Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks
Permanently Closed

Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks

Permanently Closed

Hoagies, cheesesteaks, and Italian subs piled high

cheesesteak
italian hoagie
overpriced
long lines
playing cards
frozen meat
tourist trap
difficult seating
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by @TheInfatuation
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by @TheInfatuation
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks by null

Information

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Get directions

$10–20

Debit card accepted
Contactless accepted
Paid parking garage
Lunch
Dinner

Information

Static Map

51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107 Get directions

+1 215 592 7799
@carmens_famous

$10–20

Features

•Debit card accepted
•Contactless accepted
•Paid parking garage
•Lunch
•Dinner
•Dessert

Last updated

Jan 14, 2026

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@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

The 19 Best Places To Eat In Reading Terminal Market

"The longest line at Reading Terminal Market always seems to be at Carmen’s for their cheesesteak. If you want the best sandwich at the market, though, you’re going to want to walk down a few aisles to DiNic’s. What is worth waiting in line for at Carmen’s is their Italian hoagie. The meats are piled high on fluffy white bread and covered in oil, vinegar, and a mix of salt and pepper. And it’s huge, so if you can’t finish it, you can always save the other half for dinner." - candis mclean, alison kessler

https://www.theinfatuation.com/philadelphia/guides/where-to-eat-in-reading-terminal-market
@TheInfatuation
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks
@cntraveler
42,481 Postcards · 5,686 Cities

How to Celebrate July 4th in Philadelphia, the Birthplace of America | Condé Nast Traveler

"The Franklin cheesesteak at Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies and Cheesesteaks, which features both American cheese and Philadelphia cream cheese."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/how-to-spend-july-4th-in-philadelphia
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks
@infatuation
132,814 Postcards · 3,234 Cities

Carmen’s Famous Italian Hoagies Review - Center City - Philadelphia - The Infatuation

"The longest line at Reading Terminal Market always seems to be at Carmen’s for their cheesesteak. What you really need at Carmen’s, though, is their Italian hoagie. The meats are piled high on fluffy white bread and covered in oil, vinegar, and a mix of salt and pepper. And it’s huge, so if you can’t finish it, you can always save the other half for dinner or for when you want a snack at 3pm." - Sydney McElwee

https://www.theinfatuation.com/philadelphia/reviews/carmens-famous-italian-hoagies
@TheInfatuation
Carmen's Famous Cheesesteaks

Chad H (.

Google
The food was not good. Wasn't necessarily bad but no way would I say it was good food. Didn't have a lot of flavor. Not very much meat on the cheesesteak. Cheese fries were just thrown in a cup, it was half empty and they charged $8 for it Some of that is maybe forgivable for fast food, but this was the most expensive meal I ate while in Philadelphia. $33 for cheese steak fries and the Coke. They nickel and dime you with all these fees. I order a cheese steak, and get charged extra for cheese. Was charge extra for ketchup- which I didn't ask for. Was charged extra for takeout -It's only a takeout place, there was no other option. They charge a 3% credit card fee, it appeared that was all they took. Wasn't given any napkins or a fork for cheese fries dumped in a cup. They almost forgot my Coke. And they give you a playing card so they can call that instead of your name or an order number. I'm sure that's real hygienic to be touching playing cards that the last 10,000 people have also touched...

michael K.

Google
The line was long but moved quickly. The cashier was friendly. He made quick small talk to make it seem like the food was almost ready. The meat was good, could have definitely used more cheese. Prices are what you would expect for reading terminal market.

Dimitri K.

Google
The coolest aspect of this restaurant is the way they base your order off of playing cards. I thought that was a delightful experience. Other than that, this place is overpriced, shockingly long lines, and by the end of the meal I’ve consumed a Philly Cheesesteak in Philly, but still left wondering if it’s even remotely close to the best I’ve ever had, considering it was my first time in the city lol. I wish I would’ve gone elsewhere. If it’s your first time, I highly suggest popping your cherry with a higher quality cheesesteak.

Devon V.

Google
Place doesn’t even deserve a 1 star. Tried to change my order after placing it they didn’t even make my order yet and told me that I could not change it. It’s too late because I was trying to only get a half a cheesesteak after I found out they charge for ketchup. Place use to be good not any more quality has gone down which is why they have 3 stars, then I get my fries and a drinking cup with cheese poured on top of it freezing cold for eight dollars. What a joke barely any fries even in there. Will NEVER COME BACK And I convinced my cousin to go here what a mistake that was!!!! Save yourself the hassle and go somewhere else in the terminal!!!

Mauro B.

Google
1. They took 30 minutes for 2 cheesteaks 2. The cashier had preferences over customers. “Clearly” the ones that he likes the most were delivered much faster. 3. They got the orders wrong!!! Come on it’s TWO sandwiches how hard can it be? 4. The positive side; the flavor was good but not enough for 30 minutes. Recommendations for improvement: -Improve the delivery and making of the cheesesteak. Currently too slow!! -Improve the attitude of the cashier -Make the sandwiches right to have a good experience and comeback.

Average J.

Google
Sorry guys, very disappointing. We looked up the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia and Carmen's was at the top of the list according to Philadelphia magazine. There was a good line which is always a good sign when it comes to food. We placed an order and got their signature special sandwich in a 6-in size. We ordered one soda and an order of fries my total came to $44 for two 6-in sandwiches! That would have been bad if the sandwiches were actually as good as the reviews said. However, they really weren't. They were using frozen meat that look like steakum that didn't have a lot of flavor. I found nothing special about these sandwiches. Just a tourist trap if you asked me. Please be aware that you're going to need to find a seat to eat these things and seating is very difficult at that location. Oh and by the way make sure and ask for napkins cuz they will not give you any!

Justin R.

Google
Half and full size Philly cheesesteaks (or chicken) with choice of toppings like hot peppers, pickles, mushrooms and onions. Popular lunch spot, customized orders, and playing cards passed out instead of order numbers. My mushroom onion full size with steak was hot, savory, and filling.

Rajendra T.

Google
Never thought that Philadelphia was so lively and this little market with all the eateries were mind blowing. I chose to stick to the regular chicken cheesesteak but added hot-hot peppers that were just a blast. Definitely recommend to everyone visiting PHL.