Chiarella's Ristorante

Chiarella's Ristorante

1600 S 11th St
Philadelphia, PA 19148

 We ordered some calamari which was tasty but nothing special, some toasts with spreads that were skimpy and not impressive and aracini.  Because the server who took our order then gave our order to the owner, the arancini was mistaken for something else and we had to send back the dish and repeat again that we asked for arancini.  Maybe if they had actually written the order down, this couldn't have happened.  It finally arrived and the aoili it came with was better than the arancini itself.
For entrees we had a angel hair with pesto which was okay but boring and nothing special; a pasta dish with lemon cream and shrimp that was way too lemony (overpowering and bitter), a few pork specials (which was pork rolled up with cheese and spinach I think) and a pasta dish with sausage.
The pork special was $24!!! And it was tiny!  Everyone agreed that the food was mediocre but the prices were RIDICULOUS!  Especially since it is right next door to DaVinci's which is far more reasonably priced and consistent in quality.

I give the owner props for trying to fix the place up and it seems like it has a tiny glimmer of potential.  But honestly, if he wants to make this work, he needs to hire good servers & let his servers to their job and not it for them, hire a manager who actually knows what they're doing, and keep his kid off the floor.  Right now, the whole operation is unprofessional and sloppy.

There are just way too many amazing places on the Avenue and even more amazing Italian places in South Philly for this place to be a contender.
PLEASE don't waste your money here.

Tommy DiNic's

Tommy DiNic's

Reading Terminal Market
1136 Arch St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Philly should not only be known for cheese steaks...screw that....the city of brotherly love should also be known for Pulled Pork with broccoli rabe (dipped in marinating pork juices) sandwiches.

Yea, the fat guy that looks like an older Fred Savage from Man vs Food did showcase this spot...so big up to him....this place is redic.

The "to go orders" line was like 25 people deep...and mind you its a packed market already so if you want to taste the food and you have other plans that day, sit at the counter.

It was like $8.25 for the sandwich + $0.50 for the broccoli rabe; it was like $9.00 for the roast beef (deeelish) and +$0.50 for the provolone

I actually saw the dude Adam Richman (Fat Fred Savage) was chillin with in the episode.  His eyes look as crazy in person as it did on tv.

Whatevs...I'd hit this spot again.

Penrose Diner

Penrose Diner

2016 Penrose Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19145

This is like a Denny's, in that they offer a huge variety of foods, but in no other way - it is one hundred times better than a Denny's. When you walk in you see a wall of cheesecake and you pretty much know it is going to be a fun experience. We were fortunately seated near the HDTV at the back of the restaurant as we watched the Jets fail their faces off against the Steelers - that part sucked, but even that sucking moment was still fun since we were hanging out at the diner. We were in a big group and we also were sitting right next to another big group, the Duke University fencing team. This place draws big groups in because it has a legit reputation among everyone, locals and those from far away who had a great meal here once a long long time ago.

The waiter right off the bat was friendly, gracious, and funny - top notch staff here for sure. The water was not exactly refilled at a regular pace but I guess it was pretty busy. It was really hard to choose a dinner since everything sounded so good. I finally settled on the open faced Monte Cristo, longing for 'ye olden days when that deliciousness of the Monte Cristo used to be available at Bennigan's before their shenanigans shuttered their doors across the country. Penrose does not make 'yo daddy's Monte Cristo and that is not an entirely bad thing.

This is french toast as the base, two pieces and very moist and eggy. Not fried like Bennigan's. Just french toast that is AWESOME. Then meat piled on top of the french toast. Then some cheese on top of that. And a big helping of fries. The fries were solid, the good diner kind, not the shoe string or crinkle cut or that other junk places try to pass off.

I will be back - I am a fan of Penrose.

Oregon Diner

Oregon Diner

302 W Oregon Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148

Last nights experience was mainly positive. Their menu is HUGE, so it was so hard for me to decide. I went with the Broiled Seafood combination.  It included 2 large shrimp, 4 scallops, a lobster tail, crabmeat stuffed mushroom and flouder with what I am guessing was some sort of crabmeat mixture. I got string beans and garlic mashed as my sides. I am very picky when it comes to mashed potatoes and OMG these were fantastic! They were made with red bliss potatoes and the garlic flavor was spot on. Not too much and not too little. So good! The only negative about my meal was the lobster tail. I don't know how long it was cooked for, but it was a little tough to eat. No big deal, I still had plenty left over for lunch today!

My friends and I got an order of fried calamari as an appetizer and were shocked to see how much they give you! It was a giant bowl filled with perfectly fried calamari. I commented to my friends that I didn't care if it was frozen or what, but it was GOOD!  I don't know what they put in their marinara, but it is delicious. Oh yeah, I also got a side of bacon. I initially wanted a burger with a ton of bacon on it.... but decided against it, but I was still craving bacon. I bet that was the strangest side order that the waitress has ever taken!

My one friend, who was stoked that we were coming here got pancakes and loved every bite of them.  She stated at one point that a pancake baby was going to come out of her stomach a la Alien. It was good, I have to say.

My other friend got broiled scallops with the same sides that I got. They give you SO MANY!! She took leftovers home! She was pleased with her meal.

Our waitress was fantastic. She was very friendly! I don't remember her name, but I do remember she had a phrase tattooed on her left forearm. She laughed at the crap we were saying and was very very cool.

Overall, I had a positive experience & am glad that I changed my dinner plans to the Oregon Diner!

Pat's Steaks

Pat's Steaks

1237 E. Passyunk Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19147

Pats is a pretty good cheesesteak, but it's very touristy and is in no way the best cheesesteak in town. If you go early you'll probably be able to get a cheesesteak without waiting in too long of a line. If you go around 1-3am there is usually a line wrapped around the building. There is no indoor seating so you will have to eat outside so be prepared for that if it's cold out.

One of the nice things about Pat's is that the time that you order your cheese steak, pay for it, and get it is about 15 seconds so don't be discouraged if you see a long line. The people working there have zero patience so definitely know what you're ordering before you get to the window. It's best to stick with just a cheesesteak with wiz and or onions. After you get your cheese steak you can go to another line for drinks and fries, their cheese fries are covered in cheese wiz too and they are incredible.

The cheesesteak itself is pretty good. They are about 10 inches and have thicker cut meat with cheese wiz slathered all over it. It looks like a lot of food but it goes down quick. Waiter service comes in the form of homeless people, who without asking will take your trash and give you some napkins to clean the mess of cheese off your face. I usually give them a dollar for the trouble and they'll leave you alone after that.

Pat's is really a good place to get a cheese steak any time. It's also probably the most consistant cheese steak place that there will ever be, they have it down to a T. Everyone should try one at least once.

Geno's Steaks

Geno's Steaks

1219 S 9th St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

The combination of the grease, big pieces of steak and the soft roll just cant be beat. Nothing, and I mean nothing beats a Geno's after drinking all night. I always opt for the American cheese too, no whiz. The American gives it that extra flavor that whiz just cant deliver.

You need to laugh off the people that say Pats and Geno's are for "tourists". Pats and Geno's are the gold standard in the city. Everyone wants to make it sound like THEY have the go to spot just so they feel better about themselves. Comparing Pats/Geno's to places like Tony Luke's and Jim's is like comparing Coke and Pepsi. Yeah, both taste good but we all know Coke is the pioneer and undisputed champ that started it all - as are Geno's and Pats.

If you think Geno's is in the "ghetto", then you've never ACTUALLY been to a REAL ghetto. Hit me up sometime, we'll go for a ride.

I'll miss Joey Vento. Its so rare to see and meet people that speak their mind these days given everyone in the world is SO sensitive about EVERY thing. I laughed (and usually agreed) at every time he caused a "stir" in the media. I'm blunt myself so I respect it. Geno's will always be my number one.

Bottom line; You may have hated Joey, but you know you love his cheesesteaks.

Jim's Steaks

Jim's Steaks

400 South St
Philadelphia, PA 19147

 It's a cheesesteak place pretty much like any other. Perfect steaks for the price. Can't beat them. Some of the best in philly and also within walking distance for pretty much anyone in center city.

Service is mildly abrasive but fast and efficient. Sometimes this creates a bit of a compromise on the quality of the steaks but if you come here a few times you'll come out ahead more often than not, and usually that equals a pretty good cheesesteak. The workers aren't exactly the friendliest or the most attentive to your needs but in the end, taste of the food here makes it worth it anyway.

The place itself is cool and has some neat pictures on the wall. If you're lucky to grab one of the few seats inside you can hang out and check those out.

Don't come here if you're looking for a fancy restaurant style cheesesteak. If you don't eat cart food, these types of places probably aren't for you.

They are open pretty late and get a lot of customers so at least there's a good turnover of ingredients and keeps everything fresh.

Just remember- cash only, sucka.

Nick's Roast Beef

 Nick's Roast Beef

2149 S 20th St
Philadelphia, PA 19145

Nick's is located in deep South Philly. It's old school. And that is what makes it so amazing. Although the prices have slightly increased since my last visit, the remarkably dingy, dark dining has not. Neither has the most incredible roast beef I may have ever tasted. Ever. Although they offer a few other items, the beef is where it's at. Hand carved to order, the au jus tastes as though it has been slowly reducing from the original slab of beef when they opened sixty years ago. That good.

I order the roast beef combo, on the outs, meaning they slice the crispy bits off of the outside and mix it with your sandwich meat. A slice of provolone makes it a combo and oh, SO good (can you tell I like this place?).

The interiors of the bun are lightly dipped in the meat gravy, and you won't believe how good it is. Rich, salty, indulgent, simple and oh so satisfying. The only condiments are banana peppers, horseradish and yellow mustard, all served table side. I made a vow to eat here more often, and I am already planning my next trip. Oh wait, I forgot to mention the gravy fries (I don't know how, they are AMAZING!).

Smothered (and I mean smothered) in shredded beef and au jus, these things are just the ticket to ensure you reach your maximum allowance of red meat in one meal. The fries themselves are just your standard, battered frozen french fries. But when coated with that delicious gravy, they transform into a comforting meal of meat and potatoes in its most delectable form. You are going to have to use a fork, which is convenient, because one of the biggest problems is fending off the people you are having dinner with before they eat all of the fries.

Melrose Diner

Melrose Diner

1501 Snyder Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19145

I have a long history with this place.  Mom used to bring me here when I was a kid.  So I have memories here from back in the 80's.  I always ordered the same thing too.  Chicken cutlet, mashed potatoes with brown gravy, and corn... I think it was called the MP1.  It was a classic there for many years. On occasion, my mom would actually get me a buttercream cake from here for my birthday.  Mom liked to get cakes from the Melrose Diner for special occasions.  Just a thing in my family.  Heck, I think I still have one of the old napkins saved in a case that used to have the jingle printed on them.  I got a long history here.

Yesterday,  I felt the need to sit at the counter here and have a slice of my buttercream cake.  And really, the important thing in my mind is that this cake has never changed.  It's still got a lot of real butter in the icing.  The wife had the chocolate layer cake, and called it some of the best she ever had.  I tasted that too, and of course that never changed either.  I had that cake as a kid to, and it's got a chocolately goodness that's not too sweet.  It's, for lack of a better term, perfect!

So I also grabbed some diner food here.  Since the management changed here, the food isn't the same.  I don't think I can still get my old special anymore, and that makes me sad.  But a basic plate of eggs and hash browns with toast for $3.99 still hit the spot.  The wife's order of chicken fingers was highly overpriced at $6.99 for three of them.  Really, management ought to be a little ashamed there.  However, they actually tasted pretty decent for what they were.

I'm just thankful they haven't changed the bakery.  That will keep this place on my radar forever.  In talking with Lucille, the waitress who's been there 21 years, she assured me the same guys are running the bakery as they always have.  So they got that going for them.  And as a result, if you ever get a chance to grab a bag of any of their cookies, they are simply the most fantastic cookies in South Philadelphia.  If you don't know about them, find out for yourself.

Everything else that has happened to this place to take away what made me love it here keeps it my heart.  But the bakery saves this place.  If that ever changes, the Melrose and I will be no more.