Philadelphia Natives - Where to find best cheesesteak?

[Ladyandthepuppies]

Tony Luke’s has good cheesesteaks. I prefer the roast pork sandwich, get both if you’re in town for a few days! Be forewarned they are very greasy, hopefully your belly can handle it- mine doesn’t do so well with it anymore.

If you’re interested in the best Philly foods, get a real soft pretzel... which means avoiding the “Philly Pretzel Factory” at all costs. Try Center City Soft Pretzel Co. And if you like soft pretzels, you should give the pretzel shortbread cookie a try. DiBruno Bros sells it and New York Magazine named it “Best Cookie” this year. https://www.phillymag.com/foobooz/2019/03/18/best-cookie-new-york-lost-pretzel-shortbread/

 

[littlejimmy]

sonnys in old city

 

[NYCgrrl]

Not from Philly but sometimes I'd like to be.
We visit frequently and generally on a whim since it's an easy trip from NYC.
Currently, loving Campo's and Sonny's, both conveniently located on Market Street near our usual hotel.

Campo's has a slamming roast pork sandwich with brocolli rabe, as well as cheese steak and really nice staff/family. They always remember us when we return and we talk about the old days of Philly and Arthur Avenue in the Bronx. Gotten some great tips on good salumerias in their city. Sonny is more focused on getting customers in and out which is OK too.
Do a head to head a la Pat's and Geno's and decide which one you like best. Remember to take one home and if it even makes it there nukes well at 50% for about 1-1/2 minutes. Do NOT eat the roast pork on the train/plane going home because others will hate you due to the garlic smell.

 

[Klayfish]

There's nothing wrong with Pats or Ginos, but they aren't the best in town.

Jims', which is at 4th and South is far better than anything else. If you want a killer deli sandwich, Famous' Deli is one block away at 4th and Bainbridge. They are incredible!

 

[shoney]

Jim’s on south street. Also like pats

Don’t care for Genos or Campos.


Part of the fun is trying them all and doing a taste test.
We like Jim’s with onions and provolone. Pats with onions and whiz.

Many trips and many taste tests. Lol. We love philly!

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

The best Cheesesteak in Philadelphia is at John's Roast Pork. But their roast pork is better.

 

[mikehn]

Jims on South St, a little hole in the wall, and be prepared to wait in a very long line.

 

[Julie's Haircut]

Dozens of neighborhood places. Do NOT go to Pat's or Geno's under any circumstances. They're total trash.

If you feel you must try these places, choose Geno's.

Geno's is about a 2 on a scale of 1-10.
Pat's is a negative 5. By far the worst cheesesteak I've ever had.

 

[Klayfish]

If you feel you must try these places, choose Geno's.

Geno's is about a 2 on a scale of 1-10.
Pat's is a negative 5. By far the worst cheesesteak I've ever had.

Wow, ouch. I personally would have given both of them a 5 (a positive 5, LOL) on that scale. Neither are great by any stretch, but they're OK. Good ones are also out in the burbs. We had a place near our last PA home that we absolutely loved. I had gotten into chicken cheesesteaks by then, but they were superb.

 

[MooseBucks]

Tony Luke’s is awesome, Jim’s on south street (a great cheesesteak and fun atmosphere), but when friends visit I always tell them to grab a genos (my personal favorite) and a pats and decide for themselves which of the “big two” are the best. So much personal preference. I do suggest American cheese or wiz for a true “philly tourist experience”.

 

[bgirldeb]

Not a native, but we love Jim’s which was recommended to us by locals.

 

[MrsBooch]

Where will you be staying? In Center City Philly? Closer to the Stadium? I think you should hit up Reading Terminal Market, walk around, try all of the different things they have and hit up DiNic's for a Roast Beef or Roast Pork. The market will give you the biggest cross section of Philly food all in one spot. If you're nearby I also recommend Monk's Cafe to everyone - solid food and excellent beer menu if you are so inclined.

 

[BrianL]

There's nothing wrong with Pats or Ginos, but they aren't the best in town.

This is what I always find with the famous places. Here it's barbecue, and the locals just trash the "touristy" spots. I mean, sure they aren't the best in the city, but they are in fact still quite good and better than most places you'd find elsewhere. They're not exactly putting out garbage. Now, to find the truly best places one must go off the beaten path, but even living here I don't always want to and end up at Corky's. I have a feeling if i was in Philly and went to these Pat's or Geno's places I'd probably find it delicious!

 

[Julie's Haircut]

Cheesesteaks are quite good but prepare to be disappointed if your expectations are too high, even at the places Disers have recommended. Sorry, but as with EVERYTHING you can think of, NOTHING can live up to the hype. I’m not a native but have lived in the Philadelphia/ south Jersey area for 35 years. And I would say the same thing about every food item I can think of, even stuff I love.

Gotta agree here. There is really no such thing as a truly awesome cheesesteak. Don't go out of your way to go to a place people rave about. You'll surely be disappointed. Just go some place near where you'll be staying. Most places are decent enough.

 

[Sandeep1]

Where will you be staying? In Center City Philly? Closer to the Stadium? I think you should hit up Reading Terminal Market, walk around, try all of the different things they have and hit up DiNic's for a Roast Beef or Roast Pork. The market will give you the biggest cross section of Philly food all in one spot. If you're nearby I also recommend Monk's Cafe to everyone - solid food and excellent beer menu if you are so inclined.

Hotel Bellevue. Avenue of the Arts (I think)

 

[NYCgrrl]

The best Cheesesteak in Philadelphia is at John's Roast Pork. But their roast pork is better.

It's on our Philly bucket list along with Dalessandro's. Problem is always that they require trips just for them with none of our regular touring attractions nearby. The day(s) will come.

 

[holden]

Hotel Bellevue. Avenue of the Arts (I think)

You’re within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market. Definitely check it out. Good food there.

Another fun site to see is McGillin’s. It’s been open since 1860. Food is mediocre, but it cool to be in a great place that has been operational since Abraham Lincoln was around.

 

[Sandeep1]

You’re within walking distance of Reading Terminal Market. Definitely check it out. Good food there.

Another fun site to see is McGillin’s. It’s been open since 1860. Food is mediocre, but it cool to be in a great place that has been operational since Abraham Lincoln was around.

Thanks for the McGillin's tip. I love places like that. I will stop in for a drink at least, maybe lunch.

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

It's on our Philly bucket list along with Dalessandro's. Problem is always that they require trips just for them with none of our regular touring attractions nearby. The day(s) will come.

Yeah John's isn't exactly in the tourist area. Look Mom, A lowes, a Neumatic tool ship, and a strip mall with an Ihop. Just what we came to see. The area used to be industrial but is changing. But if you need to pick up a prescription you forgot to pack there's a CVS there and a Target too. The lunch line can be long. And their hours are rather short. No late night munchies here.

By the way if you're really wanting the touristy experience, with the cheese whiz and the One Whiz Wit, ordering and stuff, Johns isn't the place for that. But if you're looking for a great sandwich, John's it is.

 

[Onceler]

I'm tempted to give Jim's on South Street another try the next time I'm there. I ate there a few years ago and was disappointed. Almost everything about the cheesesteak was perfect. The one thing that was not perfect, however, was flavor. It was very bland. Yet I hear many people say that the cheesesteaks there are good. I wonder if I caught them on an off day.