Not that anyone reading this blog will be traveling on Interstate 95 between Wilmington and Philadelphia -- but in case you do: my favorite cheese-steak and subway sandwich in Philly is not in Philly, but just south, in Boothwyn, PA. I am referring to DiCostanza's, just east of I-95 and the perfect place to stop for lunch.
I never make a trip Philadelphia without stopping on the way in or on the way out.
DiCostanza's bills itself as the "Originator of the Italian Sandwich" and I have no reason to doubt them. For $7.50 you get this sandwich ( picture above) or the same-size cheese-steak. I estimate the small sandwich to have about one-half pound of ham and assorted meats, plus cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, and peppers.
I'll be back in Fort Worth in a few days but it is not a trip back East without one of these.
(Oh, my wife will probably want you to know that she can only eat half a sandwich)
http://www.dicostanzas.com/Contact.asp
10 comments:
I can't speak to Philadelphia, but the only time I can eat meat is on an Italian sub near Pittsburgh. It's the best sandwich I've ever tasted and there is nothing like it here. Are they all exceptional in PA?
Jenn -- There are some things in life that will never be explained. That may be one of them.
That looks delish!
You know the RJG does get up that way here and again. So I'm definitely up for trying it! Wish I was in Philly for an extended stay - would love to try as many philly cheesesteak places as possible.
Krystal -- it is or was.
RJG -- I could give you a more complete list if you need one. The pulled pork sandwich at the Reading Market is a destination on its own.
What do you think of the following list?
http://www.hollyeats.com/Philadelphia.htm
I always figured I'd reference it if I ever had the chance to spend a week or two in Philly.
RJG -- Great blog. Great list. I wish I had seen it a couple years ago when we were living in Center City. Also, living in FW for the last 25 years, Holly's list is much more extensive than mine.
A couple of comments:
The big cheese steak shops, Geno's and Pat's are my least favorite. Of the popular restaurants I think Tony Luke's is the best. That being said, you still need to go to Geno's or Pat's at night just to see the crowds.
It's funny seeing places that were our high school hangouts on the list. The Charcoal Pit in Wilmington has been there for 50 years and its parking lot was a gathering place for all the weekend activity.
The Reading Market in Center City is a must visit on a Saturday afternoon. He agrees.
Sarcone's Bakery, again Holly agrees, is the high water mark of Italian loaf and sandwich bread. It's in the Italian Market area.
Mexican: I tried a couple of the places he mentions and -- sorry, not that good. Forget Mexican while you are there.
Anyway, thanks I will be using this list myself.
Thanks for the comments Francis. I did manage to get to Geno's once, and enjoyed the experience. I also went to Rick's in the Reading Market (on a Saturday), and wrote about it. I guess they moved from there since. Love the Bassett's ice cream that's in there. There's actually a Pat's franchise in Denver - that is related to the Philly one, but I'm not quite sure how (maybe just the rights to the name?).
I'd probably gain 50 pounds if I lived in Philly. Haha.
Gotta agree with you...they do make the best hoagies... hands down...every time i go home gotta have one.. I remember when a small special was $0.65... i think it's $7.50 now......But you also gotta get the herrs chips to go with it...GH_1 from G.P. Tx.......
Gotta agree with you...they do make the best hoagies... hands down...every time i go home gotta have one.. I remember when a small special was $0.65... i think it's $7.50 now......But you also gotta get the herrs chips to go with it...GH_1 from G.P. Tx.......
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