OT Philly Cheesteak recommendations
- Thread starter PSU Dave
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
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Okay, don't kill me Philly people - but, was talking cheesesteaks with a colleague (Texas native) who said her husband really loved the traditional tourist places (Pat's, Geno's). Then, my intern (Arizona native) says on her recent visit to Philly, she had one at a place called Woodrow's (which I had never heard of, despite being to Philly a good bit because of my wife being from Bucks Co.) and that she really loved it. Anyway, she said they make their own 'whiz' (infused with truffle oil) and that it was amazing. I looked them up and they get great reviews - seem to make all of the traditional Philly sandwich staples (pork w/broccoli rabe, Italian hoagie, etc.). Has anyone been there? Thoughts? Too trendy?
Woodrow's
630 South St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
woodrowsandwich.com (closes at 7pm - really??)
Don't send them to Citizens Bank Park. They're $18 a piece and wouldn't feed a kid.
It's more of a sandwich shop, as opposed to a cheesesteak shop (not a deal closer, but cheesesteak shops specialize in cheesesteaks). I was there once, though I didn't have their cheesesteak (in part because of the infused whiz. I've written many times that I never get whiz on a cheesesteak). To me, if I'm at 6th & South, and want a cheesesteak, then I'm only a few blocks from Jim's, so that's where I'm going.
Johns Roast Pork: without, extra sharp provolone
I second Tom’s recommendation of Jim’s if you’re around South Street. Always good quality when I’ve gone.
I second Tom’s recommendation of Jim’s if you’re around South Street. Always good quality when I’ve gone.
I think the former threads should be able to assist you.
That said, I do always try to provide customized assistance. As I've stated many times in cheesesteak threads, I think it's best for tourists to go to a good cheesesteak NEAR WHERE THEY ARE STAYING. There are so many good options in the region that it doesn't make a lot of sense for those that don't know the area to drive all over town for a particular cheesesteak. In that context, do you know where they are staying, or what they are visiting/touring/etc. while in the area? If you can provide that, I can give you a couple of options that should satisfy them, and also be easy for them to get to.
They're staying at the Hilton at Penns Landing and will be there thru Saturday and are open to any touring/dining suggestions. He's got business on Thursday but staying until Sunday. Thanks Tom!
Reading Terminal Market is a must for all kinds of different foods.
https://readingterminalmarket.org/
^ THIS! Just had one last week in the city after a concert...was so damn delicious I had to have one later in the week up on Bustleton.
Best steak in the city IMHO.
Dallesandro's is a bit of a drive from Center City, being in Roxborough.... But they are good--though my nephew speaks well of Chubby's across the street.
John's Roast Pork.
Oh, and also, try the Roast Pork. It will change the perception that the cheese steak is Philly's best hot hoagie.
Oh, and also, try the Roast Pork. It will change the perception that the cheese steak is Philly's best hot hoagie.
They are two different foods.Its like tellling someone chocolate is better than vanilla,but they're both ice cream.
Hmm, two suggestions:
1. Jim's
- it's at the corner of 4th and South, so they could walk to it from the hotel
- the walls are covered with pictures of famous people that have eaten at Jim's
- there is seating on the ground level, as well as on the 2nd floor. I prefer the 2nd floor, but during busy times, I'd advise them to take whatever seat they can find
That would be my #1 recommendation based on the combination of where they are staying, and the quality of the cheesesteak.
Based on where they are staying, I suspect they'll also be touring around the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, etc. If they are doing that, there are a couple of places near that area that would enable them to get a cheesesteak during their history touring.
1. Campo's Philly Cheesesteaks
- 214 Market Street
2. Sonny's Famous Steaks
- 228 Market Street
I don't think either are as good as Jim's, but they're not bad, and you can get pretty hungry touring in and around Independence Mall (in part because there can be long lines, especially at the Liberty Bell).
Tell your friends to bring cash, as some of the aforementioned only accept cash payment. Also, if they've never had a cheesesteak, they should check a menu (I believe all of the above have web sites), and get a general sense of what they might like. It's not uncommon to have a line (especially at Jim's) just to place an order, so it's to their advantage to have a pretty good sense of what they are going to order.
I hope that helps.
Bennett's in either Kennebunk, ME; Portsmouth, NH; or near Fenway Park in Boston. Yeah, it's worth the drive:
https://www.bennettssandwichshop.com/
https://www.bennettssandwichshop.com/
A friend headed to Jim's last Saturday. When he got there around 2 pm, there was a line so he ducked into a bar just across South Street called MilkBoy. There he discovered that their menu includes steaks from Jim's, which they promo as being available without having to stand in line. Sounds like a win/win to me.
https://www.milkboysouthstreet.com/food
Jays Steak and Hoagie Joint in Bucks County is great. Plus they can do gluten-free for those that need or want it.
I 100% agree with the John's Roast Pork recommendation. They won't be sorry.
They are also close to some other excellent restaurants. Zahav, Morimoto, Serpico. All are outstanding. Serpico is very well regarded, but still is underrated. Great place.
They are also close to some other excellent restaurants. Zahav, Morimoto, Serpico. All are outstanding. Serpico is very well regarded, but still is underrated. Great place.
There you go. If the bun is right, and Philadelphia has some wonderful Italian bakeries, then the filling is chopped beef and onions sauteed together with seasonings. The variance from bad to fair to good to great just isn't that much.
Dalessandro's is tought to beat. My son lives in Philly and swears by the place. Its all in the rolls, and they are always fresh there. I also like their Italian, the provolone has flavor unilike so many other places.
My daughter and her boyfriend recently visited from Cali. He remarked that Dalessandro's was the best place he visited on his eating tour of Philly. You gotta like a place with a line out the door and a mountain of steak on the grill.
https://dalessandros.com/
My daughter and her boyfriend recently visited from Cali. He remarked that Dalessandro's was the best place he visited on his eating tour of Philly. You gotta like a place with a line out the door and a mountain of steak on the grill.
https://dalessandros.com/
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
While we're talking about expectations, is there any food/restaurant more over hyped in Philly than Chickie's and Pete's? Yes, the crab fries are good (noting crinkle is the worst fry shape), but nothing else there is worth the effort.
I agree 100%.
This post got me to think about the Hilltown Tavern in Roxborough. Nice neighborhood Irish pub with good food and huge portions. Their Hilltown Bay Fries are so much better than Chickie's. Lump crab meat, fresh cut fries, and served in a big bowl. Give me a Guiness and that's all I need.
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People go there for something other than the crab fries, the cold beverages, or the sports?
They do a lot of promos with the sports talk stations, as well as with the teams. Frequently, they host remote broadcasts from the stations. They also run a shuttle for sports fans to and from the stadiums from their location that is near CPB, the Linc, and the Center.
All of their locations are a nice spot to get a so-so meal, to partake in the sports on TV, and to drink beers. I'm not aware of anyone that goes to any of their locations for a great meal.
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anon_xdc8rmuek44eq
Guest
That's true, but also my point - the food is much better at comparable sports bars (Hooters, Buffalo Wild Wings, etc.).
It is nice to have the option to go to a neighborhood place rather than the canned chain restaurants. There is no reason why a restaurant has to put out mediocre food. Unfortunately, lots of towns do not have the good fortune to have a local eatery.
