Tony Luke’s

Located next to an I-95 underpass on an otherwise dull stretch of Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia, Tony Luke’s is a local institution. There’s no need for an inside here — you order and pick up your sandwich from the street side windows and feast upon your reward at the outdoor picnic-style tables. When ordering, don’t be offended if the staff seems a bit a less than friendly; they take pride in giving a hard time to both regulars and first-timers. It’s part of Tony Luke’s lure.

While the menu of countless delicious “Old Philly Style Sandwiches” can seem overwhelming, you can’t go wrong with either the Cheesesteak (with Wiz or American) of the Roast Pork Italian, the two most popular choices by far.

The Cheesesteak is thick and juicy and sure to impress. Bud don’t overlook the Roast Pork Italian, considered by many to be not only Tony Luke’s best sandwich, but also to be the finest Italian Roast Pork sandwich in the city. Stuffed with tender and spicy roast pork, garlicky broccoli rabe and sharp provolone and topped with a drizzle of rich gravy, the Roast Pork Italian will make you think twice about ever ordering a cheesesteak again.

Insider Tip

While it seems difficult (and almost downright foolish) to ever stray from Tony Luke’s two classics, there are several other delicious, artery-clogging items on the menu for you to enjoy, including the enormous Beef Buster, the Texas Wiener with chili sauce and the Double Burger Royal. Just be sure to bring along your antacid of choice.

Tony Luke’s Beef and Beer Sports Bar

Here’s another great option for watching a game with hundreds of your closest Philly fans, located just across the street from the famous sandwich shop. And speaking of close proximity, you’re right by the sports complex — meaning you can even partake in some pre-game tailgating with ticket-holding fans and then move on to the ballpark for kick-off.

Tony Luke’s has all the requisites — flat screen TVs, a large bar and authentic Philly style cuisine. Just like at its famous sibling sandwich shop across the street, cheesesteaks and roast pork Italian sandwiches are the most popular and probably the best menu items at Tony Luke’s Beef and Beer. In fact, Tony Luke’s sports bar won a Best of Philly® award for Best Cheesesteak in 2005.

While the menu has a lot more choices, including a 3 lb. cheeseburger called the Big Daddy Luke, you can always go with the cheesesteak or roast pork Italian and come away immensely satisfied.