because we don't want to deal with the crowds). Parking availability both days would be a concern as well.

 

[Bardo]

If I were you, I'd park in the Marriott parking garage, walk across the street to the Reading Terminal Market and eat the best sandwich in America, DiNics. If you feel so inclined for more, you are in walking distance to Steve's, The Prince of Steaks. You are then in a good position to get out of the city after that protein feast.

 

[Frabjous]

http://www.johnsroastpork.com/

John’s Roast Pork! Accept no substitutes....

 

[Relayer]

I would take the train downtown Thursday from the airport, have lunch, then rent your car from a downtown location. Taking the train back to the airport to get the rental seems like a hassle to me. I would want to get on the road ASAP after lunch.

Do the opposite when returning to Philly. The only snag may be limited hours on Sunday for returning a car downtown.

 

[artsandletters]

Just to clarify, I'd be doing one stop on Thursday for lunch only, then high tailing it to PSU. I'll be doing another stop on Sunday on the way back that will likely include lunch, tourism and dinner before going to the airport.

I'm trying to figure out which day I'll do Dinic's, and which day I'll do a cheesesteak. Both will be on the agenda. The variable is that on Sunday I might have extra time to tour the city, so the preferred option would be to do something for food that is also in walking distance of the Independence Mall area. Jim's appears to be about a mile walk, totally doable for us. Dinic's looks like it's a bit closer at 0.6 miles.

My main concerns are quick and easy access on Thursday so I can get to PSU quickly. Proximity from eating spots to tourist spots for Sunday, crowds and long lines at popular dining spots either day (more because we have limited time, not because we don't want to deal with the crowds). Parking availability both days would be a concern as well.

One stop Thursday make it Tony Luke’s. After lunch get on 95S to the 476 exit. Takes you to the Schuykill Exp., then west to the turnpike.