Travel video guide
Insider Food in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
This guide turns Finding The Best Cheesesteak In Philadelphia | Food Tours | Insider Food from Insider Food into a practical food map with 5 saved spots around South Philadelphia and Roxborough. The mapped places include a sandwich shop, a restaurant stop, and a steak house. Use it to understand the places, dishes, and trip context before saving the map in Varedelo.
What the creator captured
Insider Food explored the nuances of Philadelphia's cheesesteak culture, comparing the chemical decadence of cheese whiz against traditional American cheese. They were particularly impressed by the structural integrity of the bread and the generous 12-ounce portions at iconic spots like John's Roast Pork. The hosts concluded that while the ingredients are simple, subtle differences in rolls and cheese make each local institution unique.
What this map is good for
- Planning a sandwich shop stop or short itinerary in South Philadelphia.
- Comparing food stops from a creator or saved local map before you commit time in the city.
- Saving 5 mapped spots into Varedelo so the list stays usable on the ground.
- Using the original video as context, then turning it into a clean place-by-place map.
Featured spots on this map
- John's Roast Pork
Sandwich Shop in 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA, South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Price level: Cheap
Hours: Hours available - Geno's Steaks
Fast Food Restaurant in 1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA, South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Price level: Medium
Hours: Hours available - Tony and Nick's Steaks
Sandwich Shop in 39 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148, USA, South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Price level: Medium
Hours: Hours available - Pat's King of Steaks
Steak House in 1237 Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA, South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Price level: Medium
Hours: Hours available - Dalessandro's Steaks
American Restaurant in 600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128, USA, Roxborough, Pennsylvania, United States
Price level: Cheap
Hours: Hours available
Food notes from the video
- Cheesesteak with cheese whiz
- Cheesesteak with American cheese
- Cheesesteak with onions
- 12-ounce cheesesteak on a seeded roll
Experiences captured
- Road tripped from New York to Philadelphia
- Visited Tony and Nick's in South Philadelphia
- Learned about the history of the Tony Luke's feud
- Discussed the chemical makeup of cheese whiz
- Compared American cheese versus whiz flavor profiles
- Visited the James Beard award-winning John's Roast Pork
- Observed different types of local bakery rolls
Planning notes for Philadelphia
Philadelphia is a city in Pennsylvania established in 1682 by William Penn. The city is categorized as a UNESCO World Heritage city due to its role in the 18th-century political history of the United States. In 2026, Philadelphia serves as the primary site for the United States Semiquincentennial, marking 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Historical Heritage The city contains the Independence National Historical Park.
Must-try foods nearby
- Philly Cheesesteak
The city's most iconic sandwich, traditionally made with thinly sliced ribeye beef and melted Cheez Whiz, American, or provolone on a long, crusty Amoroso roll. - Tomato Pie
A South Philly staple consisting of thick, focaccia-like dough topped with a dense, savory-sweet tomato gravy and a light dusting of Romano cheese. - Philly Soft Pretzel
Distinct from New York-style pretzels, these are dense, chewy, and shaped into a figure-eight, often sold in connected rows. - Water Ice (Wooder Ice)
A refreshing frozen treat made of water, sugar, and fruit flavoring, with a smoother consistency than a snow cone but firmer than a slushie. - Italian Hoagie
A masterclass in deli construction, featuring layers of cured meats (salami, capicola, prosciutto), sharp provolone, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, onions.
When to go: The best time to visit Philadelphia is from March to May or September to November, when mild temperatures and blooming gardens or fall foliage make for ideal sightseeing. Summers are often hot and humid with peak tourist crowds.
Local tips
- Navigate the city using the grid system and SEPTA's Broad Street or Market-Frankford lines for efficient travel between neighborhoods.
- Order your cheesesteak by specifying the cheese and 'wit' or 'witout' onions to keep the fast-paced service lines moving smoothly.
- Walk confidently and stay in well-lit, populated areas at night, as safety can vary significantly from one block to the next.
- Expect a standard gratuity of 18-20% at sit-down restaurants, as tipping is a fundamental part of the local service culture.
What travelers are noticing
- America’s Semiquincentennial: The city is the epicenter of the U.S. 250th anniversary, featuring '52 Weeks of Firsts' neighborhood festivals and the 'Red, White, & Blue To-Do' in Old City.
- FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill: A 39-day free soccer village in East Fairmount Park featuring live match broadcasts, food, and entertainment for the 2026 World Cup.
- Universal Theme Parks Exhibition: A massive 18,000-square-foot immersive showcase at The Franklin Institute featuring original artifacts and interactive galleries from global theme parks.
Extra place context
- John's Roast Pork
While tourists crowd the neon-lit spots, locals head to this South Philly institution for the city's true signature sandwich: the Roast Pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe.
food
Official tourism resource
The official visitor website for Greater Philadelphia, providing travel information, guides to neighborhoods like South Philly, and local attraction details.
Planning questions
Where did Insider Food eat in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
This guide maps all 5 spots featured in the video, with names, addresses, and neighborhoods, so you can plan where to eat in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
What are the must-try foods in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania?
Creator picks from the video include Cheesesteak with cheese whiz, Cheesesteak with American cheese, Cheesesteak with onions, 12-ounce cheesesteak on a seeded roll. Open the map in Varedelo to see which spot each one is at.
Can I save these spots to use on my trip?
Yes. Open the map in Varedelo to save every spot, get directions, and revisit the guide from your phone while you travel.
Use it on your trip
Save this food map before you go
Keep the mapped spots, creator context, food notes, and planning details together. Varedelo turns the page into a phone-friendly map you can revisit when you are choosing where to go.