Philadelphia, PA
- In the heart of South Philadelphia, under the shadow of the I-95 overpass, stands a true culinary landmark. For decades, it was known to the world as the original Tony Luke's, a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic Philadelphia cheesesteak or roast pork sandwich. Today, with a new name but the same legendary recipes, Tony & Nick's Steaks continues its tradition of serving up some of the most iconic and delicious sandwiches in the city.
A Storied History and a New Name:
This iconic sandwich stand has been a cornerstone of the South Philly food scene for over 30 years. Founded by the Lucidonio family, it became a global sensation. Following a family dispute, the original location at 39 East Oregon Avenue was officially rebranded in 2023 as Tony & Nick's Steaks, now run by original co-founder Tony Lucidonio Jr. and his son, Nicholas. While the name on the sign has changed, the commitment to the classic, high-quality recipes that made the spot famous remains the same.
The Vibe: Quintessential South Philly
A visit to Tony & Nick's is an authentic South Philly experience. It's a classic, no-frills stand with walk-up windows for ordering. You'll find a mix of loyal local regulars, construction workers on their lunch break, and tourists making the pilgrimage for a taste of an authentic Philly sandwich. The atmosphere is bustling, efficient, and all about the food.
The Sandwiches: More Than Just a Cheesesteak
While their cheesesteak is a top-tier classic, many locals and food connoisseurs will tell you that the real star at Tony & Nick's is another Philadelphia icon.
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The Roast Pork Sandwich: This is the stuff of legends. Their Roast Pork Italian features thinly sliced, juicy roast pork, sharp provolone cheese, and garlicky broccoli rabe (or spinach) piled high on a fresh, seeded roll. It is consistently ranked as one of the absolute best sandwiches in the entire city.
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The Cheesesteak: Of course, their cheesesteak is also fantastic, made with high-quality rib-eye steak, served chopped or whole, on a classic Philly roll.
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Other Favorites: The menu also includes other beloved creations like the Chicken Cutlet Italian and various other hot and cold sandwiches.
Tony & Nick's Steaks is more than just a restaurant; it's a living piece of South Philadelphia's culinary history. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of a great family recipe and a commitment to quality. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a lifelong fan, a trip to this iconic Oregon Avenue stand for a legendary roast pork sandwich or a classic cheesesteak remains an essential Philadelphia experience.
