Longtime Denver Cheesesteak Favorite Closing After Nearly 30 Years

By Shawn Patrick on October 17, 2023
Tom McCorkle for The Washington Post via Getty Images; food styling by Marie Ostrosky for The Washington Post via Getty Images

Since 1996 Downtown Denver has smelled amazing thanks to the folks cooking up cheesesteaks at the Philadelphia Filly cart on the 16th Street Mall. Sadly, this is the final week for the popular cart. 

According to Westword, the reason for closing after nearly 30 years has to do with a few things, “the ongoing construction on the 16th Street Mall will soon cut off the cart’s current location (the intersection of 16th Street, Broadway and Cleveland Place).  Although the Downtown Denver Business Improvement District has been open to helping the Philadelphia Filly find a new spot, the business’s license is expiring, and “it’s so complicated to renew it,” owner Sally Rock says. “We’re also getting old, and we feel like this is the universe telling us it’s time.”

In addition to operating on the 16th Street Mall, Philadelphia Filly became a staple at all sorts of events, from music festivals to Pride to rodeos.

As for the cart itself, it’s available. “If there’s anyone interested in taking it over, they should reach out,” Rock says.

Your last chance to check out The Philadelphia Filly will be Friday, Oct. 20, as they’re open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch.

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