Philly's A Taste of Philadelphia Eatery Opens Downtown New Haven

NEW HAVEN, CT — Yale University Properties is excited to announce the official ribbon cutting for Philly’s A Taste of Philadelphia in the Chapel Street Historic District of downtown New Haven at 1008 Chapel St. Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.

Immediately following the ribbon cutting, guests can enjoy free samples as well as appearances by Daym Drops of Netflix’s Fresh, Fried and Crispy, Yale mascot Handsome Dan, and Yale Public Safety service dog Officer Heidi.

Owner and Philadelphia native Shem Adams is bringing the authentic Philly cheesesteak to New Haven, and not taking any shortcuts in doing so. Their sandwiches are made with high-quality sliced rib eye steak, Spanish onions, and Cheez Whiz and served on freshly baked rolls that they have delivered straight from Philadelphia.

It’s this attention to detail that has won them the title of #1 sandwich in America by the Travel Channel. Other notable menu items include Buffalo chicken fries, wings, and nachos.

Adams opened his first Philly’s location in Norwich 10 years ago, and the opening of his newest location on Chapel Street has been years in the making.

"I've had my eye on New Haven for quite some time now,” he said. “New Haven is the soul of Connecticut, so we knew our next restaurant had to be here.”

In honor of Juneteenth, Philly’s will be donating 100 percent of their net sales Sunday, June 19 to Eat Up Foundation and Blooming into Greatness.

Since their soft opening in early May, Philly’s has quickly become a local favorite and received coverage from several prominent media outlets. The restaurant is also set to be featured in an upcoming episode of the food reality show Fresh, Fried and Crispy on Netflix.

“The love we have received from Yale University Properties, town officials, the city's press outlets, and the grassroots people have been second to none," Adams said. "Not to mention, the familiarity of Yale’s campus really gives me ‘University of Pennsylvania’ vibes. This new location feels like home."

Philly’s A Taste of Philadelphia is open daily, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Hourly parking is available at The Shops at Yale parking lot at 255 Crown Street, less than a block from the restaurant.

“We are excited to welcome another independent and minority-owned small business to The Shops at Yale,” said Lauren Zucker, Yale University Associate Vice President for New Haven Affairs and University Properties. “Yale University’s community investment program supports independently-owned businesses, bringing jobs to New Haven residents and expanding the city’s tax base."