Quinta Brunson and Rob McElhenney battle for Philly supremacy in ‘Who Knows Philly Best’
Philly icons Quinta Brunson and Rob McElhenney face off in a hilarious trivia showdown, tackling everything from Gritty to cheesesteaks (no Pat’s or Geno’s here). Who’s the ultimate Philly expert?
In a matchup as iconic as Wawa hoagies and water ice, Quinta Brunson and Rob McElhenney — two of Philadelphia’s most beloved stars — went head-to-head in Conde Nast Traveler’s trivia game, “Who Knows Philly Best.” The showdown was packed with humor, Philly pride, and a healthy dose of competitive spirit as the two tested their knowledge of the City of Brotherly Love.
The timing couldn’t have been better. This week, Abbott Elementary and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia delighted fans with a crossover that united the two Philly-centric shows. With McElhenney’s gang fulfilling court-ordered community service at Abbott Elementary and Brunson’s character Janine hilariously navigating the Sunny chaos, the episode showcased the love these comedies have for their hometown.
The battle for Philly bragging rights
The competition was fierce and filled with laughs as the duo tackled questions about everything from mascots to cheesesteaks, giving fans a glimpse of their deep hometown pride — and plenty of Philly wit.
Round one: Gritty takes center stage
First up: “What is name of the Philadelphia Flyers mascot?” Of course the South Philly-bred McElhenney knew who the city’s most chaotic yet beloved mascot is. ”The name is Gritty. We’ve had him on Sunny,” he declared confidently.
Not to be outdone, Brunson quipped, “We’ve had him on Abbott...Really nice to work with.” She, however, forgot that she had to raise her hand before answering.
The duo’s mutual love for Gritty highlighted just how central the orange furball is to Philly’s identity — and their shows.
Crepes vs. Rodin
The trivia quickly turned a lot artier when the duo was asked what Philadelphia has the second-largest collection of, outside of Paris. “Crepe trucks? Art pieces?,” Brunson guessed while McElhenney swooped in with the correct answer: Rodin sculptures.
Brunson, ever quick on her feet, joked, “I feel like we should get half a point because I got him there.”
Philly’s Rodin Museum boasts of about 182 sculptures by Auguste Rodin.
Water ice wisdom
It wouldn’t be a Philly trivia game without a nod to “wooder” ice. The question was: What do Philadelphians call Italian ice?
Brunson shouted “Water ice!” with the enthusiasm of a true Philadelphian, leaving McElhenney to roll his eyes at her eagerness.
When asked where to find the best water ice, McElhenney pointed to John’s Water Ice in South Philly, while Brunson kept it simple: “I just like a man with a truck, he’s got some water ice and he’s selling it to kids.”
Murals, museums, and cheesesteaks
“Philadelphia has over 4,000 of these...”
Brunson scored major points by correctly identifying Philadelphia as a home to over 4,000 murals. When the next question on Franklin Institute’s most iconic exhibit was asked, McElhenney took fans on a nostalgic journey to the Giant Heart. “I can still smell what it smells like in there,” he said, earning Brunson’s quip: “Feet.”
“We call that the sweet smell of science!,” the Institute’s social media team responded.
The most divisive question, fairly, was saved for the last. “Who makes the best cheesesteak in Philadelphia?” (Psst: we have some thoughts).
Brunson had the ultimate advice: “Any corner store. Go to the dirty back of that store, and it’ll be the best cheesesteak you’ve ever had.” No Pat’s or Geno’s mentions here — just pure Philly realness. McElhenney, wisely, didn’t disagree.
And the winner is...
After a hard-fought battle, McElhenney emerged victorious, earning the title of Philly’s reigning trivia champ. Brunson, ever gracious in defeat, said, “He is Rob McElhenney, and he knows Philly best.” But you’re not too bad either, Ms. Brunson.