Shank's Pier 40

901 S. Columbus Blvd.
across from Christian St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
215-218-4000
Website

Although I previously made the claim that Shank's Pier 40 has the best cheesesteaks around, I had neglected to mention something just as important. Breakfast. They make some rib-sticking, hold-you-over-until-lunch breakfast sandwiches that deserve mention. They are also pretty convenient, and the sandwiches are $5 with a coffee. Can't beat that. I love the steak, egg and cheese, which incorporates their delicious cheesesteak meat folded into eggs and covered with a healthy layer of cheese. Certainly not the sandwich to eat before getting your cholesterol checked, but worth every artery squeezing calorie.


If you are in the mood for something more traditional, the bacon, egg and cheese is a safe bet. The bacon is always cooked until perfectly crispy, and in typical Shank's fashion, generously portioned. As usual, I ask for mine with some banana peppers for a bit of a morning kick. Also, there are few combos as satisfying as spicy, briny banana peppers and eggs.


They even offer something for all of the (ahem) non-meat eaters out there. I will even order this item, and in fact, it's one of my favorites. Potato, egg and cheese is a take on the traditional diner breakfast, crammed into a long roll. Delicious. Although I was skeptical of the meatless breakfast, the crispy potato cubes made up for the protein I was craving. They added a great substance and texture to the sandwich, with the crispy edges giving a satisfying crunch. I would gladly eat this sandwich for any breakfast. Shank's now has longer hours, and they are open every day from 7 a.m. to midnight. If you can't tell, this is very exciting news for my palate, and devastating news for my waistline. The thought of someone going to Pat's or Geno's, with this as an alternative shocks me to my very core!


Here is a shot of the chicken cutlet hoagie. The chicken cutlet Italiano is in the running for best non-cheesesteak sandwich in the city, as voted by WIP. I can't say I blame them. The Italiano is amazing. I opt for a side of sauce, and you would be wise to do the same. They make red sauce (gravy) that is some of the best around. Seriously.


Oh, and the cheesesteaks are still amazing. Man I feel fat just thinking about all this food!

Shank's Grand Opening

Received this via email the other day and thought it would be worth sharing. $5 cheesesteaks all day, with $1 beef or pork - I'm all over it!

Shank’s Original Pier 40

Pier 40 - Delaware Ave and Christian St

901 S. Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia

G R A N D O P E N I N G

$5 CHEESE STEAKS ALL DAY

PHILLIES HOME OPENER

APRIL12TH - 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Formerly shank’s & Evelyn’s (est. 1962)

zagat® “top 1000 Italian restaurants in us”

ny times “best cheese steaks in philly”

esquire “best chicken cutlet with greens in country”

best of philly® - multiple years

$1 BEEF OR PORK 11AM - 1 PM

DRAWINGS TO WIN TICKETS AND PRIZES

If Phillies win, free fries and soda with any sandwich until 9pm

WWW.SHANKSPIER40.COM

Wing Bowl/Shank's Pier 40

Ok so I am normally not one to say things like this, but this might have been the best cheesesteak of my life. No lie. So if my careful(ish) calculations are correct, which I believe they are, this might be the best cheesesteak in the world. It is hands down MY reigning champ.


I awoke after Wing Bowl, to find myself hungry and disoriented. I needed some food, and fast. I had a tough choice between leftover pasta or a cheesesteak. And by tough choice, I mean I was out the door without opening the fridge. Since it was my job as a food writer, I ended up attending Wing Bowl. It was everything about Philly that makes it, well, Philly. Loud, large, intoxicated people, all sorts of ladies of the night, and feats of gluttony that would make the average person lose their lunch. It was pretty awesome. That said, I will probably never go again, but it was worth it for the experience. Apparently someone won. Pictures below.





Anyway, after being up at 5 AM for that nightmare, needless to say, I slept when I got home. I actually slept a bit while I was there, but that is neither here nor there. I awoke with a hunger only a cheesesteak (or some other equally unhealthy, greasy, local specialty) could quell. I have been wanting to try the new location of Shank's on Pier 40 on Del Ave (basically where Christian hits Del Aave). So I went right before they closed at 4pm. Terrible, I know. I ordered the lunch special, which is a cheesesteak and a soda for $7.50. I got extra cheese on it, obviously, and there was no extra charge, which is a plus. So a cheesesteak, grilled onions and extra cheese later, I was on my way back home. One other thing I really like, is that the people are much more interesting there, than at the Center City location.



Simply put, this cheesesteak was perfect. The roll was chewy and crispy (a trait only Philadelphians get to enjoy), and the meat was chopped, but very tender and salty. The extra cheese really helped to meld everything together and made for a creamy, meaty, comfort that only the cheesesteak can provide. I am literally already planning my next trip, which will most likely be this week. I cannot wait.