Philadelphia and philly cheese steak

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[{"address":"Market St & 6th St","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.950721763301914,"longitude":-75.15063825},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Independence Hall "},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FLiberty.mp3?alt=media&token=e82f1714-82e4-4374-a714-903a8de7311e"},{"type":"text","content":"World-famous for being the place where both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were discussed and adopted, this American landmark and World Heritage Site is now the centerpiece of Philadelphia's Independence National Historical Park. Completed in 1753, the simple colonial hall, designed in Georgian style, is a nice reminder of the nation's humble beginnings as rebellious colonialists wanting to make a change for the better (\"We have it in our power to begin the World over again\", as Thomas Paine fervently told his fellow citizens-to-be in his revolutionary pamphlet). Inside, you will get to see an original copy of the Constitution, and the inkwell used to sign the Declaration of Independence – both brilliantly constructed documents of declared and ratified Freedoms.\n\nThe complex which houses Independence Hall is a must to check out the historical sites; nearby are the museum of the Benjamin Franklin-founded American Philosophical Society, as well as the Second Bank of the U.S. You do have to go through security to get into the Independence Hall, and you must get your free tickets at the Visitor Center about a block north, at the corner of 6th and Market Streets (opens at 8:30am, but tickets are usually all gone by 10am in peak season, so plan ahead or reserve online!). The first ticketed tour begins at 9am and tours start every 30mins until 4:40pm, with rangers serving as guides. During extended hours (summertime only), no ticket is required from 5 to 7pm. Tickets also aren't required in the months of January and February and on July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Eve. \n\nWhy You Should Visit:\nTo stand in the room where the nation was born almost 250 years ago – the same room where Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, John Hancock, and later George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and so many others stood, making incredibly courageous decisions.\nAmong the highlights is George Washington's original Rising Sun Armchair, known so because of Benjamin Franklin's hopeful observation about the symbol carved on the headrest: \"I have often looked at that behind the president without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now I... know that it is a rising...sun.\"\n\nTip:\nSitting in the back of the Hall, don't miss the statue of Commodore John Barry – one of the most underappreciated figures in colonial history. Barry was the first captain to be placed in command of a U.S. warship under the Continental flag and after the war he was the first commissioned U.S. naval officer at the rank of Commodore in 1797 by President Washington. Barry is often credited as \"The Father of the American Navy\", sharing that moniker with John Paul Jones and John Adams."}]},{"address":"526 Market St","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.95055901330182,"longitude":-75.1492832},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Liberty Bell "},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FBell.mp3?alt=media&token=aa7c4483-1125-48c3-81de-f7a37d732e08"},{"type":"text","content":"Originally rung to summon Assembly lawmakers to sessions in the State House (now renamed Independence Hall) in the mid-1700s, the Liberty Bell – one of the world's greatest symbols of freedom – was commissioned from a London firm to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pennsylvania's first Constitution, and was cast with the lettering \"Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the Inhabitants thereof\", a Biblical reference from the Book of Leviticus (25:10).\n\nFamous for its irreparable crack, the 2,080 lb (940 kg) bell was moved to its current home in the Liberty Bell Center in 2003. Inside the small compact space, you'll get an account of the bell's history and significance, from its manufacture and various travels to the initial crack development and attempted repairs, and, finally, to how it became an icon for other freedom struggles. Depending on the time of day, you may or may not be able to get a selfie or picture without other people in it.\n\nTip:\nYou can save yourself the long security line by going around the outside to see the backside of the bell through the glass wall (though, by doing so, you will not get to see the crack). If you want a penny press of the Liberty Bell, head to the Visitor Center, where you pay a dollar and then 'crack' the machine."}]},{"address":"Christ Church","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.95092661330199,"longitude":-75.14419675},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Christ Church"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FChurch.mp3?alt=media&token=2a1a0474-7e44-4786-923c-1be08f1e52a3"},{"type":"text","content":"Dating to 1744, this Church is considered one of the finest Georgian structures in America and is often called the \"Nation's Church\", having hosted members of the Continental Congress, including Washington, Adams, Rush, Franklin, and others.\n\nThe building itself is large and impressive; it was the town's tallest at the time and, for some 50+ years, the tallest structure in the U.S. Outside, the walkways are lined with the graves of early church members; one may recognize a few as being Founding Fathers and/or signers of the Declaration of Independence. This was a church where many famous Americans worshiped during the country's founding, and the pews are labeled with their names, including Washington's.\n\nOne of the most striking aspects of the place is that the windows, of which there are many, are not stained-glass, but are clear, letting in not only the daylight, but pristine views of the outdoors. That is very unusual for churches of the era, but it makes the interior quite lovely and bright. Docents are there to answer questions, or just wander around on your own.\n\nTip:\nDon't miss the nice historic collection, including the 14th-century baptismal font in which William Penn was baptized, along with a rare book collection.\n\nOpening Hours:\nMon-Sat: 10am–5pm; Sun: 12:30pm–5pm\nClosings: Wed: 12–12:30pm, 5:30–6:30pm (during services); Mon/Tue in Jan/Feb; for funeral services or weddings"}]},{"address":"Betsy Ross House","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.952165013302576,"longitude":-75.14465499999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Betsy Ross House"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FBetty.mp3?alt=media&token=d1d2a0b0-4229-462d-aa23-d524fd7963c3"},{"type":"text","content":"No visit to historic Philadelphia would be complete without experiencing one of its most visited sites – the home of Betsy Ross, the woman credited with sewing the very first American flag of 13 circular stars. This house-turned-museum gives the complete picture of the woman behind the flag. Born in 1752 to a devout Quaker couple in New Jersey, she was quite an accomplished seamstress having embroidered shirt ruffles for George Washington in the days before his appointment as the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Army. She also stuffed paper tube cartridges with musket balls, sewed flags and repaired Continental Army uniforms all while running her upholstery business.\n\nWith its narrow stairwells and low ceilings, the simple colonial home was built over 260 years ago, is completely furnished in period antiques, and contains objects that actually belonged to the Ross family, including a family Bible and an American Chippendale walnut chest-on-chest. On their self-guided tour, visitors can also see authentic 18th-century upholstery tools, learn about their uses, have a snack, or check out the hands-on children's area and the nice gift shop.\n\nTip:\nThere is a small museum and exhibit area to view before going into the actual historical part of the house. Don't skip it, as it's actually where you'll learn the most about Betsy, the history of the flag, and other very interesting facts about her life.\n\nOpening Hours:\n[Mar-Nov] Daily: 10am–5pm; until 6pm: Jun 9–Sep 2; until 8pm: Rebel Thursdays through Aug 29; First Fridays, Jun–Oct;\n[Dec-Feb] Tue-Sun: 10am–5pm; closed at 3pm on December 24 (Open Martin Luther King, Jr. Day / Presidents' Day)"}]},{"address":"Independence National Historical Park","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.95086649985106,"longitude":-75.14768905},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Independence National Historical Park"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FHistory%20mu.mp3?alt=media&token=aed65469-b7f6-4cb9-93f2-39db2ec6bfaf"},{"type":"text","content":"Independence National Historical Park is a rival to Williamsburg's claim of Duke of Gloucester Street being the most historic mile in the United States. The 45-acre park is shaped like an \"L\" starting at 2nd Street heading west between Walnut and Chestnut streets to 6th St then heading north to Race St. In between is the crown jewel, Independence Hall, along with the First and Second National Banks, Carpenters' Hall, Congress Hall, the Liberty Bell, parks, gardens, statues, cemeteries and historic building after historic building. The sites \"off the beaten path,\" like the Second Bank and Carpenter's Hall are worth taking a peek at and provide a nice background to the events and people behind the American Revolution and eventual signing of the U.S. Constitution. Truly an American treasure!\n\nTip:\nMake sure to get your tickets for Independence Hall online ahead of time as they frequently sell out on-site. The park map at the Independence Visitor Center is an excellent tool to figure out what the park has to offer in terms of sights."}]},{"address":"Christ Church Burial Ground","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.95227291330265,"longitude":-75.14806785},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Christ Church Burial Ground"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FChrist%20church.mp3?alt=media&token=c645ebbd-4dcc-4d24-95e4-9d25a551573c"},{"type":"text","content":"The Christ Church Burial Ground is actually three blocks west of Christ Church and was acquired in 1719 when the church's property was full and the new land was on what was considered \"the outskirts of town.\" Many historic national figures and prominent Philadelphians are buried here, including Ben Franklin, whose grave can be viewed through a wall opening without going into the cemetery – it seems to be something of a wishing-well with people tossing coins onto the ground marker (at one point, the granite had to actually be repaired due to that tradition's success). Further away from Franklin, however, you will see a small but neatly kept space with lesser-known graves, some of which are even more interesting.\n\nOpening Hours:\nMon-Sat: 10am–4pm; Sun: 12–4pm (Mar-Nov)\nGuided Tours: Mon-Sat: 11am–3:30pm; Sun: 12:30–3:30pm"}]},{"address":"Chinatown Friendship Arch","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.95370756330329,"longitude":-75.15620515},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Chinatown Friendship Arch"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FChinatown.mp3?alt=media&token=49fd18da-a3c7-424d-b9b1-6725faa98b7d"},{"type":"text","content":"This gateway at 10th and Arch Street is a beautiful, welcoming entrance into the lively Chinatown district filled with great Asian restaurants, bakeries, shops, markets, and places of worship. A symbol of cultural exchange and friendship between Philadelphia and its sister city of Tianjin, it is the first authentic Chinese Gate built in America by artisans from China.\n\nWeighing about 88 tons and standing 40 feet high, the Gate has bright colors and elaborate designs that reflect early Chinese imperial construction. One may see themes of mythical creatures and graphic patterns typical of the Ming and Qing Dynasties; the phoenix is meant to ensure good luck while the dragon, said to have the magical power of retaining water in its mouth, is intended to protect the structure of the Gate and the community from fire.\n\nOriginally dedicated in 1984, the Gate was rededicated on November 19, 2008, after being repainted with the help of Tianjin artisans using ancient techniques and traditional materials. Take your pictures, then find a place to eat and/or shop!\n\nTip:\nSerious foodies will not want to miss the EMei Restaurant – a nice, no-frills eatery serving classic Chinese dishes alongside spicy Sichuan specialties. Mei Cai Kou Rou (steamed pork with preserved mustard) is something to die for!"}]},{"address":"Reading Terminal Market","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.953198813303054,"longitude":-75.15952300000001},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Reading Terminal Market"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FReading%20terminal.mp3?alt=media&token=3a5d0079-6e85-4b3a-829a-ad6a49a93c6f"},{"type":"text","content":"The Reading Terminal Market was founded in 1893 and today serves as a popular location for local Philadelphians to buy their goods and produce as well as singular culinary treats and unique merchandise. Location-wise it is adjacent to two Marriott Hotels, a Hilton Garden Inn, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, SEPTA's Jefferson Station, the Philadelphia Greyhound Terminal, and another Philadelphia landmark, the Fashion District Philadelphia shopping mall.\n\nThe large market has it all: fresh produce, meats, fish, artisan cheese, groceries, ice cream, flowers, baked goods, crafts, books, clothing, seafood and restaurant stalls of every kind, including a bar and a winery. You may get pushed around by the crowds and may struggle to find a place to eat or drink on the busiest of days, but a visit is one of a kind, whether to pick up a quick bite or simply wander through the market enjoying the scintillating aromas. A must-see for sure!\n\nWhy You Should Visit:\nDomestic and international cuisine are all under one roof for you to enjoy.\n\nOpening Hours:\nDaily: 8am–6pm"}]},{"address":"Masonic Temple","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.95349881330325,"longitude":-75.16317635},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Masonic Temple"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FMasonic.mp3?alt=media&token=b5dc4df1-01a5-4ebd-8d4e-8a8539c65d84"},{"type":"text","content":"Although the intricately carved, fortress-like exterior of this 1870s building is quite impressive, it's the spectacular interiors – which took 15 years to complete and which can only be seen with a guided tour – that really dazzle visitors, with each lodge room decorated in a different theme (Egyptian, Moorish, Asian, Renaissance, etc.) and serving different purposes. It was built to be 100% fire-proof, and so nothing in there is made of wood, although if you didn't know better, you'd swear on the life of your first-born that most of the interior IS wood.\n\nThe structure is immense and sits on prime downtown Philadelphia real estate; it's also shrouded Masonic secrets. Visitors are allowed in some rooms, but not in others; some questions you might ask will be readily answered; others will not...\n\nWhy You Should Visit:\nLearning about Masonic history can be quite fascinating and it's worth visiting this Temple for that purpose alone, but of additional interest is the grand building itself; the two taken together can be an intriguing diversion. If you're looking for something that's quite a bit off the cultural beaten path, then definitely consider checking this place out.\n\nTip:\nThe tour is great, but just make sure there is no function going on so you can see the whole place.\n\nTour Times:\nTue-Sat: 10am / 11am / 1pm / 2pm / 3pm"}]},{"address":"Arch Street","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.954901413303844,"longitude":-75.16636629999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Love Park"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FLove.mp3?alt=media&token=614b4031-2525-42f9-9590-c3efbd00df33"},{"type":"text","content":"LOVE Park, officially known as John F. Kennedy Plaza, is a public park located in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The park is nicknamed LOVE Park for its reproduction of Robert Indiana's 1970 LOVE sculpture which overlooks the plaza.\n\nThe area has a following in the skate world, as it served as a skateboarding spot for many years.\n\nHistory\nFormer Philadelphia city planner Edmund Bacon and architect Vincent G. Kling planned and designed the original LOVE Park. The park is across from the Philadelphia City Hall and serves as a visual terminus for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.\n\nThe park was built in 1965 and covered an underground parking garage. The main feature of the plaza became a centrally-located single spout fountain added in 1969. The city's visitor center (built in 1960, before LOVE Park) was closed for five years, but re-opened in 2006 as The Fairmount Park Welcome Center. The park was dedicated in 1967 as John F. Kennedy Plaza after President John F. Kennedy.\n\nA \"LOVE\" sculpture, designed by Robert Indiana, was first placed in the plaza in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration. The sculpture was removed in 1978 after the celebration ended. However, the chairman of Philadelphia Art Commission, Fitz Eugene Dixon Jr., was able to purchase the sculpture and to have it permanently placed it in the plaza during that year.\n\nFrom 2016 to 2018, a major reconstruction project converted the largely hardscaped plaza into a predominantly green area that contains large and small lawns for casual uses, two gardens with native plantings, an open viewshed of City Hall and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, new seating and pathways, and public restrooms. A redesigned fountain features a monumental jet and a basket-weave of smaller jets with programmable up-lighting within a large oval paved open space."}]},{"address":"City Hall","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.952503971203626,"longitude":-75.16389965000002},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# City Hall"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FHall.mp3?alt=media&token=b1bdf91e-77c6-40c1-bd18-a14fa1cb83cd"},{"type":"text","content":"Completed in 1901 following three decades of construction, Philadelphia's Second Empire-style City Hall is the largest, most expensive municipal building in the U.S. and among the tallest and largest masonry buildings in the world. The absence of steel framework called for extremely thick, up to 22 feet, walls at the first floor in order to support the weight of the floors above; from the outside the eight-floor building appears to only have three floors.\n\nThe central tower stands 511 feet tall, and is topped by the statue of William Penn – 37 feet high and weighing 27 tons – which is just one of 250 creations sculpted by Alexander Calder for both the interior and exterior. Though somewhat lengthy (~90mins), daily interior tours are a treat, too, and will give you a greater appreciation of this grand building. Aside from the many murals depicting events relevant to Philadelphia's history, you will stroll through beautiful meeting rooms and be taken to the observation tower where open-air views of the city can be enjoyed.\n\nTip:\n15-minute tours of the tower are also offered throughout the day for a separate fee.\n\nOpening Hours:\nMon-Fri: 9am–5pm; Select Saturdays: 11am–4pm"}]},{"address":"Philadelphia's Magic Gardens","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.942794063298166,"longitude":-75.15931220000003},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Philadelphia's Magic Gardens"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FMagic.mp3?alt=media&token=bf747f5a-82e7-4e8e-b76f-14e2bd9e87f4"},{"type":"text","content":"Philadelphia's Magic Gardens is a non-profit organization, folk art environment, and gallery space on South Street in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. To date, it is the largest work created by mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar. The Magic Gardens spans three city lots, and includes indoor galleries and a large outdoor labyrinth. The mosaics are made up of everything from kitchen tiles to bike wheels, Latin-American art to china plates. The space is open for public view, from 11:00-6:00 Wednesday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays.\n\nHistory\nIsaiah and his wife Julia moved to South Street in 1968, when the area was being slated for demolition by the city in order to create the Crosstown Expressway (I-695), which would have linked I-76 and I-95. Due to this proposed construction, the area was desolate and dangerous. The Zagars were one of the first people to come to this area and begin to turn its image around. They opened the Eyes Gallery on 402 South Street, which was the first property that Isaiah would mosaic. Here they still showcase and sell the art of Latin-American artists.\n\nAfter the Eyes Gallery, the Zagars went on to purchase and rent out several other buildings, and Isaiah would go on to create several other mosaicked spaces and public murals. He bought the building that currently houses Philadelphia's Magic Gardens in 1994. He fenced off the two vacant lots next door in order to keep out garbage and vermin, and over the next fourteen years began creating the Magic Gardens. In 2002 the landowner of the two vacant lots wanted to sell the land due to rising property values on South Street. Together with members of the community, Isaiah was able to purchase the lots. With this purchase \"Philadelphia's Magic Gardens\" was born, and in 2008 it opened to the public, dedicated to inspiring creativity and community engagement.\n\nMuch of the work in the garden was influenced by and includes objects from Zagar's international travels, including but not limited to Latin America, India, Morocco, Iran, China, and Indonesia. Specific art exhibits around the world, such as The Ideal Palace, in France, Watts Towers in Los Angeles, The Rock Garden in India, and Las Pozas in Mexico, were also heavy influences that one sees in the Garden."}]},{"address":"The Original Tony Luke's","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.9140494132846,"longitude":-75.14870289999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# The Original Tony Luke's"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FLuke.mp3?alt=media&token=1bda3db7-6766-49ab-a9d7-f108b84e206e"},{"type":"text","content":"Tony Luke's is an American-based cheesesteak restaurant that was founded in 1992 by Tony Lucidonio, Sr. and his sons, Tony Luke Jr. and Nicky Lucidonio at its original location at 39 East Oregon Avenue in South Philadelphia. The franchise has since expanded, with 16 locations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, one location each in Washington, DC, Maryland & Texas as well as one in Bahrain.\n\nHistory\nIn the early 1990s Luke, Jr., his father and his brother, Nicky, bought a property near the expressway in South Philadelphia. The restaurant opened on February 3, 1992. The restaurant did not initially serve cheesesteaks until six months after opening due to popular demand. To avoid competition with other local businesses, the original Tony Luke's stand offered a more diversified menu, offering hoagies and other fare, along with cheesesteaks. Luke Jr. soon took over the store's marketing.\n\nEventually, the business grew to include several locations in the Philadelphia area and a line of frozen sandwiches. Through a partnership with Rastelli Foods Group, the business now has several franchised locations in Bahrain. On January 21, 2019, the restaurant announced that they will be opening 7 locations in New York City. The first location opened on April 3, 2019 in Brooklyn, New York on Flatbush Avenue.\nIn July 2020, the owner Anthony Lucidonio Sr. and his son Nicholas were indicted on federal tax fraud charges. They are accused of failing to report over $8 million of income from 2006 to 2016. They are also accused of paying employees in cash to avoid payroll taxes. The Lucidonios dispute the criminal charges."}]},{"address":"John's Roast Pork","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.92107941328792,"longitude":-75.14510345000001},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# John's Roast Pork"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FRoast%20Pork.mp3?alt=media&token=2f1eb8fa-b943-47a9-841a-34b54bf05a12"},{"type":"text","content":"John's Roast Pork is a roast pork and cheesesteak eatery that was founded in 1930 at its original location on East Snyder Avenue in Philadelphia, just outside the Pennsport and Whitman neighborhoods. The eatery is considered a favorite among South Philadelphia locals and has gained mainstream recognition for its roast pork and cheesesteaks.\n\nHistory\nJohn's Roast Pork was established in 1930 and is currently being run by John Bucci Jr., the family's third generation. The restaurant is known for its short hours, historically only open from 6:45 AM to 3:00 PM. In 2013, it expanded to serving after hours at Mick Daniel's Saloon two blocks away. In 2015, John's extended its hours, opening from 7 AM to 7 PM. The restaurant currently opens from 9 AM to 7 PM Tuesday through Saturday.\n\nBefore Phillip Morris sales manager John \"Butch\" Gleason died, he requested to be buried with a sandwich from John's Roast Pork.\n\nAwards\nJohn's roast pork sandwich and sharp provolone cheesesteaks were featured in the championship finale of the Travel Channel’s Best Sandwich in America and has been described by food critic Andrew Zimmern as well-seasoned to the secret Bucci family recipe and deboned “right on premises”.\n\nThe establishment was designated as an “American Classic” for roast pork by the James Beard Foundation in 2006.\n\nIn 2014, Niki Achitoff-Gray of Serious Eats considered John's Roast Pork, the best classic roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia as well as acknowledging them for their cheesesteaks."}]},{"address":"Pat's King of Steaks","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":39.93320526329363,"longitude":-75.15917895},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Pat's King of Steaks"},{"type":"audio","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2F4THJiHNUabP20OKdxkVX%2FTony.mp3?alt=media&token=540aeb57-a2e9-408d-a911-2ebe1e9104cf"},{"type":"text","content":"Pat's King of Steaks (also known as Pat's Steaks) is a Philadelphia restaurant specializing in cheesesteaks, and located at the intersection of South 9th Street, Wharton Street and East Passyunk Avenue in South Philadelphia, directly across the street from rival Geno's Steaks. It was founded in 1930 by brothers Pat and Harry Olivieri, who are credited with the creation of the cheesesteak.\n\nHistory\nPat's King of Steaks was founded by Pat and Harry Olivieri in 1930 when they opened a hot dog stall at the corners of 9th Street, Wharton Street, and Passyunk Avenue. The brothers are generally credited as the co-creators of the cheesesteak.\n\nIn 1933, as the family relates the story, the brothers were working their stand when they decided to try something different for lunch. Pat Olivieri sent Harry Olivieri to the market for some inexpensive steak. The brothers thinly sliced the steak, then grilled it along with some chopped onions. The aroma attracted a cabdriver who was a regular customer; he asked to try the dish which the brothers called a steak sandwich, though the term originated from Louis' Lunch in New Haven, Connecticut, describing a similar sandwich. Pat sold him the sandwich for ten cents. The steak sandwich would later evolve into the modern cheesesteak.\n\nSoon afterwards, at the advice of the aforementioned cabdriver, the brothers started selling steak sandwiches instead of hot dogs. By 1940, they had saved enough money to rent space to open a restaurant at the same spot where they had their stand. The two brothers worked at the restaurant for 15 to 18 hours a day for the next few decades while the restaurant was open 24 hours a day. Harry worked at the Philadelphia Navy Yard during World War II before returning to the restaurant.\n\nAfter pulling back from expansion and franchising efforts in the 1980s, the business was divided up by the Olivieri family. Harry and his son, Frank, kept the original location, today run by Harry's grandson, Frank Jr. Pat's son Herbert opened \"Olivieri's Prince of Steaks\", later to be the source of a family dispute (see below)."}]}]