Philadelphia is a city that has left a lasting impression on us, not just because of its history and culture (it certainly has), but also because of its food. Back in 2016, we attended Wizard World Philadelphia (where we got to meet Tom Hiddleston), and while our schedule revolved around the convention, we managed to sneak in some memorable meals. Our Philadelphia food adventure was just as memorable as one of the best cons we’ve ever attended.
This isn’t a guide from experts or locals—it’s just a chronicle of what we ate, what we loved, and what we can’t wait to try again someday.
1. Sonny’s Famous Cheesesteaks: Our First Philly Cheesesteak
No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a cheesesteak. We didn’t make it to the famous spots like Pat’s or Geno’s, but near Independence Hall, we stumbled upon Sonny’s Famous Cheesesteaks after seeing great reviews on Yelp.
What We Ordered:
- Cheesesteak with Onions & Cheez Whiz (my pick)
- Cheesesteak with American Cheese (Cristina’s pick)
- Bacon Cheese Fries
Quick takeaway: sometimes, less is more. We added bacon to our cheesesteaks, and while we love bacon on almost everything, Sonny’s cheesesteaks didn’t need it. They were perfect just as they were—juicy, flavorful, and hands down the best cheesesteak we’ve had outside of Philly.
2. Beiler’s Donuts: Sweet Treats at Reading Terminal Market
During our trip, we were listening to the Thinking Outside the Long Box podcast, and they mentioned a donut shop in Philadelphia staffed mostly by Amish bakers. Intrigued, we decided to check it out. That shop was Beiler’s Donuts, located inside the iconic Reading Terminal Market.
For those unfamiliar, Reading Terminal Market is a historic rail station turned food lover’s paradise. It’s a sprawling food court with vendors offering everything from Thai and Greek to Cajun and Mexican cuisine. But for us, Beiler’s was the star of the show.
These donuts were absolutely incredible—soft, fresh, and bursting with flavor. They were so good I joked they might make Richard Dawkins say, “Oh my god!” Cristina loved the Maple Bacon Donut, while I couldn’t get enough of the Caramel Apple Glazed.
The first time we visited Beiler’s, we skipped the donuts and opted for lunch elsewhere in the market. I had ribs and chicken wings that were both delicious and filling, while Cristina went for a hamburger with mac and cheese. The portions were generous, and the price was reasonable.
We returned the next morning for the donuts, and it was totally worth it. I even texted my sister, a Type-I diabetic, saying these donuts were worth losing a foot for (don’t worry, she wasn’t offended).
I got a caramel apple and strawberry filled glazed donut. Cristina opted for maple bacon and a glazed donut. These donuts were so good they would make Richard Dawkins say oh my god!. They were so good I texted my sister, a Type-I diabetic, and told her if she ever makes it to Philadelphia that these donuts were worth her losing a foot.
We did get another meal at Reading Terminal. The sausage with sour kraut was fantastic and relatively cheap especially when I compare it to a favorite Nola spot for similar food. The potato pancake was perfectly done and paired well with applesauce. Cristina opted for a hamburger with mac and cheese that was not as good as Cowbell’s, but it wasn’t that far behind.
3. Food Trucks Outside the Convention Center
One of the unexpected gems of our trip was the food trucks outside the convention center. They weren’t crowded, which meant we didn’t have to wait long for some fantastic meals.
Our Favorite Food Truck: Chef Donte’s Delicious Dishes
- Crab Cake Sandwich
- Lamb Burger
- Sweet Potato Fries with Honey Mayo
The honey mayo was a revelation—it paired perfectly with the crispy sweet potato fries. Unfortunately, it seems as if they have closed. (Let us know if we got that wrong)
4. Kite and Key: A Chill Spot After Sightseeing
On our last day in Philly, we visited the Rocky Steps and then found Kite and Key, a laid-back bar with excellent food and drinks. It also happened to be Philadelphia Beer Week, so naturally, we had to try a local brew.
What We Ordered:
- Yards Orang’n of the Species (a citrusy beer)
- Classic bar food that hit the spot after a long day of walking.
We didn’t stay long (we had a mile+ walk back to the hotel), but it was a great way to end our time in Philly.
Final Philadelphia Food Thoughts
Looking back, our Philadelphia trip wasn’t just about the sights or the convention—it was about the food we discovered along the way. From cheesesteaks to donuts to food trucks, every meal told its own story.
While it’s been years since this trip, we hope to return someday to explore more of Philly’s food scene. If you’ve been to any of these spots—or have recommendations for our next visit—let us know in the comments!
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