Philadelphia is a city that lives and breathes its sports teams, and nothing captures that passion quite like a tailgate. Before you head to the stadium to cheer on the Birds or the Phils, you need to fuel up with the best food the city has to offer. Forget the standard burgers and hot dogs—a true Philly tailgate features legendary local fare. From classic cheesesteaks to epic hoagies and mouthwatering BBQ, here's a guide to where to get the best of the best for your next game day.
Philadelphia is a city that lives and breathes its sports teams, and nothing captures that passion quite like a tailgate. Before you head to the stadium to cheer on the Birds or the Phils, you need to fuel up with the best food the city has to offer. Forget the standard burgers and hot dogs—a true Philly tailgate features legendary local fare. From classic cheesesteaks to epic hoagies and mouthwatering BBQ, here's a guide to where to get the best of the best for your next game day.The Cheesesteak: The King of the Tailgate
A cheesesteak is more than a sandwich; it's an institution. While you can't go wrong with many of the city's iconic spots, some stand out for their quality and portability, making them perfect for a tailgate.
- John's Roast Pork: While the name highlights a different famous sandwich, John's is perennially ranked among the city's top cheesesteak spots. Their use of a crusty, hollowed-out seeded roll from Carangi's Bakery ensures the sandwich holds up well, and they're known for their no-Whiz-allowed policy, a true sign of a purist.
- Dalessandro's Steaks: Located in Roxborough, Dalessandro's is a local favorite known for its finely chopped steak and a perfect distribution of cheese. The sandwiches are massive and full of flavor, making them an excellent choice for a hungry crowd.
- Jim's South Street: A South Philly classic, Jim's has a loyal following for its consistently delicious, juicy cheesesteaks. The open cooking counter adds to the experience, and the location is easily accessible.
The Hoagie: The Crowd-Pleaser
For a more shareable and cooler-friendly option, nothing beats a classic Italian hoagie. Look for spots that use high-quality meats and, most importantly, a fresh, crusty roll from a local bakery like Sarcone's or Liscio's.
- Angelo's Pizzeria: While they're famous for their Pizza and cheesesteaks, Angelo's hoagies are equally sought-after. This cash-only spot offers traditional Italian hoagies piled high on a seeded Sarcone's roll, making them a top-tier choice for your tailgate spread.
- PrimoHoagies: With multiple locations, PrimoHoagies is a convenient and reliable option. Their hoagies are always fresh and made to order with a wide variety of meats and cheeses. You can also order party trays to make feeding a large group even easier.
- Cosmi's Deli: This old-school South Philly deli has been a neighborhood institution since 1932. Known for both their cheesesteaks and their hoagies, they offer a classic Italian hoagie with thin-sliced meats and fresh ingredients that make for a perfect pre-game meal.
The BBQ: A Delicious Alternative
If you're looking to bring something different to the party, Philadelphia's BBQ scene offers some incredible options for takeout. Meats can be ordered by the pound, which is ideal for a large gathering.
- Mike's BBQ: Located in South Philly, Mike's BBQ is widely beloved and known for its Texas-style brisket. They often sell out, so it's a good idea to order in advance. Their brisket cheesesteak is a legendary fusion of two Philly favorites.
- Sweet Lucy's Smokehouse: A Northeast Philly staple since 2003, Sweet Lucy's offers slow-smoked ribs, pulled pork, and all the classic homemade sides you could want. Their catering options are perfect for tailgating, and they'll happily pack everything up for you to go.
- Fette Sau: Located in Fishtown, Fette Sau specializes in high-quality, dry-rubbed, and smoked meats sold by the pound. With options like brisket, pork ribs, and pulled pork, you can create a custom BBQ feast for your crew.
Don't Forget the Extras!
No Philly tailgate is complete without a few key sides. Make sure you grab:
- Soft Pretzels: The iconic Philly soft pretzel is a must-have. You can find them at many street vendors or at bakeries like the Center City Pretzel Co.
- Tomato Pie: A simple yet delicious alternative to traditional Pizza, a tomato pie from a local bakery like Corropolese or Cacia's is an excellent addition to any spread.
- Scrapple and Pork Roll: For an authentic breakfast tailgate, bring a griddle and cook up some classic scrapple or pork roll sandwiches.
