SQ Philip's Steaks

Cheesesteak restaurant · Girard Estate

SQ Philip's Steaks

Cheesesteak restaurant · Girard Estate

3

2234 W Passyunk Ave #3318, Philadelphia, PA 19145

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SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null
SQ Philip's Steaks by null

Highlights

Serves cheesesteaks, burgers & hoagies until late night  

Featured in Eater
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2234 W Passyunk Ave #3318, Philadelphia, PA 19145 Get directions

sqphilipssteaks.com
@philips_steaks

$10–20 · Menu

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2234 W Passyunk Ave #3318, Philadelphia, PA 19145 Get directions

+1 215 755 4820
sqphilipssteaks.com
@philips_steaks
𝕏
@Phil_baldino1

$10–20 · Menu

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Last updated

Aug 7, 2025

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@eater

The Best Cheesesteaks in Philly

"This South Philly staple is open 24 hours a day — always a good thing for cheesesteak fans. Philip's offers all the usual suspects, but here, the Old Fashioned is the key: a provolone cheesesteak topped with peppers, tomatoes, and a healthy dose of salt, pepper, and oregano. Pizza steaks are also popular. Call for takeout or delivery." - Ernest Owens, Eater Staff

https://philly.eater.com/maps/best-cheesesteak-philadelphia
View Postcard for SQ Philip's Steaks
@eater

The Best Cheesesteaks in Philly

"This South Philly staple is open 24 hours a day — always a good thing for cheesesteak fans. Philip's offers all the usual suspects, but here, the Old Fashioned is the key: a provolone cheesesteak topped with peppers, tomatoes, and a healthy dose of salt, pepper, and oregano. Pizza steaks are also popular. Call for takeout or delivery." - Ernest Owens, Eater Staff

https://philly.eater.com/maps/cheesesteaks-philadelphia-restaurants-open-sandwich-shops-coronavirus-covid-19
View Postcard for SQ Philip's Steaks
@eater

Where to Eat and Drink at the Eagles Game - Eater Philly

"It wouldn't be an Eagles game without a cheesesteak, and fans from near and far can get a taste of that signature Philly flavor at Philip's in Section 101. The West Passyunk outpost will be serving cheesesteaks Whiz wit, if that’s how you like them, and all the combinations in between." - Dayna Evans

https://philly.eater.com/2021/8/30/22639301/where-to-eat-drink-at-eagles-game-lincoln-financial-field
View Postcard for SQ Philip's Steaks

Ian McDevitt

Google
The food is good! It is one of the many steak sandwich shops in the Philly area. This one has been around a good while. It is basically a stand on the street, but it serves one of the best sandwiches in the city. I gave the atmosphere a 3 because it's a stand on the street, but that might be up your alley. There are a few tables. Other than that, there is a counter that you can stand at, eat standing without the counter, or take it home. They have free condiments, hot peppers, and napkins. It is worth a try!

Michael

Google
So…I’ve been here many times. One of the classic spots. But I’ve been trying all the spots with extra American to create a level playing field. This last time it was not good (aside from the roll). Steak was lukewarm (how does that happen exactly 🤔). Cold cheese was laid on roll, steak slices on top. So cheese didn’t melt. So I think the verdict is…Stick with Wiz at Phillips. Cheese fries were packed in a take out/Chinese style box and pressed down/packed in. So it was just brick of soggy mashed potatoes. Here’s my usual breakdown: Quantity: 2/5 Cheese integration: 1/5 Flavor: 4/5 Roll: 5/5 Cheese fries: 2/5

Andrew Kumar

Google
One of the classics. Do it. We went out of our way to check it. Solid Wiz wit, although i go in for provolone and all the sacrelicious fixins. My friend and i shared one of 3 outdoor tables with some local gentlemen on break. They were kind and friendly. The combination of that and the great food obliterated any notice of traffic noise or anything else. Somehow, i ate a whole sandwich. make it a point to hit this institution, among others. It is conveniently on the way back to the airport from Central Philly. I shall happily return.

Kara Holmes

Google
This is another Philly cheesesteak crossed of my list. It is my goal to try all the good spots or popular ones at least. I ordered a cheesesteak with the Cooper’s Sharp cheese with fried onions. It was delicious of course but the bread was a little tough to chew. But still good. Their meat is not cut in small pieces but I like that I got to try a cheesesteak with bigger pieces. I really cheesesteaks with pieces of are in between not too big or too small. The service was great and outdoor eating area was great. Prices were reasonable.

Manpreet Kaur

Google
We tried the chicken cheesesteak and cheese fries. The fries were fresh, hot, and loaded with cheese. They had a great texture and flavor, and we really enjoyed them. The chicken cheesesteak, on the other hand, was a bit of a letdown. While it was served hot and fresh with onions, it lacked flavor. It was pretty bland overall, and I found myself wishing I had some hot sauce or seasoning to bring it to life.

Melvin Thompson Jr.

Google
Their food is actually 👌 😋 the only thing it is they don't put salt and pepper on your food. Because some people may have high blood pressure or other health problems. That's why it's very important to take care of your health

Carla Higgins

Google
This was a different type of cheese steak. The meat was sliced instead of chopped and it was very bland. They threw the onions inside the middle of the meat without it being cooked fried onions. It was like biting onions, then meat. The bread was a little hard. I probably would never patronize again.

Dustin Som

Google
Used to come here a ton back in college. Came back to reminisce and it didn’t hit the spot like it used to. Bread was tough and chewy. The steak was dryer than I remember. Maybe it was an off day.
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Dean L.

Yelp
Philip's Steaks Best after show at sports complex location. Peppers are hot be carful. Location: 2234 W Passyunk Ave Philadelphia, PA 19145 Operating Hours: 24 x 7 Cash Only (has ATM) Private Lot and Street parking
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Janet C.

Yelp
My son and I went there today for roast pork sandwiches because John's Roast Pork was crowded. My son and I both agreed it was the worst. It had no taste and I mean literary no taste. It was like eating sandpaper. If this is typical of their sandwiches I have no idea how they stay in business. They should have been shut down on opening day. I highly recommend that you not purchase anything from this establishment. Again it was the worse. They would need someone to instruct them on how to cook
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Aaron S.

Yelp
Classic cheesesteak joint on the corner in a seedy neighborhood, gotta love Philly! Maybe if I didn't know any better, this place would receive more stars, but we're looking at is pretty average stuff here. Shaved ribeye isn't too thick and certainly not chopped. Therefore, NO MELT! Fail! Now maybe if the meat had a flavor that could stand-out on its own, we could allow this to pass, but this is only a step or two above boxed frozen crap from the supermarket. Not enough salt and just an average meaty taste. Some of the onions were cooked perfectly while some were nearly raw. The difference in textures was distracting and raw onion is not as good as cooked. Mayo was available in a self-serve condiment pump can and was absolutely disgusting. DO NOT use this mayo, it will ruin anything it touches. Free hot peppers always recommended. There are two windows for ordering, and you need to know which one to go to to order steaks or side orders. Luckily, this rookie rolled up to the correct window by accident, and was able to figure out the process by watching others make mistakes and then get corrected by all the pros who were there waiting for their steaks and fried foods near their respective windows. For a cheesesteak place that's open 24 hours, it's a nice location off the highway and not a bad option. Just not going to be one of my regular stops.

Iesha F.

Yelp
this was the most bland, tasteless cheesesteak I've ever had. the meat was not seasoned at all...I would not recommend!!!
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Nick B.

Yelp
Interesting that this place seems to have gotten mauled in a few reviews lately, but then I realize that some of them are from people who don't know what a cheesesteak even is. Anyhow, I ended up here because my wife is a nearly-rabid Ed Sheeran fan, and he came to serve up some sandwiches and off we went. I have to say, if you can hand me an American wit from a pile made in advance for a media event, and it is warm, flavourful, and on a nice chewy hoagie roll, you're doing something right. Staff there seem like genuinely nice folks running a family business, and you always love to see that. I'll go again next time to see what I wind up with when I'm actually ordering. But if they could do this right, they have good potential.

Todd D.

Yelp
1/5/2024 @ 1am I waited over 20 minutes for a steak with no one in line and when the steak was done, there was hardly any meat on it and the long hot peppers that I ordered on it were ice cold which made the steak cold. It's sad that this place can't stay consistent. I am a long time customer from over 20 years ago and it's just not the same . Really sad .
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Margarita R.

Yelp
I was surprised at how good this cheesesteak was because of the reviews. I ordered my steak and waited a short time for it which was nice. The steak was flavorful and fresh. The meat itself was not too fatty which I appreciated and the bread was soft. I'd return since it was yummy and close to home!!
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Johnny A.

Yelp
The food here is amazing... not an ambiance place as it's a bit of shrine to the previously deceased owner but the food is excellent and they do an inside out pizza that's amazing ... no tables just and outside counter
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Mike H.

Yelp
South Philly traditional cheesesteak. One of the places to try and compare as a contender for Philadelphias best.

Shawn R.

Yelp
My favorite cheesesteak next to JRP! 1 & 1A! Used to be a locals only place. Word got out

Chantal G.

Yelp
This is a solid cheesesteak. Served the only way a cheesesteak should be...American, onions, and mushrooms on a crusty and dense roll. Gotta say though the ordering system is ridiculous. You have to wait in one line to order and pay for your cheesesteak, then an entirely separate line to order and pay for your sides or drink. You read correctly, if you want any sides or a drink, you have to go to a different window and pay all over again for them. Maybe it would work if these guys ran efficiently, but that was not the case when we visited on a Saturday night after the Phillies game. Ordertakers have the typical South Philly cheesesteak shop attitude. Basically like your bothering them. Still, strong cheesesteak
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John K.

Yelp
So forget the touristy places genos and pats I'm sure everyone and their mom told you to go there. Bright lights lots of reviews but if you want a solid real cheesesteak from Philly say less and go here. Get the OG cheese wiz and onion one THE END. That my friend is a true delicious real deal cheesesteak. We tried the other famous one which was good but nothing compares. Ordering is weird the right window you order your cheesesteaks the left window you order everything else. Fries, nuggets. Drinks etc. and it's cash only on both sides! Def give it a shot and let me know if you think I'm right or if you have found better!
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FoodieLife M.

Yelp
I've been to Philip's a few times and I've had different experiences but most were very positive. In fact, this is a Top 10 cheesesteak in the city of Philadelphia and by far my favorite slab cheesesteak. Sorry Steve's lovers. They need to be more consistent but when they're good, they're really good. (I rate Cheesesteaks all around Philadelphia on my web series "Cheesesteak Run" on YouTube. Foodie Life Mac is the page on YT and @foodielifemac on Ig)

Kimberly S.

Yelp
Best cheesesteaks in South philly the best service in South Philly with the best people. Try all their food everything is amazing at Philip's and all their food is freshly cooked as ordered.
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Rafael C.

Yelp
South Philly icon recognized by locals as being 100% original and still true (even after decades) to South Philly quality and pride.

D S.

Yelp
Stopped at this steak place after seeing a news piece that highlighted what a great sandwhich they had. I was supremely disappointed. I ordered the Classic with roasted peppers tomatoes and oregano etc. While the bun was fresh and the sandwich was warm; the crux of the cheesesteak is the meat. My sandwich was loaded with Gristle. Now maybe a random bite of fat or gristle would be acceptable. However this Paricular sandwich was riddled throughput with tough, rubbery, indigestible Gristle. From my very first bite. i slugged through the entire meal hoping the rest of it would be gristle-free. However that was not the case. Whoever assembled this sandwich surely had to know how much bad/inedible connective tissue was in there. $15 wasted.
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David A.

Yelp
Are you looking for a spicy steak sandwich with onions? This is one of the best I've gotten on the East Coast. SQ Philip's in Philadelphia. They've got limited outdoor seating, free parking lot, and takeout. I've been in business since the 60s. Incredibly filling. You can request sweet peppers if you can't handle the spice. Staff is super nice and friendly In terms of ambiance, it's a takeout joint and very urban.
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Tony P.

Yelp
This place deserves no stars. This place use to be the only place in the city for cheese steaks. They should be ashamed of themselves putting out a product like this. I can not believe I am saying this I would steer clear of this place. Sad
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Sherry J.

Yelp
Growing up on Philly cheesesteaks, I would give Philip's a solid 3 for cheesesteaks. They have parking, friendly staff, and are fast and efficient. RJ thought it was great, but he's from NY. The steak is too thick and chewy, and a little skimpy, and the whiz isn't my favorite on a cheesesteak.. It was still tasty though, However, both the cheese fries and the inside out pizza were banging, and bumps this up to a solid 4. The fries were fresh, hot and crispy, and a large portion smothered in the whiz, which I'm fine with for fries. We had to take the inside out pizza home but even heated up it was fantastic. Crispy on the outside with sauce and melted cheese on the inside. We were sad when that was gone!
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L G.

Yelp
I just ordered an Italian hoagie and I've had better Italian hoagies from Wawa. The bread was nice that's why I gave them one star. Won't be back! Bad jawn. Maybe that's what I get for ordering a hoagie from a steak place.
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Dylan M.

Yelp
Coming into my trip to Philip's, I expected a competent thinly sliced rib-eye steak, but certainly did not see the shop sneaking into my top five Philly cheesesteaks of all time. I brought three of my friends to Philip's this evening and we were all shocked. This is one of the best steaks in Philly and there's simply no debate about it. I'm a big sucker for the thinly sliced steak, and Philip's holds their own with a traditional, but everlasting taste. The roll competes with Tony Luke's as one of the city's best, and the sliced rib-eye quenches that desire on the ride over for a quality cheesesteak, and by the time you finish, you want to go back and order another. If I had to criticize Philip's in the slightest, I wish there was a little more meat to complement the bread, however, the condiments, including the grilled onions, added a sweet juicy touch that enhanced the flavor of meat right to the tastebuds. I'll say Philip's is one step ahead of Jim's and Joe's for me because of it's classic touch. Right in the grit of Passayunk Ave., this is Philly at finest, as the true OG's of the city know that Philip's is an underrated steak that deserves more recognition.
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Andrew F.

Yelp
Flavorless cheesesteak. Minimal American cheese. Only good part was the portion size. Fries were flavorless too.
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Trick T.

Yelp
Less expensive, ok, cheese steak. I probably only get if I'm nearby AND hungry. It honestly doesn't have flavor just bland. There's way better cheesesteak
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Sable S.

Yelp
I ordered through Uber eats on a Tuesday evening. The food came quickly and the order was correct. I waited about 30 minutes. The French fries were great! Everything anyone could ask for concerning French fries. They were fresh, crispy, big and hot. The cheesesteak however, was the worst cheesesteak I've ever had in Philly. I don't like that they don't chop up the steak or trim the fat. Also, the meat was a little stingy. I couldn't even taste the American cheese. I took about 4 bites and threw the rest away. The roll was the best part. Total for cheesesteak and cheese fries=$17.47. Not including tip or the delivery fee. Learn from a pro: don't order thru Uber eats or grubhub because they will charge you more than Philip's delivery fee, which is $1.50. Call them to order delivery. I probably won't order from here again.
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Nick R.

Yelp
No frills place for a phenomenal cheesesteak. Friendly staff. Open 24/7. We found parking very easily in the after hours. The steak inside the roll comes in big pieces and minimally chopped, if at all. I think this helps the cheesesteak not be too greasy. The roll held form with the cheese wiz, even after the half hour ride home. Quick, convenient, easy, and delicious. A good, classic cheesesteak joint.
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Mike L.

Yelp
Sadly disappointed with this cheesesteak. I came to Philly for sightseeing and of course to get a cheesesteak. What waste of my time & money. The meat with dry and flavorless. The only good thing was the bread. I won't return there and I don't recommend.

Ralph R.

Yelp
Best cheesesteak in Philadelphia! Flavorful Steak onions cooked per to perfection. Roll was excellent.

Aaron B.

Yelp
I live nearby. This is by far my favorite late night cheesesteak place. One of my favorite cheesesteak places regardless of time of day.

P C.

Yelp
Philips Steaks has been my "Go-To" steak shop for years. Had a cheesesteak yesterday and the meat was tough and rubbery. Didn't even look grilled, was grayish as if it had been Boiled. Very disappointed as I always swore by this shop. Perhaps they changed up their meat supplier for a lower cost product. They now lost a faithful customer for decades.
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Tom M.

Yelp
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried it. I've heard people talk about it over and over again, but I kind of just brushed it under the rug. I was going to take a picture of the cheesesteak, but I was so starving. Got out of work late at night on a Sunday and wanted something quick and easy. Definitely will go back. I ordered mine with fried onions and provolone. The only mediocre thing about the meal was the fries, but from the cheesesteak alone(which I went for), it definitely deserves the praise. Definitely one of my new top cheesesteaks in the area. Still not number one though. IMO.

Jim G.

Yelp
Ordered cheese steak with provolone thru Uber Eats. Very little cheese. Dry. Worst cheese steak in my life.
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Francesco R.

Yelp
just an average cheesesteak. therefore the score is a three. for a sandwich that they made right in front of me, and that I ate right on the spot, I was surprised that it was only lukewarm. I would have expected something a lot hotter. The cheese didn't even melt. The meat was a little tough. definitely not in the upper echelon. better than Pat's and Geno's.
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Charles T.

Yelp
Unfortunately I didn't get a photo because it was late and I had just landed at the airport and just wanted to get some food in my system before driving 2 hours. This steak is good. I've had much better in Philly, but i've also had much worse. This is middle of the road for me but at the time of night I got it and it's fairly close location to the airport it was perfect. Some weird guy was trying to sell me a bottle of Canadian Whiskey in the parking lot but that's neither here nor there. Check them out.
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Peter S.

Yelp
I don't think I ever ever had Philips sober., Philips is the best after hours I'm drunk and hungry cheesesteak on philly. If you yet let the club Philips is the place to Soak up all the alcohol before going house and holding your girl head up while she throw up. It's the best
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Byron T.

Yelp
On my way back to Los Angeles, I asked my uber driver for a banging suggestion for a Philly cheesesteak that I could buy and bring back home. He suggested Philip's and it was such a good decision. This was the best cheesesteak I had during my visit and I went to 5 different locations. I ordered the cheesesteak with Provolone cheese, chopped steak, fried onions, and mayonnaise. The bread was soft yet firm like a toasted hot dog bun and it perfectly encompassed the perfectly seasoned chopped steak. With the mayonnaise slathered on the bread, there was the right amount of fat that was needed to make the cheesesteak cohesive and packed with flavor. The people of Philip's were extremely nice and made ordering an ease for me. Coming from Los Angeles, I found the lingo to be uncomfortable. At another popular cheesesteak location, the guy taking my order was extremely rude and made me feel rushed, which was odd because there was no one in line.
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Karen C.

Yelp
Went to Phillips today 4/22/22 at 3:30 pm. Ordered a plain steak raw onions, chopped and gut the roll. person at the window asked me if I want onions on my Wiz steak‍‍. No, I want a plain steak , raw onion, chop and gut the roll. Received a plain steak with fried onios.Ordered an old fashion, chopped, gut the roll and long hots on the side. Everything was as ordered except the steak was not chopped. Please put someone at the window that knows how to expedite an order correctly. Thanks, very Dissatisfied Customer

James C.

Yelp
Been going here for 40 years. Never had a bad experience. Best cheesesteak in Philly.
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S R.

Yelp
One thing if you hate precooked steak for your sandwich this the place shut gets cooked fresh when you order as a dishwasher aka chef I would never served precooked meat this place does the right thing love it
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Samantha F.

Yelp
I have tried several cheesteaks spots in Philly, and this has to be my #1 choice. Juicy, delicious always hot food. My go to every time I'm craving a cheesteak.

Mary Ann D.

Yelp
Best place in philly for a chicken cheesesteak. I highly recommend it. I don't eat red meat but I'm sure there the best for them too there fries are excellent too very clean and friendly staff
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Jeremy L.

Yelp
Wow. I've had a lot but this was the best cheesesteak I've had in Philly. Nice steak. And the roll was perfect - fresh and delicious. The gentleman who took our order was friendly and helpful. Too often fast food workers don't care but he clearly did. The only thing I would change is that there were condiments, a bucket of peppers and Buffalo sauce available to customers but nothing to put it in. Overall would recommend and will go back for sure. BTW, cash only.
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Uneka H.

Yelp
So I came here after hearing a lot of hype about the Cheesesteaks and I have to say- I wasn't really impressed. I came here with someone who is from the area and he always talked about how people come from all over to come here. We pulled up in front of the place around 10:30 pm which on a Friday night was pretty popular. When we ordered our food, it probably came out around 10 mins later which was fairly quick. I ordered my Cheesesteak with provolone and onions which was ok; I felt as though the steak itself wasn't very well cooked and the meat was pretty thin. However, my friend loves the steaks here for that very same reason @thin meat. As far as the place itself- it is a takeout restaurant in which there are open "picnic style" tables outside. There is an open area where you order food in which you can stand at a counter and also eat your food. The restaurant is on a pretty busy street- I didn't notice any parking garages around so it would be street parking. Although I wasn't as impressed with the steak- the service was great and so were the people so I would totally give it another try.
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Bharbhur S.

Yelp
Philip's Steaks was the most mediocre cheesesteak I've ever had. You can go to any local spot and get the same cheesesteak and be more satisfied than getting one from here. The cheesesteak was super small and the roll they used had to be old or something. When I was chewing it it was super chewy and just had that old taste to it. The fries were even worse they had no salt on them and they tasted like they were straight out of the freezer. For a small box of fries it was $4 it was definitely not worth the trip.
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Tom L.

Yelp
Yup. I'm a fan. Great service, reasonable pricing and one heck of a tasty cheesesteak. It isn't overly messy and the steak is not finely chopped but quickly cooked right in front of you (not in a heaping pile like some other places). I keep it simple, american cheese and fried onions and this sandwich had me happy with every bite. If you want a drippy, greasy, fall apart sandwich, this is not the place. Roll was very fresh and a nice bowl of hot whole peppers at the counter. Not a huge place for sit down, but some stools and a couple other spots if you must sit and eat your meal.
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L L.

Yelp
CASH ONLY!!!!!! CASH ONLY!!!!!! CASH ONLY!!!!!! * * * The following is a cheesesteak review by a Philly native * * * So the name... it didn't really grab me, not at 1am getting off our plane, without having eaten for over 9 hours. "Philip's Steaks," what, like Uncle Phil from FPoBA? Only Aunt ("awnt") Viv called him "Philip." (I think we can all agree that Aunt Viv was best played by Janet Hubert.) But I digress, that's where my fatigued mind wandered, without food, at 1am. I was tired, but sober, and hangry. I just got off the shuttle from airport to DoubleTree (where our car was parked) with driver + attendant, who smelled and looked high as kites, driving dangerously with my baby in the van. I was NOT in a good mood. I have to say, after the initial pain in the rear of getting cash at the ATM (at 7eleven across the street), I was delightfully surprised by Uncle Phil's version of the cheesesteak, fit for a Fresh Prince. Roll was fresh, soft but with a bit of exterior crunch, good Ital. bread flavor. Meat was in long, thin sheets as opposed to the pre-eaten look when they chop the heck out of it. I prefer it the way Phil does it. Meat tasted quality, too, like real steak, not vague steakish/burgerish flavor. Ratios of meat:cheese:bread were just right, but while tasty, the onions were too plentiful. They dropped out of my sandwich like rain, and I actually shook a few more into my wrapper, because it was a little much for me. Hey, easy edit, and I'd rather too many I can remove than too few. Sandwich was nice and hot, but not burning my mouth, nor steaming up inside the wrapper to make it soggy. They did all that packaging stuff perfectly! I have to say this was better than my last steak at Sonny's. I was impressed, and super happy to learn about Phil's because they're a 24/7 and that is very handy knowledge for a Philadelphian. I did have to take a star off for the cash only part. That's my Yelp rule. Otherwise, I would be proud to take an out-of-towner here, for sure! So Philip, I don't know who you are, but in my mind, you're Uncle Phil (the late James Avery), dishing me up some lovely cheesesteaks, any hour, any day. Thank you, Uncle Phil!
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Chris E.

Yelp
I see quite a few reviews where folks didn't even know Philip's ever existed and that's perfectly understandable with the number of cheesesteak options in the city. Personally, I came upon Philip's myself after having seen them on quite a few top 10 lists (being closer to 10 than 1) so we had to check it out for ourselves and see if it was a contender or pretender. Having been to Pat's, Geno's, Tony Luke's, John's Roast Pork, Jim's, Dalessandro's (and subsequently Campo's Deli and Sonny's) it wasn't going to be hard for us to compare Philip's with what a "good" cheesesteak was. When we arrived, Philip's reminded us of Pat's, but buried in the color red. It didn't sit on a lot of real estate, but they had a small parking lot to the side, which can't be said for many of the other cheesesteak restaurants. As for eating space or somewhere to sit down to eat, there was 1 picnic table in the parking lot, another on the other side of the restaurant and counter/standing space by the ordering windows. Many folks took their orders to go. The menu was simple - cheesesteaks, roast pork sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, hoagies at the main menu (right side) and fries, onion rings, mozzarella sticks, nuggets and soda on the sides menu (left side). You order your mains at the main menu window and your sides at the sides menu window. As we assume, from pictures and what we saw other customers order, the cheesesteak is the highlight here and probably the only thing ordered by customers, other than the fries as a side. So what did we order? Drum roll please ...... a cheesesteak whiz wit (onions) and cheese fries. I know, big surprise. First, the guys working the window were friendly and courteous, which counts for something. Second, the cheesesteak. It wasn't a huge cheesesteak, but definitely enough to fill 1 person up. There was plenty of melted cheese whiz on the steak, which we loved. However, the steak was on the dry side and lacked the moisture from the oil. Worse, the steak inside the sandwich wasn't chopped/cut up. The pieces of steak were wide and big, which made it hard to take bites without dragging a whole piece of steak out of the sandwich. We definitely were not fans of the large pieces of steak. On the other side though, the fries were very good! They were very crispy and crunchy. They just needed more cheese whiz though because we ran out of cheese half-way thru. That was a big no-no. Philip's is bit off the beaten path in southwest Philly and a drive away from the more popular spots, but I never judge a place by its location. Neither should any one else. As I always say, good food is never ever too far away. However, Philip's has the double whammy going against it - not only is it not in a prime location, but the cheesesteak leaves more to be desired and can use improvement.
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Kathleen D.

Yelp
I had heard good things about Philip's so it came to mind as a potential venue for a quick cheesesteak after a local gathering. Our group of six was efficiently attended to all at the right-side window. Service wasn't friendly but it wasn't grouchy either. It was just what you'd expect from a walk-up food window. I ordered a cheesesteak with whiz and no onions. The bread was good albeit thin and the cheese was well-proportioned. My issue was the meat. I can't deal with a kick in my food, and it seems that they cooked it on the same surface as hot peppers. I don't tolerate peppers well so it was way, way too spicy for me. I'd maybe return in the future but I wouldn't try a cheesesteak again unless I confirmed it had been nowhere near peppers. I doubt that's even possible, so I guess it'd be safer to try one of their hoagies or hot dogs instead.
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Michelle P.

Yelp
I had no clue Philips even existed. I honestly thought my friend was making it up when she suggested going there. It was your quintessential South Philly cheesesteak establishment. It really looked like the rest of them. Please note that this one is cash only. There wasn't a big crowd so the ordering process was fairly easy. We received our sandwiches from the same window that we ordered. The staff wasn't overly enthusiastic nor friendly. My cheesesteak with American, pepper and onion was good late night eats and had all of the steak sandwich must-haves. It did the trick for soaking up some beverages but wasn't any culinary masterpiece. I'd give them another try but they are not getting a place on my coveted best cheesesteak in Philly list.
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Iris S.

Yelp
I like this place but I don't love this place. I am really into saucy, gooey cheesesteaks. My normal order is a cheesesteak with cheese wiz and grilled mushrooms. I literally couldn't see or taste the cheese wiz. I had to open my sandwich to see if it was present. There was a very good amount of beef and mushrooms however. I do like the pickled peppers you can grab from the bucket. They are actually spicy and crispy unlike other places. I also got the fried calzone. Once again sort of dry. The cheese inside was not completely melted. I had to run back to get a side of Marinara (but somehow that was dry too).