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Top Sandwich Bars In Philadelphia

Philadelphia may be known for its cheesesteaks, but that's not the only type of sandwich that's famous in the City of the Brotherly love. From hot sandwiches to hoagies, the Philadelphia area boasts dozens of sandwich shops that offer up samplings of delicious deli meats, sandwich salads, au jus gems and more. Need more proof?  Saveur Magazine once declared Philadelphia "America's Best Sandwich City." Read on for five of the best sandwich bars in Philadelphia.

Koch's Deli
4309 Locust St.
Philadelphia, PA 19104
(215) 222-8662
www.kochsphilly.com

This University City Best of Philly winner is known for its kosher classics (bologna, salami, and even pickles!), as well as its specialty double decker sandwiches, which pay tribute to Philadelphia-area colleges. (A must-try: The PCOM Special Double Decker, which is loaded with corned beef, chicken salad, roast beef, muenster cheese and Russian dressing.) There's also a wide variety of hoagies, including three-footers, which require 48 hours advanced notice. Local delivery is available.

Jake's Sandwich Board
122 South 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-0102
www.jakessandwichboard.com

Known for its "ridiculously creative sandwiches," Jake's specializes in house roasted meats and veggies all hand-carved to order. Nowhere else will you find a 50/50 pork sandwich (half pork, half bacon) or a Hypocrite Sandwich loaded with bacon and veggies and topped with marinara and cheese. Jake's also features a build-your-own option, which comes with anything and everything a person could possibly want on a sandwich. Be sure to check out the sides, which include potato pancakes, farm fries and fried pickles.

Related: Top BLTs In Philadelphia

Famous 4th Street Delicatessen
700 S. 4th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 922-3274
www.famous4thstreetdelicatessen.com

A Philly tradition since 1923, this 4th Street staple is reminiscent of New York Jewish delicatessen — and it has the menu to prove it. In addition to a wide selection of hot (roast beef, corned beef, pastrami) sandwiches, Famous 4th Street Deli features New York-themed eats with names like Far Rockaway and Dekalb & Broadway. A regular stop for celeb visitors, this famous hotspot has been featured in the movies "Philadelphia" and "In her Shoes." P.S. — The "regular" size sandwiches should be called jumbo. Huge!

Dalessandro's Steaks And Hoagies
600 Wendover St.
Philadelphia, PA 19128
(215) 482-5407
www.dalessandros.com

Established in 1960, this Roxborough gem is primarily known for its extensive cheesesteak menu, but the fresh cut hoagies, with deli favorites like capicola and sharp provolone, should not be overlooked. In addition, an interesting variety of peppers (banana peppers, roasted green peppers, crushed hot peppers) are available for both hot and cold sandwiches, and can be sampled for free at the counter. And Cheez Wiz on a cold sandwich? Why not! Dalessandro's also features a selection of gourmet sodas and domestic and imported beers. This place is a great pick if you're looking for a small town feel or just an old school sandwich shop.

Related: Top Delicatessens In Philadelphia

Hershel's East Side Deli
Reading Terminal Market
51 N. 12th St.
Philadelphia, PA 19107
(215) 922-6220
www.readingterminalmarket.org

A best of Philadelphia sandwich list wouldn't be complete without a stop at Reading Terminal Market. A relative newcomer to the Philly sandwich arena, Hershel's East Side Deli is known for in-house meats, fresh made sandwich salads and homemade dressings. Try the Reuben if you want to taste the ridiculously good Russian dressing at this authentic Jewish deli. This prime location in Reading Terminal Market means this place gets busy, but it's definitely worth the wait if you want primo pastrami washed down with an authentic New York egg cream.

Victoria Miller is a freelance entertainment writer who also covers recreation and leisure activities in the Philadelphia area. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

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