It’s every cheesesteaker’s dream – to discover some tiny little hole-in-the-wall joint whose cheesesteaks are as good as any in Philadelphia or the world.

 

Look no further – Ishkabibble’s is here.

 

It’s only about 100 feet from Jim’s, on the opposite side of South Street. But while Jim’s is Philadelphians’ gift to the world, Ishkabibble’s is our own secret beloved treasure.   

 

Ishkabibble’s, founded in 1979, is a half-storefront on South Street with a busy takeout window and a dining counter inside that seats 4 people comfortably (or 5 people uncomfortably). There’s room for a grilling area and a narrow customer walkway decorated with celebrity photos, and that’s about it. For those who desire something a little less claustrophobic, Ishkabibble’s has a second, much more spacious location two blocks away (Ishkabibble’s II) at the corner of South and Randolph.

 

The cheesesteaks are grilled to perfection and they taste incredible. The chicken cheesesteaks, which Ishkabibble’s claims to have invented, are great too, as are the French fries. You cannot go wrong here.

 

“Ishkabibble” is derived from the mock Yiddish expression ische ga bibble, which in turn comes from the actual Yiddish nisht gefidlt, meaning “I should worry?” or “What do I care?” Merwyn Bogue, a cornetist who played the role of a clownish dimwit, went by the stage name “Ish Kabibble” and became a celebrity of minor note in the early days of television.

 

Ishkabibble’s logo, featuring a magenta and yellow propeller beanie, conveys the lighthearted spirit of which Ish (whose photo appears in the celeb gallery) would be proud.

 

Adam Sandler’s 2022 movie Hustle is a must-see if you are an NBA basketball fan or a Philadelphian, or both. Sandler plays an out-of-luck 76ers scout who travels to Spain, discovers a superbly talented but unknown player named Bo Cruz, and brings him to Philadelphia.

 

The movie’s director Jeremiah Zagar, a South Philly native (and son of Magic Gardens mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar), wanted to give the movie an authentic Philadelphia feel, and many best-loved Philly attractions appear throughout. Not surprisingly then, when Bo develops a craving for Philly cheesesteaks, his cheesesteak of choice is none other than Ishkabibble’s.