US - Philadelphia
I have now completed an official trip to Philly, rather than just a quick stop over, I gotta tell you, I was very impressed. This place is much better than I expected.
We stayed in Rittenhouse Square. I did like this area but it was a little more spread out than I wanted it to be. The square itself is mainly a park, another example of the US failing miserably when it comes to creating awesome European style multi function “squares”.
The old town area is cool to wander around in, but the main historic sites, namely the liberty bell, is actually kind of boring, and I am kind of a history buff. I mean when you see the liberty bell you will wish you hadn’t. Totally underwhelming and they have placed it in a museum that doesn’t remotely relate to colonial times. Kind of a fail if you ask me. Don’t you just want to walk up a creaky staircase in like a wooden school house and see this amazing bell sitting there? I don’t know, maybe it’s just me.
Before I really knew Philly, I mainly did this post so I could keep track of cheesesteak places…the worlds greatest sandwich.
Now, you will notice that the description below is about cheesesteaks, not really philly steaks. I do not find wiz to be incredibly interesting, and overall I think the meat to cheese ratio with philly’s is almost always off. I need more cheese, and I need some basic toppings. In any case, I love them all and love trying every type, but here is perfection, according to me.
Overall, the best cheesesteak on the planet would be served to go in a brown bag, wrapped with foil (2 layers). The bread would be slightly hard on the outside (yes, enough to cut the mouth), and chewy in the center. There would be slices of cheese that were melted on one side and on the top (like folded into a 90 degree angle), but the cheese should not be so melted that it blends with the meat. The meat should be moist and chunky. The sandwich should have mayo on the bun, shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, and raw white onion on it. Cheese should be American or mozzarella…rarely provolone and never with cheddar. Swiss works but then you’re headed into French dip territory. When I bite into the sandwich I should have to pull my bite off, it should resist me. The sandwich should drip, and I should have quite a few toppings in my tinfoil before I’m through. The size should be 12 inches, but I will save the second half for a cold serving later. Chips are a perfect complement.
There…do that and I will love you forever.
Some Philly steak spots that I’ve been to:
Pats and Ginos – Very good but classic Philly. Best with cheese wiz which I think is always inferior. They put so much meat on the sandwich and the cheese gets lost. I do like both of their cheese fries though…wiz is perfect for that.
Tony Luc’s – Same issue as with Pats and Ginos. Ratios are off for me, and classic philly’s just aren’t as good as a cheesesteak sandwich.
John’s Roast Pork – Close to a perfect sandwich. The flavors were so perfect together and the bread was fantastic. I’m not sure anyone would say it’s a classic Philly…but what the fuck does that matter, I’m eatin’ over here!
Jim’s Steaks – Oh man! The steak on these sandwiches was soooooo good. So juicy and so flavorful. None of that dried out shit you often get. So happy. Everything else was about the same.
Steve’s Prince of Steaks – I really liked this place, and I really appreciated how many cops and firefighter types frequented the downtown spot. Made me feel like I was in the know. Overall, I felt the sandwiches were a little standard. A great go to but nothing super special.
November 2023 Update. The 200 block of Market Street might be Philly heaven with Sonny’s, Campo’s, and Oh Brother all just about right next to each other. Sonny’s and Campo’s both use the lucio’s bakery bread and it was fantastic (Oh Brother might also but I couldn’t tell). Sonny’s was the best with a thin sub roll and perfectly mixed cheese, meat, and onions. Pretty stellar. Oh Brother was a close second with their seeded roll and amazing cooper sharp cheese. Campo’s was easily the worst with dry meat and cheese that was clumped together in like 3 places on the sub. Odd given their popularity. I’m probably still a John’s Roast Pork guy, but for tasting having 3 famous ones right next to each is pretty sweet.
Notes to self:
-Whiskey Tavern is a great go to for a beer and a burger. I was sad when the AC version closed. Cool old school atmosphere.
-Dandelion was pretty awesome. Cool design. Good food. Great service. I would definitely go again.
-Charlie was a sinner is a must visit next time we are there. Hip cocktails…done well.
-Reading station market is rad.
-Ashton cigar bar was cool and packed as shit, but the smoke was so miserable that we didn’t last.
-South Philly Barbacoa really is worth a visit, especially since it’s so close to your requisite visit to Pat’s and Genos. Simple thoughtful delicious tacos and more.
Palomar Philly - Nov 2015
I think the Palomar in DC is slightly better, but I did like this hotel. Great location, but it is definitely off of Rittenhouse Square rather than being right on it.
Square 1682 was supposedly voted the best hotel bar in the US, we liked it, but I’m not sure it’s fair to call it the best. The entrance is right off the lobby and it does get pretty crowded.
The lobby itself was pretty standard with a decent seating area.
The spa king room we got was fantastic and the tub/shower action was sweet. 24 hour adult pay per view was great. Room service menu was on the tv only but it was offered 24 hours, mini bar was good.
Notes
-They actually gave us a full bottle of wine as a welcome gift. I’m not totally sure why, but it was super nice.