Pennsylvania Deli Counter So Popular It’s Harder To Access Than A Steakhouse
In Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Herschel’s East Side Deli at Reading Terminal Market has earned a reputation that keeps lines long and appetites high.
The moment you approach the counter, the aroma of fresh meats, cheeses, and house-made sandwiches fills the air.
Locals and visitors alike navigate bustling crowds just for a taste of their famous offerings.
This deli proves that when flavor and quality come together, even a simple sandwich can become a destination worth the wait.
A Pastrami Sandwich That Rivals New York’s Finest
Multiple reviewers who’ve eaten at famous New York delis like Katz swear Herschel’s pastrami holds its own against the big names.
The sandwich arrives piled ridiculously high with freshly carved hot pastrami that’s been perfectly seasoned with a peppery crust.
Every bite delivers smoky, tender meat that practically melts on your tongue.
The secret lies in how they press it hot and crisp on the grill before wrapping it tight.
Customers rave about the thick-cut slices that aren’t overly salty but deliver deep, meaty flavor.
The marble rye bread has that ideal chew and flavor you only find at authentic delis.
One NYC resident admitted skepticism before trying it but left completely impressed.
The portions are massive enough to split or save for later, and your hands will definitely need extra napkins.
The Reuben That People Call a Work of Art
Food lovers claim Herschel’s serves what might be the best Reuben in the entire country.
The sandwich comes stacked expertly with freshly carved hot pastrami, sauerkraut that doesn’t overwhelm, and rich Thousand Island dressing.
Everything balances perfectly despite the sandwich’s hefty weight.
Regulars suggest ordering it on marble rye and asking for it fatty if that’s your preference.
The toasted bread stays crispy and never gets soggy, even with all the juicy fillings.
One customer came back two days in a row just to eat this sandwich again.
What makes it special is how each ingredient plays its role without stealing the spotlight.
The pastrami melts in your mouth while the tangy sauerkraut cuts through the richness.
At current prices, it’s also the most fairly priced top-tier Reuben you’ll find anywhere today.
Located Inside Philadelphia’s Historic Reading Terminal Market
You’ll find Herschel’s East Side Deli at 1136 Arch Street inside Reading Terminal Market, one of America’s oldest and largest public markets.
The market itself opened in 1893 and remains a Philadelphia institution where locals and tourists hunt for incredible food.
Navigating the crowded aisles to reach the deli counter feels like a treasure hunt.
The location adds character but also creates challenges. Seating is limited, and finding a spot around noon on weekends becomes nearly impossible.
Many smart customers grab their sandwiches to go and find a quiet spot outside to enjoy them.
Despite the hustle and bustle, the atmosphere contributes to the experience.
You’re surrounded by the energy of dozens of other food vendors, the chatter of excited visitors, and the delicious smells wafting from every direction at this historic landmark.
Lines That Form Before Most People Eat Breakfast
Customers arrive as early as 9 AM to beat the crowds, which tells you everything about this place’s popularity.
One couple stopped by on a weekday morning just before 11 AM and felt lucky to have only two people ahead of them.
Weekend lines stretch much longer and move slower.
The wait is part of the Herschel’s experience, though nobody seems to mind much once they smell the pastrami grilling.
Staff work efficiently behind the counter, keeping the line moving with friendly energy and no-nonsense service. Their speed and warmth make the wait more bearable.
Smart visitors plan their timing carefully or accept that patience pays off.
Some reviewers mention the setup isn’t exactly customer-friendly, but the incredible food makes everyone forget about the inconvenience.
Coming right when they open at 8 AM gives you the best chance of a short wait.
Sandwiches So Big They Defeat Most Appetites
Prepare yourself because these sandwiches are absolutely loaded. One experienced eater made it through a little over half before tapping out completely.
The sandwiches are heavy, warm, and stuffed so generously with meat that they soak through one layer of wrapper.
You definitely don’t eat these with manners. You eat them with a pile of napkins and possibly a game plan.
The portions are large enough that splitting one sandwich between two people makes perfect sense, especially if you want to try other treats at Reading Terminal Market.
Your hands will get greasy, and that’s just part of the territory with a proper deli sandwich.
Many customers save half for later and report it tastes just as amazing reheated.
The price range of ten to twenty dollars feels like a steal considering you’re getting enough food for two meals and quality that matches elite delis.
Rachel Sandwiches That Give the Reuben Competition
While the Reuben gets most of the glory, regulars know the Rachel sandwich deserves equal attention.
This variation swaps sauerkraut for Russian coleslaw, creating a completely different flavor profile that some people prefer.
The coleslaw adds crunch and tang that pairs beautifully with the smoky meat.
Families have ordered multiple Rachels with both brisket and corned beef, calling them phenomenal.
The Russian coleslaw is so perfectly balanced it doesn’t overpower the sandwich but enhances every bite.
The cheese and sauce pull everything together into something magical.
One customer from New York City ordered a pastrami Rachel and declared it the best meal of their entire day.
The combination of flavors makes the sandwich incredibly satisfying without being heavy.
If you’ve tried the Reuben before, the Rachel offers a fresh take worth exploring on your next visit.
A 4.6-Star Rating Earned Through Consistent Excellence
With 669 reviews averaging 4.6 stars, Herschel’s has proven its quality over and over again.
Customers don’t just like this place – they love it enough to write lengthy, detailed reviews praising every element.
The consistency impresses people who return multiple times and find the same excellent quality each visit.
Reviewers use words like perfect, phenomenal, and outstanding when describing their sandwiches.
Many claim they’ll crave these sandwiches forever after just one taste.
The high rating reflects not just good food but the entire experience, from friendly staff to generous portions.
Even the few criticisms are mild, like mentions of dry brisket or the challenging setup.
The overwhelming majority of customers leave completely satisfied and eager to return.
When a place maintains this rating level with hundreds of reviews, you know they’re doing something special that keeps people coming back for more.
Staff Who Bring Friendly Energy to Every Order
Behind every great sandwich stands a team that cares about what they’re serving.
Customers consistently mention the super friendly and welcoming staff who make the experience even better.
The waitresses and counter workers bring good energy that transforms a simple transaction into something memorable.
They work with efficiency but never rush you or make you feel like just another number.
One reviewer specifically praised how the friendly service took the edge off the less-than-ideal setup.
The staff’s warmth creates a welcoming atmosphere despite the chaos of the busy market.
Their expertise shows in how they stack sandwiches perfectly and offer helpful suggestions like ordering pastrami fatty.
They know their products inside and out and genuinely want customers to have the best possible experience.
This combination of skill and friendliness keeps people coming back beyond just the incredible food quality.
Open Seven Days a Week for Your Deli Cravings
Herschel’s operates Monday through Saturday from 8 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM, giving you plenty of opportunities to satisfy your sandwich cravings.
The consistent schedule means you can plan your visit any day of the week without worrying about unexpected closures.
Early birds can arrive right at opening to beat the lunch rush.
The daily window accommodates both breakfast sandwich enthusiasts and late lunch crowds.
You can reach them at 215-922-6220 if you have questions before visiting.
The reliable hours make Herschel’s a dependable destination whether you’re a local stopping by regularly or a visitor planning a Philadelphia food adventure.