Best of the River Wards 2012: Best Cheesesteak

The three Ditri brothers — John, Sal and Mario — have been proudly making sandwiches at Tony’s Pizza on Belgrade Street for over 30 years.

In those three decades, some things have never changed. For one, Mario said, the shop’s patrons are of utmost importance.

ldquo;We try to take care of the customer,” he said. “Everybody who comes in here is friendly. We get along with everybody.”

What else has stood the test of time?

ldquo;We always used the same recipe,” he said of Tony’s signature cheesesteak sandwiches.

It would seem there’s no need for change — inside the small corner shop, the walls are lined with awards, many for wins in previous readers’ choice contests sponsored by Star.

Ditri said that he’s proud that once again, Tony’s Pizza’s version of Philly’s favorite sandwich was selected as the best in the River Wards.

“We won last year, we won this year,” he said with a grin. “It’s so nice.”

Call Tony’s Pizza at 215–427–2090.

-Hayden Mitman

Runner Up: Tommie’s Pizza at 465 E. Girard Ave.