Another quick trip to Philadelphia— down on Wednesday afternoon, back home again by Thursday evening. The Phillies were playing Tampa Bay (finishing the game they started on Monday night), so I thought it would be fun to go into the city and walk around. I started out at Tony Luke's, which has some sublime neon. For my money, the Uncle Mike sandwich (with sharp provolone) is the best $7 and change that you'll ever spend.
The game hadn't started yet, so I decided to find somewhere to watch it. I figured I'd head to a bar, but as I flipped through the Philadelphia Weekly, I saw a listing for the Melrose Diner. Now, the only thing I like better than a diner is a 24-hour diner with the requisite stainless steel (or chrome) and neon, so I hoofed it to the Melrose. When I arrived, I found a classic diner, but no TV. I warmed up with a cuppa tea and some rice pudding, then headed up East Passyunk Ave.
Eventually, I saw a Times Square-like glow emanating from a few blocks away. I had arrived at the intersection of of E. Passyunk and 9th Street, where Geno's Steaks and Pat's Steaks face off. (I've never eaten at either establishment— back when I still ate meat, I did enjoy a steak (provolone and onions, not Whiz, wit') at Jim's Steaks on South Street.) Geno's has the most horrifying assemblage of eye-bleed neon signage that I've ever seen. The owner also seems like a right-wing whackjob, so I'm content to take my business elsewhere.
Meandered up to South Street (and past Jim's), stopping at bars along the way to check the score. Finally walked down Front Street and back to Tony Luke's, picked up the car, and drove to the hotel. As I arrived, the Phillies won the Series, and I shuffled off to soak in the hot tub.
Thursday was spent finishing up the project at our vendor in King of Prussia, then dashing back to the airport to fly home. Quick trip, but all in all, not bad.
Posted by rv at November 1, 2008 06:56 PM to travelJim's Steaks will always be my favorite (after Mom's homemade, that is) but if its Geno's vs Pat's, go with Pat's. I don't remember all that neon at Geno's but it's been a loooongggg time.
Sorry, totally forgot about the Melrose when we were discussing places to go in S. Philly. Glad you found it.
Go Phillies!
Posted by: Donna at November 2, 2008 10:04 PMI liked Jim's Steaks when I was there, umpteen years ago. I'm a Tony Luke's convert now, mostly because they have a couple of vegetarian sandwich options and they offer sharp provolone cheese. (Not any healthier than a cheesesteak, but so tasty.) But Jim's on South Street has a much cooler building than Tony Luke's, and is probably easier to get to if you're staying in Center City and don't have a car. I probably have another business trip in Dec.— more research may be called for.
Posted by: rv at November 3, 2008 12:07 AM