Philadelphia Cheesesteaks: Mama’s - One Cheesesteak to Rule Them All (1 Viewer)

[ReallyGoodUsername]

I spent an entire summer traveling to Philadelphia (split between the city and Collegeville) when I first started working. I was able to try about a dozen or more cheesesteak shops but IMO one put all the rest to shame: Mama’s Pizzeria. It’s about 25 min northwest of the city in Bala Cynwyd but it’s classic with marinara sauce is legitimately my favorite food I’ve ever had (including plenty of fancy shmancy client dinners).

Why am I bringing this up? It’s been about four years since I was last down there - and brought a large cheesesteak back with me to Boston on the plane - and now my girlfriend is going down next week for work and agreed to bring me back three cheesesteaks (she’s the one ) and I couldn’t be more excited. My mouth literally waters when she even mentions anything trip related.

Love to hear what other cheesesteaks people love in Philly. Feel free to skip over Geno’s and Pat’s

 

[MegaTon44]

Lived in Philly for 33 years, been in Collegeville for the last 2. Never heard of Mama's - guess I need to get out more. Then again, I don't get over to the Main Line very often due to the ultra-wealthy, pompous douchebag concentration.

Being from NE Philly (blue collar, cops and firemen section), more of a Jim's and Steve's Steaks fan myself.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

Lived in Philly for 33 years, been in Collegeville for the last 2. Never heard of Mama's - guess I need to get out more. Then again, I don't get over to the Main Line very often due to the ultra-wealthy, pompous douchebag concentration.

Being from NE Philly (blue collar, cops and firemen section), more of a Jim's and Steve's Steaks fan myself.

You gotta try it! Well worth the douchebaggery and it’s got an extremely blue collar mom & pop vibe to it.

Are you talking about the Jim’s on south street or the one in West Philly? Both were really good but the one in WP was my #3 which also served beer but is now closed for good

 

[FDLmold]

Meat and cheese on bread, maybe some other stuff. Without trying any of them, I'd bet that I'd like them all.

 

[MegaTon44]

I'll check out Mama's sometime. Have to now due to the recommendation. I was referring to Jim's on South Street.

I host my monthly poker game in Collegeville on Saturday 9/14. Hit me up if you'll be in town.

 

[Klobberer]

If you put marinara on a cheesesteak, you're disqualified from judging! Geno's, Jim's, Abner's and out west in Chesco...Peppermill.

 

[Phish1321]

New Jersey has some really good cheesesteaks. I’ve had Pats and Genos and thought they were both terrible. I’ll have to try Mamas my next time there.

 

[Ellasdaddy]

We were meh on Pat's and Geno's. Jim's was ok. But we used to sometimes make late night weekend trips to Tony Luke's. All about the roast pork Italian.

Thankfully now we live close to a pork store that makes it fresh and its almost identical.

 

[Tommy]

Pats and Genos are just tourist traps Average food, high prices. Pay to look at all the pictures.
Tony Lukes is better for other types of sandwiches. Broccoli rabe and chicken cheese steaks.

Jim's on South St are decent.
But if I'm on South St and want a cheese steak, I'm going to Ishkabibbles.

At home,
Landis Lean Sirloin Tip Beef Steaks
Provolone
Sarcone's seeded bread

 

[Esection]

Lived there for 7 years

Jim's all the way

Partial to Abner's in West Philly but couldn't argue it's the best.

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

If you put marinara on a cheesesteak, you're disqualified from judging! Geno's, Jim's, Abner's and out west in Chesco...Peppermill.

Geno’s?

YOU SIR, are disqualified.

 

[Klobberer]

Geno’s?

View attachment 335226

YOU SIR, are disqualified.

In Geno's vs Pat's...Geno's. In great tasting cheesesteaks...the others.

 

[Chippy McChiperson]

Jim's whizz witout

 

[BigChief]

Jim's whizz witout

This is exactly what I would choose as well!!

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

Jim's whizz witout

This is exactly what I would choose as well!!

Agreed, #1 Mama's #2 Jim's (central philly) #3 Jim's (west philly).

 

[Hot Nuts]

I like John's Roast Pork. 3/4 of a lb of greatness!

 

[ReallyGoodUsername]

4.5lbs of heaven...

 

[CraigT78]

View attachment 340010

4.5lbs of heaven...

View attachment 340017

I'll ship you another $50 if you put one of those in with my chips

 

[WoodburyPoker]

Yeah dudes! Former Main Liner, West Chest U. Grad, and Royersford resident.
I used to work at the Circuit City in Berwyn, Pa while in college. There was a place called "Sal's". Not sure if it's still around. Best cheesecake and pizza steaks (with the red sauce).

 

[WedgeRock]

I'll ship you another $50 if you put one of those in with my chips

Genius. New chips, pre-oiled.

 

[CraigT78]

Genius. New chips, pre-oiled.