These 14 Must-Try Pennsylvania Sandwich Shops Draw Crowds From Everywhere
Sandwiches are serious business in Pennsylvania, and locals treat their favorite shops like treasured landmarks.
From crackly rolls stuffed to the edges to sauces perfected over decades, these places turn simple lunches into full blown pilgrimages.
Lines spill onto sidewalks, cars cross county lines, and first timers quickly learn why certain counters inspire lifelong loyalty.
This is bread and filling elevated to legend status, fueled by hometown pride and unapologetic portions.
Call it handheld perfection, edible road trip fuel, or pure comfort between slices.
One bite explains the buzz, and suddenly the drive makes perfect sense for everyone involved today.
1. John’s Roast Pork — 14 E Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148
South Philly locals have been lining up at this modest corner spot since 1930, and for good reason.
The roast pork sandwich here isn’t just good, it’s the gold standard that other shops measure themselves against.
Tender slices of juicy pork get topped with sharp provolone and garlicky broccoli rabe, all tucked into a seeded roll that soaks up every drop of flavor.
The combo creates a perfect balance of savory richness and bitter greens that keeps people coming back for decades.
Lines can snake around the block during peak hours, but regulars insist the wait is worth every minute. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you arrive.
This family-run operation has won countless awards and national recognition while staying true to its no-frills roots.
2. DiNic’s (Reading Terminal Market) — 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Tucked inside the bustling Reading Terminal Market, this counter serves what many consider the best roast pork sandwich in America.
Travel Channel and Food Network have both crowned it with top honors, and one bite explains why.
The pork gets slow-roasted for hours until it practically falls apart, then gets piled onto fresh rolls with your choice of toppings.
Sharp provolone and roasted peppers are popular picks, but the real secret is the natural jus that seeps into every corner of the bread.
The market setting adds to the experience, with dozens of other food vendors creating an electric atmosphere of sights and smells.
Arrive before noon on weekends to beat the longest waits.
Their brisket sandwich also draws serious praise from beef lovers.
3. Hershel’s East Side Deli (Reading Terminal Market) — 1136 Arch St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Classic Jewish deli traditions come alive at this Reading Terminal Market fixture that’s been slicing pastrami since 1997.
Massive sandwiches overflow with hand-carved meats that get piled so high you’ll need both hands and maybe an engineering degree to eat them.
The corned beef is brined in-house for days, creating that perfect pink color and melt-in-your-mouth texture deli fanatics dream about.
Pastrami gets similar royal treatment with a peppery crust that adds serious flavor punch.
Traditional sides like matzo ball soup and crispy potato latkes round out the menu perfectly.
Rye bread comes fresh daily from local bakeries, giving every sandwich the proper foundation it deserves.
Portions are enormous, so sharing is smart unless you’re seriously hungry.
4. Middle Child — 248 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107
Hip Midtown Village spot brings playful creativity to the sandwich game with inventions that shouldn’t work but absolutely do.
The Steak Bomb combines ribeye with pickled peppers, fried onions, and American cheese in ways that feel both nostalgic and brand new.
Breakfast sandwiches here are legendary, especially the Pork Roll Egg & Cheese that locals swear by for tough mornings.
Everything gets served on Martin’s potato rolls that add a subtle sweetness to balance bolder flavors.
The space itself is tiny with limited seating, but the bright yellow exterior and cheerful vibe make it impossible to miss.
Instagram-worthy presentations don’t sacrifice substance, these sandwiches deliver serious flavor alongside their good looks.
Rotating specials keep regulars guessing and coming back to try whatever wild combo the kitchen dreams up next.
5. Dalessandro’s Steaks & Hoagies — 600 Wendover St, Philadelphia, PA 19128
Roxborough neighborhood institution has been flipping cheesesteaks since 1960, perfecting the art of griddle wizardry.
Thin-sliced ribeye gets chopped and sizzled until crispy edges form, then gets smothered in your cheese of choice.
Whiz, American, or provolone are the holy trinity here, and locals engage in friendly debates over which is superior.
The rolls come from Vilotti-Pisanelli Bakery, providing the perfect chewy-crispy texture that holds up under all that meat and cheese.
Lines stretch down the sidewalk during dinner hours, but they move surprisingly fast thanks to the efficient counter system.
Cash only policy keeps things old-school, just like the no-frills dining room with its vintage charm.
Their hoagies also deserve attention, especially the Italian with quality deli meats and sharp provolone.
6. Angelo’s Pizzeria — 736 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
South Philly corner spot serves cheesesteaks that rival any in the city, despite the pizzeria name that might throw visitors off.
Family recipes passed down through generations create that distinctive flavor profile regulars recognize instantly.
The key is their meat preparation, thinly sliced and seasoned just right before hitting the hot griddle.
Onions get caramelized to sweet perfection, adding depth that elevates the whole experience beyond basic steak and cheese.
Seeded rolls provide textural contrast that makes each bite interesting from start to finish.
The neighborhood location means you’re eating alongside locals who’ve been coming here for decades, adding authentic Philly atmosphere.
Pizza is also excellent if your group can’t agree on sandwiches.
Limited hours mean planning helps, but the payoff draws crowds day after day.
7. Paesano’s — 943 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Gourmet sandwich shop takes Italian market traditions and cranks them up with bold, modern flavors that surprise and delight.
The Paesano sandwich combines slow-roasted pork with sharp provolone, broccoli rabe, and hot peppers in a combination that honors tradition while pushing boundaries.
Arista is another standout, featuring rosemary-scented pork loin with roasted tomatoes that taste like concentrated summer.
Bread comes from Sarcone’s Bakery, the same place that’s been supplying South Philly with quality rolls since 1918.
The small space fills up quickly during lunch and dinner rushes, so timing your visit matters.
Quality ingredients shine through in every bite, from the imported olive oil to the hand-selected produce.
Seasonal specials showcase chef creativity and keep the menu feeling fresh throughout the year.
8. Campo’s Deli — 214 Market St, Philadelphia, PA 19106
Old City location serves massive hoagies that could easily feed two people, though most tackle them solo anyway.
Family-owned since 1947, this spot knows a thing or two about layering quality meats and cheeses in perfect proportions.
The Italian hoagie is their signature, stacked with capicola, prosciutto, salami, and provolone, then dressed with oil, vinegar, and just the right amount of oregano.
Fresh rolls get delivered daily, ensuring that crucial bread-to-filling ratio stays perfect.
Breakfast sandwiches draw morning crowds who swear by the Schmitter, a unique creation featuring beef, fried onions, tomatoes, and cheese.
The corner location near Independence Hall makes it convenient for tourists, but locals outnumber visitors most days.
Grab extra napkins because these sandwiches are gloriously messy in the best possible way.
9. Famous 4th Street Delicatessen — 700 S 4th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Jewish deli traditions meet Philly sandwich culture at this Queen Village institution that’s been feeding hungry customers since 1923.
Corned beef and pastrami get cured and smoked using time-tested methods that create incredible depth of flavor.
The Zeppy sandwich is their claim to fame, combining corned beef, pastrami, coleslaw, and Russian dressing on rye for a flavor bomb that hits all the right notes.
Portions are generous without being ridiculous, striking that perfect balance between satisfying and overwhelming.
Breakfast options include bagels and lox that transport you straight to a New York deli, though the Philly attitude keeps things distinctly local.
The dining room has old-school diner vibes with booths and counter seating that encourage lingering.
Their pickles are made in-house and deserve special recognition for their perfect crunch and tangy bite.
10. Ricci’s Hoagies — 1165 S 11th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
No-frills corner shop in Passyunk Square has been rolling out quality hoagies since 1976 without any fancy marketing or Instagram presence.
What they do have is perfectly balanced sandwiches that locals guard like a delicious secret.
Their Italian hoagie follows the traditional formula but executes it flawlessly, with fresh meats sliced to order and vegetables that actually taste like vegetables.
The bread-to-filling ratio is spot-on, meaning you get meat and fixings in every single bite.
Breakfast sandwiches also deserve attention, especially the simple but perfect egg and cheese that proves sometimes basics done right beat complicated creations.
Prices remain reasonable despite rising costs everywhere else, making this a neighborhood favorite for budget-conscious sandwich lovers.
Call ahead for large orders because they can get slammed during peak hours.
11. Primanti Bros. (Strip District) — 46 18th St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Pittsburgh’s most famous sandwich shop started in 1933 serving truckers who needed a complete meal between two slices of bread.
The solution was genius: pile everything including french fries and coleslaw directly onto the sandwich.
This signature style might sound strange to outsiders, but it works brilliantly in practice.
The fries add crispy texture while the slaw provides cool, tangy contrast to whatever meat you choose.
Capicola and cheese is the classic order, though pastrami and corned beef also shine.
The Strip District location is the original, with its neon signs and late-night hours that cater to shift workers and party-goers alike.
Multiple locations exist now across several states, but purists insist the original tastes better.
Open nearly 24 hours, making it perfect for any time hunger strikes.
12. Peppi’s (Strip District) — 1721 Penn Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Strip District fixture has been slinging hoagies and subs since 1978, building a loyal following that spans generations.
Their Old Fashioned Italian sub is the star, loaded with quality meats and dressed with house-made vinaigrette.
What sets Peppi’s apart is their attention to ingredient quality and proper sandwich construction.
Each component gets layered thoughtfully so flavors build with every bite rather than falling apart into chaos.
The shop itself is tiny with just a few seats, encouraging most customers to grab and go.
Their steak hoagie competes with the best in the city, featuring tender meat and your choice of cheese melted to gooey perfection.
Weekday lunch rushes can create waits, but the line moves steadily.
Their homemade hot pepper spread adds serious kick for those who like heat with their sandwiches.
13. Uncle Sam’s Subs (Squirrel Hill) — 5808 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Squirrel Hill institution has been serving hungry college students and neighborhood regulars since 1969 with sandwiches that prioritize substance over style.
Their submarine sandwiches are massive, easily providing two meals for normal appetites.
The Big Sam is their signature creation, featuring multiple meats, cheeses, and all the fixings on a roll that somehow holds together despite the overwhelming contents.
Quality ingredients make the difference here, with fresh vegetables and meats sliced daily.
Late-night hours make this a favorite destination for students from nearby universities who need fuel for studying or post-party munchies.
The casual atmosphere and reasonable prices keep people coming back throughout their college years and beyond.
Their cheesesteaks also earn high marks from Pittsburgh natives who appreciate a good sandwich regardless of style or origin.
14. Smallman Street Deli — 2840 Smallman St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Strip District newcomer brings New York deli traditions to Pittsburgh with results that impress even the most skeptical locals.
Hand-sliced pastrami and corned beef get piled high on rye bread that arrives fresh from local bakeries daily.
Their Reuben is outstanding, with house-made Russian dressing and perfectly melted Swiss cheese that binds everything together.
Matzo ball soup and other traditional sides round out the menu for those seeking a complete deli experience.
The modern space feels bright and welcoming, a departure from darker, older-school delis that dominate other neighborhoods.
Breakfast sandwiches and bagels draw morning crowds who appreciate quality coffee alongside their food.
Weekend brunch service has become popular, with creative specials that push beyond traditional deli boundaries.
Their pickles are sourced from local producers and rotate seasonally for variety.