Shaun G.'s Profile

oh Corral I never got to know thee.  Though just around the corner I neglected to take the few steps to visit.  And I've paid the price.  I always thought you'd be there for me, someday.  But nay.  Now my heart fills with regret never to have been stuffed with a juicy ribeye.  In my dreams I will remember what I did not know in hopes that one day they can materialize.

Ever since seeing the Discovery Channel and Travel Channel mention this place I knew I wanted to go.  I finally had my chance on a recent trip to Philly for a friends wedding.  No I didn't get to the Museum of Art to run the steps like Rocky and I missed the tickets to get into the Independence Hall, but I got to see the Mutter.  

If you're a fan of CSI for all the gory, gruesome details this is a must.  If your a fan of horror, side shows, medical history this is a must.  The amount of case studies, medical investigations, specimens is huge.  To read and look through all of the displays can easily take a couple of hours or more.  Then again it might gross you out in a mere moments.  I only wish the building / exhibit were larger.  It is fascinating.

I was one of the many who saw this on The Food Network / Travel Channel and knew that if I were in Philly I'd have to make it to this intersection and decide: Pat's or Geno's

I chose Pat's... mainly for the history.  They were first, the originator, naturally I should choose them.  Pat's is simple not flashy, it's not a place that yells at me to eat there though when I place my order I better belt out the order to avoid getting yelled at.  

It's good, tasty.  Thin cut flavorful meat and onions, good whiz.  I love the buckets of whiz sitting in the window, gallons upon gallons ready for use.  

Not many tables.  When we got there at the end of the lunch rush all the tables were taken and many customers were simply standing and chowing down.  While waiting in line we scoped a couple of guys leaving and swooped on their table.  

Be ready to order, simple single words are best.  For what I got, whiz and onions.  Only order the sandwich at the first window.  The second window is for drinks fries / everything else.

Great atmosphere, used to be called The Bell In Hand according to the story.  The actual Bell in the Hand is hanging over the center of the bar.  All the licenses are displayed along the wall showing the continuous record over the years.  Went on a Saturday, several TVs showing various games.  Drinks are reasonably priced and there are always discount nights for cheap pitchers.  If I were local I could see returning.  Perhaps a bit boisterous for me but the history is the most attractive element.  

Friends and I ordered snacks after a bit.  The onion soup was coated in cheese, awesome.  Fried shrimp, cheese, poppers were all tasty.  The buffalo chicken wings were hot, very hot but good.