Philadelphia is known for being a town with great sandwiches, to say the least. We invented the cheesesteak and the hoagie, perfected the Reuben, and our restaurants are constantly making critic's lists for best sandwiches in the country. If you're looking for a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, look no further than these 11 restaurants and delis that make sandwiches that you'll remember for life.
1. Tommy Dinic's
Tommy Dinic's roast pork sandwich was once called the best sandwich in America by the Travel Channel, revealing to the country what Philadelphians have known for years. They're located in Reading Terminal Market and often have lines that wrap around their counter, but the wait is worth it for a roast pork with provolone and broccoli rabe. Address:
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
2. Herschel's East Side Deli
Hershel's, also located in Reading Terminal Market, makes another one of the best sandwiches you'll ever try. Their Reuben is what gave them the reputation of being the best Jewish deli outside of New York City. Actually, any of their sandwiches are delicious — you have a choice of pastrami, brisket, corned beef, or turkey.Address:
51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
3. John's Roast Pork
Ironically enough, John's Roast Pork is often cited on lists of Philly's best cheesesteaks. Personally, I think their namesake sandwich is perfect, and you really can't go wrong regardless of what you order. The long lines are worth it to try some of the best sandwiches in Philadelphia.Address: 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
4. Cosmi's Deli
Cosmi's Deli has been around for decades, and they make some of the most consistently delicious hoagies and cheesesteaks in South Philly. They're kind of a locally-kept secret, but true Philadelphians are known to travel across the city to get a Cosmi sandwich.Address: 1501 S 8th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
5. Tony Luke's
Tony Luke's is known for their cheesesteaks, but honestly, every time I go there I order a chicken cutlet. It's the best chicken cutlet sandwich in Philadelphia, by far! Of course, their other sandwiches, including cheesesteaks, are delicious, too.Address: 39 E Oregon Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
6. Dalessandro's Steaks
Dalessandro's is my pick for best cheesesteak in Philly, so of course it makes the best sandwiches in Philadelphia list! The trek up to Roxborough is worth it for a perfect combination of bread, meat, and cheese.Address:
600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
7. McNally's Tavern
McNally's Schmitter sandwich is an Irish take on Philly's cheesesteak, and it's one of the best sandwiches in Philadelphia. Legend has it that Hugh James McNally pulled together a quick meal for a regular customer nicknamed "Schmidter," because he only drank the local beer, Schmidt's. Nowadays, people come from all over to try the sandwich, made with sliced beef, extra cheese, fried onions, tomato, grilled salami,
and the bar's secret sauce on a crispy, toasted Kaiser roll. Address: 8634 Germantown Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19118
8. Stockyard
Stockyard make a huge variety of delicious farm-to-table sandwiches, including the best vegetarian sandwich in the city. Their "Autumn Veggie" sandwich is made with autumn squash, mushroom, delicious cippolini onion, kale, and house-made pesto. Address: 541 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130
9. Paesano's
Paesano's is one of the best delis in the area, and you can be sure you'll enjoy whichever sandwich you order here. Their Italian inspired menu includes sandwiches with roasted tomatoes, pepperoncino, sharp provolone, fresh mozzarella, and even roasted eggplant.Address:
148 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123
10. Sarcone's
At Sarcone's, it's all about the bread. After all, how can you claim to make one of the best sandwiches in Philadelphia if you don't start with the best bread around? For generations, the Sarcone family has been focused on perfecting their bread recipe — and they nailed it! Now you can pick up perfect Italian hoagies on the best bread in the city.Address:
758 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
11. El Compadre
El Compadre is a little hole-in-the-wall in South Philly, near Passayunk. You might have passed it a thousand times, but if you've never stopped in to try a bite to eat, you're really missing out. In terms of sandwiches, they make the list thanks to their unbelievable Mexican sandwiches, prepared by 2017 "Best Chef in Philly", Christina Martinez. Address:
1149 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
There are so many delicious delis and sandwich shops in Philadelphia that it's hard to really narrow them down, and call one the "best." Still, this list is a good place to start if you want to take on such a monumental quest! Don't forget to try all of the famous cheesesteak places, too. Our list of 10 Restaurants That Serve The Best Cheesesteaks In Philadelphia can help you check off some of your Philadelphia sandwich bucket list.
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