585838 Wed Jan 07 07:28:12 -0800 2009 13 15 Pennsylvania 0 4303555 Hello All, I'm prepping a field trip for approximately 100 high school students to Philadelphia. We'll be hitting town right around lunchtime, and wanted to take them for cheesesteaks (why drive to PA just to take them to McDonald's?). Any recommendations on venues that are tasty and commodius enough to handle two tour buses of kids? I realize I may be asking for the impossible...They are very well-behaved kids, by the way, so don't worry about them wrecking your lunch experience. :) We'll be coming up 95 N from Virginia, and heading towards the downtown tourist district... Thanks! Wed Jan 07 07:28:12 -0800 2009 75807 amandasue76 1 4303564 What are you visiting on the field trip? Franklin Institute? Independence Hall? Wed Jan 07 07:32:18 -0800 2009 4303555 210226 rocknroll52 2 4303587 We're not entirely sure. We figure we'll be heading in the direction of Independence Hall and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, but we usually end up breaking up into 2 or 3 separate "experiences" so that we're not such a huge group. So, our itinerary isn't set, yet. Wed Jan 07 07:39:47 -0800 2009 4303564 75807 amandasue76 1 4303599 Go to Pat's and Gino's (theyre right across the street from each other). Send 50 of them to each and have them compare notes afterwards. There are some who will poo-poo these two places but, trust me, they will thank you. And, these two places can move a lot of people through quickly. Pat's is at 1237 E Passyunk Ave and Gino's is at 1219 S 9th St. Both are walk up to the window, order, pick up at the next window. Wed Jan 07 07:42:32 -0800 2009 4303555 124339 bnemes3343 2 4303815 I'm not really a fan, per say, of either Pat's or Gino's - but I think it would make a great experience for a bunch of high schoolers, and it would be fairly easy for them to get in and out quickly. It's also right next to O Sandwhiches if you have anyone who can't eat Beef, but doesn't want to starve (there's not a whole lot of selection @ Pat's & Gino's, it's pretty much just Cheesesteaks and cheese fries). Wed Jan 07 08:45:55 -0800 2009 4303599 211484 PhillyA 3 4303848 I know there are those who think Tony Lukes and others are better, but for 100 high school kids, Pat's and Gino's would be perfect Wed Jan 07 08:54:15 -0800 2009 4303815 124339 bnemes3343 4 4305104 definitely pat's and geno's. they are used to high-volume experiences. i like the one person's idea to split them 50-50. reading terminal is a good idea, but i do not think that out-of-town kids would appreciate it. everyone knows about philly cheesesteaks, so maybe sticking to the script will work out better. and bluehensfan point about rtm being packed during the flower show is an understatement. i stay away every year for that week, even though it hurts. :) and rtm isn't open for dinner, so that could only be your lunch option. pat's and geno's could be either/or (if you go to the cheesesteaks, o sandwiches is good as someone said for non-beef sammies. do not go to la lupe. while it is my favorite mexican joint in philly, the service there is SLOW! if you're on a schedule, it just won't do). if you are in old city/idependence hall area, there are a few good pizza joints that they could check out. there is also lorenzo's on south street for huge, mediocre (but totally satisfying) slices....you could let them roam along south street for options too, there's lorenzo's, ishkabibble's and jim's for cheesesteaks, phileo frozen yogurt, maoz vegetarian falafel, south street souvlaki and a few other places that kids would love. there are also a few coffeehouses and a starbucks. Wed Jan 07 13:35:23 -0800 2009 4303848 14941 mazza3 1 4303911 Reading Terminal Market http://www.readingterminalmarket.org could no doubt handle the crowd and does have a wide option of food stalls. However, since Rick's Steaks has departed, they do not have a "marquee" cheese steak vendor, as just a few of the merchants sell cheesesteaks and both are not known for their cheesesteaks per se. The Market would be best to visit on Wedsnesdays through Saturdays when the Amish vendors are open if that helps. Just whatever you do, resist the temptation to take them to the conveneintly located Bourse on 5th between Market and Chestnut Sts. since it is just essentially a food court that could be right at home in any town. Wed Jan 07 09:10:00 -0800 2009 4303748 12572 bluehensfan 1 4303916 Reading Terminal is the best suggestion. That way they will not all be standing in line at the same place. There is much variety: Pa Dutch pretzels, Italian Hoagies from Salumeria, pork sandwich from John's Roast Pork, sushi, mexican, etc. Wed Jan 07 09:10:50 -0800 2009 4303748 210226 rocknroll52 1 4303947 The Reading Terminal Market is a great idea - the best! When I taught school, I would take groups there and they all adored it. There are wonderful cookies, ice cream, ethnic foods, sandwiches, snacks, ets. They can get a cheesesteak there, or whatever they see and want. There are many stands selling things other than food. It will be their favorite experience. The historic area and the Art Museum are not near each other. There is enough in the historic area to keep everyone busy for the day; you could just drive by the Art Museum and see that and the parkway from the outside. You could check group admissions for our Constitution Center. Do you need a dinner place also? Wed Jan 07 09:17:43 -0800 2009 4303748 10307 sylviag 1 4303894 I think both the Pats/Genos/O sandwiches/La Lupe/Bitars (I expanded it slightly) idea and the Reading Terminal Market idea are great. I would also add tony Lukes at Front and Oregon, right off 95 before you get to CC Phila, esp if the trip will be in warmer weather. They are used to the pre-sporting events crowds so 100 teenagers should be a snap! ; ) Wed Jan 07 09:06:23 -0800 2009 4303555 76938 Bigley9 1 4304049 These ideas are awesome! I love the Reading Market idea. I've read about it, and think the kids would love it. Plus, we have some vegetarians, so that should offer them some options. Dinner ideas would be great, too, since we probably won't head for home until six or seven o'clock in the evening. Oh, and our trip is the first Friday in March, so the weather is going to be a factor in our dining and tourism choices. :) Wed Jan 07 09:38:39 -0800 2009 4303555 75807 amandasue76 2 4304063 Just a bit of a word of warning if you're visiting the first week in March around Reading Terminal in that the Flower Show is that week and the Market can get very busy during that time since the Convention Center is across the street....but I would not rule it out! Wed Jan 07 09:41:42 -0800 2009 4304049 12572 bluehensfan 1 4305217 For dinner you could consider Chinatown, maybe reserve the back room at Lee How Fook, they have tables for 10, not sure they could take all 100 though. I agree with other that with the Flower Show the RTM will be super crowded, and yet, I still think it is probably worth battling the crowds. Perhaps you can plan arrive a little early before the lunch rush, say 11:30? Wed Jan 07 14:05:33 -0800 2009 4303555 210226 rocknroll52