Larry opened his shop in 1972 and ran it until he passed away in 1985. Egyptian Tony Elebah purchased the business a few years later and saw to it that the cheesesteaks would remain exceptional, which they are to this day. Larry’s is still going strong after more than 50 years. There is a second location on West Girard Avenue.

Larry’s is just steps from Hagan Arena, home of college basketball’s St. Joseph’s Hawks. It is also the Official Cheesesteak of the Philadelphia 76ers, and even has a telephone number that ends in “1776.” But Larry’s greatest claim to fame is that Kobe Bryant, who attended high school less than 10 minutes away, was a lifelong fan of Larry’s and came here often, even during his NBA career whenever he visited Philadelphia. Near the back of the restaurant is ”Kobe’s Corner,” an area lovingly dedicated to the late NBA legend, where you can enjoy Larry’s sumptuous beef or chicken cheesesteaks at the very table where Kobe once sat.

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