Philadelphia Travel Forum

hello everyone,

we might be going on a foodie trip to Philly, and obviously cheesesteaks are on the menu. since I've heard about these two places as the best place to get one, will definitely try one from each to find out, but in your opinion which one has the best? Or maybe it could be neither one and it's another place... Oh no, am I starting a cheesesteak war??? also what other good eats is Philly known for?
thanks:)

For food, make sure you check out the Reading Terminal Market. You probably know about this place already because it's pretty famous but if not its highly recommended for a foodie.

I grew up in Phila. back in the Stone Age and even then people were debating about which places had the best cheesesteaks. Last time I was there (and happily, I'll be there again in 10 days), we went to a place on South St., but I can't remember the name. Gino's and Pat's are two famous names, both are located in South Phila. and have websites.

Another fantastic Phila. sandwich is the hoagie from Lee's Hoagie House. I don't know their current locations, but they are delicious!

Tinto is a hot restaurant near Rittenhouse Square. They serve tapas and the menu looks good... we might try that with friends and yes, The Reading Terminal Market always was and still is a real joy. (12th and Market)

As a transplanted Philly boy who goes home every other month, I can say between the two - Pat's. They are not much different except for the overt racism of Geno's. Geno's has a sign that says "This is America: When ordering, Speak English." Pat's has a sign that says, "This is America: If you can't speak English, we'll teach you." I would never give Geno's my money.
If you want the best cheesesteak in Philly, it can be found at Tony Luke's. It's located right under US 95 on Oregon Avenue (at 2nd st.). Try the "Steak Italian." Tony Luke beat Bobby Flay at a Cheesesteak throwdown on one of his shows.

That is very interesting about Geno's. I definitely won't go there! I remember eating at a good cheesesteak place on the U. of P. campus, but I can't remember the name of that one (getting old).

I taught school at 9th and Oregon.. even the local, hoagie place next door had food that was out of this world. Nothing like it here in England!

Pick up for snacking at a convenience store:
Tastykakes!
On almost any downtown streetcorner:
soft pretzels. eat 'em when purchased because they go stale quickly.
For local beer try: Victory or Yards. wait. make that Victory AND Yards

Hi, Geno's and Pat's are really the tourists destination hub for cheesesteaks. Being from Philly, I would recommend Tony Luke's or Jim Steaks on South Street, both are very good. The Reading Terminal is also a great place to start if you are looking for different types of food. If you are looking for any restaurants to go to, Philadelphia Magazine just released their top 50 restaurant guide. I believe you can find it at www.phillymag.com.

Good luck!

Thanks guys for taking time to share your delicious thoughts ;0) cheesesteaks, hoagies,pretzels, beer, (happy happy joy joy)
The Reading Terminal market sounds like my kinda place...I think I caught that Throwdown with Bobby Flay when he got beat by Tony on the foodie channel.

pg12359~Thanks for the heads up on Geno's though...so much for brotherly love there...
If anything, food bring cultures/people together.

A third vote for Tony Luke's, and while you're there, forget about cheeesteaks and just get the roast pork sandwich (I like mine loaded, with provolone and broccoli rabe). WAY better than a cheesesteak!

thanks julie :) roast pork sounds good...I've never had broccoli rabe, so I'll definitely look out for that.