If it’s your first time in town my personal recommendation would be to wear out that Chestnut St corridor of Center City if you’ll be walking around. 5 iron is right there on the western side before the bridges to University City, and on the eastern side of that stretch is a great part of town called Old City where Independence Hall and a lot of the historical buildings are. Penn’s Landing and Spruce St harbor park are good spots right there as well. I would steer you to other options than Pat’s but understand wanting to check one off the list. ‘Wiz ‘wit 
. If you want lunch one of my wife and my favorite places is El Rey, a Mexican place in center city but there’s a million things you could do, especially if you’ll be in Reading Terminal. I’d highly suggest getting a roast pork sandwich at DiNic’s in the terminal but I haven’t been down in forever and have no idea what’s open or not right now.
I’d go to Jim’s or Steve’s. Funny enough, I’ve lived here for going on a decade and have had neither Pat’s or Geno’s.
Second the recommendations from @Zachilroy, but I would add Federal Donuts into the mix. Make sure you get a hot fresh, but the fancy are good too. If you’re into something different, Dizengoff has amazing hummus that will be an entire meal. Make sure to walk around Rittenhouse Square. Fantastic coffee at La Colombe.
Awesome thanks for the suggestions. I’ll start crafting an itinerary. I am perfectly okay with skipping Pat’s, Jim’s is even closer to where I’m dropping off my luggage for the day.
Jim’s > Pat’s/Geno’s
You can enjoy Spruce St Park and Penn’s Landing near there. Jim’s opens at 11am, though FYI. Reading Terminal is about a half hour walk west from there.
Federal is solid but if you’re going to Reading Terminal you have to get a Beiler’s donut
I plan to gain ten pounds in the reading Terminal I’ve already decided. The place looks like heaven to me, we don’t have anything like it in San Diego.
Dalessandros > any cheesesteak in south Philly.
Edit: Dallessandros is my favorite, definitely concur that if you’re more towards Center City Jim’s was a great spot. Goddam I miss Philly.
This
Perhaps I should take this to the contrarian thread, but I’m all about Chubby’s.
Dalessandro’s is too busy, too rude, and too crowded. Why bother with all that nonsense when an equally good steak is across the street where you can sit down and enjoy yourself?
I’m thoroughly unable to hear you mention Reading Terminal Market and not immediately throw in a recommendation for DiNic’s for a roast pork sandwich with the sharp provolone with broccoli rabe and roasted red peppers. It’s dense but holy shit is it good. It was a weekly ritual for me when I was living in the city. Hope you enjoy your first visit!
God dammit I want some now. So so so so good.
All of the above. Grab some Federal Donuts, a Fed Nuts chicken sando, Jim’s Cheesesteak, and a cup of La Colombe coffee then take a seat and do the Inquirer crossword in Rittenhouse square.
EDIT: Go to Cira Green and do your crossword! A park on top of a parking garage
Victory donut in the morning? Victory donut in the morning.
Pats is not the best cheesesteak, but go to Pats. It’s just so unique and a true experience (even for breakfast). Jim’s is fine, Steve’s is fine. Delssandros and John’s Roast Pork are even better, but one trip - just go to Pats! I’d also get a proper philly pretzel at some point as well
Great job @anon19752398 you started the cheesesteak debate
Nothing beats a fresh Philly pretzel in the morning that you dip in some cream cheese. Looks like I’m running to my local Philly Pretzel Factory now.
Good morning!
Yesssssss!!! Good choice!!!
Way late to this, but figured it might be helpful info for some. I am just now moving out of the Philly area but during my time there (3 years) I played a lot of solo golf. While places like Shannondell and Pennsauken will let you book single spots online, some others don’t.
In the case of Jeffersonville, I never had an issue getting a single spot, but I just had to call. Last summer they were pretty firm that you had to wait until day of but oftentimes there was always something available for a single (and I’m talking weekend days as I couldn’t get out there during weekdays). But more recently I’ve called a day or two in advance and they have been able to accommodate and slot me in a foursome as a single. While they aren’t super thrilled (probably why they don’t allow it online) it’s pretty easy to do. Never hurts to call!