Just stopped in to grab quick lunch.. Love this place!! Had my sandwich in 2mins.. Phenomenal roast pork!! Great customer service... Yeager's Kitchens & Bathrooms
(5)
Toki W.
Shank's is good. Not great, but good. Don't get me wrong, it's worlds better than anything Pat's or Geno's (vomit!) have to offer. I just remember the old location being better. $9 for a steak and a soda is pretty decent too. Pros: Great location for stopping while on the road in/out of the city. Great bread--those who are complaining about the hard, seeded rolls do not understand the magic of a Sarcone's roll. However, I do concede that the Sarcone's rolls should have more meat on the sandwich. Another great pro is the variety: cutlet sandwiches, eggplant/veggie sandwiches/steaks/pork/roast beef. Friendly and fast service too. Cons: Quality has declined slightly over time, but it's still decent. The pork sandwiches are a bit too sloppy for me. No indoor seating, so if you're there on a rainy or incredibly hot day, you may want to take your order to go.
(3)
CF D.
I'm slowly making my way through all the best cheesesteak places in Philadelphia, and this is by far the best one I've had. The best cheesesteaks exist on two axes: the fast-food axis of simple, cheesy deliciousness that doesn't require anything of its consumer, and the rich, meaty subtlety that makes it more than a Big Mac. Shank's delivers a perfect blend between the two: at the edge of your sandwich you'll taste the simple pleasure of meat immersed in cheese, but as you dig deeper into the larger concentrations of steak you'll get hints of a more profound flavor. Eating it is a challenge: the bread will quickly absorb a hint of the components and weaken, and you do constantly run the risk of a bit of delicious filling being lost. But it's like eating an ice cream cone: the sticky fingers and drips are barely noticeable in the symphony of flavor in your mouth, and though you might need a few extra napkins at the end, it will always be worth it.
(5)
Jenn M.
We stopped here on a whim on our way to Penns Landing. Pretty cool location, was easy in easy out and no line. Cashier was pretty polite. In my opinion the food really needs some work. Bf had the cheesesteak on the seeded roll and I had the chicken cutlet on a regular? roll..I'm telling you, that seeded roll needs about twice the amount of steak to compensate for all that bread. Being cheap on steak makes me sad. The chicken cutlet hoagie was delicious but I had to take the chicken off and eat it with my hands because the roll was so hard I really felt like I might break my teeth on it...are hard rolls a thing now? Diet coke tasted watered down. Bill was 22 bucks..
(2)
Emery G.
This place did not disappoint me. I bought the groupon literally fifteen minutes before I showed up. Go Groupon!! The philly cheese steak I had was huge and delicious. The bread they put it on was soft and the american cheese was great. The fries were super crispy! They are thin like McDonald's fries. So good. Come here if you can a decent lunch. If there is a groupon buy it because it does say you a lot of money.
(5)
Chanthorn H.
Horrible! The only reason for the 2 stars and not one is because they are fast and nice. Place is a place where you order at the front, they take your name, and when the order is ready, they call you and get go get the meal. I ordered a regular cheesesteak with provolone and fried onions. It was by far the driest thing I have ever eaten. It was dryer than the Sahara dessert! Lol. In my opinion, a great cheesesteak is one that does not require any extra condiments. You should be able to taste the meat and cheese. I also believe a cheesesteak should have melted cheese. I have never put so much ketchup on anything. The only thing that made it somewhat edible was the loads of ketchup. Also, the cheese wasn't even melted. I used my cheat day on this? So sad Overall: I won't be back. In a city known for cheesesteaks, you can find better literally around the corner.
Solid specials! Chicken cutlet is great, cheesesteaks and hoagies leave more to be desired
(3)
Dave R.
My absolute favorite roast pork sandwich in the city. It's perfect. Bread - Meat - Cheese. Everything is great. The broccoli rabe is very spicy, so if you're not into it. Just get an italiano with sharp prov and no rabe.
(5)
Mary B.
Yum! I love this cheesesteaks here! The people who work here are super-friendly, and the other sandwiches are good, too!
(4)
tony m.
As a fourth generation Philadelphian I am ashamed to admit I have never before stopped on Columbus Blvd at Shanks. The little shack establishment has long been known for it hot sandwiches, especially , from what I have heard, their roast pork. The stand is easily parkable right off the road. The line made up mostly of tourists was a bit long but kept moving under the indefatigable direction of the profusely sweating big gentleman taking orders at the register. Behind him several other equally saturated kitchen men jostled between an unseen stove a rapidly moving bowl salting French fries and other activities too quick to determine. While the menu is fairly good and includes hoagies and cheese steaks I was interested only in their simplest pork, plain, no greens, no cheese. While I made my way to order rather quickly the wait for the sandwich took a while. Since I couldn't see the stove or grill I don't know whether this was because of the attention given each order to the number of orders. Eventually I had my sandwich and took a table at one of the best (and only) river side views in the city. (Why are there not a string of such places along the waterfront? Oh, Philly! Philly!) When I opened the wrapper I was a bit taken by the size and breadiness of the role. Frankly, it made me a bit apprehensive. But one bite changed my mind immediately. The moistness of the pork and the even amount of gravy rendered the bread the perfect accompaniment. Now, having said this, I would have serious reservations about the same kind of role for a hoagie or steak sandwich which do not work at all with too much bread. But for the pork - quite good.
(3)
Matt D.
Groupon can lead you to some interesting places, but this one was a solid hit. We've driven past here many times coming home from Shoprite and IKEA, so why not give them a try? The Chicken Cutlet Italiano with rabe and roasted red peppers is an excellent sandwich. I enjoyed the cheese steak, but I'm beginning to prefer my meat sliced rather than chopped. The place is clean and the service is really friendly, which is not the case at some of their competitors. My biggest gripe is the price. It is easy to come out of here in the $25-30 range for two sandwiches and an order of fries.
(4)
Meghan K.
If I could give this zero stars I would. I have been eating shanks for years. Every time I order they always mess something up. I'm not picky but this time I'm putting my foot down. I ordered a cheesesteak with no onions, cheese fries, and a fountain root beer. Everything was wrong. The fries were so salted it was like they just poured a huge thing into the container and added a little bit of cheese. My cheesesteak came with fried onions and my soda was a diet coke! How the hell do you mess up three simple things that easily. Then when I tried to call shanks the number is disconnected. I called grub hub and they couldn't even get a hold of them. I'm never ordering from here again because it seems Shanks likes to rip off their customers. They don't even have a working website. I want a refund but I guess that's not going to happen. 25.00 down the drain.
(1)
Jenn S.
Just okay for a Philly cheese steak. The counter staff lady was nice but other than that, it wasn't all that.
(2)
Kimberly C.
Today was my 1st and last experience. A coworker told me that this was a great place. I then read the reviews of this place and people seemed to really like the food here. Plus it's been voted best in Philly. I figured I'd give it a try to see what the hype was all about. I was disappointed. 1st of all, you can zoom right past this place as it is on Delaware Avenue (one of philly's busiest mini highways). 2nd, I got a plain cheese-steak to try the meat but the meat was a little chewy. 3rd, I must qualify my next statement and admit I am spoiled as I am West Philly native and love Larry's Steaks off City Ave. I even like the other location on Girard Ave...So having stated that, the size of this steak was just a smidgen bigger than a steak you get in the back of a Poppy store. 4th, I also ordered cheese-fries and asked for the fries to be cooked well done. In my book, well done fries does not mean white. Those fries had no color...and by the way did I mention I asked for cheese-fries. There must be a tablespoon limit of cheese allowed on those fried because I promise you I didn't see much cheese on those fries at all. The guy at the counter was super nice though. He even gave me a coupon or two (which I will give to my coworker so that she can enjoy). The fries would have been really good, only if they weren't albino and 1/2 naked :)
(2)
Mary M.
My craving for a sandwich got me at Shank's. It is right next to Pier 40 bldg. There is no dedicated parking at Shank's. They are actually sharing what limited parking spaces Pier 40 bldg. has. They have only alfresco dining with very limited seating. They usually cater to take out customers. I don't know where they order their bread from, but it is fresh and delicious. The Chicken used in their cheese steak sandwiches are in big chunks, and grilled perfectly. Not minced / over cooked and dried out like those other guys..... (you know who you are). The Eggplant Shank's Style is piled high with lots of eggplant and Broccoli Rabe. You will get stuffed with just eating half of the sandwich. The Spicy Cajun Fries brings me back to the last time I was at Wildwood Boardwalk. It was fresh off the fryer and delicious!
(5)
Danielle A.
I never seem to get to this place before they are closed for the day. Which is the worst but that is my own fault. I USED A GROUPON TO MAKE MY PURCHASE AND THEY KNEW HOW TO USE IT. So I didn't even pay out of pocket more than about $5. Anyway the food was fresh, but you didn't have to go through the madness of Philadelphia to get a meal. They were quick, and friendly. I have been back 3 times since the first visit and this seems to be the place for me.
(4)
Thomas A.
Great Steak wit Onions, Provolone! Well seasoned meat, nice amount of pepper!
(4)
Vern H.
This doesn't hit the mark of the old Shanks but the 2 sandwiches I ordered steak and chicken cutlet we're pretty dam good especially the steak
(4)
Jill L.
My husband loves Shanks, so when I'm in need of a chicken cutlet sandwich, this is his first suggestion. I think the quality has gone down recently. The chicken on the last sandwich I had was WAY too fried, to the point of being burnt. The provolone wasn't sharp enough and the broccoli rabe was a bit bitter. The spot is a little strange- tucked away in an industrial-ish section of the riverfront. But it's easy to get to from the highway, if you are traveling on 95 and want a quick taste of Philly cuisine. And the prices are pretty standard for the area and are reasonable for the quality/quantity. Shank's always wins "Best of" this and that, but overall I feel like there are better spots to get chicken cutlets in the city.
(3)
Michell B.
1ST time coming here and I know I will be coming back. When I saw the deal on Groupon I thought hey why not. Once I got to the place I was a little unsure about it. There's nothing around it.. the guy was really nice and recommend some of the sandwiches and boy where they good. OMG I've had different types of cheesesteak but none like this it was really and the price was ok their cajun fries were AMAZING. I would try make another trip out there from new york. That's how good it was. Loved loved loved lobed loved it!
(5)
Dave L.
NEVER AGAIN. SHANK's should be embarrassed to put their name behind this sandwich and the owners should be embarrassed to serve it. Seriously. Place is lucky to get one star. Got the cheesesteak with sharp provolone (extra .50). Disgusting. So dry and tasteless. Steak was in crumbles. Falling all over my lap. Cheese not melted. Loaded it up with ketchup and that still didn't help. Absolutely horrible. I used to come here a lot when it was the original owners. Not sure who it now but they obviously don't know a thing about cheesesteaks. Steak -ums at home on bread would have been 10xs better. Don't waste your money or time! You'll only get aggravated like I did. Stick with Philips or Jims or somewhere else. Absolutely disgusting. Don't even deserve one star. **Take note that mostly all the good reviews of steaks are old reviews when previous people owned this place. Not current reviews. What you see in the pictures are not the same sandwiches. Those pics are from when Shanks was actually pretty good. NEVER AGAIN.
(1)
Jamie S.
Garbage cheesesteak chicken parm. Soda 25 dollars and the rolls were stale Not a great experience
(1)
Tom S.
In my cheese fry eating career, I've come to understand that there are a few varieties of canned, ready-made whiz for restaurants to choose from. This place serves the really good kind. I lived in Manayunk for a summer and found a place with this whiz, and ate it all season long. It will literally be the primary deciding factor in bringing me back in the future. The fries themselves aren't really anything to write home about, but that whiz is just so good. Their cheesesteaks are also very good - a good portion of tasty, chopped meat at a decent price. Definitely a worthy stop for hungry waterfront walkers.
(4)
Elyse O.
Cheese steak hoagie. Lots of gristle and very tough chewy roll. Probably won't go there when there are so many great choices in Philly.
(2)
Mike S.
Stopped here the other day for lunch after hearing about it on WIP, and Yelp! They take plastic which is key because I had no cash on me. I would have been out of luck and hungry, thank you technology. Parking is street and they have a small lot which was free, also a plus. In the winter you go in the little tented area to order your sandwich, in the summer you order at the window. Now to the sandwich - I ordered the Chicken Cutlet Italiano (voted best hot sandwich of 2010). Wait time was about 5 minutes ans I was waiting I saw they had a choice of bread seeds or no seeds, and I quickly asked the cashier if I could change my sandwich to seeds, he said yes but it would be 50 cents no big deal. The roll was delicious. To me the roll either makes or breaks the sandwich. The chicken was breaded perfectly with broccoli rabe, it also comes with sharp provolone but I abstained being so far from home. Seating is outside with a few tables over looking the Delaware river. I ate half outside but it was too windy so I ate the other half in the car, can't wait to go again to try other sandwiches.
(4)
Ryan S.
I've eaten here before, and the sandwiches aren't bad. I went in this past Wednesday to grab a quick cheesesteak to go on the way to work. There were two people behind the counter, the cook and the girl taking orders, standing about two feet from me. She was texting on her phone, ignoring me. I said, "Excuse me, may I make an order?" She continued to ignore me and kept texting. I walked out. Their sandwiches are good, but I'd never go back, and I tell this story to everyone I know. It was literally the rudest, most outrageous thing I've ever experienced at any restaurant.
(1)
Ed B.
This place was pleasantly surprising!! I've driven past a million times and wondered. Its a small little place in front of Pier 40. The steaks are awesome! They remind me the most of a suburban pizzeria steak and the fries are shoestring fries!! Shank's is crazy busy too!! There's no inside place to sit and eat but there are picnic tables next to the water to sit and watch the ducks. Definitely a place to go if you want a good steak.
(4)
Eleanor M.
I wish the whole world could taste there food, cause its so delishous. I think there trick is the bread. I have been here 5 times in the past 6 months and there sandwichs never get boring. One sandwich can be shared because there so huge. There chesee fries are the best that I have had in all of philly. The service is great. Fast and friendly. Lots of parking. Its a small place. very clean. All the employees speak english. The only thing is that they only have outside eating and thats cool during the summer. But trust me the food is so good that you wont mind standing up to eat when its freezing outside just ask for a longhot and that will definetly cause a sweat.
(5)
Jo H.
Absolutely phenomenal! Thanks to Groupon for turning us on to them, we will definitely be going back. We got one pork italiano with spinach, and one chicken parm, one regular fry and one spicy. We LOVED the pork italiano!!! It was loaded with meat and the roll is amazing. We split the pork sandwich and were so full we couldn't touch the chicken parm! The staff was friendly, the service was fast and using the Groupon was very easy with them. We will definitely be going back for more even without the Groupon!
(5)
Adam F.
Classic South Philly institution for sandwiches and hoagies. Must try: - Chicken Cutlet Italiano (one of the best sandwiches in the city) - Roast Pork Italiano - Cheese Steak Whiz Wit - Old School Italian Hoagie
(4)
Brad P.
I don't get it. The roast beef with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe really had nothing going for it except for its size. It is really big. I suppose if you like unfathomably hard bread and unremarkable, tough roast beef that repeatedly catches between your teeth and makes you wish you'd gone to the grocery store for your meat to make it yourself instead, you might like this sandwich. Yeah that might have been a little bit of a run on sentence but that's how strongly I feel about my high expectations which were unmet. On the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction scale, this establishment is Pay It Forward.
(2)
Steve W.
Great cheese steak sandwich. I come here whenever I'm near Penn's Landing. They slice the steak off large hunks of meat when you order. Fresh and high quality. I usually get the steak with onions and sharp provolone, ummmm, The outdoor picnic tables are great when the weather is warm. Best of all the tour buses don't seem to have found them yet.
(5)
Wes T.
Split a pork special and a cheesesteak both were very good. The setting on the river is an excellent location to relax and enjoy a casual knosh.
(4)
Chris M.
It's located where? Blink and you pass this place. Situated in a nondescript parking lot off Del Avenue, this joint looks much like a shack or trailer from the outside. Giving them props for putting the effort into their menu. VERY good chicken cutlet & chicken cheesesteaks. They have decent seating outside if the weather cooperates. Quick service, good deal. A MUST to pickup for the Birds or Phils game.
(3)
Angela E.
Shank's is a great place for a sandwich. Chicken cutlet with spinach and sharp provolone on a seeded roll can't be beat! The chicken cheesesteaks are great, too. I can take or leave the fries. Haven't tried too many other things because of how good the chicken cutlet is every time. Special Note: Join their club and get free sandwiches for your birthday. Also, they have promotions all the time...the last one being a chicken cutlet for $.79 the entire month of September! They've been in business for 50 years, so they're doing something right! Just be aware, rush hour can make it cumbersome to drive and Phillies games ensure a long wait. We call ahead every time now. Also, the view is not so bad and it's great to sit outside if the weather permits.
(4)
Jerry F.
Take a pass on their eggplant, tomato, and provolone sandwich which is overpriced and sent out bad vibes. Loser tomatoes and gray greasy eggplant. And the sharp provolone for $1.50 extra worked as the only viable ingredient. Place was near empty on a Tuesday at lunch hour which tells you something. *They need to figure out how to make this location work, as the store is getting lost with the growing traffic volume on Columbus Ave.
(1)
Alex B.
Love the cutlets here. I used to try a new thing on the menu everytime but now I just get a cutlet hoagie everytime. The woman behind the cash register is the nicest ever. My go to sandwich to watch during an eagles game.
(5)
Tara F.
We love Shank's! The cheesesteak wit whiz is delicious and my husband is over the moon about the roast pork combo sandwich. They are both served on soft bread in huge portions. Every time we have eaten here we leave satisfied and smiling. Their spicy cajun fries are salty but tasty. Service is always friendly and quick.
(4)
Nicole C.
Really great sandwiches, fast friendly service. On a nice day it's really nice to sit by the river!!! Glad we gave it a try! I got a great breakfast sandwich, husband had a wiz wit steak.
(4)
Brett M.
Here's the deal. This place can be as inconsistent as they come. MOST of the time, the sandwiches I get here are absolutely delicious, but every once in a while, you get one that just isn't quite what you were expecting: Cold meat, not enough meat, etc. But with a deal like the current (and potentially ending soon) 79 cent roast pork sandwich, it's definitely worth a try. If you're there on good day, the pork is moist and tasty and the roll is both crunchy and soft in the right proportions. And if you're there on a bad day, you still get a pretty good and filling sandwich for cheaper than you could find anywhere else.
(4)
Bill M.
Great hoagies and good breakfast sandwiches. Chicken Parm is good too. Cheesesteaks have gone down hill MAJORLY. I remember going there just after they opened and they easily had the 2nd best cheesesteak I have ever had. It is not the same any more and it is a shame. It seems like they chop the meat up so much that it really kills the flavor that the bigger slices use to have. I even went as far as to ask them twice to not chop it up but they said no because it cooked faster that way.
(3)
Walter K.
If you want to go out of your way for a mediocre representation of a great Philly style roast pork sandwich (completed with way too much bread and a price tag that will leave you wondering why anyone visits), Shank's is your spot!
(2)
JJ N.
Great Chicken Sandwich Spot! I normally get the balsamic Chicken Sandwich or the Chicken parmigiana. Chicken is freshly grilled and the ingredients are always fresh and delicious! I want to preface that I went to the Pier 40 Shank's location 1st! Recently I went to the one on 15th street because I was being lazy and didn't feel like walking to the Delaware when I live in CC. That is a mistake I will never make again. My Balsamic Chicken sandwich was a disgrace at the CC location. Chicken was cooked on the girdle, not sliced, with horrible tomatoes and lettuce. The balsamic was more of a creamy dressing that before I even took bite one, the dressing soaked the entire sandwich causing all contents to break thru the bottom of the Hoagie Roll. My suggestion to you, is to go to the Pier Location specially on a nice day!
(5)
Andy M.
I had a cheesteak with cheez whiz here a few weeks ago. I'm not a philly native, and I've tried Tony Luke's and Geno's and what not, but let met tell you, this is the best one I've had so far in my time in the city. Am looking forward to going back and trying the chicken italiano with brocolli rabe. I think i'm still digesting my last meal there, however.
(4)
Tiffanie R.
No line no wait. Smells great. Can't wait to eat.
(5)
Jared G.
If heaven has sandwiches, Shank's would do the catering. Roast beef and sharp provolone with broccoli rabe? Amazing. The only way they could improve it is to give you a wristband to catch the grease dripping down your hand as you devour his Hoaginess. The balsamic chicken is not to be missed.
(5)
Dan M.
While Shank's isn't the worst place to grab a sandwich in Philly, it certainly isn't the best. If I could give them 2.5 stars I would. I've been to Shanks on a few separate occasions and I have to say, I'm not impressed. The past two times I ordered the Chicken Parm and the Chicken cutlet Italiano. There were definitely things that I enjoyed about the sandwiches, mainly the sauce. I tend to steer clear of sandwiches with tomato sauce because most of the times I am disappointed by the ketchupy goop that most places try to pass off as sauce, but Shank's isn't one of them. I was pleasantly surprised by their sauce, and their sandwiches are served on top notch bread, but unfortunately the chicken is dry to the point where the sauce can't rescue it. I want to like Shank's, I really do, but I can make a better chicken sandwich myself, or I could get one from the myriad of great sandwich shops this city has to offer.
(2)
Adam L.
Since my first review, I have went here about once a week, and have sampled almost the entire menu. Hot damn, it is good. The sausage sandwich is spot on. Sweet and a touch spicy with sharp prov. NO SAUCE! Out of this world. The chicken sandwiches are meaty and juicy. The chicken parm is not swimming in sauce; just enough, but it doesnt soak the roll. I love this spot.
(5)
Jeremy H.
I remember their food being a little better when they were on S. 10th. A-OK though. Go for Italiano - Anything.
(3)
Jennifer M.
I am NOT at all a vegetarian but every time I go to Shank's I have to have their Veggie Hoagie. It's so good every time. The sandwich comes with pan fried eggplant (what could be bad?), perfectly cooked broccoli rabe, marinated roasted peppers and sharp provolone. I could order that sandwich every day and I would die a happy person!
(5)
Jason O.
Eh, my chicken parm was OK. For it to be $9 for a medium sized sandwich, I was hoping for more. If you're on the way to the stadiums or just need a quick bite, it's a fine spot.
(3)
Noah F.
In Philly, I've had cheesesteaks here and at Jim's. I think Shank's is better, and there's no lines and very pleasant service. I've had the steak with wiz, pizza steak, pepper steak, pork italiano, and chicken italiano. All are very good - the pork was very juicy and tender. The steak was more tender than Jim's. The fries are good too.
(4)
Shannon C.
What happened to this place? The only reason that I am giving two stars is because it USED TO BE excellent, so I feel bad giving 1 star. I used to love the sandwiches at Shanks, all of them. I went here a couple of weeks ago and realized that this was not the same Shanks that stood here last year. I ordered two sandwiches to split and they were disgusting. The chicken cutlet hoagie- One little piece of chicken that was so overly fried it was almost black. The chicken italiano- same thing, tiny piece of chicken-- waaaaayy overly fried... and the broccoli rabe- ew!! So bitter, not garlicky. I ended up throwing most of it in the trash.
(2)
John M.
Cheese Steaks were a little fatty and I ordered cheese fries but didn't get them.
(2)
Tom T.
The roast pork sandwich is absolutely awesome. Easy to find, easy to park, easy to eat way too much. Real South Philly style food and very clean. Save your trip to 9th and Passyunk unless you need a neon tan
(5)
Chelsea W.
I have only ever gotten the Balsamic Chicken sandwich from here. It's FANTASTIC!!!! I haven't gotten anything else yet (maybe I should), but I just can't get away from this sandwich. Delicious!
(4)
Allen I.
But , Get the right thing or you're losing stars fast. I love Shanks. It's the best cutlet sandwich I may've ever had. It's thick properly pounded cutlets breaded just-right. You'll never worry about a question mark in these cutlets, they are good eats. The Rabe is so good. It's crunchy, bitter, and reminds you of a fresh batch. It's a major deal for me to have my sandwich on the proper bread. Shank's uses Liscios, which I think sucks. I always call to check and make sure. I don't recommend anything else. I am extremely satisfied with the Cutlet italiano, and I would put it up to any best sandwich.
(5)
Nick M.
If the original Shank's on 10th & Carpenter were still around, it would get 5 stars easily. The extra star would be for the ladies who call you "Hon" when they take your order. The food here, though, is just as good as the original location. And the Chicken Cutlet Italiano w/ broccoli rabe is a strong contender for best sandwich in the world. As other reviewers have noted, the food is not as good at the Center City location, so if you want Shank's, you have to come down to the pier.
(4)
Jim T.
Great Sandwichs from the Cheese Steaks to the Grilled chicken Balsamic. The Italiano is great also. Never had a bad sandwich here, just Philly Perfection of making a good meal.
(5)
Thad S.
Ok, no lie, this may be the best cheesesteak in Philly. I will be going back shortly to verfiy my previous findings, but so far, it is WAY up in the rankings. I like the "South Philly" feel of it (even though it may or may not technically be in South Philly) compared to the new Shank's uptown. The roll (ask for seeded) was perfect for the salty, meaty, cheesy goodness inside. A perfect amount of grease, and you can tack on a soda for a $7.50 lunch special. I am all about it. You should be too. Especially once the weather gets nicer, I will be making this a frequent stop after weekend bike rides. I am really excited for Shank's to have come to this spot, as I had never ventured there before. Give it a try, it's definitely worth it.
(5)
Kate W.
Stopped by Shanks on a Saturday evening to pick up some dinner. The Roast Pork Italiano and Grilled Balsamic Chicken, also some cajun fries. The fries were awesome, they could have used some more cajun seasoning but they were thin crinkle cut exactly like Chickies and Petes. The sandwiches were big and delicious, everything was very fresh. We were able to eat by the water at the outside tables it was a great experience overall. Also prices aren't too shabby.
(4)
Lesley P.
This place looks like a dump and you have to sit outside or in your car so if that bothers you- skip it! We had the eggplant parm, italian hoagie and cheese steak. One of us wanted potato chips and she jogged a few blocks to get them. The whole experience was a hoot and a number of my friends had seen Shanks featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" so we will definitely go back.
(4)
Garrett W.
Chicken Parm was pretty bland and lukewarm. But I do give this place extra points for being on the waterfront and having outdoor seating. That's not to be underestimated in good weather.
(3)
Lauren H.
Had no idea this was here. The only time I gave Pier 40 a thought was when I rented a Budget truck last summer. But now, there's this cheerful sandwich stand with quite a respectable picnic area - even more charming if you're into the whole industrial thing, which I am (looks out over the rear of the Coast Guard station). It's also far enough off Delaware Ave to avoid exhaust fumes. Easy access and plentiful parking to boot. The menu holds everything you would want out of a sandwich stand. I ordered the Shank's Veggie with fried eggplant with broccoli rabe, spinach, roasted peppers, mushrooms and sharp provolone. I think my friend ordered the Chicken Cutlet Italiano, or if it wasn't, it was something very similar. I was so enamored of my sandwich that all else floated right out of my head. I'll pop this up to four stars if the fries step it up a notch. I highly suspect my crab fries were of the frozen Ore-Ida variety, and did not have near enough Old Bay. I'd be happy to see that changed. But, fries aside, I'll certainly be back - the sandwich was heavenly. One note - when your sandwich is ready, your name is called through the loudspeaker facing the outside tables. Do not stand next to the loudspeaker, your eardrums may never recover, but at least you'll never miss your sandwich.
(3)
Daniel R.
Been driving by this place for a year and finally decided to stop for a quick lunch. I had the Chicken Parm sandwich and was not impressed. The chicken was dry, a little tough, and not hot, just warm. If it was an off peak hour that I went, maybe I'd give them another try but the chicken shouldn't taste like that at 12:30 on a weekday. I'm sure it tastes much better when it's fresh but the fact that it wasn't says to me that you can't count on consistency here. On the plus side, the sandwich had nice large strips of chicken and the bread and sauce were great so it's well worth the price if you're lucky enough not to get the piece that must have been sitting there for a few hours...
(2)
Jack H.
Second best place in Philadelphia to get a cheese steak, they are amazing, a little pricey but amazing, you sure get your money's worth, and the cheese fries a pretty good as well, nice outdoor sitting, good view of the Delaware river, good service
(4)
Karen T.
I have always wondered about this little place every time I pass it on my way to the Italian Market. This past Saturday I stopped and was I happy I did. My parents were with me and they both got the italian pork, I got a cheesesteak. This cheesesteak was good, the pork was fantastic. I ended up splitting my cheesesteak with my Dad so I could have half of his pork. I brought home an old school italian hoagie to my husband which he really liked. We'll be going back to Shank's.
(4)
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Address :901 S Columbus Blvd
Philadelphia, PA, 19147
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : Yes Waiter Service : No Caters : Yes
John Y.
Just stopped in to grab quick lunch.. Love this place!! Had my sandwich in 2mins.. Phenomenal roast pork!! Great customer service... Yeager's Kitchens & Bathrooms
(5)Toki W.
Shank's is good. Not great, but good. Don't get me wrong, it's worlds better than anything Pat's or Geno's (vomit!) have to offer. I just remember the old location being better. $9 for a steak and a soda is pretty decent too. Pros: Great location for stopping while on the road in/out of the city. Great bread--those who are complaining about the hard, seeded rolls do not understand the magic of a Sarcone's roll. However, I do concede that the Sarcone's rolls should have more meat on the sandwich. Another great pro is the variety: cutlet sandwiches, eggplant/veggie sandwiches/steaks/pork/roast beef. Friendly and fast service too. Cons: Quality has declined slightly over time, but it's still decent. The pork sandwiches are a bit too sloppy for me. No indoor seating, so if you're there on a rainy or incredibly hot day, you may want to take your order to go.
(3)CF D.
I'm slowly making my way through all the best cheesesteak places in Philadelphia, and this is by far the best one I've had. The best cheesesteaks exist on two axes: the fast-food axis of simple, cheesy deliciousness that doesn't require anything of its consumer, and the rich, meaty subtlety that makes it more than a Big Mac. Shank's delivers a perfect blend between the two: at the edge of your sandwich you'll taste the simple pleasure of meat immersed in cheese, but as you dig deeper into the larger concentrations of steak you'll get hints of a more profound flavor. Eating it is a challenge: the bread will quickly absorb a hint of the components and weaken, and you do constantly run the risk of a bit of delicious filling being lost. But it's like eating an ice cream cone: the sticky fingers and drips are barely noticeable in the symphony of flavor in your mouth, and though you might need a few extra napkins at the end, it will always be worth it.
(5)Jenn M.
We stopped here on a whim on our way to Penns Landing. Pretty cool location, was easy in easy out and no line. Cashier was pretty polite. In my opinion the food really needs some work. Bf had the cheesesteak on the seeded roll and I had the chicken cutlet on a regular? roll..I'm telling you, that seeded roll needs about twice the amount of steak to compensate for all that bread. Being cheap on steak makes me sad. The chicken cutlet hoagie was delicious but I had to take the chicken off and eat it with my hands because the roll was so hard I really felt like I might break my teeth on it...are hard rolls a thing now? Diet coke tasted watered down. Bill was 22 bucks..
(2)Emery G.
This place did not disappoint me. I bought the groupon literally fifteen minutes before I showed up. Go Groupon!! The philly cheese steak I had was huge and delicious. The bread they put it on was soft and the american cheese was great. The fries were super crispy! They are thin like McDonald's fries. So good. Come here if you can a decent lunch. If there is a groupon buy it because it does say you a lot of money.
(5)Chanthorn H.
Horrible! The only reason for the 2 stars and not one is because they are fast and nice. Place is a place where you order at the front, they take your name, and when the order is ready, they call you and get go get the meal. I ordered a regular cheesesteak with provolone and fried onions. It was by far the driest thing I have ever eaten. It was dryer than the Sahara dessert! Lol. In my opinion, a great cheesesteak is one that does not require any extra condiments. You should be able to taste the meat and cheese. I also believe a cheesesteak should have melted cheese. I have never put so much ketchup on anything. The only thing that made it somewhat edible was the loads of ketchup. Also, the cheese wasn't even melted. I used my cheat day on this? So sad Overall: I won't be back. In a city known for cheesesteaks, you can find better literally around the corner.
(2)Jennifer C.
We live in Florida, but my fiancé is from Philly. Every time we come to town, he makes me hit all his favorite food spots. I was never really that impressed until we tried Shanks. On our most recent trip, I made him take me there twice in one weekend because I couldn't get enough. The Cheesesteak is phenomenal. Much better than the other local places I've tried like Pat's or Gino's. I also love the chicken cutlet hoagie. He prefers the Classic Italian or the hot roast pork. The sarcone seeded rolls are amazing. I highly recommend this place!!!
(5)Dorothy S.
Solid specials! Chicken cutlet is great, cheesesteaks and hoagies leave more to be desired
(3)Dave R.
My absolute favorite roast pork sandwich in the city. It's perfect. Bread - Meat - Cheese. Everything is great. The broccoli rabe is very spicy, so if you're not into it. Just get an italiano with sharp prov and no rabe.
(5)Mary B.
Yum! I love this cheesesteaks here! The people who work here are super-friendly, and the other sandwiches are good, too!
(4)tony m.
As a fourth generation Philadelphian I am ashamed to admit I have never before stopped on Columbus Blvd at Shanks. The little shack establishment has long been known for it hot sandwiches, especially , from what I have heard, their roast pork. The stand is easily parkable right off the road. The line made up mostly of tourists was a bit long but kept moving under the indefatigable direction of the profusely sweating big gentleman taking orders at the register. Behind him several other equally saturated kitchen men jostled between an unseen stove a rapidly moving bowl salting French fries and other activities too quick to determine. While the menu is fairly good and includes hoagies and cheese steaks I was interested only in their simplest pork, plain, no greens, no cheese. While I made my way to order rather quickly the wait for the sandwich took a while. Since I couldn't see the stove or grill I don't know whether this was because of the attention given each order to the number of orders. Eventually I had my sandwich and took a table at one of the best (and only) river side views in the city. (Why are there not a string of such places along the waterfront? Oh, Philly! Philly!) When I opened the wrapper I was a bit taken by the size and breadiness of the role. Frankly, it made me a bit apprehensive. But one bite changed my mind immediately. The moistness of the pork and the even amount of gravy rendered the bread the perfect accompaniment. Now, having said this, I would have serious reservations about the same kind of role for a hoagie or steak sandwich which do not work at all with too much bread. But for the pork - quite good.
(3)Matt D.
Groupon can lead you to some interesting places, but this one was a solid hit. We've driven past here many times coming home from Shoprite and IKEA, so why not give them a try? The Chicken Cutlet Italiano with rabe and roasted red peppers is an excellent sandwich. I enjoyed the cheese steak, but I'm beginning to prefer my meat sliced rather than chopped. The place is clean and the service is really friendly, which is not the case at some of their competitors. My biggest gripe is the price. It is easy to come out of here in the $25-30 range for two sandwiches and an order of fries.
(4)Meghan K.
If I could give this zero stars I would. I have been eating shanks for years. Every time I order they always mess something up. I'm not picky but this time I'm putting my foot down. I ordered a cheesesteak with no onions, cheese fries, and a fountain root beer. Everything was wrong. The fries were so salted it was like they just poured a huge thing into the container and added a little bit of cheese. My cheesesteak came with fried onions and my soda was a diet coke! How the hell do you mess up three simple things that easily. Then when I tried to call shanks the number is disconnected. I called grub hub and they couldn't even get a hold of them. I'm never ordering from here again because it seems Shanks likes to rip off their customers. They don't even have a working website. I want a refund but I guess that's not going to happen. 25.00 down the drain.
(1)Jenn S.
Just okay for a Philly cheese steak. The counter staff lady was nice but other than that, it wasn't all that.
(2)Kimberly C.
Today was my 1st and last experience. A coworker told me that this was a great place. I then read the reviews of this place and people seemed to really like the food here. Plus it's been voted best in Philly. I figured I'd give it a try to see what the hype was all about. I was disappointed. 1st of all, you can zoom right past this place as it is on Delaware Avenue (one of philly's busiest mini highways). 2nd, I got a plain cheese-steak to try the meat but the meat was a little chewy. 3rd, I must qualify my next statement and admit I am spoiled as I am West Philly native and love Larry's Steaks off City Ave. I even like the other location on Girard Ave...So having stated that, the size of this steak was just a smidgen bigger than a steak you get in the back of a Poppy store. 4th, I also ordered cheese-fries and asked for the fries to be cooked well done. In my book, well done fries does not mean white. Those fries had no color...and by the way did I mention I asked for cheese-fries. There must be a tablespoon limit of cheese allowed on those fried because I promise you I didn't see much cheese on those fries at all. The guy at the counter was super nice though. He even gave me a coupon or two (which I will give to my coworker so that she can enjoy). The fries would have been really good, only if they weren't albino and 1/2 naked :)
(2)Mary M.
My craving for a sandwich got me at Shank's. It is right next to Pier 40 bldg. There is no dedicated parking at Shank's. They are actually sharing what limited parking spaces Pier 40 bldg. has. They have only alfresco dining with very limited seating. They usually cater to take out customers. I don't know where they order their bread from, but it is fresh and delicious. The Chicken used in their cheese steak sandwiches are in big chunks, and grilled perfectly. Not minced / over cooked and dried out like those other guys..... (you know who you are). The Eggplant Shank's Style is piled high with lots of eggplant and Broccoli Rabe. You will get stuffed with just eating half of the sandwich. The Spicy Cajun Fries brings me back to the last time I was at Wildwood Boardwalk. It was fresh off the fryer and delicious!
(5)Danielle A.
I never seem to get to this place before they are closed for the day. Which is the worst but that is my own fault. I USED A GROUPON TO MAKE MY PURCHASE AND THEY KNEW HOW TO USE IT. So I didn't even pay out of pocket more than about $5. Anyway the food was fresh, but you didn't have to go through the madness of Philadelphia to get a meal. They were quick, and friendly. I have been back 3 times since the first visit and this seems to be the place for me.
(4)Thomas A.
Great Steak wit Onions, Provolone! Well seasoned meat, nice amount of pepper!
(4)Vern H.
This doesn't hit the mark of the old Shanks but the 2 sandwiches I ordered steak and chicken cutlet we're pretty dam good especially the steak
(4)Jill L.
My husband loves Shanks, so when I'm in need of a chicken cutlet sandwich, this is his first suggestion. I think the quality has gone down recently. The chicken on the last sandwich I had was WAY too fried, to the point of being burnt. The provolone wasn't sharp enough and the broccoli rabe was a bit bitter. The spot is a little strange- tucked away in an industrial-ish section of the riverfront. But it's easy to get to from the highway, if you are traveling on 95 and want a quick taste of Philly cuisine. And the prices are pretty standard for the area and are reasonable for the quality/quantity. Shank's always wins "Best of" this and that, but overall I feel like there are better spots to get chicken cutlets in the city.
(3)Michell B.
1ST time coming here and I know I will be coming back. When I saw the deal on Groupon I thought hey why not. Once I got to the place I was a little unsure about it. There's nothing around it.. the guy was really nice and recommend some of the sandwiches and boy where they good. OMG I've had different types of cheesesteak but none like this it was really and the price was ok their cajun fries were AMAZING. I would try make another trip out there from new york. That's how good it was. Loved loved loved lobed loved it!
(5)Dave L.
NEVER AGAIN. SHANK's should be embarrassed to put their name behind this sandwich and the owners should be embarrassed to serve it. Seriously. Place is lucky to get one star. Got the cheesesteak with sharp provolone (extra .50). Disgusting. So dry and tasteless. Steak was in crumbles. Falling all over my lap. Cheese not melted. Loaded it up with ketchup and that still didn't help. Absolutely horrible. I used to come here a lot when it was the original owners. Not sure who it now but they obviously don't know a thing about cheesesteaks. Steak -ums at home on bread would have been 10xs better. Don't waste your money or time! You'll only get aggravated like I did. Stick with Philips or Jims or somewhere else. Absolutely disgusting. Don't even deserve one star. **Take note that mostly all the good reviews of steaks are old reviews when previous people owned this place. Not current reviews. What you see in the pictures are not the same sandwiches. Those pics are from when Shanks was actually pretty good. NEVER AGAIN.
(1)Jamie S.
Garbage cheesesteak chicken parm. Soda 25 dollars and the rolls were stale Not a great experience
(1)Tom S.
In my cheese fry eating career, I've come to understand that there are a few varieties of canned, ready-made whiz for restaurants to choose from. This place serves the really good kind. I lived in Manayunk for a summer and found a place with this whiz, and ate it all season long. It will literally be the primary deciding factor in bringing me back in the future. The fries themselves aren't really anything to write home about, but that whiz is just so good. Their cheesesteaks are also very good - a good portion of tasty, chopped meat at a decent price. Definitely a worthy stop for hungry waterfront walkers.
(4)Elyse O.
Cheese steak hoagie. Lots of gristle and very tough chewy roll. Probably won't go there when there are so many great choices in Philly.
(2)Mike S.
Stopped here the other day for lunch after hearing about it on WIP, and Yelp! They take plastic which is key because I had no cash on me. I would have been out of luck and hungry, thank you technology. Parking is street and they have a small lot which was free, also a plus. In the winter you go in the little tented area to order your sandwich, in the summer you order at the window. Now to the sandwich - I ordered the Chicken Cutlet Italiano (voted best hot sandwich of 2010). Wait time was about 5 minutes ans I was waiting I saw they had a choice of bread seeds or no seeds, and I quickly asked the cashier if I could change my sandwich to seeds, he said yes but it would be 50 cents no big deal. The roll was delicious. To me the roll either makes or breaks the sandwich. The chicken was breaded perfectly with broccoli rabe, it also comes with sharp provolone but I abstained being so far from home. Seating is outside with a few tables over looking the Delaware river. I ate half outside but it was too windy so I ate the other half in the car, can't wait to go again to try other sandwiches.
(4)Ryan S.
I've eaten here before, and the sandwiches aren't bad. I went in this past Wednesday to grab a quick cheesesteak to go on the way to work. There were two people behind the counter, the cook and the girl taking orders, standing about two feet from me. She was texting on her phone, ignoring me. I said, "Excuse me, may I make an order?" She continued to ignore me and kept texting. I walked out. Their sandwiches are good, but I'd never go back, and I tell this story to everyone I know. It was literally the rudest, most outrageous thing I've ever experienced at any restaurant.
(1)Ed B.
This place was pleasantly surprising!! I've driven past a million times and wondered. Its a small little place in front of Pier 40. The steaks are awesome! They remind me the most of a suburban pizzeria steak and the fries are shoestring fries!! Shank's is crazy busy too!! There's no inside place to sit and eat but there are picnic tables next to the water to sit and watch the ducks. Definitely a place to go if you want a good steak.
(4)Eleanor M.
I wish the whole world could taste there food, cause its so delishous. I think there trick is the bread. I have been here 5 times in the past 6 months and there sandwichs never get boring. One sandwich can be shared because there so huge. There chesee fries are the best that I have had in all of philly. The service is great. Fast and friendly. Lots of parking. Its a small place. very clean. All the employees speak english. The only thing is that they only have outside eating and thats cool during the summer. But trust me the food is so good that you wont mind standing up to eat when its freezing outside just ask for a longhot and that will definetly cause a sweat.
(5)Jo H.
Absolutely phenomenal! Thanks to Groupon for turning us on to them, we will definitely be going back. We got one pork italiano with spinach, and one chicken parm, one regular fry and one spicy. We LOVED the pork italiano!!! It was loaded with meat and the roll is amazing. We split the pork sandwich and were so full we couldn't touch the chicken parm! The staff was friendly, the service was fast and using the Groupon was very easy with them. We will definitely be going back for more even without the Groupon!
(5)Adam F.
Classic South Philly institution for sandwiches and hoagies. Must try: - Chicken Cutlet Italiano (one of the best sandwiches in the city) - Roast Pork Italiano - Cheese Steak Whiz Wit - Old School Italian Hoagie
(4)Brad P.
I don't get it. The roast beef with sharp provolone and broccoli rabe really had nothing going for it except for its size. It is really big. I suppose if you like unfathomably hard bread and unremarkable, tough roast beef that repeatedly catches between your teeth and makes you wish you'd gone to the grocery store for your meat to make it yourself instead, you might like this sandwich. Yeah that might have been a little bit of a run on sentence but that's how strongly I feel about my high expectations which were unmet. On the action-movie-parallel-satisfaction scale, this establishment is Pay It Forward.
(2)Steve W.
Great cheese steak sandwich. I come here whenever I'm near Penn's Landing. They slice the steak off large hunks of meat when you order. Fresh and high quality. I usually get the steak with onions and sharp provolone, ummmm, The outdoor picnic tables are great when the weather is warm. Best of all the tour buses don't seem to have found them yet.
(5)Wes T.
Split a pork special and a cheesesteak both were very good. The setting on the river is an excellent location to relax and enjoy a casual knosh.
(4)Chris M.
It's located where? Blink and you pass this place. Situated in a nondescript parking lot off Del Avenue, this joint looks much like a shack or trailer from the outside. Giving them props for putting the effort into their menu. VERY good chicken cutlet & chicken cheesesteaks. They have decent seating outside if the weather cooperates. Quick service, good deal. A MUST to pickup for the Birds or Phils game.
(3)Angela E.
Shank's is a great place for a sandwich. Chicken cutlet with spinach and sharp provolone on a seeded roll can't be beat! The chicken cheesesteaks are great, too. I can take or leave the fries. Haven't tried too many other things because of how good the chicken cutlet is every time. Special Note: Join their club and get free sandwiches for your birthday. Also, they have promotions all the time...the last one being a chicken cutlet for $.79 the entire month of September! They've been in business for 50 years, so they're doing something right! Just be aware, rush hour can make it cumbersome to drive and Phillies games ensure a long wait. We call ahead every time now. Also, the view is not so bad and it's great to sit outside if the weather permits.
(4)Jerry F.
Take a pass on their eggplant, tomato, and provolone sandwich which is overpriced and sent out bad vibes. Loser tomatoes and gray greasy eggplant. And the sharp provolone for $1.50 extra worked as the only viable ingredient. Place was near empty on a Tuesday at lunch hour which tells you something. *They need to figure out how to make this location work, as the store is getting lost with the growing traffic volume on Columbus Ave.
(1)Alex B.
Love the cutlets here. I used to try a new thing on the menu everytime but now I just get a cutlet hoagie everytime. The woman behind the cash register is the nicest ever. My go to sandwich to watch during an eagles game.
(5)Tara F.
We love Shank's! The cheesesteak wit whiz is delicious and my husband is over the moon about the roast pork combo sandwich. They are both served on soft bread in huge portions. Every time we have eaten here we leave satisfied and smiling. Their spicy cajun fries are salty but tasty. Service is always friendly and quick.
(4)Nicole C.
Really great sandwiches, fast friendly service. On a nice day it's really nice to sit by the river!!! Glad we gave it a try! I got a great breakfast sandwich, husband had a wiz wit steak.
(4)Brett M.
Here's the deal. This place can be as inconsistent as they come. MOST of the time, the sandwiches I get here are absolutely delicious, but every once in a while, you get one that just isn't quite what you were expecting: Cold meat, not enough meat, etc. But with a deal like the current (and potentially ending soon) 79 cent roast pork sandwich, it's definitely worth a try. If you're there on good day, the pork is moist and tasty and the roll is both crunchy and soft in the right proportions. And if you're there on a bad day, you still get a pretty good and filling sandwich for cheaper than you could find anywhere else.
(4)Bill M.
Great hoagies and good breakfast sandwiches. Chicken Parm is good too. Cheesesteaks have gone down hill MAJORLY. I remember going there just after they opened and they easily had the 2nd best cheesesteak I have ever had. It is not the same any more and it is a shame. It seems like they chop the meat up so much that it really kills the flavor that the bigger slices use to have. I even went as far as to ask them twice to not chop it up but they said no because it cooked faster that way.
(3)Walter K.
If you want to go out of your way for a mediocre representation of a great Philly style roast pork sandwich (completed with way too much bread and a price tag that will leave you wondering why anyone visits), Shank's is your spot!
(2)JJ N.
Great Chicken Sandwich Spot! I normally get the balsamic Chicken Sandwich or the Chicken parmigiana. Chicken is freshly grilled and the ingredients are always fresh and delicious! I want to preface that I went to the Pier 40 Shank's location 1st! Recently I went to the one on 15th street because I was being lazy and didn't feel like walking to the Delaware when I live in CC. That is a mistake I will never make again. My Balsamic Chicken sandwich was a disgrace at the CC location. Chicken was cooked on the girdle, not sliced, with horrible tomatoes and lettuce. The balsamic was more of a creamy dressing that before I even took bite one, the dressing soaked the entire sandwich causing all contents to break thru the bottom of the Hoagie Roll. My suggestion to you, is to go to the Pier Location specially on a nice day!
(5)Andy M.
I had a cheesteak with cheez whiz here a few weeks ago. I'm not a philly native, and I've tried Tony Luke's and Geno's and what not, but let met tell you, this is the best one I've had so far in my time in the city. Am looking forward to going back and trying the chicken italiano with brocolli rabe. I think i'm still digesting my last meal there, however.
(4)Tiffanie R.
No line no wait. Smells great. Can't wait to eat.
(5)Jared G.
If heaven has sandwiches, Shank's would do the catering. Roast beef and sharp provolone with broccoli rabe? Amazing. The only way they could improve it is to give you a wristband to catch the grease dripping down your hand as you devour his Hoaginess. The balsamic chicken is not to be missed.
(5)Dan M.
While Shank's isn't the worst place to grab a sandwich in Philly, it certainly isn't the best. If I could give them 2.5 stars I would. I've been to Shanks on a few separate occasions and I have to say, I'm not impressed. The past two times I ordered the Chicken Parm and the Chicken cutlet Italiano. There were definitely things that I enjoyed about the sandwiches, mainly the sauce. I tend to steer clear of sandwiches with tomato sauce because most of the times I am disappointed by the ketchupy goop that most places try to pass off as sauce, but Shank's isn't one of them. I was pleasantly surprised by their sauce, and their sandwiches are served on top notch bread, but unfortunately the chicken is dry to the point where the sauce can't rescue it. I want to like Shank's, I really do, but I can make a better chicken sandwich myself, or I could get one from the myriad of great sandwich shops this city has to offer.
(2)Adam L.
Since my first review, I have went here about once a week, and have sampled almost the entire menu. Hot damn, it is good. The sausage sandwich is spot on. Sweet and a touch spicy with sharp prov. NO SAUCE! Out of this world. The chicken sandwiches are meaty and juicy. The chicken parm is not swimming in sauce; just enough, but it doesnt soak the roll. I love this spot.
(5)Jeremy H.
I remember their food being a little better when they were on S. 10th. A-OK though. Go for Italiano - Anything.
(3)Jennifer M.
I am NOT at all a vegetarian but every time I go to Shank's I have to have their Veggie Hoagie. It's so good every time. The sandwich comes with pan fried eggplant (what could be bad?), perfectly cooked broccoli rabe, marinated roasted peppers and sharp provolone. I could order that sandwich every day and I would die a happy person!
(5)Jason O.
Eh, my chicken parm was OK. For it to be $9 for a medium sized sandwich, I was hoping for more. If you're on the way to the stadiums or just need a quick bite, it's a fine spot.
(3)Noah F.
In Philly, I've had cheesesteaks here and at Jim's. I think Shank's is better, and there's no lines and very pleasant service. I've had the steak with wiz, pizza steak, pepper steak, pork italiano, and chicken italiano. All are very good - the pork was very juicy and tender. The steak was more tender than Jim's. The fries are good too.
(4)Shannon C.
What happened to this place? The only reason that I am giving two stars is because it USED TO BE excellent, so I feel bad giving 1 star. I used to love the sandwiches at Shanks, all of them. I went here a couple of weeks ago and realized that this was not the same Shanks that stood here last year. I ordered two sandwiches to split and they were disgusting. The chicken cutlet hoagie- One little piece of chicken that was so overly fried it was almost black. The chicken italiano- same thing, tiny piece of chicken-- waaaaayy overly fried... and the broccoli rabe- ew!! So bitter, not garlicky. I ended up throwing most of it in the trash.
(2)John M.
Cheese Steaks were a little fatty and I ordered cheese fries but didn't get them.
(2)Tom T.
The roast pork sandwich is absolutely awesome. Easy to find, easy to park, easy to eat way too much. Real South Philly style food and very clean. Save your trip to 9th and Passyunk unless you need a neon tan
(5)Chelsea W.
I have only ever gotten the Balsamic Chicken sandwich from here. It's FANTASTIC!!!! I haven't gotten anything else yet (maybe I should), but I just can't get away from this sandwich. Delicious!
(4)Allen I.
But , Get the right thing or you're losing stars fast. I love Shanks. It's the best cutlet sandwich I may've ever had. It's thick properly pounded cutlets breaded just-right. You'll never worry about a question mark in these cutlets, they are good eats. The Rabe is so good. It's crunchy, bitter, and reminds you of a fresh batch. It's a major deal for me to have my sandwich on the proper bread. Shank's uses Liscios, which I think sucks. I always call to check and make sure. I don't recommend anything else. I am extremely satisfied with the Cutlet italiano, and I would put it up to any best sandwich.
(5)Nick M.
If the original Shank's on 10th & Carpenter were still around, it would get 5 stars easily. The extra star would be for the ladies who call you "Hon" when they take your order. The food here, though, is just as good as the original location. And the Chicken Cutlet Italiano w/ broccoli rabe is a strong contender for best sandwich in the world. As other reviewers have noted, the food is not as good at the Center City location, so if you want Shank's, you have to come down to the pier.
(4)Jim T.
Great Sandwichs from the Cheese Steaks to the Grilled chicken Balsamic. The Italiano is great also. Never had a bad sandwich here, just Philly Perfection of making a good meal.
(5)Thad S.
Ok, no lie, this may be the best cheesesteak in Philly. I will be going back shortly to verfiy my previous findings, but so far, it is WAY up in the rankings. I like the "South Philly" feel of it (even though it may or may not technically be in South Philly) compared to the new Shank's uptown. The roll (ask for seeded) was perfect for the salty, meaty, cheesy goodness inside. A perfect amount of grease, and you can tack on a soda for a $7.50 lunch special. I am all about it. You should be too. Especially once the weather gets nicer, I will be making this a frequent stop after weekend bike rides. I am really excited for Shank's to have come to this spot, as I had never ventured there before. Give it a try, it's definitely worth it.
(5)Kate W.
Stopped by Shanks on a Saturday evening to pick up some dinner. The Roast Pork Italiano and Grilled Balsamic Chicken, also some cajun fries. The fries were awesome, they could have used some more cajun seasoning but they were thin crinkle cut exactly like Chickies and Petes. The sandwiches were big and delicious, everything was very fresh. We were able to eat by the water at the outside tables it was a great experience overall. Also prices aren't too shabby.
(4)Lesley P.
This place looks like a dump and you have to sit outside or in your car so if that bothers you- skip it! We had the eggplant parm, italian hoagie and cheese steak. One of us wanted potato chips and she jogged a few blocks to get them. The whole experience was a hoot and a number of my friends had seen Shanks featured on "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" so we will definitely go back.
(4)Garrett W.
Chicken Parm was pretty bland and lukewarm. But I do give this place extra points for being on the waterfront and having outdoor seating. That's not to be underestimated in good weather.
(3)Lauren H.
Had no idea this was here. The only time I gave Pier 40 a thought was when I rented a Budget truck last summer. But now, there's this cheerful sandwich stand with quite a respectable picnic area - even more charming if you're into the whole industrial thing, which I am (looks out over the rear of the Coast Guard station). It's also far enough off Delaware Ave to avoid exhaust fumes. Easy access and plentiful parking to boot. The menu holds everything you would want out of a sandwich stand. I ordered the Shank's Veggie with fried eggplant with broccoli rabe, spinach, roasted peppers, mushrooms and sharp provolone. I think my friend ordered the Chicken Cutlet Italiano, or if it wasn't, it was something very similar. I was so enamored of my sandwich that all else floated right out of my head. I'll pop this up to four stars if the fries step it up a notch. I highly suspect my crab fries were of the frozen Ore-Ida variety, and did not have near enough Old Bay. I'd be happy to see that changed. But, fries aside, I'll certainly be back - the sandwich was heavenly. One note - when your sandwich is ready, your name is called through the loudspeaker facing the outside tables. Do not stand next to the loudspeaker, your eardrums may never recover, but at least you'll never miss your sandwich.
(3)Daniel R.
Been driving by this place for a year and finally decided to stop for a quick lunch. I had the Chicken Parm sandwich and was not impressed. The chicken was dry, a little tough, and not hot, just warm. If it was an off peak hour that I went, maybe I'd give them another try but the chicken shouldn't taste like that at 12:30 on a weekday. I'm sure it tastes much better when it's fresh but the fact that it wasn't says to me that you can't count on consistency here. On the plus side, the sandwich had nice large strips of chicken and the bread and sauce were great so it's well worth the price if you're lucky enough not to get the piece that must have been sitting there for a few hours...
(2)Jack H.
Second best place in Philadelphia to get a cheese steak, they are amazing, a little pricey but amazing, you sure get your money's worth, and the cheese fries a pretty good as well, nice outdoor sitting, good view of the Delaware river, good service
(4)Karen T.
I have always wondered about this little place every time I pass it on my way to the Italian Market. This past Saturday I stopped and was I happy I did. My parents were with me and they both got the italian pork, I got a cheesesteak. This cheesesteak was good, the pork was fantastic. I ended up splitting my cheesesteak with my Dad so I could have half of his pork. I brought home an old school italian hoagie to my husband which he really liked. We'll be going back to Shank's.
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