Cheesesteaks may be the first food that comes to mind when you think of Philly, but another sandwich deserves the spotlight just as much. Hoagies are a part of the city’s identity, so much so that they were once declared “the official sandwich of Philadelphia.” While there’s disagreement on how the name exactly came to be, two things are certain: Philly loves eating hoagies and apparently fighting over them. For National Eat a Hoagie Day, here are our recs for where to grab this classic sandwich.
Farina di Vita
250 Catherine St.
Aside from “The Italian,” you can chow down on “The Marie” — stuffed with fresh mozzarella, parma prosciutto, arugula, tomato, and lemon spritz — or “The Bucci,” served with Italian tuna, long hots, and sharp provolone. Keep an eye out for its weekly special.
Middle Child
248 S. 11th St. or 1213 N. Front St.
Vegans can enjoy an animal product-free version of the sandwich at Middle Child. “The Phoagie” includes eggplant, avocado, onions, cilantro, and pho sauce on a seeded roll.
Paesano’s
943 S. 9th St.
Chef Anthony Bourdain featured this restaurant and its owner in a book, saying: “Yeah, OK, he isn’t Italian, but he serves a mean sandwich here, most of them as batsh** crazy as he is.” This sandwich shop takes pride in its Italian-inspired menu, including the “Daddy Wad” loaded with classic Italian meats. If you’re feeling adventurous, order the “Bolognese,” a lasagna-stuffed sandwich served on a hoagie roll.
L. Mancuso and Son
1902 E. Passyunk Ave.
Despite nearly 90 years in business, the grocery store L. Manusco and Son only started serving sandwiches in 2022. Don’t let that deter you from trying this South Philly staple’s hoagies, which range from the “Old Italian Speciality Hoagie” to the “Dry Cured Capicola Hoagie” to the “Mixed Cheese Hoagie.”
Liberty Kitchen
Multiple locations
This place went viral for its chicken cutlet sandwich, but there are plenty of other delectable bites on the menu. You can order the “Vegan Jawn” (two versions), the “Jerk Chicken Salad Hoagie,” or the “Italian Salumeria.”
T&T Farmer’s Pride
8101 Ridge Ave.
For those living northwest of the city, you don’t have to travel to the opposite side of Philly for a sandwich. Along with its regular menu, T&T serves specialty hoagies including the “Ragin’ Cajun” with buffalo chicken and Cajun mayo, “Sweet Summer” with honey maple turkey, and the “Tony” with meatballs.
