Where should I visit?

[pgm123]

Originally Posted by pman

you could save a lot of time and get a better steak by going to sonny's which is in old city on market st.

eastern state penitentiary is a worthwhile stop as well

I'm not to big on Sonny's. I mean, it's good, but if it wasn't in Old City, I'd never recommend it. Plus, there is a certain appeal to doing the touristy thing--the thing everyone else does that you can compare your experience to. If you say you went to Philly and went to Sonny's, people wouldn't understand why. Now, if you went to John's Roast Pork or Delessandro's, when someone asked why, you could say that you went because locals told you it was the best. I think it's best to either go to the best or go to the most famous.

[Clark Park]

Here's a suggestion:

Before anything else, stop at Independence Visitor's Center

1st visit - Historic Philly: Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin's Court, Carpenter's Hall, Betsy Ross House, Elfreth's Alley. Also: Reading Terminal Market, City Hall and Chinatown. If time permits, stroll around Society Hill and Washington Square West.

2nd Visit - Parkway museums: Art Museum, Franklin Institute, the Barnes, Rodin Museum. Stroll around Rittenhouse Square and the Rittenhouse neighborhood. Take a quick look at the Comcast Center and the 30th Street Station. If time permits, check out the Italian Market and South Street.

3rd Visit - Philly' most interesting neighborhoods: Old City and Christ Church - check out the art galleries and cafes; Northern Liberties - be sure to have lunch and a drink at one of the hipster hang-outs; Manayunk - walk along Main Street and browse the unique and quirky shops, dine in one of great restaurants here; University City - admire the architecture of the UPenn campus, visit the Penn museum, see the 19th Century Victorian homes in Spruce Hill ... and Historic Clark Park.

[Snwmn5]

Originally Posted by pgm123

(Anyone know which classic diners are still open and still good? I used to go to a bunch in Northeast, but I haven't been up there in ages).

Mayfair Diner in the Northeast and Oregon Diner in South Philly are both great for standard diner food.

[Angus215]

Originally Posted by pgm123

I'm not to big on Sonny's. I mean, it's good, but if it wasn't in Old City, I'd never recommend it. Plus, there is a certain appeal to doing the touristy thing--the thing everyone else does that you can compare your experience to. If you say you went to Philly and went to Sonny's, people wouldn't understand why. Now, if you went to John's Roast Pork or Delessandro's, when someone asked why, you could say that you went because locals told you it was the best. I think it's best to either go to the best or go to the most famous.

On the contrary, I think the only reason Sonny's doesn't have a better reputation is the fact that it is in Old City rather than a "neighborhood", and therefore assumed to be "touristy". In my opinion, it is better than John's (which has very good roast pork) and Delessandro's (which I have found to be surprisingly mediocre given its hype), and far better than pat's and geno's, and in any event for someone visiting Old City who wants a good cheesesteak without driving out of the way, is the best option.

[pman]

Originally Posted by Angus215

On the contrary, I think the only reason Sonny's doesn't have a better reputation is the fact that it is in Old City rather than a "neighborhood", and therefore assumed to be "touristy". In my opinion, it is better than John's (which has very good roast pork) and Delessandro's (which I have found to be surprisingly mediocre given its hype), and far better than pat's and geno's, and in any event for someone visiting Old City who wants a good cheesesteak without driving out of the way, is the best option.

I think you hit the nail on the head.

[Whatdoesthefoxsay65]

Originally Posted by pman

you could save a lot of time and get a better steak by going to sonny's which is in old city on market st.

eastern state penitentiary is a worthwhile stop as well

At least he/she can say they got to have the "original" cheesesteak.

[Angus215]

Originally Posted by Whatdoesthefoxsay65

At least he/she can say they got to have the "original" cheesesteak.

This is true, plus you get to experience the "ambiance" . . .

[pgm123]

Originally Posted by Angus215

On the contrary, I think the only reason Sonny's doesn't have a better reputation is the fact that it is in Old City rather than a "neighborhood", and therefore assumed to be "touristy". In my opinion, it is better than John's (which has very good roast pork) and Delessandro's (which I have found to be surprisingly mediocre given its hype), and far better than pat's and geno's, and in any event for someone visiting Old City who wants a good cheesesteak without driving out of the way, is the best option.

Maybe I'm confusing Sonny's for a different place right there in Old City?