"The Saloon bills itself as an Italian chophouse, but it’s also a quintessential South Philly dining experience. It’s been around since 1967, and is still outfitted with dark wood walls and candlelight, stained glass windows, and paraphernalia from the 19th and 20th centuries that ranges from fascinating to offensive. While we love their Italian specialties, there’s a list of fantastic traditional steakhouse dishes as well. Don’t miss the clams casino or the elaborately-topped meat mains—we love the filet in a creamy cognac sauce, and thinly-pounded medallions rolled with spinach, pancetta, and parmesan. " - alison kessler