Cash only! Had a great cheesesteak here! We added provolone and spicy peppers to the our sandwich. they cook it right in front of you. The rolls are perfect vehicles to contain the beef and the fixings. The restaurant is clean, has lots of beautiful mosaic art, from the magic garden. The AC was on, get rid of that after walking around all day. We're going to Angelo's on Wednesday. Wonder how Jim's compares! read more

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Good cheesesteaks Friendly , welcoming staff Cozy , clean atmosphere Always stop by when visiting Philly read more

Jim's South St - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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This was my first official Philly cheesesteak. Jim's was recommended by a coworker. I'll just say I was VERY UNDERWHELMED by my cheesesteak. I ordered with provolone and peppers and I saw the food being cooked. I was excited. But bit into a VERY BLAND sandwich. Maybe these sandwiches taste better with the whiz, but that's not anything I eat. The food was well prepared but tasted like nothing. Second, they only take cash...in 2026. Needless to say this wasn't conveyed to me in advance and I was ready to check out (with a debit card) when I found out Jim's is cash only. Of course they have an ATM right there, with all the associated fees, which is some BS. Will not be returning nor taking recommendations from coworkers anymore. read more

Jim's South St - Cheesesteak - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Visiting Philly & had to get a cheesesteak! Service was great with recommendations as this was our first time here. Beautiful mirror rooms! *CASH ONLY read more

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Craving a cheesesteak? Jim's is a solid choice. They have a few locations. Food is always fresh- made to order right in front of you. Service is speedy- now there's plenty of seating. Skip the tourist traps- and enjoy the vibes of South Street. read more

As the first-time visitor to Philadelphia, I was able to sample 2 local favorite cheesesteak joints. Jim's or Angelo's? Whichever you choose, it's going to be better than either the more touristy Pat's or Geno's. My personal preference is Angelo's. I got a hybrid cheesesteak from Jims - a hot sandwich with lettuce, tomato and onion with provolone cheese in a soft long roll. They chop up the steak really fine so it's like eating ground beef, and I'm not a fan of that. I prefer Angelo's thin-sliced steaks and slightly crunchy toasted sesame seed roll. Parking is somewhat easier at Jim's. read more

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Best cheesesteak I've had so far but can only compare it to Angelo's pizzeria since we moved here. I like that the meat isn't swimming in wiz. Bread is outstanding and beef is delicious. The service was very professional. I know I have my work cut out for me comparing cheesesteak in Philly but someone needs to do it read more

Jim's South St - American and Mayo no onions or peppers - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ordered: Cheese Steak w Whiz, Onions, & Sweet Peppers (~$16) 20oz Soda Bottle (~$3) Chips (~$1) Aya's take: Whenever I'm in town, I have to get a classic Philly cheesesteak and since I haven't tried this local favorite, I knew I had to give it a try. Jim's has a retro, diner feel that feels super relaxed. You walk in and order at the counter where they're grilling. The beauty of it is 1) they're made to order, and 2) they're highly customizable. We got our Cheese Steak with Whiz, Onions, & Sweet Peppers. The bread was super soft and the ratio of meat & toppings was spot on. The steak was also well-seasoned and wasn't chopped too finely which I prefer so you can actually taste the steak. The Chips & Soda Bottle made it feel like a complete meal although I wish they had some fries to go with it. I can see why this is a classic spot! read more

Jim's South St - Cheese Steak w Whiz, Onions, & Sweet Peppers (~$16), 20oz Soda Bottle (~$3), Chips (~$1), & Pickles (free) - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jim's South St is a Philly classic for a reason. The cheesesteaks are consistently delicious, packed with flavor, and made exactly the way you want them. The meat is tender, the bread is fresh, and every bite reminds you why this spot has such a strong reputation. The line moves quickly and the staff keeps things efficient even when it's busy, which I always appreciate. The atmosphere has that authentic Philly feel that makes the experience even better whether you're stopping by for a quick bite or bringing friends from out of town. If you want a solid, reliable cheesesteak that never disappoints, Jim's is definitely worth the visit. A true staple that keeps people coming back again and again. read more

Heard this was a local favorite and glad we popped in here vs. Pat's or Geno's! The Cheesesteak is relatively mild in seasoning, which allows you to add condiments to your own liking - they have mayo, ketchup, hot sauce, relish, St Lucifer spice, but I'd recommend adding the spicy brown mustard and Texas Hot Pete hot sauce. The roll was super soft but had a nice bounce/chew to it that paired well with the juicy beef and caramelized onions. We also got hot peppers on the side - you can get either in the sandwich or on the side. There's plenty of seating, including upstairs with a beautiful mural by the Isaiah Zagar. Would love to have a hoagie next time! read more

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11/2025 Rating: 3.5 RESTAURANT: The restaurant is located right in the middle of the busy and touristy area of Philly. Street parking only. The building is several floors high. All the action happens on the first floor and more seating are available upstairs including restrooms. And as you dine, you can jam with the music playing throughout. Waiting in line was not too bad that day. But the smoke from the cooking area is just everywhere and right infront of you as you wait and so there is no getting away from smelling like a cheesesteak for the rest of the day. LOL. SERVICE: Service was good and fast. The chefs ask you want and how you want your sandwich, so as you wait in that line, make sure you are ready. They prepare your sandwich right in-front of you and they do it fast. They only take cash, but I think there was an ATM machine inside (if I remeber correctly). Let the cashier know what else you want as far as fries, chips, desserts and drinks. Everyone was pretty cool. They know that they get many tourist so they like to keep it moving. FOOD: We ordered a classic with onions and cheese wiz. The bread a nice and soft. It did not feel bulky and heavy in my stomach which I really like. The meat was well seasoned and its so fresh and warm that the cheese just melted through. This was our first legit philly cheesesteak and so we can't compare it with anything else. And although the it was delicious, I did not experience like the mind-blown, WOW moment that I was searching for. I will come back and try it with provolone next time. This was definitely a checked off one item in my bucket list. Overall, this was a nice experience. Price point seems fair, and remember...ash only. But it did inspired me to come back and further try other cheesesteaks in the area, especially the one with Cooper white cheese. read more

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If you're looking for the best cheesesteak in town(skip the hype around Geno's & the other nearby spots)Jim's South Steak takes the crown! Every bite here hits the perfect balance of tender, flavorful,juicy steak & melty oozing cheese wiz all tucked into fresh,soft bread. It's clear why this place is the best in my opinion! Hands down, Jim's South Steak delivers the cheesesteak experience you've been craving. It's also a cool experience b/c you see the chefs cooking your cheesesteak through a see through glass. There is also cool decor. They had more pics & autographs on the walls but unfortunately there was a fire a little while ago. Employees are ok for what it is. There's a lot of hustle & bustle going on! P.S. Be prepared & bring cash unless you want to pay an atm fee. Jimmy's is cash only! read more

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Stopped by Jim's South St. after it was recommended by both a coworker and a friend. The staff was friendly and welcoming right away, and our food came out pretty fast which is always a plus. My girl and I shared a cheesesteak with mushrooms and onions. Overall it was good. Not the best cheesesteak I have ever had, but still solid and satisfying. One small letdown was the mushrooms, which looked more like canned mushrooms than fresh. They do have a chili powder on the side you can add to your sandwich, which was a cool touch and helped give the cheesesteak a little extra kick and uniqueness. The place itself feels well run and very clean with an old school Motown diner vibe. The bathrooms were surprisingly updated and spotless, which honestly says a lot about an establishment. All in all, Jim's South St. is a dependable stop on South Street with good service, a clean space, and a solid cheesesteak. Worth checking out, especially if you are in the area. read more

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The best cheesesteaks in Philly without question. The meat is very tasty and they have the best cheese wiz in the country. Forget Gino's, Pat's, Tiny Luke's or Ishkabibbles. They don't hold a candle to this spot. Also get the grilled onions and cherry peppers you can't go wrong. The cooks and servers are friendly as well always come here when I'm in town. Don't forget the Dr Browns Black Cherry Soda as it goes perfectly with the sandwich. read more

Jim's South St - Cheesesteak with onions, mushrooms and peppers ! - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

We headed over for a late lunch on a Saturday at around 3 pm and there was a pretty long line even at this time. Their menu is pretty straightforward where you order at the grill with which sandwich you want and they make it in front of you, asking if you want to modify anything. The line moved pretty fast, it was cash only and they had a decent amount of seating in the upstairs area which was nice. Cheesesteak with provolone - The size was pretty decent for two people to share. The cheesesteak was a little bland even with the cheese melted nicely and the onions were caramelized well, the meat was the dominating ingredient in it and very flavorless. We added some seasoning and the meat was too overpowering for us to enjoy it. From the longer lines to the lack of flavor in our cheesesteak, not sure we would come back for another one. read more

Jim's South St - Cheesesteak w/ provolone - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Flew from San Diego to give this a try! As soon as I walked in, the smell amplified my hunger! The service was very fast. I asked for their most popular and that's what I got. The Cheesesteak was delicious! The grilled onions were a sweet addition to the steak! Worth the 4 hour flight! read more

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Line was long and the faces of the patrons reflected the excitement and anticipation everyone was feeling as we stood together waiting to place our orders. The place was clean and folks were friendly. For me, it was my first time having a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, PA, so my excitement may have been more than those around me. The prices were surprisingly reasonable and they have diet cherry soda! I was so excited, until I took a bite and then I looked at my friend. She was already on her way to the condiment station to doctor her half of our split cheesesteak. I personally think the meat was not seasoned because there was just no flavor. The reviews say otherwise but I can only speak on my personal experience...which was just ok. It was underwhelming for me and I would not go back. read more

Jim's South St - Half (split) cheesesteak with added lettuce and tomato, side of hot peppers, bbq chips and diet Dr. Browns Cherry soda - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Jim's is a must for me every time I'm in Philly. The South Street energy, the history, and watching the steaks hit the grill right in front of you never gets old. I go cheesesteak with onions and extra whiz, and it always delivers. Tender chopped steak, gooey cheese in every bite, and bread that holds it all together without falling apart. Portions are solid, and it hits that classic, no frills Philly comfort spot. It can get crowded, and the flavor can vary a little depending on the rush, but it is still a staple stop and part of the full Philly food experience for me. read more

Wow. So disappointed. Came here for the iconic Philly Cheesesteak and instead got quite easily one of the most flavorless sandwiches I've ever bitten into. This was like eating low-sodium hospital food, or chewing on a mouthful of eraser tips. It wasn't just missing something; it was missing everything. Line wasn't too long on this Eagles Sunday, which probably was a red flag. But really, everything is cooked quickly so the line moves pretty fast. But "cooking" is a relative term here. All that meat - already fried up - just gets piled to the side and sits there. So all the cook is doing is just grabbing meat from said pile and heating up your flavorless sandwich made up of dry, flavorless steak bits. And the bread is super tough and chewy and not crisped at all. Every bite takes a bit of effort. The only saving grace here are the prices. But you really get what you pay for. read more

Jim's South St - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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First time back since they reopened and was so happy to see they made the entrance and cooking area exactly the same. As always the best cheesesteak in Philly, from the first to the last bite. Service is fast and I love what they did with the seating areas. All the tiled areas are so unique. It's a must stop for anyone coming to the city. read more

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After trying 5 different Philly cheesesteaks, this was the clear winner. When we arrived, there was a line around the corner, but it was cool to be able to watch them cook and make the sandwiches through the windows and glass dividers. The amount of meat they are cooking is insane, but they've got a nice assembly line going. We ordered the Cheesesteak with Cheese Whiz ($13.49) with Peppers ($1). You can also get some additional hot peppers on the side too, which was perfect. Once you got your order, there's some dining tables on the first and second floor. The second floor is actually quite spacious with some fun mosaic mirror tiles throughout. There is plenty of seating and the space is clean. As soon as we opened up the sandwich, you can see the cheesy goodness slathered all over. It's a messy sandwich, but seriously the best Philly cheesesteak in my book. It's flavorful, tender, cheesy, and just perfect. I love that they slather cheese whiz between the bread and on top of the cheesesteak too, so you get a well-coated and cheesy sandwich. We were pretty much licking the wrapper because we wanted to savor every bite. I wish I could re-experience this again as my first cheesesteak. Definitely my #1 cheesesteak in Philly. Note that it's cash only though! read more

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***cash only *** You can tell this is a local/tourist favorite, with lines non stop and lines moving smoothly. Everything is streamlined super well. There's lots of extra room upstairs. I've been here 10 years ago before they had renovated (after a fire recently, or quasi-recently, apparently). I must say that this time it wasn't as good as I remember it. I thought back then it was the best thing I've ever tasted... Philly cheese steak with whiz, onions, mayo, mushrooms. This time, it was yummy, but not as great as I remember it. It was fun watching the two cooks cut up the sliced, cooked beef into minced meat, but I'm just wondering whether it would have been more satisfying if they had left the meat sliced and not minced. I've made this stop because i thought it was an important stop in Philly, but i think i will skip it next time I'm in town. There are many options. I am game to try something new. read more

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My friends and I were on a cheesesteak crawl all day and this was our 2nd stop! Pros: - You get to watch them making it while waiting in line - Lots of seating inside - Restrooms - Beautiful art installations - AMAZING sandwich: lots of cheese whiz, many options for toppings, good ratio of meat, flavorful Cons: - A bit of a wait - Cash only Overall, this was our FAVORITE cheesesteak of the day. I wanted to throw up my sandwich and eat it up again like King Neptune in Spongebob Squarepants because it was so good. read more

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Jim's South St lives up to the hype. The cheesesteak was packed with flavor and the bread had that perfect crunch on the outside while staying soft inside. The steak was juicy and tender with just the right amount of seasoning, and the melted cheese tied it all together in the best way. The sandwich came out hot and fresh, and you could tell the crew knows what they are doing. Service was quick and friendly even with the line moving steady, and the energy of the place added to the whole Philly experience. If you are craving an authentic cheesesteak, this spot should be on your list. Worth every bite. read more

Jim's South St - When the bread crunch meets melty cheese perfection - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jim's is a well known restaurant located on South Street in Philadelphia! It also has our favorite Philly cheesesteaks! If you are every visiting Philly, everyone knows there are select places to get cheesesteaks from and we vote Jim's as #1! We always order, in Philly terms: "cheesesteak whiz witout" ( which translates to a cheesesteak with whiz, no grilled onions.) Jim's is such a classic and we love that when we go early, it isn't so crowded with people, but we get the same service as if it was super crazy busy! They recently just re-opened from a fire that had happened, so it's a lot bigger now with even more seating options downstairs and upstairs! We also appreciate how clean it is here! The cheesesteak is perfect in our opinion. Everyone has their own opinion when it comes to the best, but here's why we love it from Jim's: 1. The Roll: The roll is so supreme and its the perfect crispiness, softness, doughy goodness to wrap around the goodness of what's in a cheesesteak! 2. The Whiz: The whiz doesn't taste cheap, its liquid gold for us! 3. The Steak: The steak is shaved pieces that they cook fresh once you order. It is then chopped up into smaller pieces which creates that "melt in your mouth" kind of bite. Overall, the taste of this sandwich as a whole is #1 for us! You can definitely tell they put love into every since sandwich they make and they still use quality ingredients which you can taste! We are already looking forward to our next one! read more

Jim's South St - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Great cheesesteak and very generous with the beef! I got a whiz cheesesteak and watch them freshly cook the beef in front of me. The bread was soft, and the beef was delicious. However there should've be more cheese with it. The lady who picked up the phone when I called to ask questions was also kind of rude. And the indoor seating was dirty. There should be someone to clean the tables regularly. read more

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They only take cash. Come prepared. Clean dining rooms. Upstairs dining area is nice with views of the street. Ordering was a challenge. I asked clarification questions about the menu, what came on the sandwich and what was available for an additional charge. I ordered exactly what I wanted and the cook asked me if I wanted onions. My order did NOT include onions. I said no and repeated my order. Again he asked me I wanted onions. I asked if onions were included and he said no. I declined the onions. After the sandwich was prepared, he held it in one hand and a scoop of onions in the other hand and asked if I wanted onions for a third time. And again I had to decline something I didn't ask for. The meat wasn't seasoned. I don't know if you have to ask for seasoning or if you get what you get. Maybe seasoning was extra. The cheese wasn't mixed into the meat. Instead, it was inverted (under the meat) blending in with the bun. I couldn't taste the cheese. If this is a traditional Philly Cheesesteak, give me the imitation. read more

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Definitely not an expert on cheesesteaks but seemed like a solid place based on the line! The line moved fast, and you're able to see the cooks preparing your cheesesteak, which was pretty neat. Ordering is a little confusing, but we ended up getting a cheesesteak with the grilled onion. The onions were caramelized slightly, which made a good addition to the steak and cheese. Good amount of seating throughout the building, very industrial and some nice window spots on the top floor. Overall a good no frills place for a cheesesteak! read more

Got to stop by Jim's for a cheesesteak. The building is very nice inside, the renovations were done well. You immediately enter into a queue as the tasty smell of cheesesteak fills the air, getting to watch as the cheesesteaks are made. After ordering and paying (cash only), there is ample seating and a large upstairs area as well. As to the cheesesteak, unfortunately the meat itself was quite dry even though we ate it right there after being made. I got provolone and it's put underneath the meat, though getting whiz slathered on top may have helped it. The roll was good. Overall, the cheesesteak is just average and unmemorable. read more

Jim's South St - Cheesesteak with provolone and onions - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Continuing my journey to try all the best cheesesteaks in Philly, I went to a local favorite I've seen a couple people recommend. The meat was flavorful and tender. They get a nice grill on smaller on onions which I prefer. The bread was just meh and was not a fan of the cheese wiz (I'm typically an American or provolone guy). This is a good cheesesteak but would not put it up there among the best. read more

Jim's South St - Cheese Wiz Cheesesteak - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A Philly institution, first time coming back since it reopened (ok also first time in like 20 years but who's counting). Went with a classic whiz cheesesteak with onions. As good as I remembered. Meat plentiful, tender and moist. Good helping of fried onions. Bun fresh and a bit thinner than some others which is a plus to me. Was there on Saturday lunch time, line out the door but moved fast. Found a spot in the attached air conditioned seating area. Apparently another area upstairs as well. Cash only. Price reasonable. read more

Jim's South St - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I got a cheesesteak with onions and wiz. Cash only. It was delicious. I'd def come again. The sandwich was even good cold. Yum!

I realize this is a beloved cheesesteak spot in Philly. But either something was amiss that day, or I don't have the same rating qualifications as other cheesesteak lovers, because this was one of the worst sandwiches I have had in Philly. Right down there with Sonny's, Geno's and Pat's. We were in town to see the Metallica show at Lincoln Financial Field (or Eagles Stadium, if you like) and it was a choice between Jim's South Street and Angelo's. It was raining, and I know that the line for Angelo's is usually fairly long, and that their place isn't accessible, so Jim's won that round. I wish it hadn't, but I am glad to get it off the list of cheesesteak places to try. Jeremy ordered three cheesesteaks with whiz and grilled onions, and an Italian cold cut. He tends to be optimistic and over-orders. Normally it doesn't come around to bite him, but this time it did. You know a place is trash when Jeremy doesn't want to eat their meat sandwiches. The roll was narrower than the other places (Ishkabibble's, Dalessandro's, Woodrow's) and had more chew to it than I like. I don't think I should have to clamp down my jaws of power to get bread to pull apart. The onions were diced, and on the sweet side. But it was the MUSHY meat that put me off the sandwich three bites in. I finished half the cheesesteak because I was starving and gave the rest to Jeremy. He finished it, and his own sandwich, but after the show, when we were hungry again, he wasn't excited to eat his other sub. He took a couple bites, but I'm not sure that he ever finished it. I appreciate that there is an accessible dining room, but there are steps between the ordering counter and the dining room. I had to go outside and into a second door to access the seating. Apparently there is also dining upstairs. There's only one unisex bathroom, so there was a line the entire time. It is spacious enough to fit my wheelchair and Jeremy, so that was good. After the show, while we were sitting in traffic for about an hour, trying to get out of the parking lot, Jeremy and I split the Italian cold cut. Not much to talk about here. It's a typical Italian cold cut. Tasty, but on that difficult bread. I was glad to have it, but I have had better Italian cold cuts from Royal Farms. It was a disappointing showing for the famous shop, in my opinion. I cannot recommend. read more

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Plenty of meat in the cheesesteak. It was lacking flavor and needed salt. The bread soft. Cheese was lacking or missing. Overall it was just okay. read more

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Great food, and amazing staff! Shoutout to Mike, he was awesome and super cool with us. He gave us some stories about the building. The inside also looked great, it's really cozy even when it's packed read more

Jim's south St was all over lists of Cheesesteaks to try. A very classic sandwich, exactly what you'd think of when you think of a cheesesteak. Probably better than anything you'd get outside of Philly and its neighbors, but there's better choices in the city. Still worth a try and plenty of places to sit. My mouth is still watering thinking of this place. read more

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The meat was unseasoned. Prices are fair though. Would I come back? No. I like how you can eat there instead of having to take it to go. Restroom available as well! read more

Jim's South St - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Ordering here is a fun experience and the staff are cool but the sandwich itself is underwhelming. I went with the pepper steak with whiz and they certainly don't skimp on any of the above. But there's not much flavor to it and between the steak, peppers, and whiz, the bread gets soggy fast. Still it's a cool spot and worth a visit if you want to get a cheesesteak while in Philly. read more

Jim's South St - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

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Saved the best for last...NOT This WAS my favorite cheesesteak when I lived in South Jersey 37 years ago. Came back for a visit and raced to get another cheesesteak that I had been dreaming about. Unfortunately, it was disappointing. The cheesesteak meat was tasteless!! Nothing worse than eating unseasoned meat. It was also chopped so bad that it looked like a mama bird chewed it up into tiny crumbled pieces so she could feed it to her baby birds. Disgusting. Waste of money spent on sandwiches for myself and my family. Jim's...you disappointed me and will never come back and I can no longer proudly recommend. read more

Jim's South St - Cheesesteak with grossly chopped meat - Sandwiches Near Me - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philly classic. Philly staple. What more you can say? If you need a cheesesteak with some wiz and the perfect amount of meat to bread ratio- you found it! read more