Best Street Food in Philadelphia

Street food has enjoyed a long and storied tradition in Philadelphia as much as any other city, including New York. What has made Philly so unique is partially due to the variety of types of cuisine that can be found at food stands and mobile food carts. But even more important to the street food Philadelphia residents and visitors enjoy is the everyday, blue collar feel to the experience, which is quite different from the "haute cuisine" approach that NYC vendors have adopted (except, of course, Nathan's hot dogs) and the 15-minute lunch hustle of Los Angeles catering trucks.

Make no mistake, though. You can find food stands that will serve up an amazing plateful of fruit-filled crepes that is nothing if not high-collar cuisine, like La Dominique Crepes at 33^rd and Market. Sure, the proprietor will throw together a breakfast entrée of a crepe stuffed with sausage that can compete with any hash-slinging L.A. truck, but his skill in sculpting a work of art out of a warm French-style crepe with lemon zest is the height of elegance for fast food Philadelphia.

Breakfast truly is the most important meal of the day, but so many people can't seem to find the time to sit still for a substantial chow down first thing in the morning. Mickey D's Grill - also at 33^rd and Market - has some of the best fast food Philadelphia can offer for breakfast. Instead of regular toast, you'll get two slices of pound cake, browned up just right. Throw in an egg and broccoli raab mixture with provolone and spices and you're on your way to a brighter day.

Lunch is one of the busier times for food carts, with people fitting in a stop to the nearest vendor with their noontime run. But instead of lining up at the same old burger stand day after day, street food Philadelphia offers a whole menu of food styles. Falafels have been a Philly favorite for many years and Christo's Falafel at 20^th and Market is one of the best. Greek Gus has a way with a falafel, but he tends to run out early.

No lunch rush to the food carts would be complete without a cheesesteak, probably the one street food Philadelphia is best known for. Tony Luke's is one of the best food stands around and they serve up a mean cheesesteak with quality beef that's tender and juicy. The "whiz" is optional, but why not have it? It's part of the history. You can find this stand on E. Oregon in the shadows of Walt Whitman Bridge.