Benny's Place

On Tuesday the weather was so nice (an exception in Philadelphia for the winter) that we decided to walk and find a new place to dine. After heading east to the liberty bell, and Independence Mall, we passed the Bourse food court (and almost went inside) and turned the corner and found Benny's place. Basically, a small diner in the touristy area of the city. The menu looked about the right price, but just over the edge of what we wanted to spend.

We decided that we were hungry enough, and time was a waiting. First impressions, Typical Diner, needed some painting, and some TLC in the interior. The booth seat had a huge hole with a spring sticking out. The table was wiped, but a little sticky.

Lunch for me was a Turkey Reuben. One of my favorite sandwiches, I might add, and one you will see more of in the future. It was OK. Not great, just OK. The Sauerkraut was iffy, and the sandwich leaked a lot when you ate it. I guess cheaper meats have more moisture injected that drips our when you eat. The Cheese Steak (a perennial Philadelphia Favorite) was greasy, and as our Coop described, “Not Good”. Hey, but I would not order a cheese Steak in a Diner. Sometimes the young people have to learn their own lessons. You got to go to Jim’s for a good Cheese Steak. The Hoagie (Philadelphia’s version of a sub) “wasn’t great”. He also indicated that they put “too many hot peppers and too much hot pepper juice… and the roll was mediocre” Our ever observant Coop, also commented about the coleslaw being out on the counter from the time we walked in to the time we left.

The Verdict: We won’t be back for a couple of years.

The Cost: $9.50 per person including tip

The Advice: Paint the walls and trim. Fix the booth seats. It’s not very inviting when you notice the establishment ignoring something out in the open. It makes you think about where they are cutting corners behind the scenes, or in the Kitchen! Grease, eh… you got to expect grease in a diner.