The best cheesesteak in town. There I said it. Juicy chopped 'steak with a good mix of onions and provolone stuffed into a slightly too thin [depth wise] slab. I stopped in quickly for lunch today as I forgot to head to the supermarket this weekend for groceries to bring a lunch with me to work. Boy am I happy I didn't have a chance to go shopping.
Stepping into Abner's is like stepping into a place you've been before. Dimly lit. College banners on the walls proclaiming free stuff when the home team gets x-points that night. A very neighborhoody feel to it. The aging sign outside only adds to the feel of the place as a neighborhood icon, which it has been for the last twenty years. I've heard from a former co-worker that they've got a mean BBQ chicken 'steak, but I opted for the classic 'steak with onions and provolone.
The chef (yes, 'steak makers are chefs) diligently chopped up the beef on the grill into the fried onions letting it simmer for a bit and then grabbed a slab of bread, stuffed some slices of provolone into it and heaped the steak on top. Add in wrapping and payment, I was in there for maybe three minutes. Mmmm. Fast food. I'll have to come back with Messy and try their BBQ Chicken 'steak; they've got a Veggie & Cheese Griller for her and even jalapeño poppers! And like Jim's on South Street, they serve cold beer.
Picky: *****
Messy: (not there)
The final word: As of November 2005, hands down the best 'steak in town.
Abner's Cheesesteaks
38th & Chestnut Streets
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 662-0100
Fax: (215) 662-0129
Su - Th: 11am to Midnight
Fri - Sat: 11am to 3am
[...] However, many real Philadelphians usually prefer their own places and finds, mostly non-touristy locations. Of these, the most intriguing to me was Steve Prince of Steak. I really wanted to try it, but it is a million miles away from where I had access. Instead I had my cheesesteak experience at a place called Abner's, which is fairly well-thought-of among locals (see here and here and here). I don't know if I'm getting the best, but I am getting authentic and representative of the indigenous version. [...]
Being a born and bred Philadelphian I have to agree with you 100%. Abners is hands down the best cheesesteak in the city. Love the blog, keep it up.
Please, spell check your provolone, NOT provAlone. Otherwise, I agree the cheesesteaks there are good.
Steelydad, get a life.
Abner's? Really? I could not disagree more. I live three blocks away and avoid this place like the plague. I've got a lengthier review on my blog, but suffice to say this is one of the worst cheesesteaks you can get in the city.
Do yourself a favor and head down to John's Roast Pork in South Philly or Chink's in North Philly to get one of the city's genuine best cheesesteaks.