Marie M.
Yelp
Before we came to Philadelphia, I did my research for the best cheesesteaks and which places were highly recommended. I had heard several locals who stated to stay away from the popular 2, such as Genos, and I can't recall the other. I also had read that any place in Philly has great cheesesteaks. I wanted to try one that is supposed to be at a pizza place, but it appeared to be closed, not sure for the holiday or for good. I found Campos during our second day in Philly while walking down Market. Tried to ask the police officers that were across the street, and although they hadn't been to Campos, they informed me that it's constantly busy. We figured we would give it a try, and I also had read good reviews that convinced me. I am extremely pleased with our decision.
This has been a Philly staple since 1947. It is right in Old City, and the building is a bit old and small, back when the crowds coming in for a cheesesteak could be better balanced. The tiny restaurant now has an elbow to elbow dining and some tables out front. We tried to sit inside, but either their A/C broke or they didn't have one. During a 91-degree hot dog day, my husband felt that an outside table would be best because at least there was fresh air circulating. The only problem was that the table we were fortunate enough to get was right near the outside menu, displayed right above my head near the entry. As a note to all, please be aware if there's a menu near an outdoor table where someone is eating and practice consideration. This restaurant has menus inside as well.
This wasn't our first choice for a Fourth of July feast, but for lunch, after visiting the hall where our Independence was declared, I would say that this hit our bellies quite well. It was delicious and, in fact, the best cheesesteak we've ever had. I normally add horseradish sauce to my cheesesteak, but this was good as it was served with mushrooms, onions, peppers, and aged provolone. The cheery on top was the side of potato salad that I ordered for my husband and I to share. He had to hold down the only table that was available in the restaurant while I waited in a long line. The lady at the counter told me that her mother-in-law made the potato salad fresh daily and did it ever taste O' so fresh. Exquisite potato salad for the 4th. The best I've had on the 4th in a long time. That mother-in-law has a good daughter-in-law who really delivers assurance that the potato salad is fresh and tasty. I took pictures of our sandwich and potato salad, and I can't tell you what was inside the potato salad because we ate it quickly. If this tells you anything.
Campos cheesesteaks may be a good enough reason to drive to Philly, to be honest.