From famed cheesesteaks to one of America's oldest Italian restaurants, Philadelphia has more than its share of storied eats. Diners on a budget don't have to break the bank to sample the city's menus, either. Some famously Philly meals might climb high on the price scales, but others can be had for less than $10. Now that's brotherly love!
Described by Food & Wine Magazine as "the best restaurant in town, maybe the best restaurant in the country," Le Bec Fin has been serving up fine French food since 1970s. And it's received every imaginable accolade along the way. After receiving Mobil and AAA five-star awards, the restaurant's founder, George Perrier, was inducted into the French Legion of Honor in 2009. The menu features mostly haute cuisine classics like rabbit terrine, pan-seared foie gras and squab confit, while the restaurant's smaller Bar Lyonnais celebrates the heartier cooking of southeast France. Prices are commensurate with acclaim here----meat entrees start at $42.
Le Bec Fin
1523 Walnut St.
Philadelphia, PA 19102
(215) 567-1000
www.lebecfin.com
Located in the heart of south Philadelphia, Pat's King of Steaks has been serving up Philly steak sandwiches since they were invented here in 1930. Since then, the stand's legend has grown, and it is now a regular stopping point for U.S. presidential candidates. The basic menu item is a plain steak topping. Top it with cheese and it becomes a cheesesteak. Provolone, American, and Swiss are all on the menu, although Cheez Whiz is the most traditional. Other available toppings include onions, mushrooms, peppers and pizza sauce. Customers should have their orders ready in advance; the stand's workers are famous for sending people to the back of the line if they take too long to decide. Pat's is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve. A plain steak sandwich is $7.00.
Pat's King of Steaks
1237 E. Passyunk Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 468-1546
patskingofsteaks.com
Founded in 1899, Dante and Luigi's is one of the oldest operating Italian restaurants in the United States. Now located in a pair of converted townhouses, the atmosphere is still homey and Old World, and the food received a five-star rating in the most recent Zagat's review. The menu is filled with Italian-American classics like steamed mussels, frittatas and pasta with gravy, as well as the classic desserts spumoni and tiramisu. Dining rooms are available for function rental. Pasta sauce is sold by the jar and can be ordered by phone. Entrees range from $15-$30.
Dante & Luigi's
Corona di ferro
762 S. 10th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-9501
www.danteandluigis.com
