Passyunk Square Restaurants

Rivaling neighboring Pat’s, Genos is Philly’s other notorious 24-hour cheesesteak stop. As has been the case since Joe Vento opened in 1966, sandwiches come heaping with thinly sliced steak and a choice of American, Provolone, or cheese wiz melted across the top. The menu is simple, the ordering straightforward, and the meal a decadent version of the best sandwich Philadelphia has to offer. If the glowing storefront doesn’t lure you in, the unmistakable scent of grilled steak certainly will.

Cheesesteaks are so ingrained in Philly tradition that visitors don’t dare depart the city without sampling the city's namesake sandwich. At Pat’s, diners come for the original—founder Pat Oliveri created the sandwich in 1930—and are willing to suffer long lines and follow strict instructions for “How to Order a Steak.” Make sure you come with cash and a decisive palate—if you stumble over your order you may be sent to the back of the line. But stay steadfast and the reward is yours: thin slices of juicy ribeye, smothered with melted cheese and grilled onions, and stuffed into a crisp …

With hundreds of locations all over the East Coast – including seven in Philadelphia– Crown Fried Chicken has become a great alternative to Popeye’s and KFC. Not only does Crown serve delicious, crispy fried chicken, they also serve up burgers, seafood, and even ice cream; let’s see the Colonel do that! They also provide some solid side dishes to go along with whatever you choose, creating a balanced meal. Bring cash when you visit Crown Fried Chicken though, because they’re so low key that they don’t take plastic.