The Overstuffed Sandwiches From This Pennsylvania Deli Are the Stuff of Dreams

If there's one place I love shopping more than any other, it's probably Reading Terminal Market in Philadelphia. This massive, bustling food hall minutes from the train station has everything from old-fashioned farmstands to hot modern restaurants. You could easily spend all day exploring this huge complex and still sample only a small percentage of the dining options, ranging from authentic Penn Dutch specialties to Chinese food straight from Chinatown.

But no matter when you go, the odds are good there will be one spot with a longer line than any other: Hershel's East Side Deli. Often called the best Jewish deli outside of New York and the best deli in Philadelphia, this old-school lunch counter is known for its old-school vibe and its massive sandwiches. Good luck getting your mouth around one of these beasts.

Chances are good that if you're from Philly, you've had a meal at Hershel's. This old-school deli, in the city's biggest food hall, is one of the area's most iconic restaurants, and people line up daily for one of their famous sandwiches.

What's the secret to Hershel's success? They still do things the old-fashioned way, with traditional Jewish rye and slow-cured meats. The pastrami and corned beef here are top-notch, and you'll find plenty of old-school specialties that aren't common on menus anymore.

Hershel's is a Jewish-style deli, so you'll find all the classics you know and love—potato latkes, knishes, bagels, and lox—as well as some items, like an authentic Reuben, you wouldn't find at a kosher deli. Everything here is larger than life, including the sandwiches, ranging from the classic corned beef to the traditional egg salad.

Still on the fence? This review speaks for itself:

"This might be the best sandwich I’ve ever had. The pastrami sandwich was perfect in every way. It was perfectly seasoned and melt-in-your-mouth tender, the bread had that ideal chew and flavor you only get from true deli craftsmanship, and the sauce tied everything together with subtlety and balance. Every element felt intentional, simple ingredients elevated by real skill. I will be craving this sandwich forever. Absolutely outstanding."

Have you tried one of the giant sandwiches at Hershel's East Side Deli in Philadelphia? Some say they're big enough to feed two, so share this article with a friend and make lunch plans. See the full menu on the official Hershel's East Side Deli website, and check out the official Reading Terminal Market website for the full listing of places to eat and shop. It's also home to one of my favorite cheap eats in the city: Fox and Sons Fancy Corn Dogs, a must-visit if you love hot dogs. If you're staying in the City of Brotherly Love for the night, you can check into the Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City, only a short walk from Reading Terminal Market.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.