I made a quick map to describe food near the venue (marked a “A”).
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- 34th & Race: Kelly Hall Food Court. Contains a Subway, Currito, and express Chic-fil-a
- 30th Street Station: Contains a variety of fast food and other quick options
- 35th & Lancaster (a block past the 7-11): 2 pizza places (Ed’s & Mad Greek’s). Both have a variety of other foods (hoagies, cheesesteaks, wings, etc.) in addition to pizza. I suggest Ed’s.
- 33rd & Powelton: 2 more pizza places (California Pizza & Village Pizza). Similar fare to Ed’s/Mad Greek’s. I suggest Cali Pizza.
- 34th & Walnut: UPenn food court. Contains Taco Bell/A&W, Quiznos, Pizza, & Auntie Anne’s Pretzels
- 34th & Sansom: Mad Mex (bar & mexican food), New Dec (bar & great food), Bubble Tea (good food and distincive teas)
- 31st and Ludlow (behind Drexel buildings): Lunch Cart row. A variety of lunch carts serving hoagies/cheesesteaks/chinese/pretzels/etc. I suggest “Pyramid Pizza” for their Fat Jimmy sandwhich varieties (if you’re not on a diet).
- 36th & Chestnut: Wawa
- 33rd & Market: Landmark Americana Bar & Grill (attached to the DAC).
There’s more food somewhat nearby if you continue to UPenn’s campus (southwest), especially around 40th & Walnut.
As for cheesesteaks, the classic battle is between Geno’s and Pat’s. They’re right across the street from each other (9th & Passyunk) and open 24/7. Geno’s is definitely better. My other favorites are Sonny’s (2nd & Market, indoors, easily accessible via public transit) and John’s Roast Pork (14 Snyder Avenue, only open until 3:00PM Mon-Fri).