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| Tried and true | Locals only | |
| Twenty-four hours a day, rival fluorescent-lit vendors Pat's King of Steaks (1237 E. Passyunk Ave., 215-468-1546) and Geno's (1219 S. Ninth St., 215-389-0659) slap together Philly's most famous sandwich. Lines stretch into the street after Eagles games and on weekends at 2 a.m., when the bars close. These joints epitomize casual dining, but they follow a strict protocol. Locals order "steaks" "wid" or "widout" to request or decline sautéed onions, or "whiz wid" for both onions and a squirt of Cheez Whiz ($5.75 to $6.25). You can chow down at outdoor tables or in your car. | Sandwich |
 The flavor-packed cousin to the cheesesteak — lesser known but no less tasty — is Philly's hefty roast pork sandwich: garlicky slow-cooked meat, bitter broccoli rabe (or milder spinach) and sharp provolone on a crusty Italian hoagie roll ($3.50 to $6.75). Find the best of the best deep in South Philly at Tony Luke's (39 E. Oregon Ave., 215-551-5725) or John's Roast Pork (14 E. Snyder Ave., 215-463-1951). |
 A century ago, Philadelphia was considered the greatest beer-brewing city in the Western Hemisphere. Today, historic Yuengling Lager dominates the pub scene. Try a pint of the Pennsylvania-made beer ($2.75) at McGillin's Old Ale House (1310 Drury Lane, 215-735-5562), a nearly hidden but nonetheless popular watering hole in the shadow of City Hall. It's Center City's oldest pub. |
Beer |
 For a local drinking experience, hop a cab to the Standard Tap (901 N. 2nd St., 215-238-0630). Hip in a thoroughly comfortable way, this rambling pub pours tristate (Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware) brews exclusively. Chalkboard menus list the latest, edgiest ales ($3 to $5), which complement heavenly chicken pie and fried oysters. |
 A convenience store wouldn't be convenient—at least, not in this town—if it didn't stock Butterscotch Krimpets, Chocolate Juniors and Kandy Kakes. You'll find these and other plastic-wrapped sweets made by the legendary Tasty Baking Company at Wawas, 7-Elevens and most grocery stores. |
Pastery |
If you're in the mood for pastries with a little more flavor, head to Chinatown for just-baked Hong Kong buns. These golden, egg-washed dessert dumplings are stamped in red with the Chinese character for "good luck" and stuffed with rich, dense and surprisingly delicious sesame, black bean or red bean paste. Some are sweet, others are sweet and salty, and all cost just 60 cents at the bustling St. Honoré Pastries (935 Race St., 215-925-5298). |
 Head to Rittenhouse Square's La Colombe (130 S. 19th St., 215-563-0860) to taste the coffee served in famed restaurants like Le Bec-Fin. This urban café is the chic face of La Colombe Torrefaction, one of the country's leading coffee roasters. Order a single-size cap ($2.75) served in a pretty hand-painted Italian cup and saucer. |
Coffee |
Cross the Schuylkill River to vibrant West Philadelphia for a whole different cup of joe. Cozy and colorful Kaffa Crossing (4423 Chestnut St., 215-386-0504) is the city's first shop to offer traditional Ethiopian coffee service. On Thursdays at 7 p.m., green coffee beans are charcoal-roasted before your eyes, then hand-ground and brewed in a clay vessel before being served with sugar, no cream ($1.25). It's a delightful way to laze away an hour. |
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