Long lines in Philadelphia

The viral places people queue for, what to get when you reach the front, how long the wait usually is, and how to beat it. Waits are typical, not live.

10 places in Philadelphia · by Chef Amazing · updated October 23, 2026
Photo: genosteaks.com

1. 1

   DiNic's Roast Pork

   Reading Terminal Market

   Get: Roast pork with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe

   The sandwich that's been named best in America, with a line at the counter to show for it. Expect: 20 to 40 min at lunch. Beat it: go before 11am.

   1136 Arch St, Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
2. 2

   Beiler's Donuts

   Reading Terminal Market

   Get: A fresh glazed donut, or a seasonal special

   Amish-made donuts and a line that never seems to end. Expect: 15 to 30 min on weekends. Beat it: go early on a weekday.

   51 N 12th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107 · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
3. 3

   Pat's King of Steaks

   South Philly

   Get: A cheesesteak with Whiz, ordered "wit" (onions)

   The cheesesteak face-off with Geno's across the street. Expect: often 15 to 30 min late at night. Beat it: know your order before you reach the window.

   1237 E Passyunk Ave, Philadelphia · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
4. 4

   Geno's Steaks

   South Philly

   Get: A cheesesteak with provolone and onions

   The neon rival of Pat's, open all night. Expect: about 15 min. Beat it: go mid-afternoon.

   1219 S 9th St, Philadelphia · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
5. 5

   John's Roast Pork

   Pennsport

   Get: A cheesesteak or roast pork on a seeded roll

   A James Beard classic many Philadelphians rate above the tourist stands. Expect: 30 to 45 min at lunch. Weekday lunch only. Beat it: get there by 11am.

   Also on the list: The best cheesesteak in Philadelphia.

   Map · Add to Chef Amazing
6. 6

   Angelo's Pizzeria

   South Philly

   Get: A cheesesteak on their own seeded roll, and a plain pie

   Michelin-noticed cheesesteaks and pizza from a 9th Street storefront. Expect: lines out the door, phone orders take hours. Beat it: call the moment they open, or go at 11am.

   Also on these lists: Breakfast and sandwiches in Philadelphia, The best cheesesteak in Philadelphia, The big-night tables of Philadelphia.

   736 S 9th St, Philadelphia · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
7. 7

   South Philly Barbacoa

   Italian Market

   Get: Lamb barbacoa tacos and the consommé

   Cristina Martínez's weekend lamb tacos, a Netflix Chef's Table subject. Expect: 20 to 45 min on weekend mornings. Beat it: go early, they close when the lamb runs out.

   Also on the list: Where locals eat in Philadelphia.

   1134 S 9th St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
8. 8

   Dalessandro's Steaks

   Roxborough

   Get: A cheesesteak with fried onions, and the cherry peppers

   The cheesesteak many locals pick over Pat's and Geno's. Expect: 20 to 30 min at dinner. Beat it: go at lunch on a weekday.

   Also on the list: The best cheesesteak in Philadelphia.

   600 Wendover St, Roxborough · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
9. 9

   Middle Child

   Washington Square West

   Get: The Phoagie and the BLT

   A sandwich shop with a cult following and viral BLTs. Expect: 20 to 40 min at weekend brunch. Beat it: go on a weekday morning.

   248 S 11th St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing
10. 10

    Termini Bros Bakery

    East Passyunk

    Get: Cannoli filled to order

    An Italian bakery since 1921, filling cannoli in front of you. Expect: long at holidays, short otherwise. Beat it: avoid the week before Christmas and Easter.

    1523 S 8th St · Map · Add to Chef Amazing