The Pennsylvania Sandwich Counter Locals Try To Keep Secret
Gooey Looie’s at 231 McClellan St, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the kind of sandwich counter locals whisper about but never quite want to share.
The towering hoagies and overflowing cheesesteaks make every visit feel like you discovered something special.
In Pennsylvania, this spot has earned a loyal crowd that loves its bold flavors and no-frills charm. It is the sort of place where one great bite convinces you why locals try so hard to keep it secret.
The Portions Are Absolutely Ridiculous (In The Best Way)
Walk in expecting a normal sandwich and prepare to have your mind blown. Gooey Looie’s doesn’t mess around when it comes to portion sizes.
Their large cheesesteak could honestly feed a small family, and even the small size leaves most people tapping out halfway through.
Regulars swear you could build an entire second sandwich from the leftover meat alone.
At just $14 for a large, you’re getting pound-plus portions that make other spots look stingy. Bring your appetite or a buddy willing to split.
Cash Only Policy Keeps Things Old School
Forget swiping your card here. Gooey Looie’s operates strictly on cold, hard cash, which might seem inconvenient until you realize it’s part of the charm.
This old school approach keeps lines moving fast and prices reasonable. Locals know the drill and hit the ATM before arriving, treating it like an initiation ritual.
The cash only rule also means no fancy payment systems slowing things down during the lunch rush. Pro tip: there’s usually an ATM nearby if you forget.
Hidden Location Inside Pennsport Plaza
GPS apps constantly mess up the directions, sending hungry folks circling around like confused pigeons. The trick? Gooey Looie’s sits inside Pennsport Plaza, not on the main street.
Look for the plaza entrance off McClellan Street and E. Moyamensing Avenue, right near IKEA. Once you find it, you’ll spot the outdoor seating area and smell the grilled onions.
This sneaky location keeps it mostly a local secret, though word is spreading fast.
The parking lot access makes it perfect for grabbing lunch between errands.
Sweet Peppers Instead Of Hot (Total Game Changer)
Most cheesesteak joints default to hot peppers, but Gooey Looie’s flips the script with their signature sweet peppers.
These beauties have a slight pickle tang while staying crisp and fresh.
The sweetness balances perfectly against the savory meat and melted provolone, creating flavor combinations that’ll haunt your dreams.
Customers rave about how these peppers elevate every bite without overpowering anything.
You can customize your order however you want, but trust the locals on this one. Those sweet peppers are absolutely worth trying at least once.
They Open Early And Actually Mean It
Posted hours say 10:30 AM, but regulars know better. Gooey Looie’s frequently opens earlier, ready to serve cheesesteak fanatics who can’t wait.
One reviewer showed up at 10:15 expecting to wait and found the doors already open with staff prepping orders.
This kind of customer service separates neighborhood gems from corporate chains.
The early bird approach means you can grab lunch before the noon rush hits. Weekday mornings offer the shortest wait times, though you’ll miss the buzzing energy of peak hours.
Locals Drive Past Famous Spots To Eat Here
Here’s the wildest part: people who live near those tourist trap cheesesteak places deliberately drive across town to Gooey Looie’s instead.
One regular admitted she lives next to a famous spot but makes the trek for superior quality.
The corned beef also gets shoutouts as the best in town, proving this place masters more than just cheesesteaks. Word of mouth recommendations like these don’t lie.
When locals bypass convenience for quality, you know something special is happening. That 4.7 star rating from 1,476 reviews backs up the hype completely.
No Indoor Seating But Nobody Complains
Counter stools exist mostly for waiting, not dining. Gooey Looie’s focuses entirely on the food, leaving the ambiance to the outdoor patio.
On perfect 75 degree days, that patio becomes prime real estate for devouring massive sandwiches in the sunshine.
Many customers simply take their orders home, which works perfectly given how well these sandwiches travel.
The lack of indoor seating keeps overhead low and quality high.
Besides, when your sandwich weighs over a pound, you’ll want comfortable seating anyway. The plaza vibe works surprisingly well.