A must-visit on 12th street in Reading Terminal Market. Be prepared though to be in a line, but it moves rather quickly with the hardworking employees. The playing cards they give to customers waiting for their order is an interesting touch. In terms of neatness, the Reading Terminal Market in general may need to clean up, especially the ceiling area.
I was in Philadelphia today getting a biopsy at Thomas Jefferson Hospital after I left the hospital I walked three blocks to this amazing place. Definitely the best decision I made one of the best cheesesteaks I’ve ever had. I cannot wait to go back.
I was underwhelmed to say the least. The sandwich not hoagie had flavor but no substance for the almost $14 that I paid. I had to fish for my lettuce… the guy didn’t get all the ingredients right. He needs to spend less time on pleasantries and listen to the customer. Thank goodness I was standing there else no mayo as requested. If you want a light weight sandwich try them else look elsewhere. Btw- my first time trying them.
Wanted to try an authentic Philly cheesesteak and was recommended this place. I was very disappointed. I’ve had better cheesesteaks. It was very greasy and barely any cheese. Giving 2 stars because the cashier was really nice.
The Franklin was good. Different flavor since it had cream cheese on it. The hot peppers weren't really hot, would have preferred jalapeños instead of pepper rings. Sandwich was small and soggy. Compared to other places in the Terminal Market, the bun and meat portions were smaller.
This location is in the Reading Terminal Market and we stood in line for over 30 minutes on a Sunday to order. I had a cheesesteak wiz wit with extra meat. The meat looked like it was "Steak-umm" and I could tell just by looking at them that it was going to have NO flavor, and I was right. They did not put any seasoning on the meat, just heated it up. I'm not sure if all these cheesesteak vendors expect the wiz, other cheeses, onions, peppers and mushrooms to be the flavor of the sandwich but I was very disappointed in both places I visited while there.
Carmen’s used to be good. Establishment needs help. Employee at the front says “OUR BOSS IS STINGY WITH THE SEASONING”. Why pay extra for seasoned fries and receive this. Doesn’t make sense. Multiple options for cheesesteaks around the area. Avoid the line and disappointment.
FAMOUS MUSHROOM CHEESE STEAKSVery TASTY bread was gourmet and BEAUTIFULLY made?❤️
We went to Carmen's on January 2 in the afternoon. Between the line and grabbing our cheesteak we waited around 20 minutes.They hand out game cards as "tickets" that they call once your sandwich is ready; the idea is nice, but definitely not appropriate during Covid.It was our first cheesteak, and honestly it was a bit disappointing: the meat wasn't very tasty, they forgot the onions, the bread was gummy. It all tasted like very low quality cheese. You can add pickles for free, but they don't really fit in.The prices you find here on Maps are not correct, they are higher (the whole classic cheesteak is around 12$ + taxes). Fries are way too expensive (buy them for half the price in the place in front of it!).
Obviously this is one of the founding places of the Philly cheesesteak sandwich, and from what I’ve been told from many locals it’s the best. However, within the recipes of the Philly cheesesteak I have had several that were much better than this elsewhere in the US. Worth visiting as a tourist spot I mean the market is phenomenal. But you won’t be wow’d. The older gentleman at the cash register may be the owner is a really nice guy and makes friendly conversation with every customer. Was a fun experience overall