Philly Airport: Cheesesteaks And Travel Treats

If you're looking to grab a Philly cheesesteak at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), you're in luck! There are several options to choose from, depending on which terminal you're in. In Terminal F, you'll find Tony Luke's, a household name in Philly, serving up classic cheesesteaks. If you're in Terminal B/C Connector, Geno's Steaks is a popular choice, with over 40 years of experience. Other options include Chickie's & Pete's (Terminals A-West, C, D/E Connector, and E), Jim's South Street Steaks (Terminal C), and Local Tavern (Terminal F). So, the next time you're at PHL, make sure to indulge in this iconic Philly sandwich!

Where to find cheesesteaks in the airport

If you're looking to get a taste of Philadelphia's iconic sandwich, the cheesesteak, without leaving the airport, you're in luck! The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers a variety of options for travellers to sample this delicious local favourite. Here's a guide to help you find the best cheesesteaks as you make your way through the terminals.

Terminal A-East

If you're in Terminal A-East, you can find cheesesteaks at Jim's South Street Steaks and Hoagies. They are known for their signature cheesesteaks, classic hoagies, Italian, and prosciutto & cheese sandwiches. You can also find Philly Soft Pretzels in this terminal, a salty, doughy snack that is Philadelphia's signature treat.

Terminal A-West

In Terminal A-West, you can visit Chickie's & Pete's, a Philadelphia institution. In addition to their famous crabfries, they also serve cheesesteak spring rolls and have an extensive local beer list.

Terminal B

When you're in Terminal B, you have a few options to choose from. Passyunk Steaks, Cibo Bistro, Love Grill, and Independence Prime are all great choices to get your cheesesteak fix. You can also find Geno's Steaks in the B/C Connector, a well-known cheesesteak spot in South Philadelphia. If you're looking for a sit-down restaurant, Mezzogiorno offers wood-fired Neapolitan-style pizza and other Italian bites.

Terminal C

Terminal C is home to Jim's South St. Famous Cheesesteaks, the airport location of the popular cheesesteak shop on Philadelphia's famed South Street. You can also find Geno's Steaks in the B/C Connector, offering cheesesteaks galore. Sabrina's Cafe is another option in Terminal C, serving a variety of dishes including brioche French toast, chicken and waffles, and banh mi sandwiches.

Terminal D

Bar Symon in Terminal D is a great choice, with a menu featuring pierogies, pulled pork sandwiches, and Fat Doug burgers.

Terminal E

In Terminal E, you can find Good Luck Pizza Co., a restaurant offering Neapolitan-style pizza, arancini, rigatoni, and other Italian dishes. You can also try the banh mi sandwiches, pho, and other Southeast Asian dishes at Winkitchen in Terminal F.

Terminal F

Tony Luke's in Terminal F is a household name in Philly and a popular choice for travellers looking for a delicious cheesesteak. Local Tavern, also in Terminal F, is another excellent option with a vast selection of beer and friendly service. Le Bus Bakery, a well-known Philadelphia bakery and cafe, can also be found in Terminal F, serving coffee and freshly baked goods.

The best cheesesteaks in the airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the perfect place to sample an authentic Philly cheesesteak without even leaving the airport. Two famous cheesesteak purveyors have shops in PHL: Tony Luke's and Geno's Steaks.

Tony Luke's

Tony Luke's is a household name in Philly, proudly dubbing itself "the real taste of South Philly". With its second airport location in Terminal F, Tony Luke's brings the city's signature sandwich to travellers, including those with just an hour-long layover. The junior cheesesteak option is great for those who want to indulge without worrying about the calories.

Geno's Steaks

With over 40 years of experience, Geno's has become one of the biggest cheesesteak purveyors in the city. Since 2016, travellers have been able to try their legendary sandwiches at the B/C Connector Food Court. Order it "whiz with" to get the classic topping combo of fried onions and Cheez Whiz.

Local Tavern

Local Tavern in Terminal F is also worth a mention, with its vast selection of beer on tap and super-friendly service. A visitor to Philly, Greg Freeman, was particularly impressed with the quality of the cheesesteak, the freshness of the bread, and the speed of service.

Chickie's and Pete's

Although not specifically a cheesesteak spot, Chickie's and Pete's is a Philadelphia staple that deserves an honourable mention. With nearly 30 years of history and a dozen locations, Chickie's and Pete's is known for its delicious crabfries and is a must-visit for sports fans.

Other local foods in the airport

Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) offers a variety of local foods and flavours for travellers to enjoy. The airport boasts several restaurants and eateries that showcase the culinary delights of the city.

One notable offering is the Philly Soft Pretzel, a signature snack of Philadelphia. Travellers can indulge in these salty, doughy treats at two different spots within the airport: Philly Soft Pretzels in Terminal A – East and Philly Pretzel Factory in Terminal F. Both establishments are renowned for their award-winning soft pretzels, fresh from the oven.

For coffee enthusiasts, La Colombe, a famous Philly coffee roaster, offers four convenient locations within the airport. La Colombe is known for its signature velvety draft lattes and classic pour-overs, providing the perfect pick-me-up for early morning flights.

In addition to the aforementioned options, PHL also houses several other local favourites. Good Luck Pizza, a Philadelphia-based concept, offers oven-baked pizzas and small plates such as meatballs and arancini. Sabrina's Cafe, another popular choice, presents a creative twist on classic comfort foods, including decadent cannoli French toast and savoury options like the Santa Fe turkey burger.

For those seeking a sit-down dining experience, Sky Asian Bistro, curated by renowned chef Michael Schulson, offers Cantonese cuisine, including sashimi, ramen bowls, pad Thai, and dumplings. Additionally, celebrity chef Michael Symon's Bar Symon in Terminal D serves up delicious pierogies, pulled pork sandwiches, and Fat Doug burgers.

Whether travellers are looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Philadelphia International Airport offers a diverse range of local food options to satisfy any craving.

The history of the cheesesteak

The cheesesteak is a sandwich made from thinly sliced pieces of beefsteak and melted cheese in a long hoagie roll. It is a popular regional fast food with roots in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The cheesesteak was developed in the early 20th century, with Philadelphians Pat and Harry Olivieri often credited with its invention. In the early 1930s, the brothers, who owned a hot dog stand, decided to make a new sandwich using chopped beef and grilled onions. One day, a cab driver stopped by and asked for one of these sandwiches. After eating it, he suggested that the Olivieri brothers quit selling hot dogs and focus on this new sandwich. They began selling steak sandwiches at their hot dog stand near South Philadelphia's Italian Market. They became so popular that Pat opened up his own restaurant, which still operates today as Pat's King of Steaks.

The sandwich was originally prepared without cheese; however, this changed when "Cocky" Joe Lorenzo, a manager at Pat's, added provolone cheese to the mix. In 1952, Cheez Whiz hit the market, and another variation of the cheesesteak was born.

Over the years, cheesesteaks have become a beloved staple in Philadelphia, with the sandwich even celebrated at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), where you can order a cheesesteak in every terminal.

Where to get cheesesteaks outside the airport

If you're looking to get a taste of the iconic Philly cheesesteak outside of the airport, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some of the best places to satisfy your cravings:

• Tony Luke's: Located just 15 minutes away from the airport, this household name in Philly is definitely worth the short trip. They have been serving up classic cheesesteaks since the 1990s and are known for their delicious sandwiches. Their brick-and-mortar location in South Philadelphia is a must-visit, but if you're short on time, their second location at Terminal F in the airport will also hit the spot.
• Geno's Steaks: With over 40 years of experience, Geno's is one of the most well-known cheesesteak purveyors in the city. You can find their legendary sandwiches at the B/C Connector Food Court in the airport, or visit their iconic South Philly location with the classic neon sign.
• Local Tavern: Located near the departure gates, Local Tavern offers a quick and convenient option for travellers. They serve up a mean Philly cheesesteak, along with a vast selection of beer on tap and friendly service. It's the perfect spot to grab a bite before your flight.
• Leo's Steak Shop: If you have a bit more time to spare, take a short ride to Leo's Steak Shop in the Folcroft borough of Philadelphia. This award-winning steakhouse uses steaks instead of steak strips and their rolls are designed to absorb all the juicy flavours. It's a family-owned gem that's well worth the short trip.
• Jim's South Street Steaks: With multiple locations across the city, including one at Terminal C in the airport, Jim's is a crowd-pleasing cheesesteak shop that you can rely on for a tasty sandwich. They also offer classic hoagies and other delicious options.
• Chickie's and Pete's: While not specifically known for their cheesesteaks, Chickie's and Pete's is a Philadelphia institution that deserves an honourable mention. With nearly 30 years of history and a dozen locations, including four in the airport, they are famous for their delicious crabfries and sports bar atmosphere.
• Steve's Prince of Steaks: If you're looking for a local favourite, Steve's Prince of Steaks is a popular choice among Philly residents. It's a bit further away from the airport, but it's definitely worth the trip for a mouthwatering cheesesteak experience.
• Big Joe's Sandwich Shop: For another authentic Philly experience, hop in a cab or an Uber and head to Big Joe's Sandwich Shop. It's a bit of a journey, but their cheesesteaks are sure to impress.
• Joe's Steaks: Located in Torresdale, Joe's Steaks is considered by some to be the best cheesesteak spot in the entire city. If you're a true cheesesteak connoisseur, this destination is well worth the trip.
• Sonny's Famous Steaks: This hidden gem in Old City serves up freshly sliced cheesesteak meat and offers a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. It's a great choice if you're looking for a tasty cheesesteak without the long lines of some of the more touristy spots.

Remember, if you have a long layover or a delayed flight, it might be worth venturing outside the airport to get a true taste of Philly's famous cheesesteaks. However, if you're short on time, the airport options will still give you a delicious sampling of this iconic sandwich.

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