We will be in Philly at the Marriott Downtown without a car. Can you take public transportation to Geno's Steaks on South 9th or easier to take a cab? Also, the stores on Pine...what time do they close Saturday and open Sunday? Thank you!

I don't know the answer about public transportation, but the streets there are so narrow, you sure couldn't get a typical bus in there.

Try this route from SEPTA

http://tinyurl.com/2733v8

Looks like walk 3 minutes, bus 12 minutes, walk 7 minutes.

They're not far apart, so a cab is possible, but I'm thinking of the logistics.

You're going to take a cab there, stand in line to order a cheesesteak, hop back in the cab, and eat the cheesesteak on the way back in the cab? Or have the cab wait while you eat on the sidewalk?

And you will want to eat it immediately. Trust me, brave men have run from a cold Geno's cheesesteak.

Is Geno's within walking distance from the Downtown Marriott area? I guess that is really what I want to know, or will we need to take some sort of public transportation. Thanks.

Are you set on going to Geno's for some reason? They really don't have the best steaks IMHO but that will open a whole new topic which has been discussed here before. You are walking distance to the Reading Terminal Market where you should be able to find a cheesesteak as good as Genos.

Agree with Birdie - Rick's Steaks in the Reading Terminal Market - an easy walk - is pretty good.

smetz - Is it Rick's that is involved in the big legal fight with the market? I know they want to replace someone with Tony Luke's but couldn't remember which one.

Hi
yes, Rick's is involved in the legal fight. And I am not sure why you want to go to Geno's. Try Jim's on South stree. It is a walk, but South street is fun and many "locals" prefer Jim's.

I went to Jim's on South Street and the cheesesteaks were really really good.

Don't try walking to Geno's from downtown, especially at night. You'll pass through some sketchy neighborhoods. Take a cab instead. And if you have the room for it, also try Pat's just across the street. Rick's is also good, as is Jim's on South Street.

Another vote for Jim's on South Street. YUM. I'm one of the aforementioned locals who swears by it From your hotel on 12th and Market it's a 10-minute walk, maybe a half-mile at most. Just follow any numbered street South until you hit South Street, then make a left. Jim's is at 4th and South.

I have made a special trip into Philly when staying nearby more than once to get Jim's cheesesteaks.

In fact, had them two nights in a row on one trip to the area.

I LOVE Jim's steaks. I love them with provolone (no onions). Fear not, they have the traditional ones, too.

It is, IMO, impossible to make them as good at home. Believe me, I have tried many times.

Yes, impossible to make at home and impossible to find anywhere else besides Philly and Jersey. For some reason everyone outside of that area thinks Phlly cheesesteaks have bell peppers on them. WHAT?!! Never.

The Worst House in West Philly ... really excellent!!!

Are there good places to get cheese steaks if you are near the Franklin INstitute in Phili? Would love to try it.

There are much better places to get a cheesesteak in Philadelphia than Geno's (or nearby Pat's). Will strongly second going to Jim's -- have tried this sandwich at a number of Philadelphia spots, and this was the best I had.

Note also that Rick's is no longer at Reading Terminal Market. A branch of Tony Luke's is supposed to move in there and may already have done so.

See this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...k-318341-2.cfm

If you're determined to go to Geno's/Pat's from downtown on foot, would suggest walking down 9th Street through the Italian Market area during daylight hours only. These spots are located at 9th and Passyunk, and if memory serves, you can only eat outside or do take-away. One can also go by cab or (as best I can tell) by bus.

Would also not recommend straying much farther in any direction but north from this area on foot.