The 10 Best Hoagie Shops In Philadelphia
In Philadelphia, the sandwich is king. You've got your cheesesteak, of course. Your pork and broccoli rabe from DiNic's. But there's a third type of sandwich that doesn't get nearly as much press as its hot and melty cousins, although it's absolutely worthy of attention, and we're here to give it the praise it deserves: the hoagie.
#10 Lorenzo’s Steaks & Hoagies
At this West Chester gem, hoagies are ordered by the pound: "mini" hoagies weigh a measly pound and a quarter and larges clock in at an insane four pounds. So if you're looking to feed an entire family with one hoagie, Lorenzo's is the place to go (their motto is also "Where's the roll?," so expect these sandwiches to be packed to the brim). The hoagies here are no-frills but delicious, and they're sliced to order; go for the Special Italian (ham, pepper ham, genoa salami, prosciutto, capicola, and Genoa salami) or the Nigerian (roast beef, cheese, and turkey) and you'll be eating well.
#9 Primo Hoagies
Yes, Primo Hoagies is a chain, but it's hard to deny that their hoagies are just as good as what you'll find at any of the best one-off Italian delis in Philly. Visit their original location in South Philly if you need convincing and order the Sharp Italian (prosciutto, sharp provolone, capicola, and Genoa salami on a long seeded roll) — you'll soon understand why this place now has locations all across the Eastern Seaboard.
#8 Salumeria
What looks like a high-end cheese shop inside the famed Reading Terminal Market also happens to be one of the best spots in the city for a hoagie. Order the Italian with everything and you'll be served a heaping hoagie loaded with a variety of imported meats and cheeses, topped off with roasted red peppers, roasted artichokes, oregano, and a crave-worthy creamy house dressing.
#7 Fink’s
Fink's is one of the few hoagie shops in town that doesn't add lettuce, tomato, or onions unless you ask for them, but they can be forgiven, because these hoagies are creative and delicious. Fink's prides itself on being "the king of gourmet hoagies," and these are gourmet indeed. Their Original Italian is made with cotechino (fresh pork sausage), Genoa salami, ham, capicola, pepperoni, and chopped sharp provolone, along with a homemade olive spread; the Tacony contains roast beef, fresh asparagus, sharp provolone, balsamic, and "special seasonings"; and the Holmesburg contains prosciutto, roasted peppers, roasted garlic, sharp provolone, oil and vinegar, and seasonings. Their daily special, which gets you an eight-inch hoagie, potato salad, and macaroni salad for only $5.25, is a certified steal.
#6 Koch’s Deli
A hybrid Italian sandwich shop and Jewish deli, Koch's is a West Philadelphia institution in business since 1966, and it's unlike any other sandwich shop you'll ever encounter. It may be tiny but it's got a huge personality, as do its larger-than-life sandwich makers. In a city with no shortage of Italian hoagies, Koch's is the only place where you'll find a Jewish hoagie, and it's the way to go: corned beef, pastrami, spiced beef (slightly mysterious, but just go with it), kosher salami, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and pickled banana peppers piled enormously high on an Amoroso roll. And while not a hoagie, their Reuben is also legendary.
#5 Di Bruno Bros.
A legendary Italian deli, Di Bruno sells its own line of specialty foods and has been a go-to spot for high-quality Italian meats, cheeses, and prepared foods since it first opened in 1939. Now with five locations in town, they're a certified Philly institution. The selection is mind-blowing, but if you head for the hoagies, you really can't go wrong. Opt for the Italian, with soppressata, capicola, Genoa salami, prosciutto, provolone, and lettuce, and you'll be in hoagie heaven.
#4 Lenny’s Home Plate
This small, cash-only shop with a huge menu is a Roxborough standby, and it's BYOB — If you crack open a beer there, nobody will stop you. The variety of hoagies here is staggering, so let us guide you: Opt for the Soprano (Genoa salami, capicola, cotechino, prosciutto, mortadella, soppressata, and grated pecorino and provolone cheeses) or the Damaggo (prosciutto, dry-cured capicola, and sharp provolone). If you're looking for your Italian fix, order anything with their homemade roast beef or roast pork, or their surprisingly delicious veggie sandwich, with breaded eggplant, sharp provolone, spinach, roasted red peppers, tomato, onion, and pecorino. The Cajun turkey, made with roasted turkey, pepper jack cheese, and Cajun mayo, is another popular choice.
#3 Sarcone’s Deli
If the name Sarcone sounds familiar, it's probably because they supply the bread that many of the city's best hoagie and cheesesteak shops build their sandwiches on. That gives them an automatic advantage, but the ingredients are top of the line. Follow the regulars' lead and order the Italian: thin-sliced prosciutto, hot capicola, hard salami, provolone, oil, vinegar, herbs, lettuce, tomato, and onions. There's only a handful of seats, to get there or early or be ready to take it to go.
#2 Jack’s Place
Jack's Place is a certified hole in the wall, serving behemoth hoagies that measure about two feet long (we suggest you stick to a half). Rolls are fresh, chewy, and firm enough to hold up to fillings; roast pork, roast beef, turkey, and roasted and sweet peppers are made fresh in-house; and service is friendly and fast. Their Original Italian hoagie — stuffed with cotechino, Genoa salami, capicola, pepperoni, and sharp provolone — is a thing of beauty.
#1 Cosmi’s Deli
This family-run South Philadelphia corner deli has been going strong since 1932, serving hoagies on Sarcone's rolls that are essentially perfect. The Godfather is the hoagie to order: Prosciutto, soppressata, fresh mozzarella, roasted peppers, sundried tomatoes, fresh basil, green olives, extra-virgin olive oil, and balsamic vinegar make for one of the most delicious Italian sandwiches you're ever bound to encounter.