12 Pennsylvania Sandwich Shops Where The Pastrami Is Piled Dangerously High
There is a point where a pastrami sandwich stops looking like lunch and starts looking like a construction project. Pennsylvania sandwich shops know that point well.
At some counters, the meat arrives piled so high that figuring out the first bite becomes part of the experience.
These are not delicate little sandwiches made for neat eating. They are the kind that require both hands and a little confidence.
That generous approach has earned plenty of loyal fans across Pennsylvania. When the pastrami is good, nobody seems interested in asking for less of it.
The mess is simply part of the deal. I have made the mistake of trying to eat an overstuffed pastrami sandwich with dignity.
It did not go well. Halfway through, the sandwich had completely won, my napkin supply was disappearing, and I had stopped caring how ridiculous I looked.
At that point, the only sensible move was to keep going.
1. Hershel’s East Side Deli
Right inside the Reading Terminal Market, a bright little stand keeps hungry shoppers circling back for more.
The energy here feels like a friendly rush, with the clatter of trays and the smell of steaming meat filling the air.
Hershel’s East Side Deli builds its pastrami sandwiches with real care, stacking the peppery slices so high that the rye bread almost surrenders.
The meat stays juicy and warm, and the mustard adds a sharp kick that wakes up your taste buds.
Fun fact worth sharing: Steven Safern opened the deli to honor his uncle Hershel, who spent decades working at Katz’s Delicatessen in New York. You will spot the line long before you spot the counter.
Grab a seat at the shared market tables and watch the crowd swirl around you. Hershel’s East Side Deli fits the bustling spirit of the market perfectly, making it a smart stop for anyone exploring downtown Philly.
Bring cash and an appetite, because you will want every last bite. Find it at 51 N 12th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107.
2. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
Some places wear their history like a badge, and this South Philly cornerstone has been feeding neighbors since 1923.
Stepping through the door feels like walking into a slice of the city’s past, complete with tile floors and old-fashioned charm.
The sandwiches arrive looking almost impossible to finish, with pastrami piled so tall you might wonder how to take the first bite.
Somehow you find a way, and the tender, smoky meat makes the challenge worth every effort.
Here is a quirky detail: the deli hands out free cookies while you wait, a small kindness that has become a beloved tradition. Little touches like that keep families coming back for generations.
Famous 4th Street Delicatessen sits in the heart of the Queen Village neighborhood, surrounded by cozy streets and historic rowhouses.
The setting matches the food, warm and rooted in real community pride. Come hungry, bring cash, and take your time soaking it all in.
You can find Famous 4th Street Delicatessen at 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147.
3. Koch’s Deli
Near the University of Pennsylvania campus, a tiny deli has fueled hungry students for decades.
The space is snug and a little loud, with counter workers calling out orders and slicing meat at lightning speed.
Koch’s Deli is known for handing out samples while you wait in line, so you might nibble on a slice of pastrami before your sandwich is even built.
That generous habit turns a simple wait into a fun preview. The sandwiches themselves are enormous, with meat piled far past the edges of the bread.
Regulars learn quickly that half a sandwich can easily become tomorrow’s lunch, though most people cannot resist finishing it all.
What makes this place special is its neighborhood energy, packed with college life and West Philly character. Koch’s Deli has stood the test of time by keeping things honest and hearty.
Bring cash and patience, because the line moves at its own steady pace. You will leave full and smiling.
Visit Koch’s Deli at 4309 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, and prepare for a genuine deli adventure.
4. Hymie’s Delicatessen
Just outside the city in Merion Station, a longtime favorite keeps the classic deli spirit thriving.
The room hums with easy conversation, and the smell of fresh bread and cured meat greets you at the door.
Hymie’s Delicatessen has been a Main Line staple for many years, drawing families who treat it like a second kitchen.
The pastrami here comes stacked with confidence, tender and warm beneath a golden crust of bread.
One charming feature is the pickle bar, where you can help yourself to crunchy spears and sour bites while you wait. That little detail makes the meal feel playful and generous.
The surrounding neighborhood is calm and leafy, a quiet contrast to the busy Philadelphia delis closer to downtown.
That peaceful setting makes Hymie’s Delicatessen a relaxing spot to slow down and enjoy your food. I always appreciate a place that treats a sandwich like a serious event, and this one delivers every time.
Bring cash and a big appetite. You can find Hymie’s Delicatessen at 342 Montgomery Ave, Merion Station, PA 19066.
5. Schlesinger’s Delicatessen
Center City hides plenty of gems, and one of the tastiest is a bright deli on Locust Street.
The vibe leans a little polished, but the sandwiches stay proudly old-school in size and flavor.
Schlesinger’s Delicatessen focuses on doing the classics right, and the pastrami is a shining example. The slices are thick, warm, and stacked so tall that the sandwich practically dares you to open wide.
A fun bit of trivia: the deli’s roots trace to Allan Domb’s grandparents, who ran a delicatessen in West New York, New Jersey, beginning in the 1930s. That history still shapes the menu.
The location puts you within walking distance of theaters, shops, and busy sidewalks, making it a handy stop during a day of city exploring. Schlesinger’s Delicatessen fits right into the lively downtown rhythm.
I love a deli that feels dressed up but still messy in the best way, and this one nails that balance. Bring cash and come ready to feast.
Look for Schlesinger’s Delicatessen at 1521 Locust St, Philadelphia, PA 19102.
6. Ben & Irv’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
Out in Huntingdon Valley, a beloved neighborhood spot has been serving comfort food for decades.
The dining room feels warm and familiar, the kind of place where regulars greet each other by name.
Ben & Irv’s Delicatessen & Restaurant piles its pastrami with real generosity, letting the tender meat spill toward the edges of the plate.
Every bite carries that peppery, smoky flavor that makes a great deli sandwich unforgettable.
Here is a backstory: Ben Shore and Irv Chudnoff opened the deli in Philadelphia in 1954, long before it moved to Huntingdon Valley.
That family-owned tradition still shines through today. You can feel the heart in every meal.
The surrounding area is quiet and residential, giving the place a cozy, hometown feel far from city crowds.
Ben & Irv’s Delicatessen & Restaurant has become a treasured gathering spot for the whole community.
I always root for a deli that feels like a family kitchen, and this one earns that title with ease. Bring cash and settle in.
Find Ben & Irv’s Delicatessen & Restaurant at 1962 County Line Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006.
7. Pumpernick’s Delicatessen & Restaurant
North Wales keeps its own delicious secret in the form of a lively neighborhood deli.
The room buzzes with cheerful chatter, and plates loaded with towering sandwiches glide past on their way to happy tables.
Pumpernick’s Delicatessen & Restaurant treats pastrami like the star of the show, layering warm slices high enough to make you pause before your first bite. The flavor is bold, smoky, and deeply satisfying.
A playful detail: the name is a nod to pumpernickel bread, the dark, hearty loaf that pairs so well with rich deli meats. That little wink sets the tone for a fun, welcoming meal.
The suburban setting feels relaxed and friendly, perfect for families spreading out for a long, unhurried lunch.
Pumpernick’s Delicatessen & Restaurant has built a loyal following by keeping portions huge and service warm.
I have a soft spot for delis that refuse to skimp, and this place is proudly guilty of that. Bring cash and stretch out your afternoon.
You will find Pumpernick’s Delicatessen & Restaurant at 917 Bethlehem Pike, North Wales, PA 19454, waiting with a mountain of pastrami.
8. Squirrel Hill Market
Over in Pittsburgh, a corner market in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood surprises visitors with serious sandwich skills.
The space doubles as a grocery and a deli, giving it a homey, lived-in charm.
Squirrel Hill Market builds pastrami sandwiches that lean tall and proud, with warm meat tucked between slices of fresh bread. The result is hearty enough to power a full day of city wandering.
Something neat about this place is how it blends everyday shopping with a hidden gem deli counter, so you might come in for groceries and leave carrying a giant sandwich instead. That surprise keeps the visit fun.
The neighborhood itself is rich with history and community spirit, lined with shops and friendly faces.
Squirrel Hill Market fits right into that welcoming atmosphere, feeling like a true local treasure. I always enjoy finding great food in unexpected corners, and this market delivers exactly that kind of surprise.
Bring cash and a curious appetite. Stop by Squirrel Hill Market at 2130 Murray Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217, and see what the neighbors have known for years.
9. Smallman Street Deli
Pittsburgh’s love for big sandwiches shines bright at a friendly deli on Smallman Street.
The dining room feels open and cheerful, with the comforting smell of soup and fresh bread drifting through the air.
Smallman Street Deli stacks its pastrami with real enthusiasm, letting the warm, tender slices tower above the plate. Each bite carries that classic peppery bite that keeps regulars loyal for years.
A tasty piece of trivia: the deli takes pride in making many items from scratch, honoring old recipes that have been passed down through time. That dedication shows in the quality of every sandwich.
The location connects easily to Pittsburgh’s lively food scene, making it a smart stop while exploring the city’s markets and streets. Smallman Street Deli feels both nostalgic and fresh at the same time.
I have a deep respect for delis that treat tradition as a promise rather than a gimmick, and this one keeps that promise.
Bring cash and a hearty hunger. Find Smallman Street Deli at 2840 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, and dig in.
10. Food for Thought Deli
Close to the Pittsburgh universities, a small deli has earned a big reputation among students and locals alike.
The space is compact and casual, exactly the kind of spot where you feel comfortable lingering. Food for Thought Deli takes its pastrami seriously, piling the warm slices high enough to make a first bite feel like a happy challenge.
The meat stays juicy and full of flavor from start to finish. A fun detail about this place is its clever name, which fits perfectly with the busy academic neighborhood surrounding it.
Brainy jokes and hearty sandwiches turn out to be a great pairing.
The area buzzes with student energy and cultural spots, giving the deli a lively, youthful backdrop. Food for Thought Deli feels like a natural gathering point in that busy corner of the city.
I always cheer for a shop that combines wit with a serious sandwich, and this one pulls it off. Bring cash and an open mind.
You can visit Food for Thought Deli at 196 N Craig St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, for a satisfying stop.
11. Wally’s Deli
Allentown adds its own flavor to the pastrami trail with a welcoming deli on North 17th Street.
The place carries a warm hometown feel, the sort of spot where you feel like a regular after one visit.
Wally’s Deli builds its pastrami sandwiches tall and proud, layering warm slices so the bread can barely hold it all together. The taste is rich and smoky, exactly what a great deli sandwich should be.
What makes this spot charming is its dedication to serving the Lehigh Valley community with honest, filling food. That steady commitment has helped it become a local favorite over the years.
The surrounding neighborhood feels friendly and down to earth, matching the deli’s relaxed and welcoming spirit. Wally’s Deli fits right into Allentown’s practical, hardworking character.
I always admire a place that keeps things simple and satisfying without any fuss, and this deli does exactly that. Bring cash and a big appetite, because the portions do not hold back.
Look for Wally’s Deli at 711 N 17th St, Allentown, PA 18102, and enjoy a true neighborhood classic.
12. Chapman’s Deli
Reading rounds out the list with a cozy deli on Lancaster Avenue that knows its way around pastrami.
The room feels comfortable and unpretentious, the kind of place where good food does all the talking.
Chapman’s Deli stacks its pastrami generously, letting the warm, tender slices rise well above the bread. Each bite delivers that bold, peppery flavor that makes a sandwich truly memorable.
A nice touch here is the small-town warmth, where the staff treats every order like it matters and every customer like a friend. That genuine care gives the place its lasting charm.
The neighborhood around it feels quiet and familiar, offering a calm setting for a hearty midday meal. Chapman’s Deli fits perfectly into Reading’s easygoing, community-minded vibe.
I have always believed the best sandwiches come from places that care more about flavor than flash, and this deli proves that point.
Bring cash and get ready to loosen your belt a notch. You can find Chapman’s Deli at 1110 Lancaster Ave, Reading, PA 19607, ready to send you off happy and full.