Wanted to thank everyone again for the suggestions.

Since we were tourists we had the tourist cheesesteaks at Genos, Pats, Sonnys and Jims with Jims being the best.

The pork sandwich was fantastic at DiNic's, Reading Market was awesome as a whole as well. The Italian food at Villa Di Roma was unbelievable. Didn't really care for City Tavern, food was meh but the decor was cool. We love the show Always Sunny in Philadelphia so went to Mac's Tavern which is owned by 'Mac' and 'Dee'. They had some really good bar food and local beers on tap.

I wanted to try a few other places suggested but they had a lot of seafood which my wife is allergic to.

The history of the city is awesome and glad so much was persevered.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: SR025,

I don't have details, my son lived in Philly for a few years, said there are a lot places to stay away from.

If I were in Philadelphia, my must see would be this:

https://www.muralarts.org/artworks/larry-fine/

quote:

Originally posted by Scoutmaster:
I don't have details, my son lived in Philly for a few years, said there are a lot places to stay away from.

Most of West and North Philadelphia, to start.

Bookbinders (which is now under new ownership, and renamed: The Old Bar) Excellent sea food.

BB62 sits across the Delaware river in Camden. You might enjoy going to see THE New Jersey.

George's on South Ninth in the Italian Market area does a fantastic Italian roast pork sandwich with broccoli rabe. A south Philly friend says there are a few hole-in-the-wall spots, like John's Roast Pork, 14 E. Snyder Avenue, which can top it, but I've not travelled off the beaten path.

The Italian roast pork blows away a "Philly cheese steak". IMHO.

I'd stay away from sandwich shops in the tourist areas, just in principle.

"Later in the summer" it will be even more hot and humid.

Just walk around, Philly is a great walking city.

Lots of great architecture, different flavor in every area.

Born and raised in and around Philly before all the various moves.

You can't visit the city and not get a cheesesteak. I'm a Geno's man, but Pat's is literally across the intersection so you can pick your poison.

Lots of history around. My family has had ties to the Walnut Street Theatre my entire life as well, which I'd recommend checking out if you're a fan of the theater and find the history of it interesting.

The Franklin Institute is a must. If they have a special exhibit that's a plus. Easy to get to, parking near by, and plenty of LEO about. Chris

It's been a few years since I've been in that area, but Reading Terminal Market has some pretty good food and if you like ice cream, you need to go to Bassett's (it was so good, we went twice the last time we were there).


I wasn't impressed with cheesesteaks from either Geno's or Pat's. I've had much better, but I can't remember where in Philly. I'm sure others will jump in here for recommendations...


In addition to the historical sites in the city, Valley Forge isn't too far away either.

Best Italian food I've ever had was at Villa di Roma. Cash only, right in the middle of the Italian market. Reading Terminal Market is awesome.

Pat's and Geno's are both trash. I prefer Tony Luke's if I'm going to go with the big names for cheesesteaks. And yeah, I agree with others about the roast pork sandwiches.

Must see IMO:

Franklin Institute
The new Museum of the American Revolution (and surprisingly not super PC as it's not gov-run, I've heard)
Independence Mall/Liberty Bell
National Constitution Center
Benjamin Franklin's house, Franklin Court:

Franklin Court

Food:

Tony Luke's for cheesesteaks (avoid the tourist traps of Geno's and Pat's)

Tony Luke's

A fun, while a bit touristy but still cool, place to eat is City Tavern:

City Tavern

Reading Terminal Market, I highly recommend the roast pork/broccoli rabe/sharp provolone from DiNic's. Be there early or you many be in line a long time!



Reading Terminal Market

Awesome German restaurant on South Street, the most authentic I've seen in this country since coming home from Germany in 1995:


Brauhaus Schmitz


They have German beers there you literally cannot get anywhere else in the entire USA

If you are beer fan, check out Monk's Cafe.

This is a Belgian Style Beer Bar. They also serve many excellent game dishes or just really good Mussels (moules) cooked in beer. Their burgers are also very good. Go to the back bar for a really good selection of Belgian Ales on Tap.

http://www.monkscafe.com/

Just my $0.02,

Mike

In addition to Franklin Institute, Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the New Jersey, there is the Cruiser Olympia and, I believe, a Balao class submarine at the Philadelphia waterfront.

Jims for a Cheesesteak
Constitution Center for sure
Right near there is a Chinatown with food to die for along with a massive indoor market, eat until you want to die, then try it again the next day

Return fire

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Return fire

[URL=shopping in Philly]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_S4QH9Vsiw[/URL]

quote:

Originally posted by Timdogg6:

Right near there is a Chinatown with food to die for along with a massive indoor market, eat until you want to die, then try it again the next day

That's Reading Terminal Market

Valley Forge National Park is only around 12 miles away from Philly and it's a nice place to visit and just walk around if the weather is nice.

I'll second Monk's.
Avoid the "big name" tourist trap cheese steak places and find the hole in the wall ones where the natives eat.