Foo - Anyone from Philly/Harrisburg/D.C. area?

Am vacationing there soon and am looking for places to eat.

Me likes:

Italian (old school)
BBQ
Local cuisine (cheese steak, etc.)
Dives

Looking for places with character and good food (mom and pop joints). Not the mini-mall type of corporate crap - got way too much of that here in SoCal.

any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

In Philly you've gotta have a cheesesteak, well actually two. One from Pat's and one from Geno's. They are across the street from each other and it's been an ongoing competition whose is best. You'll have to decide for yourself.

Pizza: There are two places. Sandorz Bar & grill in Robeling, NJ. This place also fills the dive criteria but makes a tomato pie to die for. Hot sausage, garlic & ricotta has always been my favorite there.

The other place is The Altoona Hotel, in Altoona, PA. It's about 6 hours west of Philly. They also offer a full menu with a concetration on old school Italian. A completly different pie than Sandorz, but exqusite none the less. While there you could visit the world famous Horseshoe Curve. If you like trains, you'll love the curve. In the evening you can spend some snuggle time with your favorite squeeze at a primo makeout palce that overlooks the city of Altoona... Wopsononock Lookout (sp). It's been a few years since I've been there but I doubt any of the places have gone away.

If a killer breakfast is on your agenda may I suggest the Shady Maple (http://www.shady-maple.com/index.html) truly a dining experience. It's a large comercial venture that is everything to everyone, but nothing like it anywhere.

If you get up near the Allentown/Bethlehem, PA area there is the Truck Stop in Coopersburg. Mom & Pop, dive, local color, and tons of character(s). It's about 3 miles from my place and my favorite for a Saturday breakfast.

Here's a nice place we've been to (just across the river from Harrisburg). It's kind of a hole in the wall, but has a relaxed and pleasant ambience. http://www.scottsgrille.com/m-menu.shtml

Philly (my hometown, so I can only answer to this one):

As to cheesesteaks, what Stacey said. Do not, under any circumstances, go to Jim's on South Street if you want an authentic cheesesteak. It's a tourist trap (you see lines stretching around the block, but that's no indication of their goodness) and I don't believe I've ever seen a Philly native ever eat there!

As to breakfast, I'd add this one to Stacey's suggestion: Morning Glory Diner (http://www.morningglorydiner.com/morning_glory_diner__links.html). It's right off the Italian Market, so you can walk off your meal browsing the 5-6 blocks of produce, meats, fish, game (yeah- really- like rabbit, venison, boar, etc.- all with skin on but dressed and ready for butchering), spices, cheeses (don't hit your head on the provolones hanging from the ceiling in Claudio's), fresh pasta, etc., etc. One suggestion- get there early- it crowds up real fast and they do run out of stuff. Their waffles and French toast are to die for.

As to old school Italian, you should check out Marra's (http://www.marras1.com/index.htm) at 12th and Passyunk (and if you want to sound like a local, it's "Pashyunk"). Their pizza is excellent, as are their pasta dishes. It's a real classic- very art deco (I don't think they've changed the decor since it opened).

Another classic Italian place- right down to the red checkered tablecloths is Ralph's (http://www.ralphsrestaurant.com/) (9th and Catherine). It's the kind of place you can go into and ask your waiter to "bring me something nice." They love this kind of thing- but only if they're not swamped with customers. Such a request will bring you more food than you could ever eat- and the bill won't kill you.

BTW, if you do end up in the Italian Market, check out DiBruno's Pronto (http://www.dibruno.com/pronto.html) on Ninth Street (that's what the locals call it- they'd never call it "The Italian Market"). They have the most awesome panini and other sandwiches- all made to order,and big enough to share. My favorite is the aged provolone, garlic broccoli rabe, and roasted red pepper hoagie on a sesame Italian roll. Un-freakin'-real. Grab a drink from the fridge there, and sit outside to watch the tourists (and the locals- they do shop there too).

As to BBQ, check out Ron's Ribs (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=bbq+restaurants&near=Philadelphia,+PA&fb=1&view=text&cd=4&ie=UTF8&latlng=39944096,-75169183,9223374546701701539&ei=hwW5Rsn_GY7grQKkqvyPBA)(16th and South) or Phoebe's (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=bbq+restaurants&near=Philadelphia,+PA&fb=1&view=text&cd=3&ie=UTF8&latlng=39945322,-75179037,12436520750647793348&ei=hwW5Rsn_GY7grQKkqvyPBA) (22nd and South)

A little further out is Dwight's BBQ (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&client=firefox-a&q=bbq+restaurants&near=Philadelphia,+PA&fb=1&view=text&cd=5&ie=UTF8&latlng=39968256,-75210582,10140959753481414152&ei=hwW5Rsn_GY7grQKkqvyPBA), which gets rave reviews- it's probably the best in Philly. It's a little off the beaten track in West Philly (43rd and Lancaster), but it's easy to get there by trolley or car. PM me for details.

so.... hungry....... mustn't blow..... gasket


thanks all - that should tide us over!

Shady Maple!?!? holy crap that place looks huge. Is that on the way or in Amish country? I think we may hit that leaving Philly on the way to harrisburg/gettysburg.

I read good things about Scott's and Ralph's/Marra's look like the ticket too.

so.... hungry....... mustn't blow..... gasket


thanks all - that should tide us over!

Shady Maple!?!? holy crap that place looks huge. Is that on the way or in Amish country? I think we may hit that leaving Philly on the way to harrisburg/gettysburg.

I read good things about Scott's and Ralph's/Marra's look like the ticket too.

It sits between Philly and the Amish country, near Morgantown IIRC. It's kind of on the cusp of Mennonite & Amish areas. We've been visiting the Shady Maple for year, long before it's grown to this size.

It sits between Philly and the Amish country, near Morgantown IIRC. It's kind of on the cusp of Mennonite & Amish areas. We've been visiting the Shady Maple for year, long before it's grown to this size.

Stacey, do you know Zinn's? I think it's right after the Morgantown exit. it's another of those "diners" that has grown into a mini-Disneyworld.

Yes, I'm familiar with Zinn's. I wouldn't eat there again if you paid me! BLECH!!!

^^^ seriously. Gelatinous gravy, cementitious mashed potatoes, and oh- some guy at the next table ordered a beef heart. That sucker sat all by its lonesome on this big plate- not even sliced or anything- I could swear it was beating... :eek:

I ordered wiener schnitzel there once. a slab of breaded veal with two sunny side up eggs on top. I hates sunny side up eggs. I darn near tossed cookies!

In Philly you've gotta have a cheesesteak, well actually two. One from Pat's and one from Geno's. They are across the street from each other and it's been an ongoing competition whose is best. You'll have to decide for yourself.
...


I'm a D.C. native and drove up to philly, I guess it was like 2 years ago now, to see the Salvadore Dali exhibit at the PMA (that's what you guys call it right?). We had some time to kill, so we had our friend from the area direct us to Pats and Genos (I thought it was 'Ginos'). We drove up there and were instantly torn on which one to choose. My inclination was to choose Pat's because it looked like it had more character. Everyone else in my group was distracted by the shiny-ness of Geno's. So I caved and we ate there. Afterwhich, I said "screw it! I'm taking the cheesesteak challenge!" and then promptly got into Geno's line and did it all over again. I was like 8 or 10 people back when I got in line. About 2 minutes later I walk up to the window, "One wiz, with!" and less than a minute after that I was chowing down on a little piece of heaven.

As somebody not from that area, Pat's was the way to go.

Yep- it's the PMA. Alas, I missed the Dali exhibit, but I know it was a good one. Your experience in the cheesesteak derby is quite common. Back when I ate those things, I would have voted for Pat's too. Geno's is a relative newcomer, BTW.

Yes, I'm familiar with Zinn's. I wouldn't eat there again if you paid me! BLECH!!!

Isn't Zinn's closed? I thought it had gone out of business.....

Isn't Zinn's closed? I thought it had gone out of business.....

Wow! You're right. It's name has changed... http://www.roadsideonline.com/comments.php?id=43_0_1_0_C

Musta been that craptastic wiener schnitzel. :D

Wow! You're right. It's name has changed... http://www.roadsideonline.com/comments.php?id=43_0_1_0_C

Musta been that craptastic wiener schnitzel. :D

Not bad, considering I live in Indiana, and haven't been in PA for years!:D;)

Wow! You're right. It's name has changed... http://www.roadsideonline.com/comments.php?id=43_0_1_0_C

Musta been that craptastic wiener schnitzel. :D

Or that beef heart thing.

Not bad, considering I live in Indiana, and haven't been in PA for years!:D;)

Once you go west of the Susquehanna, it's all the mid-West :p

Not bad, considering I live in Indiana, and haven't been in PA for years!:D;)

I try to avoid 'Dutch Country'. Tourist traps & traffic. Argh!

Once you go west of the Susquehanna, it's all the mid-West :p
Nah, not till past Pittsburgh then you're up on the Allegheny Plateau. Now it's mid-west. :D

Nah, not till past Pittsburgh then you're up on the Allegheny Plateau. Now it's mid-west. :D

All depends on your pespective, I guess! Here in Philly, it's the Susquehanna. That's where people start referring to soda as "pop" and saying things like "my car needs fixed."

I try to avoid 'Dutch Country'. Tourist traps & traffic. Argh!

we're not set on heading there, but had planned to. I get enough traffic here in SoCal thankyouverymuch.

We've got a full day to kill coming from Philly heading to Harrisburg. Definitely going to Gettysburg. What else would you suggest? Bringing wife and kids (9/12). I love old stuff and I'm sure there's lots of that to see.

thanks Stacey:)

I'm a D.C. native

We'll be in DC for 3 days. Anything there with a bit if character? We're staying near Union Station.

thanks

I seem to remember a place right on US 30 in Gettysburg that serves GREAT Apple Pie. It's right in town, but I can't remember their name. There's a huge sign though and it has Pie on it......

We'll be in DC for 3 days. Anything there with a bit if character? We're staying near Union Station.

thanks


You'll be right near all the museums (Natural History, National Gallery, Smithsonian, etc., etc.) It's your oyster!

Once you go west of the Susquehanna, it's all the mid-West :p

'scuse me? :p

we're not set on heading there, but had planned to. I get enough traffic here in SoCal thankyouverymuch.

We've got a full day to kill coming from Philly heading to Harrisburg. Definitely going to Gettysburg. What else would you suggest? Bringing wife and kids (9/12). I love old stuff and I'm sure there's lots of that to see.

thanks Stacey:)

If you're going west-southwest (which is what you'd be doing, going toward Gettysburg), you might try heading down through Chester County- very pretty (once you get past the damn suburban sprawl)- horse country. If you're into flowers and other things horticultural, you might check out Longwood Gardens. A bit on the pricey side, but it's quite awesome and well worth a visit if that's your cup of tea. Kennett Square is there as well- mushroom country. These are all in the Brandywine River area- if you're into the Wyeths, old barns and farmhouses, and extraordinarily scenic views, you'll love this part of PA. IMO, much nicer (and far less commercialized) than the Lancaster area.

If you're into hiking (and are taking a more northerly route along the turnpike, you could check out Marsh Creek State Park- they also have a great pool to take a dip if it's hot. If you take a more southerly route, Codorus State Park is right near G-burg. The lake there is simply phenomenal. whichever routee you take, I would definitely suggest checking out the small back roads, though- don't limit yourself to the turnpike. There are a lot of charming small towns and miles of rolling farmland between Philly and Gettysburg. Enjoy!

'scuse me? :p

:D:D:D You sound like my wife (born and raised in Elk County).

We'll be in DC for 3 days. Anything there with a bit if character? We're staying near Union Station.

thanks

Near union station... As you probably know that's like right on Capitol Hill, basically. If you walk around that area, you'll probably find something. I work about 6 blocks from there, on the NW side, and as such i'm more familiar with the places surrounding me. For instance, there's a place, right across from Ford's Theater called 'the lincoln house'. If you were looking for a dive, that's certainly a place to look. I don't know if they're open for anything besides business time lunch though. Actually, I'm not sure if any of the places I normally go to are open past lunchtime. In that general area, Chinatown has some good lunch places too... you know what, I'll just make a map of several places I've been to for lunch or dinner. Check it out and ask me if you have any questions.

Here's the map of some stuff around where I work. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=102753939013747975761.00043732c1a8c8a719d34&ll=38.896511,-77.019439&spn=0.019239,0.031028&t=h&z=15&om=1)

I have some co-workers that live around where you'll be staying. I'll ask them for suggestions and re-update that if they get back to me.

we're not set on heading there, but had planned to. I get enough traffic here in SoCal thankyouverymuch.

We've got a full day to kill coming from Philly heading to Harrisburg. Definitely going to Gettysburg. What else would you suggest? Bringing wife and kids (9/12). I love old stuff and I'm sure there's lots of that to see.

thanks Stacey:)

MTBLover has a lot of good suggestions, Longwood Gardens is cool if you're in to that. Crystal Cave (http://www.crystalcavepa.com/)isn't too far from the Shady Maple and a fun place to go. They say "In the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country" but it is far enough away from the Rt 30 corridor that the traffic isn't bad. It would be a nice run into Harrisburg/Gettysburg.

You're very welcome, always glad to help.

As the saying goes "You've got a friend in Pennsylvania." :)

As the saying goes "You've got a friend in Pennsylvania." :)

Ya know, I think we oughta send this thread to Ed Rendell. See if he can put us on the payroll or something... :rolleyes:

Here's the map of some stuff around where I work. (http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=102753939013747975761.00043732c1a8c8a719d34&ll=38.896511,-77.019439&spn=0.019239,0.031028&t=h&z=15&om=1)

I have some co-workers that live around where you'll be staying. I'll ask them for suggestions and re-update that if they get back to me.

snap!

thanks - that's incredibly helpful. DC has been my weak link in getting tips.

I really need to learn how to do that google thing (custom maps) :D

If you're going west-southwest (which is what you'd be doing, going toward Gettysburg), you might try heading down through Chester County- very pretty (once you get past the damn suburban sprawl)- horse country. If you're into flowers and other things horticultural, you might check out Longwood Gardens. A bit on the pricey side, but it's quite awesome and well worth a visit if that's your cup of tea. Kennett Square is there as well- mushroom country. These are all in the Brandywine River area- if you're into the Wyeths, old barns and farmhouses, and extraordinarily scenic views, you'll love this part of PA. IMO, much nicer (and far less commercialized) than the Lancaster area.

If you're into hiking (and are taking a more northerly route along the turnpike, you could check out Marsh Creek State Park- they also have a great pool to take a dip if it's hot. If you take a more southerly route, Codorus State Park is right near G-burg. The lake there is simply phenomenal. whichever routee you take, I would definitely suggest checking out the small back roads, though- don't limit yourself to the turnpike. There are a lot of charming small towns and miles of rolling farmland between Philly and Gettysburg. Enjoy!

very cool

we like to hike and the lake sounds neat. the idea of a more relaxed drive/day is starting to sound a lot better than trying to hit all the tourist spots.

thanks again for all the help!

Ya know, I think we oughta send this thread to Ed Rendell. See if he can put us on the payroll or something... :rolleyes:

http://www.etchy.org/images/dyn/6391.jpg

snap!

thanks - that's incredibly helpful. DC has been my weak link in getting tips.

I really need to learn how to do that google thing (custom maps) :D

it's pretty easy really. If you have a google account, when you go to maps.google.com you'll see a tab for 'my maps'. Basically just click on the tool you want (point, line or shape) and drop them on the map.

very cool

we like to hike and the lake sounds neat. the idea of a more relaxed drive/day is starting to sound a lot better than trying to hit all the tourist spots.

thanks again for all the help!

Glad to help! FYI- here's a link to Codorus (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/parks/codorus.aspx).

we're not set on heading there, but had planned to. I get enough traffic here in SoCal thankyouverymuch.

We've got a full day to kill coming from Philly heading to Harrisburg. Definitely going to Gettysburg. What else would you suggest? Bringing wife and kids (9/12). I love old stuff and I'm sure there's lots of that to see.

thanks Stacey:)

Hershey?

HersheyPark (http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/index.php)?

Hershey?

HersheyPark (http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/index.php)?

yup - that's why we're making the trek from Philly to Harrisburg. My son found out there were coasters nearby and poof....

do you know if the have discount tickets anywhere? Dland and Knott's do that around here -usually knocks about 1/3 off price.

thanks

Try a Giant Food Market (there's one near the park, I think), or one of the Turkey Hill convenience stores.

Try a Giant Food Market (there's one near the park, I think), or one of the Turkey Hill convenience stores.

merci

merci

de rien!

Hershey?

HersheyPark (http://www.hersheypa.com/attractions/hersheypark/index.php)?

Knoebles (http://www.knoebels.com/)... They have better coasters :p