Best Cheesesteak in Philly?
 

I'm going to have a half day in Philly (morning through lunch).. I know not ideal but I'm doing a road trip and want to see the Liberty Bell and get the best philly.

Been hearing to get the ultimate cheesesteak at John's Roast Pork (they are open on Saturdays.. the day I'll be there). Is this my best bet? Or should I go for another?

Boy, you’re asking for trouble with this one. I only get the roast pork from John’s. My personal favorite is Jim’s on South Street. There are also the Pat’s/Gene’s adherents but they’re too touristy these days. Donkey’s Place in Camden is also highly rated.

Oh wow, the reviews for Donkey's are outstanding. Bourdain ate there too, very cool! Might check that one out.

I'm biased, but the original Jim's Steaks on 62nd St. in West Phila.
(I worked a couple of blocks away)

Looks like that one is now closed unfortunately

I am a Tony Luke’s roast pork gal, myself…always with the broccoli rabe and provolone. But if you’re going to the Liberty Bell/Independence Hall, then just take the stroll to John’s.

Yeah but that would be for the roast pork which John's is most famous for right? I imagine I will do that. But I'm still gonna need a cheesesteak from somewhere, maybe Donkey's if I have time the evening prior.

Honestly I think a lot of food people in Philly (myself among them) would say forget the cheesesteak and get the roast pork. Each is an iconic Philly sandwich, and the roast pork is just better. I’m not sure it is physically possible to eat both in one day unless your stomach is superhumanly capable :D

Just had a Jim's cheesesteak last night and I would always recommend as my #1. What separates Jim's from Pat's and Geno's is that I feel like Pat's and Geno's already have them assembled...you order and they grab a cold one from a stack. Jim's, however, you get to see them made. Sure, the meat is already cooked and there is a pile of onions on the cooktop, but everything is hot.

Having said that, DiNic's roast pork in the Reading Terminal Market is what I would suggest. Still get an authentic Philly sandwich.

Pffft. Easy peasy.

"burp."

David

If you need something close to City Hall or Rittenhouse Square, I'll recommend Cleaver's on S 18th. Their beer menu is also top notch.

So I had the cheesesteak at Donkey’s last night and it was absolutely delicious!!

Getting Johns Roast Pork tomorrow so I can have enough data to compare (all in the name of science).

So after having both, can confidently say that Donkey’s blows away Johns Roast Pork.

Wait - you had a Cheesesteak or Roast Pork at John's? If you're still in town don't miss getting a Tastykake or 5! I'm a pie fan (always the baked ones that come in cardboard not the glazed ones in a bag, but someone might change my mind...). You might also try the Krimpets....can't really go wrong!