Philly - The details we all need to know

[ewrestling4c]

Heading out to the best sporting event that 3 days can offer. My assistant coach and I are coming in late Wednesday night and staying out by the airport.  Need some help with one situation but then looking for a ton of information because I haven't been to Philly since the 8th grade field trip we took.

1. The favor. Anyone know a short term location where we can stash a couple backpacks and carry ons for session 1. We will be ubering over from the airport Thursday morning and our Airbnb won't allow us to bring bags until noon. Does anyone know of a company that does short term baggage holdings?

The real information we all need to know for us coming out of town.

1. Transportation. The public transport looks simple enough. Get to Broad street and ride the rail down. How packed is this baby going to be? How much time from about 6 miles north? It says it takes 40 minutes by train and they come every 20 minutes (is this accurate?)

2. Food and drink - It looks like a ton of options. Xfinity Live looks like a cool place to go for a bit after the round but I am looking to connect with the true wrestling folk of Pennsylvania that know the spots that won't make me mortgage my house again for some drinks, haha. Also, we plan to hit Angelos at least one time for some food.  What are some hidden gems for out of towners.  

3. Activities - Suggestions on in between sessions for activities that are close and worth the time over socializing with fellow wrestling fans and drinking?

4. I see a ton of fantasy leagues. Would love to join if possible in any you have going. Shoot me a message.

[Voice of the Quakers]

Recollections from my six total years in Philly, the last NCAA tourney there and some other generic spitballing...

Definitely recommend the SEPTA Orange Line to get to the arena. The trip from City Hall is not very long, but do plan on an hour given crowds on the train and crowds getting into the arena.

And, Philly is a relatively inexpensive big city. Everyone has their favorite neighborhood, so I won't make a specific recommendation. But, if you stay east of the Schuylkill River and south of Spring Garden/Northern Liberties/Fairmount you will find a wide variety of bars and restaurants at various price points. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are east of Center City and also readily accessible by the SEPTA Blue Line. 

That being said, I think you will find it inefficient to go back and forth from the arena to your hotel in between sessions. Xfinity Live will definitely keep you hydrated.

A couple other recommendations if you're feeling adventurous:

• Call an Uber and have them take you and your group to Pat's/Geno's for the mandatory cheesesteak taste test.
• If you're looking to do something really different, Eastern State Penitentiary is amazing, and the Fairmount neighborhood is really cool.
• I'm partial to my old campus. Penn has the Palestra, Franklin Field, College Hall (the model for the Addams Family, mansion) and people will be generally nice enough to let you in to take a look around. (Franklin Field is almost always open to runners.) 
• I plan on being at Reading Terminal Market for "breakfast" on Saturday to keep my streak of missing Session 5 alive. It's the largest food hall you can imagine, for lack of a better term.

Enjoy your trip!

[BloodRound]

Just now, Voice of the Quakers said:

Call an Uber and have them take you and your group to Pat's/Geno's for the mandatory cheesesteak taste test.

Geno's sucks big time in comparison to Pat's.  The latter is pretty good (don't let locals tell you otherwise), but Rocco's is actually the most elite cheesesteak in South.  I just saved you all a bunch of time.

[Voice of the Quakers]

Just now, BloodRound said:

Geno's sucks big time in comparison to Pat's.  The latter is pretty good (don't let locals tell you otherwise), but Rocco's is actually the most elite cheesesteak in South.  I just saved you all a bunch of time.

I'm a Pat's fan. Some people like Geno's. Some people, for whatever reason, like Jim's on South Street. To each their own.

Honestly, any food cart cooking in the morning will probably make you a great cheesesteak. 

[Elevator]

2 minutes ago, Voice of the Quakers said:

Recollections from my six total years in Philly, the last NCAA tourney there and some other generic spitballing...

Definitely recommend the SEPTA Orange Line to get to the arena. The trip from City Hall is not very long, but do plan on an hour given crowds on the train and crowds getting into the arena.

And, Philly is a relatively inexpensive big city. Everyone has their favorite neighborhood, so I won't make a specific recommendation. But, if you stay east of the Schuylkill River and south of Spring Garden/Northern Liberties/Fairmount you will find a wide variety of bars and restaurants at various price points. Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell are east of Center City and also readily accessible by the SEPTA Blue Line. 

That being said, I think you will find it inefficient to go back and forth from the arena to your hotel in between sessions. Xfinity Live will definitely keep you hydrated.

A couple other recommendations if you're feeling adventurous:

• Call an Uber and have them take you and your group to Pat's/Geno's for the mandatory cheesesteak taste test.
• If you're looking to do something really different, Eastern State Penitentiary is amazing, and the Fairmount neighborhood is really cool.
• I'm partial to my old campus. Penn has the Palestra, Franklin Field, College Hall (the model for the Addams Family, mansion) and people will be generally nice enough to let you in to take a look around. (Franklin Field is almost always open to runners.) 
• I plan on being at Reading Terminal Market for "breakfast" on Saturday to keep my streak of missing Session 5 alive. It's the largest food hall you can imagine, for lack of a better term.

Enjoy your trip!

Jeez - if I could only be there for one session it is session 5.   But true that the Market is awesome and worth trying to squeez in.

[Coastal]

They make quality cheesesteaks across the US.   Best I ever had was in Santa Barbara, California.    No where comes close to the roast pork in Philadelphia.   Don't waste your time on cheese steaks when you can get pork, provolone and garlic broccoli  rabe (some Phillistines use spinach instead).

[Voice of the Quakers]

5 minutes ago, Elevator said:

Jeez - if I could only be there for one session it is session 5.   But true that the Market is awesome and worth trying to squeez in.

God bless all the wrestlers competing for 3-8. But, Friday is a long liquid day and I need my rest and my Market before Finals Saturday night.

[Elevator]

15 minutes ago, Voice of the Quakers said:

God bless all the wrestlers competing for 3-8. But, Friday is a long liquid day and I need my rest and my Market before Finals Saturday night.

I have been hit in the head too many times - you are right.  Session 4 w semis is the one that should not be missed.  Good call.

[BloodRound]

31 minutes ago, Voice of the Quakers said:

Some people, for whatever reason, like Jim's on South Street.

AVOID.  Joe Steaks in Fishtown is surprisingly good for being such a pricier one.

Edited Thursday at 03:50 PM by BloodRound

[CraigOR]

Great thread, local info is one of my favs.

For those familiar with SEPTA, how long (in time) of a trip from Philly Airport to Center City.  Jeff Station I think?  Am staying on Walnut St.  Thanks in advance.

[bnwtwg]

I'm in Fort Washington at least once a month so not a local but aware enough to provide some input.

If you are staying by the airport then rent an airport locker for your belongings and get them on the way back to your place. Or ask if you can pay an extra $50 cash to drop off early - bribery tends to relieve burdens.

Uber/Lyft or Orange line if you go public transit. But do you want to save time or money?

The fan zones are always popping, expect the same again. Any cheesesteak is good so try a couple to make your own decision. For nightlife, just make friends with the people in your seating area and tag along to wherever sounds like the most fun out of the options.

Philly is a very historically relevant city so you can check out any of the historical sights - buy tix now to not wait in line. Low time cost to get your fill while budgeting accordingly going from arena to food to attraction to arena.

The city is pretty easy to navigate and affordable as far as the NE megalopolis is concerned.

[PortaJohn]

48 minutes ago, BloodRound said:

Geno's sucks big time in comparison to Pat's.  The latter is pretty good (don't let locals tell you otherwise), but Rocco's is actually the most elite cheesesteak in South.  I just saved you all a bunch of time.

 

46 minutes ago, Voice of the Quakers said:

I'm a Pat's fan. Some people like Geno's. Some people, for whatever reason, like Jim's on South Street. To each their own.

Honestly, any food cart cooking in the morning will probably make you a great cheesesteak. 

Ew to both Geno's and Pats

[BloodRound]

2 minutes ago, PortaJohn said:

Ew to both Geno's and Pats

Ok what's your favorite?

[PortaJohn]

16 minutes ago, BloodRound said:

Ok what's your favorite?

1) Del Rossi's on N 4th st - Center City Area

2) Angelo's on s 9th st.  (Bring Cash) - North of Christian St/ South of South St

3) Uncle Gus's at Reading Terminal - Center City Area

4) John's Roast Pork on snyder ave.  Close to the stadium

5) Steve's Prince of Steak off Woodhaven and the Boulevard for anyone coming from North of Philly

6) Dalessandro's for anyone that might be staying around Manayunk

Overrated: Genos, Pats, and Tony Lukes

Famous, Good, but not spectacular; Jim's on South St

WINGS:  Only one king in this category and it's Moriarty's Irish Pub

 

Edited Thursday at 04:24 PM by PortaJohn

[BloodRound]

30 minutes ago, PortaJohn said:

WINGS:  Only one king in this category and it's Moriarty's Irish Pub

Ok you got good taste there.

[TommyTechnique]

50 minutes ago, PortaJohn said:

1) Del Rossi's on N 4th st - Center City Area

2) Angelo's on s 9th st.  (Bring Cash) - North of Christian St/ South of South St

3) Uncle Gus's at Reading Terminal - Center City Area

4) John's Roast Pork on snyder ave.  Close to the stadium

5) Steve's Prince of Steak off Woodhaven and the Boulevard for anyone coming from North of Philly

6) Dalessandro's for anyone that might be staying around Manayunk

Overrated: Genos, Pats, and Tony Lukes

Famous, Good, but not spectacular; Jim's on South St

WINGS:  Only one king in this category and it's Moriarty's Irish Pub

 

Good list but disagree on Dalessandro's.

[PortaJohn]

5 minutes ago, TommyTechnique said:

Good list but disagree on Dalessandro's.

Most do agree with you but people visiting seem to really like it.  I go to chubbs across the street.

Edited Thursday at 05:22 PM by PortaJohn

[Pinnacle]

3 hours ago, BloodRound said:

Geno's sucks big time in comparison to Pat's.  The latter is pretty good (don't let locals tell you otherwise), but Rocco's is actually the most elite cheesesteak in South.  I just saved you all a bunch of time.

They both suck. Any visitor would get a better steak sandwhich pretty much anywhere else. 

[Pinnacle]

1 hour ago, TommyTechnique said:

Good list but disagree on Dalessandro's.

They make a fantastic steak sandwhich imo. 

[ScarletKnight]

5 hours ago, CraigOR said:

Great thread, local info is one of my favs.

For those familiar with SEPTA, how long (in time) of a trip from Philly Airport to Center City.  Jeff Station I think?  Am staying on Walnut St.  Thanks in advance.

30 minutes.  If you want to save more money, you can take the 37 bus instead.  35 minutes goes to broad and snyder (you would have a longer walk too) - the bus goes in 2 directions so just double check you are going towards center city and not south to Chester when you go on it.

https://www.septa.org/schedules/AIR?startStop=90401&endStop=90006&directionId=0&date=2025-03-19

https://www.septa.org/schedules/37?startStop=633&endStop=31566&directionId=1&date=2025-03-20

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WrestleFan12]

7 hours ago, Voice of the Quakers said:

 

• If you're looking to do something really different, Eastern State Penitentiary is amazing, and the Fairmount neighborhood is really cool.

Great suggestion. Cool place to visit. There used to be a good restaurant/bar right across the street from it, too...not sure if it's still there.

Another unique place to visit is the Mutter Museum in Rittenhouse Square. It's explores the history of medicine, and is filled with some really strange stuff...if you want to see a massive diseased colon, or an enormous preserved testicle, this play has got you covered.

Edited Thursday at 10:47 PM by WrestleFan12

[1032004]

7 hours ago, BloodRound said:

Geno's sucks big time in comparison to Pat's.  The latter is pretty good (don't let locals tell you otherwise)

Agree, I feel like people think it’s cool to hate on Pat’s, but they did literally invent the thing.   I much prefer them to Jim’s (seems like @Voice of the Quakers agrees) for example, yet Jim’s takes forever and Pat’s dishes them out like every 5 seconds.

That said, Angelo’s might be both my favorite pizza and cheesesteak ever.  Portnoy does know what he’s talking about

[flyingcement]

I've known some people to attempt the Philly Taco.  You go to Jim's on South Street to get a cheese steak, then go across the street to Lorenzos to get a giant slice of pizza.  Wrap the pizza around the cheesesteak and enjoy!  lol

[lisa morales]

Kensington!   largest open-air drug market in the United States.  Has to be a stop.

[ionel]

26 minutes ago, flyingcement said:

I've known some people to attempt the Philly Taco.  You go to Jim's on South Street to get a cheese steak, then go across the street to Lorenzos to get a giant slice of pizza.  Wrap the pizza around the cheesesteak and enjoy!  lol

Says the guy who could make weight with all his clothes and boots on.