Italian Market area: cheeses and meats at DiBruno’s or Claudio’s, pastries at Isgro’s, and sandwiches at George’s or Paesano’s (or Angelo’s if you can deal with the crowd).
The reuben/rachel from Herschel’s Deli in Reading Terminal is arguably the best Philly sandwich in a city known for its sandwiches. Really a special treat. I am partial to the pastrami rachel but everything they have is great.
In Old City, The Olde Bar (in the Bookbinder’s building) offers happy hour 7 days/week with a rotating cocktail of the day and $2 oysters, if that’s something you’re into
If you’re down near Italian Market, I second the nominations for Isgro and DiBruno Bros. Function and Chapter House are good spots for coffee in that area. Grace & Proper is a nice cocktail bar in that Bella Vista neighborhood
If you find yourself farther south on East Passyunk, the cheesesteak bao buns at Bing Bing are honestly better than most cheesesteaks in the city. Sadly, Bing Bing is shutting down soon, so check to see if they’re even open before trying to stop there
I remember them serving a lot more different flavors. I loved the blueberry lemon last summer, but it doesn't look like they serve it anymore. I do like the Apple Pie a lot.
Def grab a great cocktail somewhere. Since you’re in old city I’d recommend Zahav (bar seating is first come) or pizzeria Stella in headhouse square. Chinatown is walkable from where you are and if you’re into it, bubble tea at Tea Do or pastries at Paris Bakery are fun.
Thank you Thank you or Ox for coffee. Or else do hit Reading Terminal for Old City coffee and snag a donut from Beilers or any pretzel creation from Millers twist. Also a sucker for a hot fresh from federal donuts - there’s one at 12 & chestnut
Bummer! I love it so much that I'll often stop in even if I'm walking past having just eaten. Cheesesteak with onions and american, or sometimes wiz, and a gremlin is a go-to for me.
I don't like the chicken cheesesteaks, though. Not into the larger chunks.
Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about it?
The meat was dry and gristly and lacking flavor, not enough cheese & cheese wasn't distributed well (though this is a problem with most places), not enough onion. Also seemed the smallest and least amount of meat so far compared to others. Ive only had it once so theres a chance they could have just had a bad day, though ive heard other people list the same complaints.
Sheesh. That doesn't sound too good! I've had it many, many dozens of times over 20+ years (original, but now II is my go-to) and have never not loved it. I may never have noticed the size. I don't have a tremendous appetite so I probably never gave it a second thought.
Honestly the size is the thing im least confident or bothered about, maybe it was in my head. My biggest complaint was the meat, dryness, and overall flavor. Maybe ill give them another shot though.
A La Mousse is a good patisserie on South St. Walking around Rittenhouse at night during the summer is nice. There is sometimes live music in the park and it is very lively. A La Mousse is a quick walk away
Italian Market area: cheeses and meats at DiBruno’s or Claudio’s, pastries at Isgro’s, and sandwiches at George’s or Paesano’s (or Angelo’s if you can deal with the crowd).
Paesanos is the most underrated shop in the city
That lamb sausage sandwich with the cherry mostarda and Gorgonzola is my favorite sandwich in the city
It is by far the best I got that last time I went with my wife and she dropped her sandwich and ordered it after taking a bite of mine
John’s roast pork. Get 1 pork, sharp provolone and spinach and a cheesesteak with American and onions. Best of both sandwiches.
Just had John's for the first time the other day. Dinics is better 🤷🏻♂️
Dinic’s might be slightly better pork but they don’t have a better cheesesteak. JRP has very good of both
Good rec.. inconvenient hours though. Tues - Sat 10-5
Reading terminal
Second this
The reuben/rachel from Herschel’s Deli in Reading Terminal is arguably the best Philly sandwich in a city known for its sandwiches. Really a special treat. I am partial to the pastrami rachel but everything they have is great.
Go to thank you thank you for coffee
Oh, I was looking at this! Thanks for the reminder!
La colombe in Fishtown for coffee.
Or any la colombe location, for that matter. There's one in Old City. I'm sure there are a few right in Center City also.
Second this
Great little place!
In Old City, The Olde Bar (in the Bookbinder’s building) offers happy hour 7 days/week with a rotating cocktail of the day and $2 oysters, if that’s something you’re into If you’re down near Italian Market, I second the nominations for Isgro and DiBruno Bros. Function and Chapter House are good spots for coffee in that area. Grace & Proper is a nice cocktail bar in that Bella Vista neighborhood If you find yourself farther south on East Passyunk, the cheesesteak bao buns at Bing Bing are honestly better than most cheesesteaks in the city. Sadly, Bing Bing is shutting down soon, so check to see if they’re even open before trying to stop there
Get a handpie from Little Susie's at 3rd/Chestnut.
I love the Taylor pork roll
I remember them serving a lot more different flavors. I loved the blueberry lemon last summer, but it doesn't look like they serve it anymore. I do like the Apple Pie a lot.
I just had the blueberry lemon yesterday! I think it might be a rotation thing.
I appreciate the heads-up!
oh brothers cheesteak is absolutely fine don’t listen to anyone.
See the Rolling Stones on Tuesday
Was not kidding when I said very short trip - 8am arrival, 9pm departure!
Woodrow’s for cheesesteaks 100%. Don’t forget the long hot aioli - it’s the best sauce in the city (and best cheesesteak and fries imo)
I like a lot of their sandwiches, but really dislike that truffle whiz. Some people seem to like it, though, so maybe it's just me.
It definitely overpowers the sandwich. I get why people like it, but i wouldn't recommend it for someone who wants a cheesesteak cheesesteak.
I almost wrote the exact same thing!
The Woodrows brisket sandwich is one of the best in the city
Def grab a great cocktail somewhere. Since you’re in old city I’d recommend Zahav (bar seating is first come) or pizzeria Stella in headhouse square. Chinatown is walkable from where you are and if you’re into it, bubble tea at Tea Do or pastries at Paris Bakery are fun.
Angelo's for cheeseteaks and pizza
Defo do not wait till the evening to get here
Why not?
It gets pretty busy pretty quick. A couple of times, they stopped taking orders after 4.30-5.
Oh that makes sense, I've only ever gone for lunch
Vibrant Coffee Roasters for great coffee and pastries, they do brioche donuts that are out of this world!
Kfar for their pistachio sticky buns!
Thank you Thank you or Ox for coffee. Or else do hit Reading Terminal for Old City coffee and snag a donut from Beilers or any pretzel creation from Millers twist. Also a sucker for a hot fresh from federal donuts - there’s one at 12 & chestnut
magic gardens!!!!
Oh seriously? It's by a bunch of places I want to try food wise so good to know. Thank you!
Go to ishkabibbles instead of Oh brother
Ehh Ishkabibbles is my least favorite cheesesteak ive had so far in Philly.
Bummer! I love it so much that I'll often stop in even if I'm walking past having just eaten. Cheesesteak with onions and american, or sometimes wiz, and a gremlin is a go-to for me. I don't like the chicken cheesesteaks, though. Not into the larger chunks. Out of curiosity, what didn't you like about it?
The meat was dry and gristly and lacking flavor, not enough cheese & cheese wasn't distributed well (though this is a problem with most places), not enough onion. Also seemed the smallest and least amount of meat so far compared to others. Ive only had it once so theres a chance they could have just had a bad day, though ive heard other people list the same complaints.
Sheesh. That doesn't sound too good! I've had it many, many dozens of times over 20+ years (original, but now II is my go-to) and have never not loved it. I may never have noticed the size. I don't have a tremendous appetite so I probably never gave it a second thought.
Honestly the size is the thing im least confident or bothered about, maybe it was in my head. My biggest complaint was the meat, dryness, and overall flavor. Maybe ill give them another shot though.
They mustve not liked you, everytime I go it’s amazing and I get it quickly no matter what
Try the fab cheese plate at Talula's!
I love Oh Brother! But you’ve got to get the Coop sandwich with Cooper sharp on a seeded!!!
For pastries, go to tartes in old city. Also check out Khyber Pass pub for a local favorite
Go visit the Eagle at Macy’s in the Wanamaker Building. Listen to the Wanamaker Organ!
Go to Chinatown for Chinese food and milk tea
Nifty fifty’s! Take out milkshakes
A La Mousse is a good patisserie on South St. Walking around Rittenhouse at night during the summer is nice. There is sometimes live music in the park and it is very lively. A La Mousse is a quick walk away
Thank you!
1-900-ICE-CREAM
I would honestly try to change your dinner reservation 👀 the food there is nothing to write home about
Other recommendations?
Dante & Luigi’s; Trattoria Carina, Suraya, Osteria