Uniquely Philly

In time for #ACCE25, eight Philadelphians recommend some of the best Philadelphian things

By Jason Bannon, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia

Asking any group of Philadelphians about their favorite Philadelphian things is a beautiful exercise that requires a delicate balance of historic awareness and contemporary excitement. To best prepare our guests in town for ACCE's Annual Convention this summer, we asked a few of our colleagues for their thoughts. What resulted was a show of passion, spirited debate and neighborhood culture. It got heated, folks – but saying that this was the best conversation of the day is an understatement.

Like so much here, there was a resolution of love and pride at the end of it. The truth is that there are so many great places in Philadelphia to experience the most Philadelphian things, but while you’re here, we want you to get to know “Philly.” As our friends from Visit Philadelphia remind us:

“Philly’s an attitude, a vibe. It’s a place that keeps people coming back over and over and over...because it’s not something they can find anywhere else. Just think about it: Philadelphia is the place you visit. But Philly is what stays with you.”

Think of these as a great place to get started. Google a bunch of these, or better still, check out what Visit Philadelphia has put together to help you find out more.

Keep this as a list to refer to when you come back. We have a feeling that you will.

The panel of staff interviewed from The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia includes:

Soledad Alfaro, Chief Operating Officer
Jason Bannon, Senior VP, Marketing & Communications
Chellie Cameron, President & CEO
James Campbell, Manager, Inclusive Economic Growth
Emma Coté, Graphic Designer
Ileana Fortuño, Senior Coordinator, Talent Engagement & Programs
Sara Madden, Marketing Manager
Becca Richards, Events Coordinator

Your favorite spot for a cheesesteak, and how do you order it?

Sara: Jim’s Steaks; provolone, long hots and broccoli rabe. BUT Good Dog is best for the vegetarian steak.
Becca: Angelo’s or Del Rossi’s; Cooper sharp cheese with fried onions
James: Angelo’s is the way.
Emma: Angelo’s, with Cooper sharp and crispy onions
Ileana: Any four walls that sells a cheesesteak is a GOOD cheesesteak. Soft spot for Tony Luke’s and Johns Roast Pork!
Soledad: Campo’s for the vegan steak
Chellie: DiNic’s - steaks are good, but you should go for the roast pork with broccoli rabe. SQ Phillips is also great for steaks
Jason: John’s Roast Pork for the roast pork and spinach, but if you make it over the Delaware, Donkey’s or Lillo’s steaks are transcendent.

Check out this comprehensive guide to Philadelphia's famous cheesesteaks.

Water ice or ice cream? Favorite place?
Note: “Italian ice” is “water ice” here. You didn’t read that wrong.

Sara: Franklin Fountain for ice cream
Becca: Milk Jawn for ice cream
Jason: John’s for water ice, and Rita’s is still great anywhere
Emma: 1-900-Ice Cream
Ileana: Van Leeuwen for ice cream
Soledad: Zsa’s for ice cream
Chellie: Pop’s for water ice

Favorite bar? Note: This list was long and could be a separate article. These are highlights.

Sara: Writer’s Block Rehab
Becca: For beer, it’s Dirty Franks, Oscar’s, Cavanaugh’s or Ortlieb’s (a hot dog and a Dirty Shirley is an ideal meal). For cocktails, it’s Sonny’s, Tattooed Mom, or Milkboy.
Emma: Time and Human Robot for beer, Grace and Proper, Andra Hem, Next of Kin for cocktails
Ileana: Graffiti Bar, Harp & Crown, Superfolie
James: Bok Bar on a nice day is best bar AND most Instagrammable
Jason: Yards Brewery is quintessential. Brauhaus Schmitz for the best German beers, and Franky Bradley’s for cocktails
Chellie: Woody’s

What's your go-to restaurant to connect with friends?

Sara: Giorgio on Pine
Becca: Cry Baby Pasta, Sang Kee Peking Duck, Two Robbers
Emma: Pizzeria Stella, Kiddo, Barcelona Wine Bar, Double Knot/Sampan
Ileana: The Continental, Barcelona Wine Bar, Parc, Sampan. PHS South Street Beer Garden isn’t a resto but a great gathering place
Soledad: Jansen
Chellie: Le Virtu

Where’s the one spot visitors have to snap a photo for their Instagram?

Sara: Philadelphia Magic Gardens
Becca: Art Museum steps (aka the Rocky steps)
Emma: LOVE statue or at JG SkyHigh
Ileana: Shofuso Japanese House and Garden, Elfreth’s Alley, Race St Pier/FringeArts
Soledad: Wissahickon Trail
Chellie: The Water Works (behind the Art Museum)

Foodies must check out:

Sara: Suraya
Becca: Kalaya, Pietramala, Osteria
Emma: Pop’s Buns
Ileana: Reading Terminal Market, The Love, Talula’s Garden, Loch Bar
Jason: River Twice. But also, food at the airport is remarkable. Bud & Marilyn’s and Sabrina’s? C’mon!
Chellie: Friday Saturday Sunday, Vernick Fish, Heavy Metal Sausage Co.

Read more about Philly's food scene here.

History buffs can’t miss:

Sara: Eastern State Penitentiary
Becca: Independence Mall!
Emma: Walking ghost tour in Old City, The Barnes Museum
Jason: The Mütter Museum
Soledad: Johnston House
Chellie: The Penn Museum, the Union League archives, the architectural tour of City Hall

Before leaving Philadelphia, you must ________________.

Sara: Tour the Reading Terminal Market
Becca: Scream “GO BIRDS” on the street and hear strangers scream it back to you – bonus points if you do it in your best Delco accent (see: “Mare of Easttown”)
Emma: Go for a walk on the Schuylkill River Trail (pronounced “skoo-kull”)
Ileana: Go to any game here (even if you don’t like sports or Philly teams, it’s an experience!). Since it’s summer, make it the Phillies. Hot tip: Philly Phlash takes you to almost all the historic/cultural institutions in Philly—it’s free if you have a SEPTA pass. Otherwise, $2/ride or $5 for a day pass.
Jason: Have a real pretzel. Philly Pretzel Company locations represent our variety well, and are all over the place. Center City Pretzel is amazing (but it’s actually in South Philly – check out the Italian Market while you’re there). Brauhaus Schmitz has a beautiful German one (yes, I love the place), and if you can make it to Metropolitan Bakery, the fennel pretzel is pretty special.
Chellie: If you can, hug the Phanatic. But what you REALLY MUST do before you leave is make your plans to come back.