# Philly Cheesesteaks. What and where? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** food-cooking\ **Created:** [April 17, 2024, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411 "2024-04-17T16:24:28Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2024, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/41 "2024-04-22T22:48:16Z")
> [@DocCathode](#): > > IIRC Geno’s announced a rule that all orders must be in English. The original owner put up a sign in 2006 > **[FOXNews.com - Owner of Geno's Cheesesteaks Responds to Bias Complaint - Neil...](https://web.archive.org/web/20061021081530/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,199620,00.html)** > > Cavuto's Interview: Owner of Geno's Cheesesteaks Responds to Bias Complaint, Restaurant with 'English only' ordering policy slapped with bias complaint which was taken down by his son, and current owner, at some point ahead of the 2016 Democratic Convention > **[Geno's 50th Anniversary Block Party - And Guess What That Sign Is Not There |...](https://web.archive.org/web/20190202101045/https://phillychitchat.com/2016/10/genos.html)** > > ‘Geno’s Steaks celebrated their 50th Anniversary on Saturday October 1, 2016 with a block party complete with cotton candy, popcorn, entertainment and of course their iconic cheese steaks. Opened in 1966 by his dad Joey Vento with a couple of... and seems to have stayed down. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [April 22, 2024, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/42 "2024-04-22T23:19:55Z")
Woo Hoo! I’ll remember that. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/43 "2024-04-23T03:15:50Z")
I would recommend Delassandro’s but you can’t go wrong with Jim’s. The place that is often voted as the best is close but not in Philly. Donkey’s Place is across the river in Camden. Anthony Bourdain called it the best. In case you have heard about Camden’s reputation and were wondering, no it’s not in a good neighborhood. They have a couple of other newer locations in nearby suburbs. I don’t know if they have the same reputation. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/44 "2024-04-23T10:43:51Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > In case you have heard about Camden’s reputation and were wondering, no it’s not in a good neighborhood. Bring a posse with bazookas. Seriously, I think I read it’s getting a little better. The cops still line the streets on nights where there’s a concert at the Waterfront so us sissies feel safe driving in (though we’d usually take the ferry). ---
**Author:** ![MeanJoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanjoe/32/5693_2.png) [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/45 "2024-04-23T15:23:17Z")
Pat’s and Gino’s is just fine for a visitor to go have the “Philly cheesesteak” experience. I’ve done both, they were exactly what I expected. I’ve also taken the local advice and gone to some “secret best cheesesteak spot” and been completely underwhelmed and disappointed. One of the best I’ve ever had was in the stupid Philly airport of all places. I’ve also had ones in Ohio that were better than most everything I’ve had in Philly. It’s food. Everyone has an opinion. Your personal tastes will vary. Ignore the GateKeepers. I prefer meat, light onions, provolone, lettuce, and tomato but others would say I’m not eating a real cheesesteak. All I care about is that it tastes delicious. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/46 "2024-04-23T15:46:31Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > > [@Loach](#): > > > > In case you have heard about Camden’s reputation and were wondering, no it’s not in a good neighborhood. > > Bring a posse with bazookas. Seriously, I think I read it’s getting a little better. The cops still line the streets on nights where there’s a concert at the Waterfront so us sissies feel safe driving in (though we’d usually take the ferry). The waterfront is fine and the downtown area near Rutgers-Camden is also good (at least during the day). When you are outside of those areas it gets dicey real quick. To be fair, so does Philly. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/47 "2024-04-23T15:52:14Z")
Hey, when you need some crack quick, you take your chances. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/48 "2024-04-23T15:56:15Z")
Ok, so I’m going to be in Philly this weekend, with a group of 20 Scouts. We plan to make a quick stop to tour Independence Hall before continuing home. Any thoughts on a place for us to get a bunch of cheesesteaks walking distance from the Liberty Bell? We are NOT planning to take a big rented van down to Pat’s, we’re finding a safe place to park and not moving it again until we are headed back to Jersey. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/49 "2024-04-23T16:00:03Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > Ok, so I’m going to be in Philly this weekend, with a group of 20 Scouts. We plan to make a quick stop to tour Independence Hall before continuing home. Any thoughts on a place for us to get a bunch of cheesesteaks walking distance from the Liberty Bell? We are NOT planning to take a big rented van down to Pat’s, we’re finding a safe place to park and not moving it again until we are headed back to Jersey. User name checks out. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/50 "2024-04-23T16:05:06Z")
> [@Cheesesteak](#): > > walking distance from the Liberty Bell? Hah! I lived in Philadelphia for 4 1/2 years, in an apartment in Landsdowne. On 3 or 4 occasions I attempted to see the Liberty Bell, but each time got diverted due to one-way streets in the area. Good luck seeing the bell! ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/51 "2024-04-23T16:06:15Z")
I liked Pat’s. Didn’t like Geno’s. And didn’t like Jim’s, but it was better than Geno’s. That was my first visit before I branched out. It could be the beef. I believe Jim’s uses top round, and Pat’s and Genos uses ribeye. (Actually, that wouldn’t explain as I didn’t like Geno’s. Ribeye has more beefy flavor than top round.) ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/52 "2024-04-23T16:06:30Z")
Near Independence Hall? I haven’t been there in years. Maybe Campo’s or Sonny’s? Sonny’s is right next to Mac’s Tavern owned by the Alway Sunny people. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/53 "2024-04-23T16:06:51Z")
If you are parking and walking, just go to Reading Terminal Market. You can get a great cheesesteak in there (Spataro’s) plus whatever else a scout could fancy. If you are going to be in downtown Philly and for a day only, RTM is a no-brainer. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/54 "2024-04-23T16:08:39Z")
> [@Dorjan](#): > > If you are parking and walking, just go to Reading Terminal Market. You can get a great cheesesteak in there (Spataro’s) plus whatever else a scout could fancy. If you are going to be in downtown Philly and for a day only, RTM is a no-brainer. Isn’t that like 6-8 blocks? Might be a bit much while wrangling 20 scouts. ---
**Author:** ![Dorjan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dorjan/32/12440_2.png) [@Dorjan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dorjan)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/55 "2024-04-23T16:09:15Z")
It’s a 15 minute walk. I think a bunch of scouts can handle that hike. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/56 "2024-04-23T16:30:39Z")
Physically sure. But will there be 20 when they get back? It’s the adults I’m worried about. ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/57 "2024-04-23T17:09:11Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > But will there be 20 when they get back? These are the teenage scouts, not the little ones, that walk should be a-ok for our group. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/58 "2024-04-23T17:36:07Z")
independence hall is at 5th and market. campo’s is at 2nd and market, 2-3 blocks east. sonny’s is at 2nd and market same as above. or you could just get them at a cart. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/59 "2024-04-23T17:37:51Z")
> [@MeanJoe](#): > > Pat’s and Gino’s is just fine for a visitor to go have the “Philly cheesesteak” experience. I’ve done both, they were exactly what I expected. I’ve also taken the local advice and gone to some “secret best cheesesteak spot” and been completely underwhelmed and disappointed. One of the best I’ve ever had was in the stupid Philly airport of all places. Heh. I see there’s a Jersey Mike’s in the Amtrak station. That’s a national chain with over 2500 locations so, unless there isn’t one near you, I wouldn’t bother visiting one in Philadelphia. The ones I’ve been to or had DoorDash deliver for here in Northern Virginia are quite good. ---
**Author:** ![MeanJoe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/meanjoe/32/5693_2.png) [@MeanJoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MeanJoe)\ **Post date:** [April 23, 2024, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411/60 "2024-04-23T17:59:59Z")
I actually do like the #15 from Jersey Mike’s but the sandwich I had in the Philly airport was at Chickie’s & Petes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/philly-cheesesteaks-what-and-where/1000411.md?page=4)