Abner’s Cheesesteaks
3813 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA, 19104
Abner’s Cheesesteaks Menu
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Address :
3813 Chestnut St
Philadelphia, PA, 19104 - Phone (215) 662-0100
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 12
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
Categories
Pizza
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Over the years, different pizzerias in the United States have developed their own respective regional variations. Pizza gained popularity as the iconic dish in the United States in the second half of the 20th century. Whether you prefer thin or thick crust pizza, you can find a pizza of your preference at the best pizza restaurants in your city.
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Sarah T.
This Vintage (e.g. Hasn't been updated in a while) pizza and cheesesteak place in University City is really good. I ordered my cheesesteak (yes I don't usually eat meat but decided to cheat today) and paid quickly. There is a lady whose sole job is to man the cheesesteak grill, and she asks you how you would like it (salt, pepper, type of cheese, mushrooms, onions, etc) and quickly makes it as you wait. In 3-4 minutes, I had an average-sized, sizzling hot, custom made sandwich. The roll is really good- legit. The meat was of good quality, and the amount of cheese, mushrooms, and onions in my steak was absolutely perfect. I've heard their fries are really good (and they smell great) but didn't try them on this visit. They support Penn and Drexel basketball, and if either scores 100+ points in a game, you get a free cheesesteak. This has the feel of a small, neighborhood hole in the wall that has been here since the 30s because of quality. The decor is dated, yes, but if you're going out for a slice or a cheesesteak, you probably aren't looking for a 5 star dining experience. I will definitely be back to try their pizza... And the next time that I cheat.
(4)Dave M.
The place is pretty old and showing its age but they do they 2 flat screens on the ceiling showing ESPN. They maintain it pretty well though. It's large enough to hold about 80 people. I just got a cheese steak ($7.88 incl. tax) with onions and provolone. It was about 10-12" and the taste was good. It wasn't breathtaking but a cheese steak is a cheese steak. The service was the bad thing. The girl working the front was slightly rude and seems uninterested in working. The man I'm assuming is the owner was friendly though. Overall, it's not a bad option if you really need to eat.
(3)Dmitri T.
Had my first Cheestake yesterday at this place. Apparently there is usually a line, but I was after 9:30 pm so there wasn't any. My Cheestake was made in front of me. I really liked the bread but the meat was kinda wet and I'd put more of it. I'd give it another minute to cook tho. It was takeaway, but wrapped really bad, when I got it of the bag, juice was all over my hands and eating experience was pretty messy. No napkins where included. It was average Cheestake, price though ( i got with extra cheese) $8,80 I think that's expensive. Not the place to go for Cheestake in my opinion unless it's late and you are really hungry.
(3)Chih Chao C.
First time experience to taste the Philly Cheesesteaks. Actually, it's not bad. But what's the difference between other places? Maybe I just expect too much for the well-known food.
(3)Emily G.
Good enough. If you are looking to grab a cheese steak while in the area, this will fit the need. Our hotel was nearby and recommended it as somewhere in walking distance. Definitely good enough for what we came for... a cheese steak while we were in philly. The atmosphere is good enough, and the food decent. The service was slow, especially considering there weren't many people around.
(3)David B.
I was in the city for business and a convenient parking spot around the "lunch hour" led me to Abner's. Some glowing reviews on Yelp! did not hurt either. The decor is very 1980s ish. They have a ton of sports pictures covering the wall of the dining room. Most of them are hanging somewhat crooked but hey, I guess you can say that adds character. They also have a banner hanging inside the restaurant stating that when the Drexel Dragons score over 100 points, free cheesesteaks. The place was fairly empty for noon on a Tuesday afternoon in the city. I did not take this as a sign of positivity. To compliment the vacancy, the service was also very slow. The woman working the grill and the cashier were not very welcoming either. On to the food, I went cheesesteak with fried onions and mushrooms. For me this was an average cheesesteak, nothing special. I did enjoy the fresh pickles and banana peppers that were available from the condiments bar. The place started to pick-up as I was finishing. PennDot must have blown the lunch siren. Most grabbed steaks but I saw one very unflattering looking slice of pizza come out as well. The gentleman who had the slice was also enjoying a 40 oz Coors Light. So maybe that balanced things out a bit. As you can probably gather, I am in no hurry to come back and a little disappointed that I whiffed on lunch, while in the city. There are so many great dining options. A convenient location won out this time around. I also remain a little perplexed by the amount of 4-5 star reviews.
(2)Joel L.
Good cheese steaks , good fries , if I lived around here , I could see myself coming back , however , is not a place to go out of your way .... it's too dated for my taste , if they cared more , they would remodel .. Three stars for the taste of the food .
(3)Angeleka D.
Maybe I'm not used to the taste of a cheese steak... Don't judge me for this. I ain't Aretha Franklin, but I have to give RESPECT to any business that has been around for decades. That being said, I would have to go back a few more times to find something that will make me sing to the heavens. From what I read from the internet (I solemnly believe everything I read) this place does a bang up job with a philly cheese (hands down) of course I had to find out if the stories were true so off we went. The staff is great, they are wonderful, fun, and generous. The building has a charm to it that includes wooden benches, and pictures along the back wall boasting the history through black and whites.. I honestly had the most fun ordering my food, as I didn't realize cheese wiz may be the secret ingredient. Taking the first bite, I imagined something more moist and flavorful. The beef was literally just that, it didn't have too much flavor so I added salt and pepper.. then pickles...banana pepper... hot peppers, and finally ranch and ketchup. *still no judging!* I know (in my heart of hearts) this is a really great sandwich, personally I can't get down with dry beef ;) However, you don't have years and years of clientele that are exactly alike, and still manage to remain consistent with what you serve. People change, but here the products do not and that in itself is amazing. Abner's leaves me feeling like there is something for everyone! What more is there to truly ask for in the city of Brotherly Love...
(4)Noah R.
One of the best in Philly. These steaks, and waffle fries, have been around since the 80s and they are still amazing. Worth the trip!!
(5)LL T.
Grabbed some late night cheesesteaks with my people when we were in town for the Made in America Festival. The place was packed at 11:30pm on a Sunday, which is not a testament to how delicious the food is but rather, everyone's low standards at that time of night. Food was fine-- nothing to write home about. Service was lacking, but that is to be expected for a late night spot on a college campus.
(3)David C.
Came here because it was late and I didn't have time to go to Geno's or Pat's. Bonus pts for have 40s but the cheesesteak was a resounding just okay. I've had cheesesteak before in a lot of non-traditional cheesesteak venues and I've gotta say I can't really tell the difference. It really just tasted like one I could have gotten at a halal cart in NYC.
(3)Eladia S.
Horrible service! Cashier and cook were not friendly. Both the meat and bread of my cheesesteak sandwich was cold and dry. I had Sonny's Famous Cheesesteaks yesterday and I should've taken the drive and gone today. This place doesn't even come close!
(1)Christopher M.
Great place to have a good cheesesteak and a beer almost at any time!! Even a nice place to watch some sports.
(5)Emily M.
The cheesesteak was just meh in my opinion. Not cheesy enough. Great fries, though, and very friendly staff.
(3)Jackson M.
Best Cheesesteaks in Philly. Ms. Helen will definitely take care of you! Also you must have the waffle fries and pickles on the side. Each and every time I'm in town I make a pit stop to refuel.
(5)Connie L.
1. Cheesesteaks 2. Cheesy 3. Southern diner style I've never been to southern diner, but this is what I'd imagine it look like. Lol. Yeah, I tried their cheesesteak with my parents who were visiting from out of town. I liked that the meat wasn't too dry and it was decently flavorful. Cheesesteaks aren't my favorite, but if I were ever craving one, I'd probably come here again.
(4)Dee D.
Let me say this first: their pizza is very, very good. Great crust, tasty sauce. But-- It took over TWO HOURS for my order to be delivered on a Friday night. Yeah, it's a Friday. But businesses can expect to be busy on a Friday night and plan accordingly. Plus, their steaks are always wet. The bun is always wet from condensation and/or too much oil left in the meat.
(2)Qinzhi J.
We ordered two regular cheesesteaks to go. Never had one before I guess it was good because everyone else say so. A little bit bland for me but you can add pepper and sauce. The onions in it made a blah.
(4)Esther C.
Best cheesesteak that I've had so far! The waffle fries are YUMMY! Also, service and delivery are pretty fast. It's a great place to eat in U-City.
(5)Terrence P.
Horrible customer service. Extra charges when it came time to pay. The girl that rung us up was extremely unprofessional...no type of greeting or communication. Just slapped ketchup on my sandwich which looks horrible. Slammed the food in the bag...no thank you...no have a good day nadda. We were the only ones in LINE. They weren't even busy. I'm not one to really review places but I had to let people know about this experience. I went with a guy who has been going to this establishment for years and he even said he is not going back. Sandwiches were not fully cut and ended up with a lot of grease because it was not drained properly. I understand there is going to be grease but come on. I want to bite into meat and cheese not a sewage sandwich. The food was not even worth the walk. I do not recommend this place...head to a street truck or another local place. PASS.
(1)Ibrakhim I.
They used to be one of the best cheesestake places in the area. The place has changed. I first visited 6 yrs ago. Their cheesestakes got smaller since (since when a full cheesesteak not enough for a 140lb male?) and have nothing that differentiates them from food trucks outside anymore. I'd rather pay more and eat a premium cheesestake (they used to be known for this before). Also. bad customer services but I'm not necessarily concerned about that but the quality of their food has become like that of any other cheap place in the area.
(1)Sadé H.
As a Philly native I have to step in and give this place some kudos. Pat's and Geno's are for tourists and/or South Philadelphians. LoL. Abner's makes one heck of a chicken cheesesteak. I miss the guy that used to work the grill but the woman there now still does a good job. I can only speak on the chicken but my family likes the beef.
(4)Jenny H.
Cheesesteak was solid - the fries and onion rings come frozen from a bag and are pretty generic. But man, that service was as apathetic as it gets. Apparently, you order your cheesesteak from the lady who makes them, but you pay the cashier, who stands about 5 feet away from the cook. Really? She can't pass on my order? That's what they did for phone orders. It also took a while to get any service - they knew I was there, but never even greeted me until about 8 minutes in even though there was only 1 other customer when we walked in. I wouldn't have minded waiting (after all, my sandwich was still being made), but this was just awkward. Star off for that and another star off for the sticky tables. The cheesesteak was good enough to lift this to a 2.5 star, so they'll get a rounded up 3 star review.
(3)Arthur K.
classic cheesesteaks at Penn. fries wit' post palestra, the place to be. tremendous cheesesteaks, hoagies, fries, any sort of food. as good as Jims or Genos. signed autographs of the greats in the walls.
(5)Ma L.
I ordered delivery and it was quite good, although very oily. The cheesesteak with wiz is okay, the meat is tasty but somehow the cheese and steak don't feel together. The seafood combo is very oily, everything is fried. The salad is not very fresh, but it's okay. After all, it's pretty good quality for fast food, but I have had much better. The price is on the reasonable side.
(3)John K.
Not that great of food or service. Came because it was close to the hotel but would rather go to chipotle
(2)Graceypoo M.
This is where I "experienced" a philly cheesesteak in Philly after I took my board exam. I had it wit wiz and I also ordered some seasoned criss cut fries. The sweet pepperoncini peppers are on the house (they have a condiment station) and it goes well with the cheesesteak.
(3)Sujung S.
I went to this place to have a cheese steak while I visited upenn campus. The food here was great! I also had onion rings and it was just okay.
(4)Paul A.
Ok so here's my 12th review... and I'm writing reviews so people like me (who enjoy good food, good atmosphere, good times, and a good bargain- on occasion) can find reliable reviews for the hot and not so hot places around Philadelphia. All that said lets start the review. I had Abner's cheesesteak for the 1st time last night. I passed on some of the other cheesesteak kings in Philly (Geno's, Pats..) deciding that convience was my top priority. I ordered in person for takeout and although the place was packed and there was a line it moved really quickly. That's a plus! The staff was friendly and the hangout was clean. Plus! The food was average and nothing stood out as being anything more than standard. I got a cheesesteak (whiz and fried mushrooms and onions) and waffle fries with a side of whiz. Many yelp reviewers rave about the waffle fries but they were alright and nothing special. I'd probably return when in a crunch and just looking to get something that's good and quick but I don't hold the place up there in the ranks of some other good, quick sandwich shops.
(3)Colleen M.
All around just average.. The cheesesteaks are on the smaller side.. The waffle fries were pretty good.
(3)Kiki L.
Average cheesesteaks and wings. The employees were nice. The business is heavily relied on the university environment. If you would like to experience great cheesesteaks, you might want to consider the vendor at Reading terminals market
(2)D D.
Excellemt example of Philly cheesesteak amd community pride. Visiting from CA and was recommended by Coaches & U of Penn softball team
(5)Kendall R.
HUGE SERVING SIZES My Stromboli could have fed 3 people. The cheesesteaks are pretty big too. The food is good but not great. Pretty average.
(3)Camay C.
Oooey, gooey, greasy and meaty.. all the elements of my perfect cheesesteak! Tourists go to pat's n genos... I'll pass on both. Lunchtime can mean a little of a wait. You'll need plenty of napkins eating here!
(4)Tex C.
The best cheesesteaks in Philly. I know that's a controversial statement, but I don't think it is even close. Chopped meat cooked perfectly with onions, peppers and provolone is my preferred version. And service is almost always friendly, a novel concept for some cheesesteak establishments.
(5)Jay S.
Best place to go for a Cheesesteak around UPenn! On a quieter street near the campus, I was impressed with the the size of the sandwich (had a cheesesteak with onions and Whiz) and the meat had good flavor, and it had just the right amount of onions. I took mine to go, and they did a very nice job of double wrapping it so it would stay hot in transport, and perhaps the best extra was that they also sell beer in singles or six packs...bonus!! I didn't have time to dine in, but it looked as if it would be a great place for late night; lots of character and a relaxed atmosphere. Excellent customer service, and I would definitely go back.
(4)Charlie S.
Went here several times while in college. Great, greasy cheesesteaks. Was my first in the city and still one of my favorites. Calm atmosphere. Not very pretty, but food makes up for it.
(5)Christine U.
For visitors I always recommend Jim's on South Street as the best cheesesteak, but for convenience and my boyfriend who comes to Philly to visit all the time, we opt for Abner's because it's so close and just as good (and also a bit cheaper). Perfect cheesesteaks (gotta get it with whiz and onions) with just the right amount of filling and the waffle fries are good too! Never too busy so you can always get it quick.
(4)Diana L.
I got the cheesesteak which was pretty good. I'm not from Philly and don't know what an amazing cheesesteak tastes like, but I thought what I got was pretty good. It was pricey though (~$7) for basically a hot dog bun, onions, beef, and sauce.
(4)Doug B.
Wow - What a cheesesteak! I met up with a friend near UPenn and we walked to Abner's for lunch. Just when I thought I had tried some of the best, I hadn't eaten here yet. I thought the waffle fries are awesome too, especially when you cover them with WIZ! Will be back soon, thanks Abners!
(4)John C.
Good cheesesteak. I enjoyed one with waffle fries. My tapeworm loved it. Had one from Geno's and Pat's. I liked this one better. I would recommend if you are near here to stop in and grab one.
(4)Michael F.
I went to Drexel and Abner's was a staple late night cheesesteak destination. Oh man, many fond memories of seeing a show at the now defunct Chestnut Cabaret, then strolling over to Abner's. I might give Abner's a 3.5 if I could, but I'll err on the positive side from having a great steak time and time again. You might as well order a big side of cheesefries while you are at it.
(4)Ray L.
I have been in and out of Philly for a couple of weeks now and have eaten at several different places but have not had a single cheese steak. I am ashamed of myself that it took this long. Abner's was right down the street from where I was staying so it was very convenient to get to. Atmosphere: It was a cheese steak place, if you are expecting Le Bec Fin you probably wouldn't want a cheese steak anyway. Selection: Exactly what you would expect, hoagies(it hurts me to say that), cheese steaks and pizza. They also have 50 cent wings that I did not try. Also, they have beer which is a nice addition to some wings and a couple of cheese steaks. Service: Since this is not a full service restaurant I would not usually rate the service but I am because the service was exceptional and the employees were great. Food: I got waffle fries, which were great, a cheese steak for me and a chicken cheese steak for the wife. My cheese steak was great, it is not the sliced steak many people are accustomed to but chopped steak. I got it with cheese whiz and onions. When I got it back to my place the roll was nice and soggy with the juice from the steak. My wife enjoyed her BBQ chicken cheese steak as well, although she does not appreciated the soggy roll as much as I do. Overall: Great place and will return if in the area.
(5)Judy L.
About $7 for the philly cheese steak. Greasy. Flavorful. Greasy. Pretty delicious but I have to knock a star down because of the pool of cheese and grease that collected on my plate.
(3)Hank C.
Still a healthy serving of meat here - it's not spare like at some more famous places - and they subbed in red onions for the yellow ones when they ran out. Plenty of toppings and still a little sticky/dirty, which downgrades them to there, but it certainly still fills and is a hot and delicious treat when we visit.
(3)Jim G.
This is a staple of UPenn. The Cheesesteaks in general are always a good bet when in Philly, but the key to taste lies with the bread. Fresh Italian style rolls are the best and Abner's does a good job. They have been around since 1930, so I guess they are doing something right. The cook is sassy and will make your cheese steak just the way you want it. You want onions? You want cheese? What kind: American, Provolone, Whiz? You want Mayo? Ketchup? As you can see by the questioning if you don't know how you want it they will walk you through the process and you will end up with a cheese steak the way you want it, not the way they think you will like it. I'm pretty boring; steak, onions, and whip on a great tasting Italian roll. The prices are good and the place has plenty of seating. Not fancy, but more like that worn college hangout feel.
(4)Audrey G.
Came here on my last day in Philly to try a cheesesteak! Just got a plain cheesesteak, no extras. It was a solid sandwich, but nothing special. Nevertheless, service was great, and it seems like it would be a great place to hang out with friends and watch a game.
(3)Monsieur A.
First off, I have to say I came here to try the cheesesteaks (after all this is Philadelphia and you have to find the right cheesesteak spot). I must say I wasn't disappointed. The cheesesteak was delicious. Cheesy, greasy and flavorful; the way a cheesesteak is supposed to be. It is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for. The reason I did not give them a good rating however, is because they need to learn the fine art of "customer service". I came into the restaurant and I must say was a bit confused. They people were standing at the far end, I was unsure where to stand to order since it was my first time and they were not acknowledging me. I finally spoke up and the gentleman came over and took my order. I ordered one provolone and another American cheese (white). When he was done cooking he gave it to another employee (a young girl perhaps in her 20's) to wrap the cheesesteaks up for us. She appeared to be a young kid who was careless about her job. I requested they label them so that I can differentiate the provolone from the white American. She told me "yea", and threw them in the bag. When I returned home I realized she did not care and never actually marked them like I asked. When you are in the city of brotherly love you have hundreds of cheesesteak competitors, a little bit of customer service goes a really long way.
(2)Phillip G.
For the price, Abner's is good. It's not over-the-top awesome but it was a hot sandwich with meat and cheese. Prices are quite reasonable at less than $7 for about a foot-long sandwich. The turkey hoagie we shared was also good. The turkey was better than the turkey I had at the Jersey Mike's in Long Beach, for a random comparison. If I was staying longer in Philly I might give Abner's a second run.
(3)Steve T.
Meh cheesesteak. Maybe I'm spoiled by my suburban sandwiches, but I have yet to find a Philly cheesesteak that can hold a candle to the likes of a Lou's or Pudges. Maybe this is how dialects form...what is "cheesesteak" in one area may mean "dogfood" in another. Over years and generations, these subtle nuances can grow to tremendous proportions, resulting in the birth of new languages and employment for google translator code crunchers. Thus, years from now, people in the burbs may say, "did you give the dog his philly cheesesteak" which to out-of-towners would seem like quite a boon for the canine, when in fact said pooch got Alpo.
(2)Ned T.
Abners is great. Staple for Penn and Drexel in University City. No need to travel all the way to South Philly for Pat's or Geno's when Abners is in the backyard.
(4)Thomas M.
Good wings here! Stopped by here after a long day of partying... you get 10 pieces for $5.95 and the value is there. The wings well well fried, crispy on the outside and still juicy on the inside. Sauce felt and tasted right, a little watery but that's how it should be in my mind.
(4)Dev S.
A staple during my college years at Drexel. I ordered a cheesesteak today, about 10 years since my last visit and it's just as good as I recall!
(5)Melissa S.
I ended up visiting here twice during my short visit to Philadelphia - once, because it was close to my hotel and someone said that Abner's had the best cheesesteaks, and a second time, because a colleague who had graduated from UPenn 20 years ago wanted to come visit an old college haunt while we were in town. I guess this place restaurant has been around for a while. According to her, the campus has changed considerably since then, so much that she barely recognizes the area anymore... but there's still Abner's. Coming off a less than thrilling visit to Pat's the day before, I decided to try my luck again with a Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia... I'm not a cheez whiz fan, so I ordered with provolone, and onions. I thought it was slightly meh, but decidedly greasier, tastier and overall a better experience than my visit to Pat's. I'm guessing that I'm not really a fan of cheesesteaks after all. I quit. When my colleagues decided to visit later in the week, I came anyway, but decided... no more cheesesteaks! So I ordered a steak stromboli... which is filled with cheesesteak ingredients. Hah. And it tasted so much better! I have no idea what a stromboli really is supposed to be, but the cheesesteak/stromboli hybrid tasted so much more delicious to me. I thought it was quite good. It was also unexpectedly enormous; I had expected something that looked like a Hot Pocket, but was instead presented with an enormous, greasy monstrosity over a foot long (Los Angeles readers: it reminded me of the portion sizes of burritos at El Tepeyac). It's best split among two people! I found the service to be hospitable and friendly. One of my colleagues asked for a cheesesteak with half whiz and half provolone (which we joked was the "tourist special") and they happily obliged. There's also none of the attitude that seems prevalent at those other two famous rival cheesesteak joints. It seems kinda like a dive locale. Our group was able to sit, eat, drink, watch a basketball game and converse freely for a couple hours into the late night. Prices are cheap and reasonable as well.
(3)Sean S.
Excellent cheesesteaks. Convenient to Wharton school at Penn. Easy in and even long lines move quickly. Friendly staff but delicious steaks. Recommend with onions, peppers and whiz!
(4)Paul L.
First time having a cheesesteak in Philly and I gotta say it was awesome. Staff was friendly and courteous. Service was expedient and the food was great. Will be back in the future!
(4)Carrie C.
For what I was told was "the best cheesesteak in University City," Abner's is only okay. The decoration on the walls is pretty cool, as Abner's is a huge supporter of all the Philly universities. And while the cheesesteak was tasty enough, it really wasn't anything special and the meat was a bit dry. Overall, a fine cheesesteak for a reasonable price, but nothing super special. I would swing by Abner's if I was really craving a cheesesteak and didn't have time to travel further. However, if I had a choice, I would rather take a little bit more time to travel farther and get a juicier, tastier cheesesteak.
(3)Gerald F.
I have a rule. I don't insult places with a "one" any more. But this is a Supreme Food Court decision. Please, please, please take this place back to the way it used to be. I can remember when my friend David Balinsky from U of P Facilities took me here in 1984. I was a veggie and I was really afraid, but they made the most fabulous veggie steak I ever had, and I've NEVER had another as good--anywhere. LAter when I diverged, had the steak, and it was everything everyone said it was. Now--just a relic of the former. It could be so much more, but they would need U of P's help and police to clean up the tramps. I also saw the biggest rat-the size of a cat at the 7-11. Nasty. It will take ALL the tenants to chip in too. But with so much potential, this block could be dynamite again.
(1)Lenny Z.
Abner's is right where it should be, in a collage town. It's the kind of place that's not great, but good enough, and cheap enough. And, they have a menu fit for collage students. I got a cheesesteak and it was what it should be. Greasy and tasty. It's no Pats or Ginos or Jimmy's, not what you think of when you think of a great Philly cheesesteak. It is, however, what you think of as a good cheesesteak in Anytown, USA. So, if you want something quick, cheap, and good enough, check out Abner's, because it is just that.
(3)Arm R.
I like this place better than Geno's and Pat's. The cheesesteaks and the other sandwiches are worth the ride.
(4)Mark B.
My friend and I came here for lunch. Abner's is great because there is parking . Although we have a Chevy suburban which was very difficult to park for such a tight lot. The service is average, but pleasant. Prices are very reasonable for what you get. I got a steak and whiz. I think they put too much whiz on but you can tell them less . I'd probably go for a provolone next time. The rolls are fresh and the steak portion is very generous. This is an old establishment but has an awesome atmosphere and locals. Overall, pretty good place.
(4)Kate W.
I am no expert of Philly cheesesteaks, in fact this was my first. But, living in Chicago and liking popular food establishments, I am an expert at a few things: long lines, lack of parking and wind. No one likes these things. Continually driving around looking for parking makes me more hungry, and more irritable. Add in long lines and wind, and you don't actually want to be eating with me anymore. So when we drove by Pat's/Geno's on a recent cold, blustery day, and saw the very long lines at both, we opted for Abner's. Again, I don't know the difference: but dah-ym! It was delicious. Provolone and wiz (goodbye diet) and criss-cut fries. Unbelievably good. Don't brave the elements. Don't look for parking. Don't wait in line. Go to Abner's!
(5)Jaclyn B.
Flipping fantastic whiz w/out! More meat and fewer $$$ would make more sense. We are about ten blocks, but a delivery charge plus tax, c'mon. $20 including tip for a plain steak and wiz/without? Things that make me go, hmmmmmmmmmm? Prices are subject to change w/o notice-I read the fine print when the menu arrived;) But, I'll be ordering again, because it is THAT GOOD.
(4)Kitty J.
Food-wise, it's a generic pizza/wings/sandwich place. Not amazing, but not unpalatable. Apparently, though, it costs extra to have one three-topping pizza and one one-topping pizza as opposed to two two-topping pizzas. Not to mention they take an hour and a half to deliver them, and when we called, the gal on the phone had the gall to say she didn't think it had been that long despite, you know, phones having time stamps these days. If you're hungry and in the mood for delivery, try another one of the bazillion nearby pizza/wing/sandwich places. You won't be missing anything.
(1)Jimmy S.
This place was one of the first places I've tried for Philly cheesesteaks. I wouldn't say it's bad, it was ok and it came with waffle fries for the meal which was decent. However, I don't think I would be craving to come back here to eat another one of these in the near future. It's great that it's near the campus so that anyone craving a cheesesteak can get some here since it's relatively cheap n affordable. But other than that, not a place I would be dying to try or go back to again.
(2)Jeff G.
I had a great meal here with my family. We had Philly Cheese steaks, and the Abner's special steak, Chicken parm over pasta and a burger. Everything was hot good and oh my goodness reasonably priced. I was shocked as to how reasonable. Great. I would go back and would recommend to a friend.
(4)Lily T.
When I tell people that I'm temporarily living in Philadelphia, the two cheesesteak giants, Pat's and Geno (occasionally Jim's), usually get brought up. If you ask me, I can't taste the difference - enough to rank them at least. What I can tell you is that Abner's also make a solid cheesesteak. They are not widely acclaimed like the other sandwich honchos, but we don't have to only eat what the Food Network tells us, do we?
(4)Tim C.
Been once so far. Super solid cheesesteaks. LOTS of well seasoned meat, cheese, and onions, cooked perfectly. A do it yourself fixings bar, plenty of seating (though I didn't care for the decorating), and sports on a big TV. I definitely prefer it over Pat's or Geno's. In fact, out of the cheesesteaks I've had in Philly so far, this one is my favorite. Did I mention that the people who work there are actually nice? I was beginning to think cheesesteaks were only made by jerks, but these guys proved me wrong... Thanks Abner's.
(4)Mike M.
best cheesesteak in philly. the bread is what makes the sandwich. perfectly greasy. always fresh. make sure you tip them a dollar or more and they take care of you. if i had to have one grease meal before i died, this would be it.
(5)Michael C.
Sketchy tables, unfriendly staff, poor quality-tasting meat and underwhemling bread. All that made for a below average cheesesteak. And yes, I got it with the whiz. The only things Abner has going for it is that it's pretty much the only cheesesteak restaurant in University City and it gives some deals if the local university sport teams do super well. Too bad there's a smattering of food trucks that do cheesesteaks just as well, if not better than Abner's. Be nice to your stomach, find a different place to fix that hunger.
(1)Asuka N.
Back in the good old days, my buddies and I would occasionally order food from Abner's when we were taking it easy. The place itself isn't anything great - there are tables and a couple of booths, but otherwise it's not somewhere you're going to take someone on a date. Aside from that, the food itself was reasonable, if not a bit greasy - eating a cheesesteak was an adventure in and of itself. The food was generic and average; I would say the steak was okay but nothing terribly special, and the same goes for the wings, chicken tenders, and fries as well. It'd also be a stop for us because they sold 40s at a decent price, and, well, who can resist a well-priced bottle of Old English? It is what it is, which is a decent place to get a steak at (probably one of the better stops on campus), as well as other fried, greasy foods.
(3)Rob R.
The waffle fries are a great addition to their cheese steak and the condiment bar is filled with hot peppers, hot sauce, ketchup, and fresh pickles. Yum! While the place looks like it's stuck in the early-90s, the uncompromisingly good (yet greasy) food more than makes up for it. Easily one of my top 5 Philadelphia cheese steaks. Those UCity kids are spoiled with this approachable and affordable cheese steak house.
(5)Grace S.
For what it is, this place is good. They don't claim to be the best cheesesteak spot in Philly or anything else silly or obnoxious, it's a decent place to grab a greasy lunch or dinner if you're hungover or want your occasional splurge meal. The burgers are not that good and I don't like their fries, but the cheesesteak is decent and they have "cheez whiz", lots of meat and they give you sauteed onions if you want. Th emenu is pretty extensive but I don't feel safe ordering anything else. You see lots of Penn undergrads and security people come in here for a quick bite. Plenty of tables and chairs and right next to a strip club, yay!
(3)Kim N.
Abner's is everything a cheesesteak should be. Soft bread, tasty meat, perfectly cooked onions and gooey cheese. I have heard friends rave about other places but when I take them to Abner's, they all agree that they are good. I have been going to Abner's for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. The cheesesteaks are consistently good. I look forward to my next trip to Philly and introducing my son to Abner's.
(5)Kevin C.
Having just moved into my dorm, I headed over to Abner's with my dad and brother for my first cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The place was empty, and it kinda has a grimy feel about it. Our sandwiches were quickly assembled with meat that was already cooked and sitting on the flat top griddle. The self-serve condiments station had hot peppers, which was a nice touch. I ordered my cheesesteak with Provolone cheese and onions, and while it tasted fine, it was a bit on the oily and greasy side. Yeah, a cheesesteak is going to be a bit greasy, but the cheesesteak from Abner's left huge pools of oil - not very appetizing. Overall, Abner's is a decent choice for a cheesesteak fix if you are in the area, but it's not a place that I would go out of my way to get to.
(3)Charles C.
I liked Billybob's better but since it no longer exists, Abner's is the next best cheesesteak around for the college crowd.
(3)Alayne L.
Great spot for a quick and delicious cheesesteak before going to the Rave for a movie or anywhere else in University City. Easy parking and great food. But, I have to specifically note their customer service - always accommodating and friendly.
(4)Meg C.
Abner's was right around the corner from my apartment my second year of college. So I ate here about once every three months. The steaks were good some days, not so great others. It depended a lot on who was making them. Some of the workers were sketchy, as was the manager (that interaction marked my last visit). I remember the steaks being a bit watery, ew.
(2)Tom G.
Probably the best steak in Univ. City. My experiences have varied, though. Sometimes the roll is fresh, the meat is tender, the onions are fully cooked, and the cheese is plentiful. Other times the meat is overcooked, the cheese is sparse, the roll is hard, and the onions are half-raw. It's cheap and good eats for the area. If you go to Penn you've prob. been there a few times. They also deliver to Drexel.
(3)BJ M.
Abners gets a solid 4. The past 2 times I've been there the cheesesteak has been phenomenal. Prior experiences were not so great. Maybe they have turned over a new leaf. Only gripe, bread was not the best IMO. A little too weak,
(4)Kevin S.
I can't help but feel that inspite of it's flaws, Abner's fits perfectly with it's west Philadelphia location. It may be a little grimy and rough around the edges, but it makes up for this where it counts. They make good cheese steaks, and that's the bottom line. It really feels like a neighborhood fixture, as they have more personality in a few faded photographs than the Chilies next store no matter how much goofy stuff they put on the walls. Additionally, the prices won't hurt your wallet, as you can expect to pay half what you would down at Geno's or Pats. The staff is friendly and the food is good. You won't loose any weight eating here but that's why it's good. If you want to double your temptation, they have a decent beer selection and sell by the bottle or the case. Overall, Abner's is a fine place to hang out with some college friends and catch some highlights on ESPN, satisfy that late night cheese steak craving, or exchange your basketball tickets for a free soda to wind down the evening.
(4)Martha M.
Anyone who hasn't visited Abner's during their college days or after a local sporting event must not be from this planet. Abner's tastes best after a night of drinking but the sandwiches are full of meat and very generous with the cheese on a tasty roll. Condiments are on offer as well. One of the highlights is the basin in which to clean your hands after the juice runs over your fingers! The staff is nice considering the shadies that come into the place during late night binges. Stop in and try a sandwich. I don't think you will be disappointed.
(3)Jon L.
An average neighborhood cheesesteak place, with an above average history and cool employees. The steaks and hoagies at Abner's fall into that gray area, where they'll never compete for Best of Philly, but they're still better than Pat's. I really like the criss cut fries, which you may recognize from such fast food places as Chick Fil-A. I think that the criss cut fry is, in general, a much under-appreciated fry, and the crispiness of Abner's version earns big points over the competition. Abner's has a pretty extensive menu, too, for a cheesesteak place. I don't know how I feel about this. I usually like to see a place do a few dishes and do them very well. Unimpressive salads and dishes like mozzarella sticks and chicken nuggets (which, I'm pretty sure, come ready made in a big bag) certainly don't help the business's integrity.
(3)Regina D.
Hands down the best sandwich EVER! You get to watch them cook it right before your eyes.
(5)SANDRA R.
Love these cheesesteaks!
(5)Jim S.
My favorite cheesesteaks in Philly by far. Well, OK Jim's is close, but Abner's is a direct descendant of Jim's. You can all go to Pat's or Geno's but for me nothing compares to Abner's.
(5)David S.
Great service and criss cut fries. I just thought the cheesesteak sandwich itself was bland, average at best. This barely beats Subway.
(3)Luke S.
Where are these bad reviews coming from. All of you Philly people are going to hate me after this review, but this is the second best cheesesteak I've had outside of Philly's Best in Chicago. I lived in Philly for two years and I tried out the Cheesesteak diet, which didn't work as well as the Subway diet. I loved this place!!! The meat was always fresh and the service was always great. Pat's and Geno's are decent, but I would much rather have an Abner's steak with whiz any day over those. If you are in Chicago give Philly's Best a try and let me know what you think of it.
(5)Matt T.
This place is not pretty, but it makes a pretty solid cheesesteak. Onions are optional and peppers and mushrooms are a 60 cent addition. Great bread and great, well-seasoned steak. Large selection of beer, nice flat-screen televisions to watch baseball, and plenty of seating for the large and soon-to-be large. Glad I don't live within 100 miles, because Abner's would become quite a habit.
(4)Zac S.
I haven't been to Philly in a decade, and I'm staying in University City. I am extremely jetlagged so I picked whatever place to get a steak that was close. Abner's is definitely a divey joint, kind of dirty inside. The guys working the counter were nice, though, and cooked me and my buddy up some steaks right away. Meat was really fresh, as were the rolls. They melted the cheese well, although I'll be honest, there wasn't nearly enough cheese. Other than that, though, this place was a quality choice, especially given that I refused to take a cab ride at the time.
(4)Drew W.
I have not eaten here in some time, but even now I remember how bad this place was. While visiting Philadelphia with my family, I asked a passer-by where I could get a good authentic Philly Cheesesteak and he kindly pointed me in the direction of Abner's (telling me it was the best place in town). Well, I apparently asked the only other tourist in a 5 block radius or had some local playing a cruel joke on me because Abner's was anything but good. The beef was flavorless and rubbery (I almost stole the salt and pepper shaker to take with me), the cheese only exacerbated the problem, and the bread roll was terrible. I could have microwaved a piece of beef jerky, thrown it between 2 pieces of Wonder bread, squirted some cheese whiz on it and still made a more appetizing sandwich. If this is best place to pick up the city's signature food, I'm surprised there has not been a mass exodus out of Philly in search of sustenance.
(1)Jake P.
In the cheese steak debates of the 215, leave Abner's out. While this place, and their penchant for UPenn/Drexel mens & womens' basketball has kept it relevant, it's about the last place you want to get your grease. I've always found their service to be mirrored after Pat's/Geno's, and yet there ISN'T a line likely to be behind you, so the rudeness is purely for aesthetics. Equally, the food is easily forgettable - provided you don't have a bad experience. The ambiance is crappy '80s Philly sports memorabilia, blaring TVs with ESPN, and slippery floors and tables. I'd order off of a truck any day before wasting my time or cash here.
(2)Will L.
A local friend of mine took us here for our first stop and I was more than pleased with the service, the casual but efficient feel, the quality of the chicken cheesesteaks (I've only had regular cheesesteaks before) and most of all, the availability of beer (and porter at that). Next time I'll try their regular cheesesteak.
(4)Dan K.
Look, in a City full of cheesteaks for the most part pretty terrible ones, Abners doesn't really rise head and shoulders above the competition. Now just because I can't deal with cheesteaks much anymore, doesn't mean I'm pilling on the hate for Abners. Infact it's an sentimental fave of mine. It was one of my very first taste of Philadelphia. Late at night, drunk, above the defunct club wizards. It is what it was and still remains, just another steak shop. But it was the first, no you never forget your first.
(2)J P.
Nothing beats a soggy, soggy cheese steak in the cold rainy philly winter. Good sandwich with onions and mushrooms here. They'll Gladly serve you as you stumble in all wet and frost bitten. Wait a minute before you take that first bite. Unlike other conveyor belt type cheese steak jawns, this place serves them up hot. I like that.
(3)Mabel C.
I loved Abners when I was a college student in Philadelphia. I liked it better than Pat and Gino's because it was much greasier. That's how a cheesesteak should be in my opinion because it goes down the throat easier that way. I'm normally a slow eater, but I can inhale these cheesesteaks.
(5)Joe R.
I had not eaten here for a long time, and since I was in the neighborhood, i thought I'd stop in as I remembered it as being a pretty good steak shop. It was started by the guy who was one of the originals at Jim's. Well Jim's (or almost anyplace else) has nothing to fear from Abner's. The place has really gone to seed, and my sandwich was undersized, the roll was doughy, and there was a vaguely funky taste that came from the onions. It looked like the grille could use a cleaning, and the rest of the place seemed a little hygiene-impaired. Oh well.
(1)Chenai G.
I went on a Sunday and it was quiet. They made an enormous hoagie/cheeseseteak that I couldn't finish but that tasted pretty good. Like the previous reviews said, it was fresh. My friend and I spent like 3 hours eating the cheesesteak and split a 40 ounce beer. No music, just people watching the people who come in and out without being bothered, or rushed away.T'was nice.
(4)John P.
I dunno about any of the other reviews, but I've always had a good cheesesteak here. I remember going here when I was 15 or 16 and it was the cool thing, because we would get a beer with our cheesesteaks.
(4)Lisa F.
Great cheesesteaks... I've only ordered delivery from Abners, but every time I have been surprised by how fast our food got to our apartment.
(4)Kevin C.
Will definitely go back to Abners after enjoying my first real Philly cheesesteak. The portions were generous even though I housed the whole sub in seconds, it was that good. Looking forward to trying other items on the menu in the near future. Even though I got the order to go, the inside of Abners was very clean and the cashier was extremely quick and efficient. Also would recommend the online ordering as the order was ready to go right as I got there to pick it up, no wait needed.
(4)Adinah J.
Thank you Abner's for being so great. The cheesesteaks and chickensteaks are delicious without being too greasy, and the service is excellent.
(5)