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Abner's of University City
Categories: Restaurants Sandwiches Restaurants American (Traditional) Sandwiches, American (Traditional) [Edit]
3813 Chestnut StPhiladelphia, PA 19104
Neighborhood: University City
(215) 662-0100
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
About This Business:
Garces Trading Company, a modern European gourmet market and cafe is a multi-purpose space that features a host of house-made and imported foods under… read more »
40 reviews for Abner's of University City
Review Highlights
"The cheesesteaks are consistently good."
(in 10 reviews)
"I definitely prefer it over Pat's or Geno's."
(in 4 reviews)
"Great service and criss cut fries."
(in 3 reviews)
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40 reviews in English
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Review from Thomas M.
Astoria, Queens, NY
1/2/2012
Good wings here! Stopped by here after a long day of partying... you get 10 pieces for $5.95 and the value is there. The wings well well fried, crispy on the outside and still juicy on the inside. Sauce felt and tasted right, a little watery but that's how it should be in my mind.
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Review from Lenny Z.
9/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Abner's is right where it should be, in a collage town.
It's the kind of place that's not great, but good enough, and cheap enough. And, they have a menu fit for collage students.
I got a cheesesteak and it was what it should be. Greasy and tasty. It's no Pats or Ginos or Jimmy's, not what you think of when you think of a great Philly cheesesteak. It is, however, what you think of as a good cheesesteak in Anytown, USA.
So, if you want something quick, cheap, and good enough, check out Abner's, because it is just that. -
Review from Wally C.
New York, NY
10/14/2011
Ah, cheese steaks. I like this place. It has, to me, a nostalgic feel to it. You walk in, smell the meat, grease, and meat grease and it clogs your nostrils full of unhealthy goodness. The place screams Crown/Hollywood/Kennedy/Palace Fried Chicken (NYC fried chicken chains), including the same looking menus, same greasy booths. Who knows? Maybe they use the same grease...Same owners? Dunno. Anyway, they had a few flat screen tvs playing football. I didn't make it to the bathroom here, so I can't tell you how it was, or if there's air conditioning. This place is quite spacious. The meat in my cheese steak was shredded. It's just the style here, I think. I have no beef with that (pun intended).
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Review from Matt C.
Philadelphia, PA
10/16/2011
really solid cheesesteak shop. If you live in university city you'll end up here more than once. like everyone else mentions, the criss-cut fries are pretty damn solid.
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Review from Tim C.
Philadelphia, PA
12/8/2010
Been once so far. Super solid cheesesteaks. LOTS of well seasoned meat, cheese, and onions, cooked perfectly. A do it yourself fixings bar, plenty of seating (though I didn't care for the decorating), and sports on a big TV.
I definitely prefer it over Pat's or Geno's. In fact, out of the cheesesteaks I've had in Philly so far, this one is my favorite.
Did I mention that the people who work there are actually nice? I was beginning to think cheesesteaks were only made by jerks, but these guys proved me wrong... Thanks Abner's. -
Review from Kevin C.
5/8/2011
Having just moved into my dorm, I headed over to Abner's with my dad and brother for my first cheesesteak in Philadelphia. The place was empty, and it kinda has a grimy feel about it. Our sandwiches were quickly assembled with meat that was already cooked and sitting on the flat top griddle. The self-serve condiments station had hot peppers, which was a nice touch. I ordered my cheesesteak with Provolone cheese and onions, and while it tasted fine, it was a bit on the oily and greasy side. Yeah, a cheesesteak is going to be a bit greasy, but the cheesesteak from Abner's left huge pools of oil - not very appetizing. Overall, Abner's is a decent choice for a cheesesteak fix if you are in the area, but it's not a place that I would go out of my way to get to.
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Review from Alayne L.
Philadelphia, PA
7/26/2011
Great spot for a quick and delicious cheesesteak before going to the Rave for a movie or anywhere else in University City. Easy parking and great food. But, I have to specifically note their customer service - always accommodating and friendly.
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Review from Hank C.
6/16/2008
I have to say, I've eaten at a lot of cheesesteak places in Philadelphia, and I have to say Abners is still probably my favorite. Yes, it's not like the messy, slobbering at Pat and Ginos, and not the same as the crowd on South Street, but here is definitely something close to my stomach.
Always plenty of meat, extra mushrooms, and pickles in the center to pile on - and space to sit, relax with people inside, and watch the local games as you slog down a beer and as Mabel C said - it's greasy, but in the best way possible for a cheesesteak! -
Review from Meg C.
Philadelphia, PA
9/24/2008
Abner's was right around the corner from my apartment my second year of college. So I ate here about once every three months.
The steaks were good some days, not so great others. It depended a lot on who was making them. Some of the workers were sketchy, as was the manager (that interaction marked my last visit). I remember the steaks being a bit watery, ew.Listed in: Philthadelphia, Cheesesteaks!!!
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Review from Tom G.
Brighton, MA
8/25/2008
Probably the best steak in Univ. City. My experiences have varied, though. Sometimes the roll is fresh, the meat is tender, the onions are fully cooked, and the cheese is plentiful. Other times the meat is overcooked, the cheese is sparse, the roll is hard, and the onions are half-raw.
It's cheap and good eats for the area. If you go to Penn you've prob. been there a few times. They also deliver to Drexel. -
Review from Michael C.
New York, NY
1/28/2008
Sketchy tables, unfriendly staff, poor quality-tasting meat and underwhemling bread. All that made for a below average cheesesteak. And yes, I got it with the whiz. The only things Abner has going for it is that it's pretty much the only cheesesteak restaurant in University City and it gives some deals if the local university sport teams do super well.
Too bad there's a smattering of food trucks that do cheesesteaks just as well, if not better than Abner's. Be nice to your stomach, find a different place to fix that hunger. -
Review from Martha M.
Ardmore, PA
8/25/2008
Anyone who hasn't visited Abner's during their college days or after a local sporting event must not be from this planet.
Abner's tastes best after a night of drinking but the sandwiches are full of meat and very generous with the cheese on a tasty roll. Condiments are on offer as well.
One of the highlights is the basin in which to clean your hands after the juice runs over your fingers!
The staff is nice considering the shadies that come into the place during late night binges. Stop in and try a sandwich. I don't think you will be disappointed. -
Review from Michael F.
West Grove, PA
7/1/2009
I went to Drexel and Abner's was a staple late night cheesesteak destination. Oh man, many fond memories of seeing a show at the now defunct Chestnut Cabaret, then strolling over to Abner's.
I might give Abner's a 3.5 if I could, but I'll err on the positive side from having a great steak time and time again.
You might as well order a big side of cheesefries while you are at it.Listed in: Cheesesteak Hitlist
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Review from Rob R.
12/30/2009
The waffle fries are a great addition to their cheese steak and the condiment bar is filled with hot peppers, hot sauce, ketchup, and fresh pickles. Yum!
While the place looks like it's stuck in the early-90s, the uncompromisingly good (yet greasy) food more than makes up for it.
Easily one of my top 5 Philadelphia cheese steaks. Those UCity kids are spoiled with this approachable and affordable cheese steak house.Listed in: My Favorite Philly Cheese…
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Review from William G.
New York, NY
2/10/2008
It feels like a run down bar in West Philly, which is exactly what it is. The cheesesteak is just mediocre, about the same quality of the food trucks, but the free serve-yourself sweet and hot peppers, and the hot sauce drown that away. But, for a full three years before I turned 21, this is where I bought my beer. That's worth five stars, forever, to me.
The staff was straight forward and not very talkative, but they always provided what you needed - I don't get the complaints on that. -
Review from Drew W.
San Francisco, CA
4/16/2007
I have not eaten here in some time, but even now I remember how bad this place was.
While visiting Philadelphia with my family, I asked a passer-by where I could get a good authentic Philly Cheesesteak and he kindly pointed me in the direction of Abner's (telling me it was the best place in town). Well, I apparently asked the only other tourist in a 5 block radius or had some local playing a cruel joke on me because Abner's was anything but good.
The beef was flavorless and rubbery (I almost stole the salt and pepper shaker to take with me), the cheese only exacerbated the problem, and the bread roll was terrible. I could have microwaved a piece of beef jerky, thrown it between 2 pieces of Wonder bread, squirted some cheese whiz on it and still made a more appetizing sandwich.
If this is best place to pick up the city's signature food, I'm surprised there has not been a mass exodus out of Philly in search of sustenance. -
Review from Carrie C.
Philadelphia, PA
7/26/2010 2 photos
For what I was told was "the best cheesesteak in University City," Abner's is only okay. The decoration on the walls is pretty cool, as Abner's is a huge supporter of all the Philly universities. And while the cheesesteak was tasty enough, it really wasn't anything special and the meat was a bit dry.
Overall, a fine cheesesteak for a reasonable price, but nothing super special. I would swing by Abner's if I was really craving a cheesesteak and didn't have time to travel further. However, if I had a choice, I would rather take a little bit more time to travel farther and get a juicier, tastier cheesesteak. -
Review from Zac S.
WA
11/10/2008
I haven't been to Philly in a decade, and I'm staying in University City. I am extremely jetlagged so I picked whatever place to get a steak that was close.
Abner's is definitely a divey joint, kind of dirty inside. The guys working the counter were nice, though, and cooked me and my buddy up some steaks right away. Meat was really fresh, as were the rolls. They melted the cheese well, although I'll be honest, there wasn't nearly enough cheese. Other than that, though, this place was a quality choice, especially given that I refused to take a cab ride at the time. -
Review from Jake P.
PA
2/22/2007
In the cheese steak debates of the 215, leave Abner's out. While this place, and their penchant for UPenn/Drexel mens & womens' basketball has kept it relevant, it's about the last place you want to get your grease.
I've always found their service to be mirrored after Pat's/Geno's, and yet there ISN'T a line likely to be behind you, so the rudeness is purely for aesthetics. Equally, the food is easily forgettable - provided you don't have a bad experience. The ambiance is crappy '80s Philly sports memorabilia, blaring TVs with ESPN, and slippery floors and tables.
I'd order off of a truck any day before wasting my time or cash here. -
Review from Kevin S.
Philadelphia, PA
3/8/2009
I can't help but feel that inspite of it's flaws, Abner's fits perfectly with it's west Philadelphia location. It may be a little grimy and rough around the edges, but it makes up for this where it counts. They make good cheese steaks, and that's the bottom line. It really feels like a neighborhood fixture, as they have more personality in a few faded photographs than the Chilies next store no matter how much goofy stuff they put on the walls.
Additionally, the prices won't hurt your wallet, as you can expect to pay half what you would down at Geno's or Pats. The staff is friendly and the food is good. You won't loose any weight eating here but that's why it's good. If you want to double your temptation, they have a decent beer selection and sell by the bottle or the case.
Overall, Abner's is a fine place to hang out with some college friends and catch some highlights on ESPN, satisfy that late night cheese steak craving, or exchange your basketball tickets for a free soda to wind down the evening. -
Review from BJ M.
Philadelphia, PA
3/18/2009
Abners gets a solid 4. The past 2 times I've been there the cheesesteak has been phenomenal. Prior experiences were not so great. Maybe they have turned over a new leaf.
Only gripe, bread was not the best IMO. A little too weak, -
Review from SANDRA R.
Drexel Hill, PA
4/2/2011
Love these cheesesteaks!
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Review from Jon L.
PA
2/1/2007 1 photo
An average neighborhood cheesesteak place, with an above average history and cool employees.
The steaks and hoagies at Abner's fall into that gray area, where they'll never compete for Best of Philly, but they're still better than Pat's. I really like the criss cut fries, which you may recognize from such fast food places as Chick Fil-A. I think that the criss cut fry is, in general, a much under-appreciated fry, and the crispiness of Abner's version earns big points over the competition.
Abner's has a pretty extensive menu, too, for a cheesesteak place. I don't know how I feel about this. I usually like to see a place do a few dishes and do them very well. Unimpressive salads and dishes like mozzarella sticks and chicken nuggets (which, I'm pretty sure, come ready made in a big bag) certainly don't help the business's integrity. -
Review from Joe R.
Haddonfield, NJ
3/28/2007
I had not eaten here for a long time, and since I was in the neighborhood, i thought I'd stop in as I remembered it as being a pretty good steak shop. It was started by the guy who was one of the originals at Jim's.
Well Jim's (or almost anyplace else) has nothing to fear from Abner's. The place has really gone to seed, and my sandwich was undersized, the roll was doughy, and there was a vaguely funky taste that came from the onions. It looked like the grille could use a cleaning, and the rest of the place seemed a little hygiene-impaired. Oh well. -
Review from Grace S.
9/3/2010 2 Check-ins Here
For what it is, this place is good. They don't claim to be the best cheesesteak spot in Philly or anything else silly or obnoxious, it's a decent place to grab a greasy lunch or dinner if you're hungover or want your occasional splurge meal. The burgers are not that good and I don't like their fries, but the cheesesteak is decent and they have "cheez whiz", lots of meat and they give you sauteed onions if you want. Th emenu is pretty extensive but I don't feel safe ordering anything else. You see lots of Penn undergrads and security people come in here for a quick bite. Plenty of tables and chairs and right next to a strip club, yay!
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Review from Dan K.
Philadelphia, PA
7/15/2008
Look, in a City full of cheesteaks for the most part pretty terrible ones, Abners doesn't really rise head and shoulders above the competition. Now just because I can't deal with cheesteaks much anymore, doesn't mean I'm pilling on the hate for Abners. Infact it's an sentimental fave of mine. It was one of my very first taste of Philadelphia. Late at night, drunk, above the defunct club wizards. It is what it was and still remains, just another steak shop. But it was the first, no you never forget your first.
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Review from Asuka N.
8/21/2010
Back in the good old days, my buddies and I would occasionally order food from Abner's when we were taking it easy. The place itself isn't anything great - there are tables and a couple of booths, but otherwise it's not somewhere you're going to take someone on a date. Aside from that, the food itself was reasonable, if not a bit greasy - eating a cheesesteak was an adventure in and of itself. The food was generic and average; I would say the steak was okay but nothing terribly special, and the same goes for the wings, chicken tenders, and fries as well. It'd also be a stop for us because they sold 40s at a decent price, and, well, who can resist a well-priced bottle of Old English? It is what it is, which is a decent place to get a steak at (probably one of the better stops on campus), as well as other fried, greasy foods.
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Review from Matt T.
8/2/2010
This place is not pretty, but it makes a pretty solid cheesesteak. Onions are optional and peppers and mushrooms are a 60 cent addition. Great bread and great, well-seasoned steak. Large selection of beer, nice flat-screen televisions to watch baseball, and plenty of seating for the large and soon-to-be large. Glad I don't live within 100 miles, because Abner's would become quite a habit.
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Review from J P.
Philadelphia, PA
7/15/2008
Nothing beats a soggy, soggy cheese steak in the cold rainy philly winter. Good sandwich with onions and mushrooms here. They'll Gladly serve you as you stumble in all wet and frost bitten. Wait a minute before you take that first bite. Unlike other conveyor belt type cheese steak jawns, this place serves them up hot. I like that.
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Review from David S.
Denver, CO
7/29/2009
Great service and criss cut fries. I just thought the cheesesteak sandwich itself was bland, average at best. This barely beats Subway.
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Review from John P.
Philadelphia, PA
7/22/2007
I dunno about any of the other reviews, but I've always had a good cheesesteak here. I remember going here when I was 15 or 16 and it was the cool thing, because we would get a beer with our cheesesteaks.
Listed in: Food on the Go
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Review from Luke S.
8/23/2007
Where are these bad reviews coming from. All of you Philly people are going to hate me after this review, but this is the second best cheesesteak I've had outside of Philly's Best in Chicago. I lived in Philly for two years and I tried out the Cheesesteak diet, which didn't work as well as the Subway diet. I loved this place!!! The meat was always fresh and the service was always great. Pat's and Geno's are decent, but I would much rather have an Abner's steak with whiz any day over those. If you are in Chicago give Philly's Best a try and let me know what you think of it.
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Review from Mabel C.
Berkeley, CA
6/12/2008
I loved Abners when I was a college student in Philadelphia. I liked it better than Pat and Gino's because it was much greasier. That's how a cheesesteak should be in my opinion because it goes down the throat easier that way. I'm normally a slow eater, but I can inhale these cheesesteaks.
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Review from Kim N.
Brooklyn, NY
10/14/2009 5 photos
Abner's is everything a cheesesteak should be. Soft bread, tasty meat, perfectly cooked onions and gooey cheese. I have heard friends rave about other places but when I take them to Abner's, they all agree that they are good. I have been going to Abner's for over 10 years and have never been disappointed. The cheesesteaks are consistently good. I look forward to my next trip to Philly and introducing my son to Abner's.
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Review from Charles C.
Bergen County, NJ
12/2/2009
I liked Billybob's better but since it no longer exists, Abner's is the next best cheesesteak around for the college crowd.
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Review from Will L.
McLean, VA
3/26/2009
A local friend of mine took us here for our first stop and I was more than pleased with the service, the casual but efficient feel, the quality of the chicken cheesesteaks (I've only had regular cheesesteaks before) and most of all, the availability of beer (and porter at that). Next time I'll try their regular cheesesteak.
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Review from Jim S.
Arlington, VA
2/17/2009
My favorite cheesesteaks in Philly by far. Well, OK Jim's is close, but Abner's is a direct descendant of Jim's.
You can all go to Pat's or Geno's but for me nothing compares to Abner's. -
Review from Chenai G.
Philadelphia, PA
6/26/2009
I went on a Sunday and it was quiet. They made an enormous hoagie/cheeseseteak that I couldn't finish but that tasted pretty good. Like the previous reviews said, it was fresh. My friend and I spent like 3 hours eating the cheesesteak and split a 40 ounce beer. No music, just people watching the people who come in and out without being bothered, or rushed away.T'was nice.
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Review from Lisa M.
Arlington, VA
7/25/2009
Great cheesesteaks... I've only ordered delivery from Abners, but every time I have been surprised by how fast our food got to our apartment.
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Review from Adinah J.
Bronx, NY
2/15/2009
Thank you Abner's for being so great. The cheesesteaks and chickensteaks are delicious without being too greasy, and the service is excellent.
