Where to Buy Game-Day Grub
Whether you’re tailgating or watching the game at home, food is an important part of every fan’s game day ritual.
Here’s where to score some awesome game day eats during the Eagles’ playoff push.
Cheesesteaks
Success in the postseason is all about fundamentals. Don’t overthink it: Stick to the basics, and grab Philly’s most famous sandwich at one of the spots below, or check out our full guide to where to find the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.
- Angelo’s Pizzeria South Philadelphia: Yes, the pizza is great, but this South Philly shop also serves up some of the best cheesesteaks around. Finely sliced steak, onions and gooey cheese (your choice of Whiz, cooper sharp, American or provolone) are piled high on a seeded Sarcone’s Bakery roll (736 S. 9th Street).
- Pat’s King of Steaks: The original home of the cheesesteak, Pat’s claim to fame is that its founder, Pat Olivieri, invented the steak sandwich in 1930. Since then, Pat’s has grown from a little stand at the southern end of South Philly’s Italian Market to one of the most famous cheesesteak shops in the world (1237 E. Passyunk Avenue).
- Geno’s Steaks: It may be across the street from the oldest cheesesteak joint in town, but Geno’s Steaks is a formidable competitor, going roll-for-roll with Pat’s for decades and fueling friendly competition at the cheesesteak capital of the world. The key to success for the 24/7 spot? Quality thinly sliced rib-eye steak for maximum juiciness, the freshest of onions and house-made bread. Oh, and you can’t miss it; just follow the neon lights (1219 S. 9th Street).
- Tony & Nick’s Steaks: Every sandwich at Tony and Nick’s Steaks — formerly the original location of Tony Luke’s — is worth sinking your teeth into. While many opt for the roast pork sandwich (and who can blame ’em?), the classic cheesesteak is hard to pass up. The restaurant is located on Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia next to an I-95 overpass, making it an easy stop on your way to tailgate (39 E. Oregon Avenue).
Hoagies
The Birds are on a roll. And so are these delicious Philly sandwiches that come piled high with meat, cheese and all the fixins. You can’t go wrong with a game day sandwich (or party tray) from these hoagie spots. Hungry for more? Check out our complete guide to where to find the best hoagies in Philadelphia.
- PrimoHoagies: A shop that got its start in South Philly, PrimoHoagies has expanded immensely in recent years. The sandwich chain has elevated the hoagie with a long list of delicious variants. There are multiple locations across the Philadelphia region, offering one-off sandwiches and plenty of catering options (Various locations including 128 S. 11th Street).
- Cosmi’s Deli: Open since 1932, this tiny corner deli in South Philly churns out some of the best cheesesteaks, hoagies and roast pork sandwiches in Philadelphia. With more than a dozen hoagies on the menu, it can be tough to choose. Order a hoagie tray to sample them all (1501 S. 8th Street).
- Fink’s: Self-dubbed the “King of Gourmet Hoagies,” Fink’s offers its signature hoagie (helpfully named Fink’s Signature Hoagie) with two secret weapons: coteghino (fresh pork sausage) and a secret olive spread. The other gourmet hoagies, named for Northeast neighborhoods, similarly elevate traditional recipes with creative touches. The family-owned shop prides itself on offering affordable hoagie trays that can accommodate any party size (4633 Princeton Avenue).
Pretzels
Sturdy and salty on the outside and chewy and soft on the inside, the Philly soft pretzel is a thing of wonder. Grab a couple, a dozen or a couple dozen for your Eagles tailgate or viewing party.
- Philly Pretzel Factory: Yeah, it’s a chain, but Philly Pretzel Factory pretzels are quintessential. (How many tailgates have you been to where a party platter of mini pretzels are proudly displayed?) With some 30 locations in the Greater Philadelphia area alone, this is a go-to spot for Philly party planners (various locations including 1401 W. Passyunk Avenue).
Sweet Treats
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Eagles-themed treats from these local shops.
- Isgro Pastries: A Philly institution since 1904, Isgro Pastries is one of the rare Philly businesses with a history pre-dating the Birds themselves. Stop into the South Philly location for tailgate treats like Eagles cupcakes, cookies and — of course — a cannoli or two … dozen (1009 Christian Street).
- Federal Donuts: Behold: The Iggle. The glazed and glittered donut is — what else? Green! Pop into any Fed Nuts location to grab the dyed donuts on game day (multiple locations including 540 South Street).