Philadelphia is known for many things, from its rich history to its famous cheesesteaks. But one thing that often gets overlooked is the city's love for hoagies.
For those who may not know, a hoagie is a sandwich made with Italian meats, cheeses, and toppings, typically served on a long roll.
From corner delis to high-end restaurants, finding a good hoagie in Philadelphia is not difficult. But what makes a hoagie the best?
Is it the quality of the meats and cheeses? The freshness of the bread? The perfect balance of toppings and condiments?
As a local who has sampled countless hoagies throughout the city, I can confidently say that the best hoagies in Philadelphia are a combination of all of these factors.
But what sets the truly great hoagie places apart are the attention to detail, the unique flavor combinations, and the passion for the craft.
In this blog post, I will be sharing some of the best hoagie spots in Philadelphia that have captured the hearts and taste buds of locals and visitors alike.
Whether you're a fan of classic hoagies or looking to try something new, these places are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So, without further ado, let's dive into the world of Philadelphia hoagies.
1. Ricci's Hoagies
Ricci's Hoagies is a family-owned sandwich shop that has been around since the 1920s. They are known for their delicious hoagies made with thinly sliced meats and cheeses that are cut to order.
The menu may be difficult to navigate, but the quality of the food is worth the time and patience.
The staff is friendly and the shop is clean and well-stocked. It's no wonder why Ricci's Hoagies is considered one of the last genuine hoagie shops left.
If you're looking for a tasty hoagie, Ricci's Hoagies is definitely worth a visit.
2. Dalessandro's Steaks
Dalessandro's Steaks is a cheesesteak and hoagie restaurant that offers counter-service to its customers.
The menu includes a variety of hoagies, burgers, salads, and of course, cheesesteaks. The staff are friendly and efficient, making sure to take accurate orders and provide quick service.
The bread is sturdy enough to hold the generous portions of meat and cheese, making for a satisfying meal. The restaurant is cash-only, so be sure to bring some bills.
If you're in the mood for a classic Philly cheesesteak or a delicious hoagie, Dalessandro's Steaks is definitely worth checking out.
3. Lil Nick's Deli
Lil Nick's Deli is a must-visit for anyone looking for a great hoagie in town. This place stands out for its friendly staff and clean environment. Their hoagies are made with the best lunch meat and come in a nice-sized portion.
The turkey hoagie with a seeded roll is a personal favorite. Lil Nick's Deli also offers homemade chicken cutlets and veggies that are a must-try.
The deli is known for its top-quality meats and cheese. The broccoli rab chicken cutlet with provolone is a popular choice. The Italian hoagie is also worth trying.
Lil Nick's Deli is a great place to grab a quick sandwich or sit down for a meal. Don't forget to check out their roasted pork hoagie.
4. Ferrante's Meats & More
Ferrante's Meats & More is a hidden gem for hoagie lovers. The establishment is always clean and the staff is friendly and efficient.
They make everything themselves, ensuring that the meat is fresh and of high quality.
The hoagies, wraps, and sandwiches are the best around, and they also offer a wide variety of soups.
Ferrante's is not just a sandwich shop, but also a butcher shop, caterer, Italian grocery store, and deli. If you're in the area, Ferrante's is definitely worth checking out for a delicious and satisfying meal.
5. Finks Hoagies
Looking for a delicious hoagie spot in town that offers fresh ingredients and great service at an affordable price point, then look no further than Finks Hoagies.
This family-owned business caters to both hot and cold sandwiches and provides an assortment of trays for large crowds.
The catering services are reliable and affordable, and Finks Hoagies treats every order with the utmost importance.
This local gem is definitely worth a visit for anyone craving a tasty hoagie.
6. Tortorice's Specialty Sandwiches
Tortorice's Specialty Sandwiches is a hidden gem for hoagie lovers. The ingredients are fresh and the recipes for the sandwiches are spot on.
The staff is friendly and the service is fast. The owner, Michael, is passionate about his food and it shows. The mini party trays are a convenient option for small gatherings at home.
The breakfast egg and prosciutto sandwich is a must-try. The owner and employees care about their customers and make the experience enjoyable.
The place is clean, cool, and friendly. The servings are huge and the quality of the ingredients is high. This is a great place for lunch or a quick bite.
7. The Fresh Works
The Fresh Works is a no-frills eatery that serves up some seriously delicious hoagies and cheesesteaks.
The portions are generous and the prices are affordable, making it a great spot for a quick bite.
The staff is friendly and the service is efficient, ensuring that you'll be in and out in no time. The menu offers a variety of options, from classic Italian hoagies to buffalo chicken cheesesteaks.
If you're in the area and looking for a tasty meal, The Fresh Works is definitely worth a visit.
8. Ricci's Hoagies Germantown Avenue
Ricci's Hoagies Germantown Avenue is a must-visit for anyone craving a delicious hoagie.
The sandwiches are made with high-quality meats and fresh ingredients, ensuring a satisfying and tasty meal. The customer service is excellent, and the staff is always friendly and efficient.
The menu offers a variety of hoagie options to choose from, including the Italian tuna hoagie, which is a fan favorite. The portions are generous, and the sandwiches are filling, making it a great value for the price.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch or a takeout dinner, Ricci's Hoagies Germantown Avenue is the perfect spot for a delicious hoagie.
9. PrimoHoagies
Looking for a place to grab a delicious hoagie in town that's worth every penny you spend on it, then PrimoHoagies is the perfect spot for you.
This Philly-born sandwich chain is famous for its hefty hoagies built on sesame-seed rolls that are fresh, delicious, and loaded with meat, cheese, and veggies.
The counter-serve specialty sandwich shop has a classic sandwich shop feel, and the staff is super friendly and quick to take your order.
You'll find a wide variety of options to choose from, including turkey, chicken, ham, roast beef, and vegetarian hoagies. So, if you're in the mood for a top-notch hoagie that's sure to satisfy your cravings, look no further than PrimoHoagies!
10. Matt & Marie's Logan Square
Looking for a delicious hoagie in the city without breaking the bank, Matt & Marie's Logan Square is the place to go.
They offer a wide variety of hoagies with fresh and well-sourced ingredients. The sandwiches are served on phenomenal hoagie rolls that are crispy on the outside and pillowy soft inside.
The staff has a classic Philly "no-nonsense" attitude and pump out amazing eats. The lunch rush can be brutal, but the counter is well-organized, and the service is fast.
The brown bag special is a great deal at lunchtime. Matt & Marie's Logan Square is a casual counter-serve eatery that prepares hearty Italian sandwiches, morning pastries, and coffee.
11. Lennies Hoagies
Lennies Hoagies is a must-visit place for anyone craving a delicious hoagie. The variety of options on the menu is impressive, and the quality of the ingredients is top-notch.
The rolls are baked to perfection and packed with generous amounts of filling.
The staff is friendly and provides exceptional customer service. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous.
If you're in the mood for a hoagie, Lennies Hoagies is the place to go.
12. Shank's Original
Shank's Original is a counter-service sandwich joint that serves delicious hoagies, cutlets, and pork sandwiches.
The cheesesteak meat is soft and moist, and the bread is fresh and toasted to perfection.
The cheese is plentiful and the onions are cooked just right. The Scrapple Fries are a must-try.
The staff is prompt and pleasant, and the prices are reasonable. Shank's Original is a great place to stop by for a quick bite or takeout.
