Philadelphia's South Street - Ishkabibble, his pink-and-yellow vendor has been cooking up cheesesteaks and chicken cheesesteaks since 1979. They also operate a second location less than two blocks away. Favorites include Spanish fries and the original Gremlin, a half-lemonade, half-grape-juice concoction. 337 South Street, (215) 923-4337; 517 South Street, (215) 922-0494, ishka-philly.com
Ishkabibble's is the name of a big band song by Merwyn Bogue and a Yiddish expression that roughly translates to "Do I look like I care?" The regional take marries crispy fries (frozen isn't always the worst thing when it comes to fries) with sweetly fried onions and slices of red and green hot peppers. Opt for a few pumps of Whiz out of a heated can to top them off and you've got a low-brow plate with a combination of flavors and textures that is downright intriguing. If you're looking for the full Ishkabibble's experience, pair your Spanish fries with a Gremlin, a murky combo of lemonade and grape drink.
Philadelphia's South Street Guide - welcomes more than just hippies these days. Shoppers searching for a statement-making look, visitors hungry for a real Philly cheesesteak and music lovers who want to catch an up-and-coming band head to the storied boulevard. Ethnically diverse restaurants, bars that keep the party going long after dessert and galleries and performance spaces help make South Street the place where everyone meets.
