4 ms·
Both are tourist trap trash. They are the kind of place where you order wiz and think you're getting something good and authentic, but its really something crea
by Larrikin 4y ago
Both are tourist trap trash. They are the kind of place where you order wiz and think you're getting something good and authentic, but its really something created for tourists that can be sold with cheap ingredients at a marked up price. They are overpriced and only enjoyable if you've only ever had cheesesteaks at places like Subway and other locations that call them "steak and cheese" subs.
Its been a while since I lived in Philly, but have visited regularly since graduating college (2012). The best I had when I lived there was Joe's under its previously extremely racist name, followed closely by Jim's.
Recently took a friend from out of the country to Philly for her first cheesesteak and although I enjoyed Jim's still, she didn't understand the hype for a cheesesteak, so we avoided them the rest of the week.
Took her to Joe's on Torresdale as we were leaving the city (apparently one month before that location closed forever in favor of a more popular area), and she finally understood why it was a famous regional dish. Their cheesesteaks are amazing.
Also I'm completely convinced that the internet hype around broccoli rabes is a completely made up SEO infecting real life phenomena. None of my friends from college who grew up in Philly had ever had one when I asked about it and when we made treks to the various "famous" locations, everyone was just mad we didn't spend the gas on getting cheesesteaks instead. The best cheesesteaks in the city are pretty established since the 80s and people have their opinions pretty set in stone so b/vloggers don't have much to write about outside of hyping up something that isn't popular.
- voidhorse 4y agoJim's was my favorite spot. A friend just told me a few days ago that it apparently burnt down last year? I'm sad I didn't get to go back one more time. Hope they can open a new place.
- mfharr 4y agoLooks like they're rebuilding on the same corner.
- jrussino 4y ago> Also I'm completely convinced that the internet hype around broccoli rabes is a completely made up SEO infecting real life phenomena. None of my friends from college who grew up in Philly had ever had one Like, roast pork with broccoli rabe? My family are from South Philly and I can attest that those have been around for a long time and are indeed delicious.
- stametseater 4y agoThe real appeal is the pork and provolone, the broccoli rabe is ancillary. I used to eat those sandwiches every week, though I never burned any gas getting there. Nor going to any cheese steak shop for that matter, the best cheese steak at any particular moment in Philly was whatever shop is within the closest walking distance. It's a convenient food you get when you're not in the mood for an expedition. The pork sandwiches are more expedition worthy, IMO.
- hparadiz 4y agoThey are the only real options at 2 am and "trash" is subjective. They are solid 7/10. Best cheesesteak in the city is from Rocco's in the Home Depot in South Philly. I'm not kidding. https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VLTDvWpxgDegCXv6 https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VLTDvWpxgDegCXv6
- HeyLaughingBoy 4y ago> Rocco's in the Home Depot in South Philly For the longest while, I'd refer people to the tiny Mexican "restaurant" in the back of the gas station at the intersection of Hwy 41 & Pioneer Trail in Chaska, MN for their amazing food, so I get what you're saying. Sadly, they are long gone!