The Pennsylvania Sandwich Counter Locals Want To Keep Secret
In Pennsylvania, some sandwich counters are the stuff of local legend, known for flavors that keep people coming back again and again.
This particular spot has earned a devoted following for its perfectly stacked sandwiches, fresh ingredients, and secret touches that turn every bite into a delight.
Whether it’s classic combinations or unexpected twists, the flavors here are so good that locals almost want to keep it all to themselves.
A Century of Sandwich Mastery
When Woodrow Wilson was president, Ricci’s opened its doors in 1920 and hasn’t looked back since.
Few food establishments can claim a full century of continuous operation, especially while maintaining the same dedication to quality.
Family recipes passed down through four generations ensure today’s hoagies taste just like great-grandpa’s favorites.
The walls, lined with vintage photos, tell the story of South Philly’s evolution while the sandwich-making traditions remain deliciously unchanged.
The Iconic Corner Hoagie Counter
Stepping into 1165 S 11th Street feels like time travel. The classic corner setup hasn’t changed much over the decades, simple, no-frills, and focused entirely on the food.
Locals crowd around the worn marble counter watching their sandwiches being assembled with practiced precision.
No fancy digital menus or touchscreen ordering here! Just handwritten specials and the rhythmic sound of knives against cutting boards that’s been the soundtrack to this neighborhood for generations.
Press-Worthy Perfection
Food critics can’t help themselves when it comes to Ricci’s. The Philadelphia Inquirer regularly features this neighborhood institution in their best-hoagie roundups, yet somehow the place never gets overrun with tourists.
What makes journalists swoon? The perfect balance of meats, cheeses, and that special oil blend that’s been a closely guarded secret for decades.
Unlike trendy spots that come and go, Ricci’s has maintained consistent quality that keeps earning recognition from those who know Philadelphia sandwiches best.
Early Bird Gets the Sandwich
Forget late-night cravings; Ricci’s operates strictly as a daytime establishment. Doors swing open at 8 a.m. when early risers grab hoagies for later, knowing the flavors marry beautifully over a few hours.
By closing time at 3 p.m., they’ve typically sold out of their daily bread allotment. Weekday-only hours mean weekend warriors miss out entirely.
Smart locals plan accordingly, with many neighborhood offices scheduling “meetings” that suspiciously coincide with the lunch rush around noon.
Bread That Makes the Difference
True hoagie aficionados know the secret starts with the roll. Ricci’s sources their legendary bread from Liscio’s Bakery, another Philadelphia institution.
These aren’t just any rolls; they’re architectural marvels with the perfect crust-to-softness ratio.
Slightly crisp exteriors give way to pillowy interiors that somehow magically absorb the sandwich juices without getting soggy.
When you see the daily bread delivery arriving early each morning, you know you’re in for something special.
Size Matters: Sandwich Options for Every Appetite
Hunger level determines your hoagie size at Ricci’s. The 6-inch roll satisfies lunch cravings, while the 9-inch hoagie has become the standard bearer for serious eaters.
Then there’s the legendary 18-inch Italian loaf, a monster that feeds the whole family or becomes the center of any Philly gathering.
Regulars know to order the big one for Eagles game days. Each size maintains the perfect meat-to-bread ratio, proving Ricci’s understands sandwich architecture is both art and science.
Award-Winning Neighborhood Tradition
“Best of Philly” awards don’t come easily, but Ricci’s collection of them spans decades. What’s remarkable isn’t just winning once but maintaining quality that keeps earning recognition year after year.
The real award, however, is multi-generational customer loyalty. Grandparents bring grandchildren for their first “real hoagie” experience, continuing traditions that span decades.
In a city obsessed with authenticity, Ricci’s represents the gold standard that other sandwich shops can only aspire to match.