philly food fans?

[tinawalker]

My teenage son has a burning desire to visit Philly. One of his objectives is to devour an authentic cheesesteak. Where might we find the best. Any other suggested good food establishments, not too pricey would be appreciated.
Any suggestions for a decent place to stay, with parking?
Thanks

[bloomsyoshamike]

The best cheesesteaks in Philly are supposedly those at John's Roast Pork (googlemaps has them listed at Snyder and Broad streets, right near a metro stop). As for one's closer to hotels, etc, Rick's in the Reading Terminal Market is also a pretty good place, in addition to be located one of Philadelphia's defining culinary stopovers: Bassett's Ice Cream, hot pretzels, Termini Brother's cannoli, Old City Coffee, all under one roof.

[Globalksp]

Bloomsyoshamike has steered you in the right direction with Reading Terminal and John's is also to die for. As it goes with city food, the best is usually enjoyed by the locals. Give Steve's Prince of Steaks (7200 Bustleton Ave Philadelphia, PA 19149 (215) 338-0985 stevesprinceofsteaks.com) a try for a truly neighborhood cheesesteak. Their hot sauce is to be heralded as well.
And while the debate rages with superfluity over the best steak in town, your son may want to see the Hollywood of cheesesteak destinations: Gino's and Pat's or Pat's and Gino's depending on who you think has the better steak. They're in the heart of South Philly, with neon shining brightly for nearly 24 hours a day and fuel rivalries that could get you shot (just kidding... sort of). Enjoy!

[tinawalker]

We spent two and half days in Philly, and ate cheesesteaks at 3 different places.

The locals told us to steer clear of Pat's and Gino's, but gave us a few joints to try. We started at SOS (Steaks on South), a new kid in the cheesesteak game. Very good, great fries. Friendly guy, the cook...gave us "backway" directions to the Philly Stadium where we could park on the street for free.

Then we ended up in Chestnut Hill (about 10 mi. outside Philly) , at McNally's-a small Irish Pub (in the middle of beautiful Germantown), for a McSchmitter, not your typical cheesesteak. This was the ultimate heart attack on a bun, but oh so good.
This sandwich included cheesesteak, fried salami, tomato, onion, and a "secret sauce." Really nice people...giving my son a great sweatshirt as a memory of our visit.

On our way home, we stopped in the Italian Market district. That's where we found George's Famous Roast Pork & Beef. A tiny place...we were the only ones sitting in the place eating. But, you could tell it was a local favorite.
They were very busy with takeout orders, knowing everyone who came in.
This was the cheeseteak that came out on top. No Whiz, tho', it came with provolone. Perhaps it was the atmosphere, too... George making us feel like we were some of the locals.

We loved our visit to Philly, and plan to go back.