Where To Eat Like Philadelphia Royalty For Under $10

Living in the city has gotten more expensive in recent years, but everyone needs to eat (and maybe even go on a dinner date once in a while).

Here are five spots where even the young and hungry can dine like kings.

Tommy DiNic’s
Center City/Market East

The best sandwich in America is in Philly—and it's not a cheesesteak. For under $10, you can load up on the city's somewhat-less-famous specialty: a locally-baked sandwich roll with roast pork, sharp provolone cheese and broccoli rabe. The pork, following a decades-old family recipe, takes days to prepare and gets soaked in gravy before going on a savory sandwich that the Travel Channel (and Yelpers, and many others) have declared the best in the land. The basic version starts at $8.50 and also comes as roast beef, Italian sausage or meatballs. Cheese, the greens (either raab or sauteed spinach), and highly-recommended hot peppers are $0.75 apiece or $1.50 for any two. 

Dalessandro’s Steaks
Roxborough

Cheesesteaks are the city mainstay, and this tiny, 60-year-old restaurant still tops lists and reviews today. The thinly sliced rib-eye steaks start at $8.25 and come with American cheese and free toppings like fried or grilled onions, peppers and sauces of your choice. Add fancier toppings like mushrooms for a few quarters, or get decidedly less fancy and swap in Cheez Whiz for $0.30.

Chicken is available at similar prices if you don't want beef, or check out the wide range of burgers and hoagies at equally attractive prices if you're looking to mix it up. Before you pay up (cash only), be sure to check out the extensive and reasonably priced beer list. 

Federal Donuts
Rittenhouse Square

You won't find sandwiches on this menu, nor much else: you can only get coffee, donuts and chicken. But these are probably all you need. For $10, Federal Donuts sells a basket full of crispy Korean-style double-fried breast, thigh and drumstick with your choice of glaze or dry seasoning on top (from buttermilk ranch to coconut curry). Plus, you get a flavorful cake donut tucked into the basket. Enjoy the clever mixes of spices in everything, but make sure you arrive after 11am to start enjoying the chicken. 

Check for nearby locations, too, as the budding chain has set its sights on expansion. 

Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House
Chinatown

A local favorite that doesn't get much attention beyond city limits, Nan Zhou's inexpensive and authentic menu is headlined by homemade noodles in thin ("hand-drawn) and thick ("shaved") form. These are those rare kind of noodles that seem to soak up all the flavor of the dish without losing texture. The go-to item is the house special soup, made with a clear broth and combination meats, for $9.95. But the list is long at this cash-only restaurant, and you can have stir-fried versions of the noodles if you're not feeling like liquid.

Those who are seeking a big selection of animal parts will also not be disappointed— beef stomach, intestine and tails, pig ears, chicken feet and jellyfish are all options.

Mama's Vegetarian
Rittenhouse Square

Whether you're a full-time vegetarian, or just want a dining break in this meat-friendly city, the falafel sandwich at Mama's Vegetarian is an affordable winner. It's packed with hummus, tomato, cucumber, cabbage, hot sauce and tehina, with the large version at $7 and the small version at $4. While the falafel is the draw, you can also choose other vegetarian options like eggplant, latke or sabich for your sandwich. You can add on traditional sides like fries or Middle Eastern ones like stuffed grape leaves for a few dollars more. The platter versions will take you a little over $10, including the pita for DIY sandwich-making.