Sonny's Famous Steaks is a cheesesteak restaurant located on Market Street in Old City, Philadelphia. It consistently ranks as one of the best cheesesteaks in Philadelphia.[1][2]
Sonny's Famous Steaks | |
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Restaurant information | |
Established | 1999 |
Owner(s) | Kevin Bagby and Ellen Mogell |
Food type | Cheesesteaks and other sandwiches |
Dress code | Casual |
Street address | 228 Market St |
City | Philadelphia |
County | United States |
State | Pennsylvania |
Postal/ZIP Code | 19106 |
Website | www |
Sonny's opened in 1999. It is currently owned by Ellen Mogell and Kevin Bagby. Bagby began working at Sonny's in 2001 while he was a Temple University student. He claims he ate a lot of cheesesteaks while working there and started Brazilian jiu-jitsu to lose weight. Sonny's won Best of Philly's Best Cheesesteak in 2001.[3]
In 2013, Sonny's underwent renovations and created its current black and white design. The interior is black with white walls and an old storefront look with "chrome-rimmed, fifties-style, communal tables".[4][5]
In 2014, GQ Magazine ranked Sonny's the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The rankings were published in an article by food correspondent Alan Richman. Twenty-three cheesesteaks were evaluated by five judges -- Richman, University of Pennsylvania physician Benjamin Abella, a former Philadelphia Magazine restaurant critic Maria Gallagher, Chicago Magazine restaurant critic Jeff Ruby, and Philadelphia sports broadcaster Ray Didinger.[4]
John L. Dorman of The New York Times recommended Sonny's for an "authentic cheesesteak experience" over Pat's King of Steaks and Geno's Steaks.[1]
Serious Eats's founder Ed Levine and editor Niki Achitoff-Gray tried over 30 cheesesteaks in two days and said Sonny's was in their favorite four, which also included Dalessandro's Steaks, John's Roast Pork and Campo's.[6] Arthur Etchells of Philadelphia magazine's food blog Foobooz agreed, ranking John's and Sonny's above Dalessandro's and Campo's.[7]
In 2017, U.S. News & World Report named Sonny's one of the top five cheesesteaks in Philadelphia, citing its proximity to Independence Hall and The Liberty Bell.[8]
In 2022, Tripadvisor recognized Sonny's as one of the best dining destinations in the United States as part of their Traveler's Choice Award series.[9][10]
authentic cheesesteak experience