Tony Luke's: Philadelphia, PA

If you guys haven’t watched "Alex Eats it All" on Bon Appetit’s Youtube channel, you are seriously missing out. The web editor travels around the country on a quest to try the most iconic food item in each city. One of those was the Philly cheesesteak. So, when I was in the area, I couldn’t not stop by his favorite joint.

After eating at 16 spots in 12 hours, he landed on Tony Luke’s in South Philly. Shreds of flavorful beef topped with wiz (cheese sauce) and onions complement a tender and slightly crisp roll.

When you first drive to it, you may almost miss it, as in I missed it completely. It’s under a highway overpass, nestled snuggly with a parking lot right under the overpass.

I ordered what Alex recommended: cheesesteak with wiz and onions (although the word wiz may sprout some controversy). It was delicious to say the least. But I couldn’t stop there. Side orders of salt and vinegar fries and onion rings filled my table. Plus, pickles and peppers quickly brightened the meal.

I’ve never tried salt and vinegar fries before, but coincidently was talking about them the day before. They were amazing, and may I say even better than their chip cousin. Just enough tang to make your mouth pucker.

This place has it all. Great food, great staff, and the charm of Philly.