PHILADELPHIA, PA - Bar Jawn (4247 Main St, Philadelphia, PA) in Manayunk delivered a cheesesteak experience that was anything but predictable. From a parking-related pre-meal encounter to an unexpectedly delicious vodka sauce addition, this visit was a rollercoaster of emotions – and, ultimately, a very positive one. The adventure began before I entered the bar, with a "conversation" (as I'll diplomatically call it) with a parking authority representative. Let's say it added some … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA - Mama's Pizzeria (426 Belmont Ave, Bala Cynwyd, PA) delivers a cheesesteak experience about abundance. This isn't a delicate, nuanced sandwich; it's a hefty, flavor-packed cheesesteak that leans heavily on its cheese and meat. As part of the ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, this stop revealed a cheesesteak not for the faint of heart (or stomach). The Cheesesteak Breakdown Three-Legged Stool: The reviewer uses the analogy of a three-legged stool (roll, … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA - Dagwood's Pub (4625 Linden Ave, Philadelphia, PA), a Northeast Philly establishment, is already a place I hold in high regard. This visit, part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, reinforced that positive impression, though, as always, there's room for a cheesesteak to evolve. The Dagwood's Vibe: Dagwood's is more than just a place to grab a cheesesteak; it's a neighborhood spot. The couple beside me, sharing four appetizers, speaks volumes about the menu's … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA—Fishtown's Nut Hut Saloon (Frankford Ave & E Norris St, Philadelphia, PA) embraces its Philly roots with a strong local vibe. I stopped in for a cheesesteak as part of my ongoing Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, and here's my take. The Atmosphere: Right off the bat, I loved the Philly motif. It's got that classic neighborhood bar feel – a good bartender, a good vibe, and a sense of genuine local character. The Cheesesteak: The Roll: The roll was a "big soft … [Read more...]

PENNSYLVANIA - Pennsylvania boasts a healthy and well-managed black bear population and regulated hunting plays a significant role in maintaining that population's balance and minimizing human-bear conflicts. This article explores the annual black bear harvest in Pennsylvania, examining the typical number of bears taken by hunters, the management strategies employed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), and the regulations that govern bear hunting in the state. It's crucial to understand … [Read more...]

PENNSYLVANIA - The battle for Philadelphia cheesesteak supremacy is raging! March Cheesesteak Madness, the annual bracket-style tournament presented by Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure, is in full swing, and Round Two voting is officially open. Sixty-four of the region's best cheesesteaks entered the competition, but now the field is narrowing, and your votes are more critical than ever. Will your favorite make it to the next round? Will a dark horse emerge to challenge the … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA, PA - Let's clarify: Pat's King of Steaks (1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia, PA) is a Philadelphia institution. It's a landmark, a tourist destination, and, yes, a place that serves cheesesteaks. Some dismiss it as a tourist trap, but I'm here to tell you that it's not a bad cheesesteak. It's not the best I've ever had, but it's a solid, classic representation of the genre. The Pat's Experience: Pat's is as much about the experience as the food. The 24/7 operation, the … [Read more...]

Jaxx Steaks Taproom (242 Wharton St, Philadelphia, PA) delivers a delicious cheesesteak that hits all the right notes, making it a worthwhile stop on any Philadelphia cheesesteak adventure. This review, part of the larger Philadelphia Cheesesteak Adventure project, finds Jaxx offering a solid, well-rounded sandwich, though perhaps lacking a single, defining characteristic to elevate it to legendary status. The Components of a Good Cheesesteak: Jaxx Steaks Taproom gets the fundamentals … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA, PA—John's Roast Pork (14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA) is a Philadelphia institution, and for good reason. This South Philly staple is known for its roast pork sandwiches, but their cheesesteak is a serious contender. At $14, it's a surprisingly good value in today's market. This review features a guest appearance by Sharky from Shark Bites Philly, adding extra credibility to the experience. The Hype is (Mostly) Real:  The first impression was excellent; the aroma … [Read more...]