Need your center city Philly food picks

[PSUSignore]

In the days around the Iowa game I'm bringing a friend to Philly that has never been. This will also be his first PSU game ever and being an Iowa St. fan he'll be rooting hard for the good guys.

We'll be in the center city area, might venture to South Street but otherwise will solely be within a 15 min walk or so of City Hall since that's where the touristy stuff is and we won't have a car. What are your top food picks that would showcase the best of Philly or some regional PA items that are uncommon elsewhere? Cheesesteaks (Jim's on South St. or Steve's Prince of Steaks?) and roast pork (Dinic's?) will be a must get. I know there've been many cheesesteak discussions here in the past, give me your best for this general area. For novelty only I'll probably try to introduce him to someplace with scrapple which I personally dislike, and tomato pie which was a family staple but I don't know of a good location to get a slice. I'm planning on a stop at the PA Dutch place in Reading Terminal Market, more for myself because I saw they have apple dumplings like my PA Dutch grandmother used to make, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have scrapple. Also on my radar are some good soft pretzels and maybe some wooder ice. While not really a regional specialty I've read that Nan Zhou in Chinatown is an excellent hand pulled noodle spot. Any other suggestions?

 

[Nitwit]

Try Bassets ice cream at Reading Terminal, also Pearls Oyster House at the same location for raw oysters. And don’t forget the cannoli at Termini Brothers Bakery. Also you should be able to get a good Italian hoagie almost anywhere in south Philly. Reading Terminal is a trove of great food options. Go hungry! And you’ll be near Chinatown also - sometimes the places that look like dives have the best food. My favorite place is Panang which specializes in Malaysian food. There are certain dishes, like soup with fish eyes, where the wait staff will advise you that it’s not for tourists. Heed their advice. This is authentic cuisine.

 

[LB99]

The Oyster House on Samson Street is really good for seafood. Short walk from City Hall. Friday, Saturday, Sunday near Rittenhouse Square is good also. Dinic’s is my pick at The Reading Terminal Market.

 

[pamdlion]

I would choose Dinic's over a cheesesteak any day. Also go walk around the Italian market. If the ladies are with you go have a few cocktails at the Ritz late night.

 

[rudedude]

Sarcone’s Bakery has tomato pie South Philly.

 

[PSU87]

In the days around the Iowa game I'm bringing a friend to Philly that has never been. This will also be his first PSU game ever and being an Iowa St. fan he'll be rooting hard for the good guys.

We'll be in the center city area, might venture to South Street but otherwise will solely be within a 15 min walk or so of City Hall since that's where the touristy stuff is and we won't have a car. What are your top food picks that would showcase the best of Philly or some regional PA items that are uncommon elsewhere? Cheesesteaks (Jim's on South St. or Steve's Prince of Steaks?) and roast pork (Dinic's?) will be a must get. I know there've been many cheesesteak discussions here in the past, give me your best for this general area. For novelty only I'll probably try to introduce him to someplace with scrapple which I personally dislike, and tomato pie which was a family staple but I don't know of a good location to get a slice. I'm planning on a stop at the PA Dutch place in Reading Terminal Market, more for myself because I saw they have apple dumplings like my PA Dutch grandmother used to make, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have scrapple. Also on my radar are some good soft pretzels and maybe some wooder ice. While not really a regional specialty I've read that Nan Zhou in Chinatown is an excellent hand pulled noodle spot. Any other suggestions?

I am by no means a Philly expert, but I love me some Reading Terminal Market. Dinics roast pork didn't get Food Networks best sandwich in the US for nothing.
There are OK cheesesteaks in RTM, but no really good ones. Some folks like Spataro's but i found them meh.
There are some other really good things in RTM: pastrami sandwich at Herschels Deli is awesome. If you order before 11 you can get an egg on it. And i mean before 11. 11:00:15...forget it. Even 10:55 youre gonna get a dirty look.
Oyster sliders at Pearls are good too.
Place there...forget the name...that serves a sandwich that is essentially Thanksgiving dinner between 2 slices of bread.
Place that specializes in all manner of grilled cheese.
Some really good sweets at RTM as well.

Places at RTM I personally consider overrated (YMMV)
Beiler's Donuts
Diener's BBQ

 

[rudedude]

If you are a sushi fan, hit Morimoto on Chestnut St.

 

[manatree]

If you get to the Italian Market area, stop by George’s Sandwich Shop.

 

[bbrown]

In the days around the Iowa game I'm bringing a friend to Philly that has never been. This will also be his first PSU game ever and being an Iowa St. fan he'll be rooting hard for the good guys.

We'll be in the center city area, might venture to South Street but otherwise will solely be within a 15 min walk or so of City Hall since that's where the touristy stuff is and we won't have a car. What are your top food picks that would showcase the best of Philly or some regional PA items that are uncommon elsewhere? Cheesesteaks (Jim's on South St. or Steve's Prince of Steaks?) and roast pork (Dinic's?) will be a must get. I know there've been many cheesesteak discussions here in the past, give me your best for this general area. For novelty only I'll probably try to introduce him to someplace with scrapple which I personally dislike, and tomato pie which was a family staple but I don't know of a good location to get a slice. I'm planning on a stop at the PA Dutch place in Reading Terminal Market, more for myself because I saw they have apple dumplings like my PA Dutch grandmother used to make, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have scrapple. Also on my radar are some good soft pretzels and maybe some wooder ice. While not really a regional specialty I've read that Nan Zhou in Chinatown is an excellent hand pulled noodle spot. Any other suggestions?

Go to the Reading Terminal. don't even bother with Pat's or Geno's unless you want to give them the Philly experience.
This is my go to...
https://dinicsnj.com/menu/
Get the Pork Italiano with Broccoli Rabe.

 

[bbrown]

I am by no means a Philly expert, but I love me some Reading Terminal Market. Dinics roast pork didn't get Food Networks best sandwich in the US for nothing.
There are OK cheesesteaks in RTM, but no really good ones. Some folks like Spataro's but i found them meh.
There are some other really good things in RTM: pastrami sandwich at Herschels Deli is awesome. If you order before 11 you can get an egg on it. And i mean before 11. 11:00:15...forget it. Even 10:55 youre gonna get a dirty look.
Oyster sliders at Pearls are good too.
Place there...forget the name...that serves a sandwich that is essentially Thanksgiving dinner between 2 slices of bread.
Place that specializes in all manner of grilled cheese.
Some really good sweets at RTM as well.

Places at RTM I personally consider overrated (YMMV)
Beiler's Donuts
Diener's BBQ

LOL, ok I think its unanimous this board loves Reading Terminal and Dinic's.

 

[bbrown]

I am by no means a Philly expert, but I love me some Reading Terminal Market. Dinics roast pork didn't get Food Networks best sandwich in the US for nothing.
There are OK cheesesteaks in RTM, but no really good ones. Some folks like Spataro's but i found them meh.
There are some other really good things in RTM: pastrami sandwich at Herschels Deli is awesome. If you order before 11 you can get an egg on it. And i mean before 11. 11:00:15...forget it. Even 10:55 youre gonna get a dirty look.
Oyster sliders at Pearls are good too.
Place there...forget the name...that serves a sandwich that is essentially Thanksgiving dinner between 2 slices of bread.
Place that specializes in all manner of grilled cheese.
Some really good sweets at RTM as well.

Places at RTM I personally consider overrated (YMMV)
Beiler's Donuts
Diener's BBQ

+100. Herschel's Deli Pastrami Sandwich is the bomb. Also agree about the Donuts, was unimpressed.

 

[rudedude]

Cannolis & cheese cake @ Termini Bros. Also their pecan diamond bars are terrific too.

 

[Midnighter]

LOL, ok I think it’s unanimous this board loves Reading Terminal and Dinic's.

Wife was in Philly for work and asked where she should go for lunch. She was close to Reading Terminal and based on recommendations here I suggested Dinic’s. She sent me a pic of the sandwich and it looked sad. Must taste great though given the love here - she was unimpressed though as was I based on visuals. I’ll try to find the pic….

 

[bbrown]

Wife was in Philly for work and asked where she should go for lunch. She was close to Reading Terminal and based on recommendations here I suggested Dinic’s. She sent me a pic of the sandwich and it looked sad. Must taste great though given the love here - she was unimpressed though as was I based on visuals. I’ll try to find the pic….

That's unfortunate. I had the Pastrami from Hershel's and the Roast Pork from Dinic's a few months ago and both were excellent.

 

[TiogaLion]

Ok, I'm going to take a hit for this one but here goes. Assuming your friend hasn't been to Philadelphia before the Italian Market is a must see as he's probably watched the movie Rocky a few times. So, from center city head east on Market and then south on 9th St. Continue on 9th about 3/4 of a mile and you'll be in the heart of the Italian Market. Once finished there, continue south on 9th (you'll cross a very wide road named Washington Ave) until you reach the mecca of cheesesteaks, which is located at the intersection of 9th and Passyunk Ave. There you'll find Pat's (the original/inventor) and Geno's (Pat's healthy competition). Purchase one from each location and each have half. Let us know which is better. After his head north on 9th then west on Christian for block and stop in Isgro's Bakery, which is the best Italian bakery in the city. Everything is good, so buy whatever they have left.

Many pundits are all going to tell you to avoid Pat's and Geno's but they are wrong. I can't remember ever getting a bad cheesesteak in Philadelphia, anywhere, and if it's his first he should eat the original. It' like going to Buffalo for wings and skipping the Anchor Bar. Just crazy.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

Friday nite check Flogging Molly at the historic fillmore

Venue Info | Fillmore Philly

www.thefillmorephilly.com

 

[Fortheglory612]

Angelo’s for a cheesesteak.

 

[flavorguy]

The 10 Best Cheesesteaks In Philly, Ranked - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

From high-end steakhouses to corner stores, these are Philly's 10 best cheesesteaks.

www.theinfatuation.com

 

[Thorndike2021]

One of my roommates at PSU, and best friend still, was from Philly. He introduced me to John's Roast Pork. It is still my 'go to' Philly sandwich. A bit of a haul from center city, but still worth it to me. Perhaps it is due to the memories/nostalgia but love the roast pork and the roast beef sandwiches at John's.

Oh, and BTW, the debate is LONG over; Pats is better than Gino's.

 

[TiogaLion]

One of my roommates at PSU, and best friend still, was from Philly. He introduced me to John's Roast Pork. It is still my 'go to' Philly sandwich. A bit of a haul from center city, but still worth it to me. Perhaps it is due to the memories/nostalgia but love the roast pork and the roast beef sandwiches at John's.

Oh, and BTW, the debate is LONG over; Pats is better than Gino's.

John's is very good but if you go split one sandwich. The have a lot of juice on/in them so if you get a whole sandwich for yourself by the time you get to the second half the roll will be falling completely apart.

I agree on Pat's is better than Geno's but based on the lines I'd say it's about 50-50.

 

[flavorguy]

John's is very good but if you go split one sandwich. The have a lot of juice on/in them so if you get a whole sandwich for yourself by the time you get to the second half the roll will be falling completely apart.

I agree on Pat's is better than Geno's but based on the lines I'd say it's about 50-50.

View attachment 365539

The trick - one person order a cheesesteak (wit/provolone) and the other a Roast Pork. Each grab a half of each.

 

[PSU87]

The trick - one person order a cheesesteak (wit/provolone) and the other a Roast Pork. Each grab a half of each.

Same applies at RTM....the problem is there's so much good stuff you don't want to fill up on a full serving of any one thing.

 

[TiogaLion]

The trick - one person order a cheesesteak (wit/provolone) and the other a Roast Pork. Each grab a half of each.

Good idea, but eat the pork first or you'll need a fork and I'm not kidding.

 

[Michaelion]

I like them but Roast Pork w/ Broccoli Rabe isn’t for everyone. Definitely more of a local’s sandwich
A good cheesesteak is a safe call and what tourists associate with Philly.

 

[rudedude]

Good idea, but eat the pork first or you'll need a fork and I'm not kidding.

 

[Hugh Laurie]

In the days around the Iowa game I'm bringing a friend to Philly that has never been. This will also be his first PSU game ever and being an Iowa St. fan he'll be rooting hard for the good guys.

We'll be in the center city area, might venture to South Street but otherwise will solely be within a 15 min walk or so of City Hall since that's where the touristy stuff is and we won't have a car. What are your top food picks that would showcase the best of Philly or some regional PA items that are uncommon elsewhere? Cheesesteaks (Jim's on South St. or Steve's Prince of Steaks?) and roast pork (Dinic's?) will be a must get. I know there've been many cheesesteak discussions here in the past, give me your best for this general area. For novelty only I'll probably try to introduce him to someplace with scrapple which I personally dislike, and tomato pie which was a family staple but I don't know of a good location to get a slice. I'm planning on a stop at the PA Dutch place in Reading Terminal Market, more for myself because I saw they have apple dumplings like my PA Dutch grandmother used to make, and I wouldn't be surprised if they have scrapple. Also on my radar are some good soft pretzels and maybe some wooder ice. While not really a regional specialty I've read that Nan Zhou in Chinatown is an excellent hand pulled noodle spot. Any other suggestions?

The Dutch Eating Place in Reading Terminal for breakfast with scrapple.

 

[STPGopherfan]

I thought of this thread when I saw this youtube.

 

[laKavosiey-st lion]

One of my roommates at PSU, and best friend still, was from Philly. He introduced me to John's Roast Pork. It is still my 'go to' Philly sandwich. A bit of a haul from center city, but still worth it to me. Perhaps it is due to the memories/nostalgia but love the roast pork and the roast beef sandwiches at John's.

Oh, and BTW, the debate is LONG over; Pats is better than Gino's.

When 2 moved in to Rittenhouse we did the pat Gino’s challenge each eating a steak from each place back to back same toppings (whiz with) on the trunk of my car. pat crushes

 

[MaconNitt]

I am by no means a Philly expert, but I love me some Reading Terminal Market. Dinics roast pork didn't get Food Networks best sandwich in the US for nothing.
There are OK cheesesteaks in RTM, but no really good ones. Some folks like Spataro's but i found them meh.
There are some other really good things in RTM: pastrami sandwich at Herschels Deli is awesome. If you order before 11 you can get an egg on it. And i mean before 11. 11:00:15...forget it. Even 10:55 youre gonna get a dirty look.
Oyster sliders at Pearls are good too.
Place there...forget the name...that serves a sandwich that is essentially Thanksgiving dinner between 2 slices of bread.
Place that specializes in all manner of grilled cheese.
Some really good sweets at RTM as well.

Places at RTM I personally consider overrated (YMMV)
Beiler's Donuts
Diener's BBQ

Wife was in Philly for work and asked where she should go for lunch. She was close to Reading Terminal and based on recommendations here I suggested Dinic’s. She sent me a pic of the sandwich and it looked sad. Must taste great though given the love here - she was unimpressed though as was I based on visuals. I’ll try to find the pic….

That's unfortunate. I had the Pastrami from Hershel's and the Roast Pork from Dinic's a few months ago and both were excellent.

I like them but Roast Pork w/ Broccoli Rabe isn’t for everyone. Definitely more of a local’s sandwich
A good cheesesteak is a safe call and what tourists associate with Philly.

Had the roast pork at Dinic's today. Was not as good as the one I had 6 weeks ago. Hit and miss. Very wet and soggy today. Agree the Broccoli Rabe isn't for everyone. My wife took a bite of my sandwich and said she would get one, but without the broccoli.

 

[bbrown]

Had the roast pork at Dinic's today. Was not as good as the one I had 6 weeks ago. Hit and miss. Very wet and soggy today. Agree the Broccoli Rabe isn't for everyone. My wife took a bite of my sandwich and said she would get one, but without the broccoli.

That's too bad about Dinic's. This seems to be a common issue for most if not all restaurants lately.
I agree the Rabe isn't for everyone, for me, I like it.

 

[MrTailgate]

I think you’ve got it covered with the responses provided both for what to get and what to avoid. I didn’t look closely through every response. Scrapple, you might want to consider the Down Home Diner in the Terminal. Dessert, you might want to also consider Flying Monkey. I used to hit the PA Dutch place for breakfast. The dumplings there are great and very popular.

If I had to get one sandwich selection, I’d pick Hershel’s over Dinic’s. I’m not sure of the name, but the Thai place in the Terminal used to have lines out the wazoo. It’s been awhile but the soul food place near the front used to be an Oprah favorite. The woman who owned it was a foodie rock star but she no longer runs it. The fried chicken is still top notch.

I agree, if you get a chance to go near the Italian Market, Isgros over Terminis.

 

[PSUAXE70]

For Italian food: La Fontana at 17th and Spruce.

 

[PSUSignore]

Thanks all, I am already planning on a lot of eating at RTM which seems to be the one consensus here. Dutch Eating Place (scrapple, pork roll, apple dumpling), Dinic's (roast pork) and Hershel's (pastrami) are all on my list. I might skip the ice cream because we'll be eating a lot of that at the PSU creamery.

I'm still seeking a top cheesesteak and tomato pie near center city. Since my last post I've learned that Steve's Prince of Steaks closed and Jim's on South St is closed for renovations due to a fire. Hopefully Jim's opens before my trip as it's the highest rated I've heard of nearby, but I'm not sure I'll get to South St., and I had planned to avoid Pat's/Geno's in favor of better local's favorites. I almost certainly will not get out to John's Roast Pork but it sounds excellent and I'll go there if at all possible.

The one tomato pie spot mentioned above is farther south than South St so I'm not sure we'll get there either, but if we do then the whole Italian market comes into play with tons of options. I'm going to try, but we're on a tight schedule so will almost certainly stick pretty close to the touristy sights on the itinerary closer Independence Mall and museums along Ben Franklin Blvd.

I'm also still looking for a good proper Philly pretzel shop. I read about Miller's Twist inside the RTM but that looks more like the softer, flakier pretzels from anytown USA, and not like the more dense and chewy pretzels Philly is known for. As a kid I always got them from street vendors, but I'm not sure how prevalent they still are and their cleanliness standards probably wouldn't allow them to operate in 2023 anyway.

 

[bbrown]

Thanks all, I am already planning on a lot of eating at RTM which seems to be the one consensus here. Dutch Eating Place (scrapple, pork roll, apple dumpling), Dinic's (roast pork) and Hershel's (pastrami) are all on my list. I might skip the ice cream because we'll be eating a lot of that at the PSU creamery.

I'm still seeking a top cheesesteak and tomato pie near center city. Since my last post I've learned that Steve's Prince of Steaks closed and Jim's on South St is closed for renovations due to a fire. Hopefully Jim's opens before my trip as it's the highest rated I've heard of nearby, but I'm not sure I'll get to South St., and I had planned to avoid Pat's/Geno's in favor of better local's favorites. I almost certainly will not get out to John's Roast Pork but it sounds excellent and I'll go there if at all possible.

The one tomato pie spot mentioned above is farther south than South St so I'm not sure we'll get there either, but if we do then the whole Italian market comes into play with tons of options. I'm going to try, but we're on a tight schedule so will almost certainly stick pretty close to the touristy sights on the itinerary closer Independence Mall and museums along Ben Franklin Blvd.

I'm also still looking for a good proper Philly pretzel shop. I read about Miller's Twist inside the RTM but that looks more like the softer, flakier pretzels from anytown USA, and not like the more dense and chewy pretzels Philly is known for. As a kid I always got them from street vendors, but I'm not sure how prevalent they still are and their cleanliness standards probably wouldn't allow them to operate in 2023 anyway.

LOL, I still think best hotdogs, pretzels and egg rolls came off of the street vendors.

 

[Matthews634]

Thanks all, I am already planning on a lot of eating at RTM which seems to be the one consensus here. Dutch Eating Place (scrapple, pork roll, apple dumpling), Dinic's (roast pork) and Hershel's (pastrami) are all on my list. I might skip the ice cream because we'll be eating a lot of that at the PSU creamery.

I'm still seeking a top cheesesteak and tomato pie near center city. Since my last post I've learned that Steve's Prince of Steaks closed and Jim's on South St is closed for renovations due to a fire. Hopefully Jim's opens before my trip as it's the highest rated I've heard of nearby, but I'm not sure I'll get to South St., and I had planned to avoid Pat's/Geno's in favor of better local's favorites. I almost certainly will not get out to John's Roast Pork but it sounds excellent and I'll go there if at all possible.

The one tomato pie spot mentioned above is farther south than South St so I'm not sure we'll get there either, but if we do then the whole Italian market comes into play with tons of options. I'm going to try, but we're on a tight schedule so will almost certainly stick pretty close to the touristy sights on the itinerary closer Independence Mall and museums along Ben Franklin Blvd.

I'm also still looking for a good proper Philly pretzel shop. I read about Miller's Twist inside the RTM but that looks more like the softer, flakier pretzels from anytown USA, and not like the more dense and chewy pretzels Philly is known for. As a kid I always got them from street vendors, but I'm not sure how prevalent they still are and their cleanliness standards probably wouldn't allow them to operate in 2023 anyway.

Angelo’s 9th and Fitzwater- easily the best cheesesteak in Philly. Pizza is also phenomenal

 

[TiogaLion]

For Italian food: La Fontana at 17th and Spruce.

You should try "Giorgio on Pine". Great food and prices and it's BYOB, which I love.