Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks
Carmen's Famous Italian Hoagies & Cheesesteaks
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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+1 215-592-7799+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Mon
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tue
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wed
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thu
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Fri
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sat
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
American, Fast Food
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards
Is this location primarily known for Bars & Pubs?
Details
CUISINES
American, Fast Food
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible, Accepts Credit Cards
Contribute
4.5
825 reviews
Excellent
474
Very good
218
Average
87
Poor
19
Terrible
27
www.DinedThereSippedThat.com
Montreal1500 contributions
Jul 2021 • couples
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
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gabrielle
Orlando24 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
We did not originally plan to visit Carmen's on our trip however, as we were walking around Reading Terminal Market we were immediately drawn to the shop! The line was about a 20 minute wait but 100% worth it we loved the steak and the pickled peppers added to the order. The team prepares behind a glass and you can watch the entire process. The steak was incredible and the toppings sealed the deal!
Written June 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hammonl
Chattanooga230 contributions
May 2022 • none
I was really impressed with the service because this was my first time here, so interested in my menu options. The young man who took my order was very helpful, explained the differences in sandwiches, he was friendly and not rushed. My food was good, interesting having cream cheese on a chicken Philly cheese steak sandwich. Yes, I'd order it again. Others traveling with me were pleased with their food also.
Written May 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JTN
2 contributions
Jul 2021 • none
We waited over an hour to get to the counter to order only to be told by the man at the register we had to wait a little longer so the kitchen can catch up with all the other orders before us. He then took his phone and walked away. He micromanaged the kitchen staff the whole time we were in line and then instead of helping them catch up he walks away. The staff did not look happy. After waiting 10 more minutes at the order window without anyone acknowledging us we left. We only went there because that is where the person on the tour said to go for a "famous" cheesesteak. I can't review the food since we never had any but we did end up at Sonny's Famous Cheesesteak and Burger's and the service and food was excellent, we were in and out in about a 1/2 hour.
Written August 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mark338378
Asheville70 contributions
Jun 2023 • business
Tourist trap. I came in there today for the 1st time in Philadelphia. Went to this shop to get a cheese steak sandwich. Went to the counter and ask what was most popular and before I said yes he was already trying to ring it up and very fast before I could see what he was adding on. So I said can el that I want just a plain sandwich which he argued with me there is no such. Then he want you to only look at him and not what he's ringing up. Finally I was able to get him to listen to me and I ordered the $12.95 cheese steak that comes with choice of mild or Sharpe provolone. Then he kept trying to add stuff on that I didn't want and I said I wanted the basic 12.95 sandwich only with the included provolone cheese. He rang it up very fast and tries to distract you from seeing the screen and I remember now seeing the mozzarella charge added on for I think $1.95 which I didn't add on and the provolone was included. So he has my $20 and handed me back $4.10. I ask what the tax rate was and why almost $4 tax and I wanted to see my itemized receipt and he waded it up and it went under the counter and meanwhile he is talking loud to you to distract you. He's like a cheap carnival worker hustling money. Then he gets up and turns and walks away behind the counter to end the co cersation. Now they hand me the sandwich and I'm fed up and just left but will never be back there and hope to share my experience. June 13, 2023 at about 2 pm. $12.95 sandwich and no extras added on from my part and with tax I was charged $15.90. It's like a shell game there. Sandwich was fair and this review is not about the food or the cooks, only the scam cashier. You will know him by the masonic tattoo on his forearm
Written June 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ez4me2remember
Clifton Park3 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
Not worth over a one hour wait. Especially when they mess up your order, and since they dont hand you a receipt, you cant prove it. Inefficient staff. Cookers work like crazy while other workers play with the cheese or shuffle hougies on the counter trying to look busy.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davin D
San Antonio840 contributions
Jun 2020 • none
Most people go to this Reading market for the Italian hoagie... Amazingly enough my daughter love the pizza cheesesteak imagine that. The best thing you can do is what we did order multiple sandwiches and share with the family so everybody can get a taste.
Written July 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chase V
Oklahoma City802 contributions
May 2021 • couples
Steak is more sliced where you can really tell it’s shaved steak not just mush cooked and pressed together. Tried this one with American cheese unlike whiz at the last two places I went. Would eat again if it was convenient, but if in town for a limited time maybe seek another brick and mortar building instead of at a food market.
Written May 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TennisStar602
New Jersey712 contributions
Jun 2023 • friends
We went to Reading Terminal to try a different cheesesteak joint. This restaurant was of the fast food-style where a person could order and then he or she was given a playing card as a way to pick up his or her custom-made food. The prices were listed on a screen, and they were moderate. I really enjoyed my cheesesteak, but I was a little bit turned off that many extra toppings cost an extra fee. The sizes of the portions and the staff were okay. There were tables around Reading Terminal to enjoy the food and to stay seated.
Written June 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Justin W
Hasbrouck Heights6573 contributions
Jun 2021 • none
I make a pilgrimage to Carmen's for their plain cheesesteak with Cheese Wiz. It is just the best. It is the first place I go when I am in Reading Market. I love their food.
Make sure to buy the full sandwich as the half is not enough. The meat is so flavorful and is tucked in so nicely to that soft chewy bun and the Cheese Wiz really makes the sandwich with rich flavor. My mouth waters just thinking about it.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adam
Vilnius99 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
Rude counter staff guy who does not care about his customers only how to sell his 0.50p pickle slices. He did not bother to help me while I was in my wheelchair nor he cared on taking his earpods out his ears bashing music all the time that he can’t hear what customers are ordering. Instead he yelled at me asking to ‘speak louder’. Pathetic customer service
Written December 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg O
18 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
My wife and I ordered two Philly cheesesteak sandwiches with cheese and mushrooms. One order of fries and one bottle of soda. Cost? $45 with tax. The sandwich itself was very good. Fries were meh. Part of the Philly experience, but we got food from Sang Kee Peking Duck House the day before and it only cost $25. Just sayin'.
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lues L
Orlando2 contributions
Jan 2023 • couples
Just ordered my cheesesteak from Spataros. Ok so the order taker is a little surly, (True Philadelphian). The food and their customer service is excellent and the sandwich extremely flavorful.
If you coming into this city acting all kinds of Karen, it ain’t for you. So don’t act up!
Would recommend this place, hands down! Thanks!
Written January 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom B
Richmond187 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
I don't know if this is the best cheesesteak in the world, but it's the best I've ever had. It certainly didn't hurt that Carmen's is in the iconic Reading Terminal Market, or that Carmen himself is a delightful host. You won't go wrong.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jchansen14
Burke143 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Stopped by this busy place in the wonderful Reading Terminal Market. It was very convenient to the Convention Center where I was attending meetings. Although the lunch time line was long, it moved and the food was well worth the wait. They offer a variety of hoagies and cheesesteaks. Mine was done to perfection. I savored every bite. I definitely plan to stop by again when I'm in downtown Philadelphia.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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