There is very little that Philadelphians like more than sandwiches — or, as we call them, hoagies or cheesesteaks. To help you find the best that Philly has to offer, we used Lyft’s data to find riders’ most popular hoagie shops, sandwich spots, and cheesesteak stands.
The Classics
There are no more iconic spots for cheesesteaks in Philadelphia than Pat’s and Geno’s — two walk-up spots with takeout windows and covered picnic tables. Situated across the street from each other on a corner so decked out in neon that locals call it “cheesesteak Vegas,” the sandwiches are stacked with beef and your choice of onions and cheese. The two family-run restaurants have long competed for the title of best steak, but for what it’s worth, Lyft riders prefer Pat’s.
The Fanciest Hoagie in Town
As the name suggests, Pizzeria Beddia is a pizza place, but for special occasions, you can book the hoagie room, a private dining space where the staff approaches the art of hoagie-making with the reverence of Japan’s sushi masters. The chefs serve up some of the city’s highest quality prosciutto, jamón serrano, and more, stacked onto house-baked rolls. Paired with small plates, salads, and the restaurant’s selection of natural wines, it’s a hoagie experience that Lyft riders think is worth the splurge — making it one of the most popular hoagie spots in town.
The New-School Spots
Middle Child is a lunch counter–style spot in Washington Square West where hungry sandwich lovers wait in line for specials like the BLT (and its perfectly seasoned tomatoes). For a more unexpected approach, head to Martha, a bar in Kensington that serves a vegan hoagie so good it’s even beloved by meat eaters. The vegan hoagie changes seasonally, but a recent version included fermented radish, spiced zucchini, roasted beets, and a pesto made of long hot peppers. And last but not least for this category, Liberty Kitchen is beloved for its modern takes on nostalgic bites, like a Kale Caesar Cutlet, and its Roasted Turkey Salumeria Hoagie, which might just be the best turkey sandwich in town.
Neighborhood Jawns
For many Philadelphians, the best hoagie is the one closest to home. Cosmi’s Deli is among the best corner delis in the city, partially because of its cheerfully gruff service and partially because the meat for every hoagie is cut to order, guaranteeing excellent texture and flavor. Nipotina is a favorite for residents of South Philly, who flock there for the Hangover Cure, a classic cheesesteak served with smashed tater tots and an over-easy egg on top.